Assistant Director for First-Gen and International Student Engagement Position Available In Madison, Tennessee

Position Details
Position Information Position Title Assistant Director for First-Gen and International Student Engagement
Position Number S045PD
Branch Student Life (BR)
Division Student Life (DIV)
Department Vocatio Center
Location Jackson
FLSA Exempt
Job Summary The Assistant Director for First-Generation and International Student Engagement plays a vital role in supporting first-generation (first-gen) and international students. This individual oversees the Excelsior Program, designed to assist first-gen students in their academic, social, and spiritual journeys. In addition to managing the Excelsior Program, the Assistant Director serves as the Principal Designated School Official (PDSO) and the Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) for F and J visa programs. This includes advising international students, exchange visitors, their families, and university departments on federal immigration regulations. The Assistant Director also coordinates career development and student success initiatives tailored to the needs of both international and first-gen students, promoting equitable access to resources and fostering an inclusive campus environment. Collaboration with Designated School Officials (DSOs) at satellite campuses is essential to ensure compliance with Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) regulations and to support the success of first-gen and international students at Union University. About Union University Union University is a private, coeducational liberal arts-based university offering bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. The campus is located in Jackson, Tenn., with additional campuses in Germantown, Hendersonville, and Memphis, Tenn., and enrolls about 2,700 students. Union University stands as a national leader among colleges and universities in promoting a Christian worldview and a Christ-centered approach to education. Union is consistently ranked among the nation’s premier Christian universities and has been recognized as a top-tier institution each year since 1997 by U.S. News & World Report, which also recognized Union at a national level for undergraduate teaching excellence. Essential Job Duties First-Gen and International Student Support & Engagement
Develop and implement career-readiness initiatives for first-gen and international students, including résumé writing workshops, job search strategies, and cultural competency training.
Oversee the Excelsior Program, which provides academic, social, and spiritual support to first-generation students, ensuring alignment with Union University’s core values.
Coordinate orientation programs and mentoring networks for first-gen and international students, facilitating smooth transitions into academic and campus life.
Advise first-gen and international students on academic resources, career development, and personal challenges, fostering an inclusive environment for growth and success.
Advocate for the needs of first-gen and international students across university committees, ensuring their concerns are heard and addressed in retention and student success initiatives. Federal Regulation Compliance & Immigration Services
Serve as the Principal Designated School Official (PDSO) and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) for F and J visa programs at Union University, ensuring compliance with SEVP regulations.
Stay updated on immigration laws affecting international students, exchange visitors, and dependents, including attending NAFSA conferences and reviewing federal regulations.
Collaborate with Designated School Officials (DSOs) across all campuses to provide guidance and training on immigration regulations.
Manage SEVIS records for international students, ensuring timely and accurate processing of I-20s, DS-2019s, OPT, CPT, and other required documents.
Advise international students on maintaining visa status, navigating work authorization, and understanding academic and immigration requirements for visa renewals, school transfers, and reentry.
Organize and conduct workshops on employment options (OPT, CPT), travel, taxes, and health insurance for international students. Emergency and Crisis Support
Be accessible as a primary point of contact for international and first-generation students experiencing emergencies during evenings, weekends, and university breaks, ensuring they receive timely assistance and support.
Provide immediate guidance and resources for students facing urgent immigration concerns, including visa status complications, unexpected policy changes, or travel restrictions that may impact their ability to remain in the U.S.
Provide crisis intervention and referrals for students experiencing mental health challenges, homesickness, culture shock, or personal difficulties that impact their academic and personal well-being.
Act as a liaison between students and relevant university departments (e.g., Student Life, Counseling Services, Campus Safety) to coordinate comprehensive crisis response efforts.
Maintain confidentiality while ensuring students receive appropriate legal, medical, and academic guidance in high-stress situations.
Develop and distribute emergency response protocols tailored to the needs of international and first-generation students, ensuring they are aware of available resources and support networks. Other Job Duties
Other duties as assigned. Other Job Duties Required Qualifications Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree is required. Applicants must meet the Department of Homeland Security requirements for

PDSO/ARO

designation. Applicants should have strong interpersonal, organizational, and problem-solving skills as well as proficiency in Microsoft Office and student information systems. Preferred Qualifications Preference will be given to applicants with a Master’s degree in higher education, student affairs, intercultural studies, career services, or a related field and to those with two or more years’ experience in student services, immigration compliance, or career development. Experience with F-1 and J-1 visa regulations and SEVIS compliance preferred. Christian Requirement Successful candidates must be professing Christians who are active members of a local church, enthusiastically support Union University’s Identity, Mission, and Core Values, and articulate a Christian worldview in their work and life. Posting Detail Information Posting Number S220P