Associate Director of International Program Center - Range D

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Working Title:

Associate Director of International Program Center - Range D

Institution:

Bemidji State University

Classification Title:

MSUAASF Range D

Bargaining Unit / Union:

211: Minnesota State University Association of Administrative Service Faculty

City:

Bemidji

FLSA:

Job Exempt

Full Time / Part Time:

Full time

Employment Condition:

Unclassified - Unlimited Academic

Salary Range:

Job Description

Bemidji State University (BSU) invites applicants to join our team as the Associate Director (AD) of International Program Center (IPC). The AD of IPC will report to the Director of the IPC and serve students at BSU and NTC. There are six functional areas within the IPC: international student recruitment, international student admissions, international student services, international scholar services, study abroad program management, and faculty led program development. The AD will take the lead on international student admissions, international student services, and international scholar services. The AD will also provide support in the remaining areas to ensure alignment with the University and IPC goals.

Responsibilities of the AD of IPC include:

• Leading efforts on international student admissions. (30%).

  • Developing and managing the application and enrollment processes for international students at BSU while identifying and interpreting relevant regulations and policies that apply to that process such as federal immigration regulations.

  • Working collaboratively with the Admissions Office and Graduate Studies in evaluating student transcripts. Interpreting international transcripts according to policies, procedures, and precedents.

  • Reviewing applications and making admission decisions. Reviewing applications consist of reviewing proof of English proficiency documents, foreign financial statements, evaluating foreign high school transcripts, reviewing foreign credit evaluations of university level courses, and more.

  • Providing leadership and oversight on the visa acquisition process for F and J students and scholars. 

  • Collecting and analyzing international inquiry and admission data.

  • Providing leadership in the development of, and conducting, international student orientation, including collaborating with other departments on campus and implementation of sessions.

  • Issuing I-20s for admitted BSU and NTC students.

• Leading efforts on international student services. (30%)

  • Serving as the Principal Designation School Official (PDSO) at BSU and NTC and Responsible Officer (RO) at BSU for immigration policies and procedures. 

  • Securing compliance with Department of State and USCIS immigration regulations and requirements and serving as BSU and NTC official charged with international student compliance with Homeland Security to maintain school designation for acceptance of international students.

  • Developing and managing implementation of necessary process improvements in response to constantly evolving regulations of the Department of Homeland Security and the State Department fairly and consistently as they relate to issues such as practical training, work permits, change of visa status, extension of stay, and I-20/DS 2019 procedures and guidelines.

  • Developing and managing processing of international student on-campus work procedures at BSU including I-9, W-4, advising students regarding obtaining a social security number or ITIN, advising on available income tax services, and providing information on tax treaties. 

  • Communicating clearly and effectively with academic departments, offices, and divisions to aid in understanding sensitive immigration regulations that affect international students on F and J visas.

  • Maintaining records and advising students on OPT (Optional Practical Training).

  • Developing and managing BSU international student health insurance compliance to Minnesota State and Federal law along with determination of Embassy and Government allowed waivers and serving as the liaison with Minnesota State selected health insurance provider.

  • Reviewing and recommending policies and procedures related to international students, including mandatory student health insurance, satisfactory academic progress, immunization requirements, changes in government regulations, and international student work requirements.

  • Organizing events and gatherings for the international student community.

  • Serving as a liaison between BSU, NTC, and immigration related agencies such as SEVP, ICE, and the State Department as well as the FBI when necessary.

  • Training inexperienced AROs and DSOs at BSU and NTC.

  • Serving on Minnesota State system committees and participating in national organizations, such as NAFSA.

• Leading efforts on international scholar services. (20%)

  • Serving as Responsible Officer for international scholars on J-1 visas at BSU.

  • Managing all aspects of the NorthStar Visiting Scholars Academy includes the admissions processes, advising, orientation, and budget.

  • Planning and organizing cultural and educational seminars, activities, and trips and all other aspects of support for NorthStar students, faculty, and BSU faculty mentors.

  • Collaborating with BSU departments to ensure a smooth program for the scholars, including Residence Life, Student Health, Gillette Wellness, Library, and others. 

  • Communicating clearly and effectively with academic departments, offices, and divisions to aid in understanding sensitive immigration regulations that affect international faculty and staff on J visas.

• Supporting efforts of other areas of office. (15%)

  • Supporting all other areas that the IPC serves, including international student recruitment, study abroad advising, and faculty led program development. 

  • Conducting site visits and recruiting when determined by the Director of the IPC.

  • Assisting the director with the day-to-day office operations.

  • Overseeing student workers, including hiring, training, scheduling, and payroll.

  • Representing the IPC on university and System Office events, committees, and workgroups.

  • Providing support for current student challenges as they arise, coordinating when appropriate with academic advisers (faculty and staff) and other administrators, leveraging the full available resources of the university.

  • Maintaining professional memberships within international education and attending conferences to represent BSU on the global stage.

• Other duties as assigned. (5%)

Salary Range:

Depends on Qualifications; Range D ($54,616 - $117,191)

Minimum Qualifications

• A Master’s Degree plus three years of relevant experience or Bachelor’s Degree plus four years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of post-secondary training, education and/or professional experience.

• Three years serving as a Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) and experience in compliance with immigration regulations and application of USCIS regulations. 

• Three years of experience working with F, M, and/or J visas and the Department of Homeland Security’s (F, M) and Department of State’s (J) laws and regulations on their respective visas and the regulations surrounding course of study requirements, on and off campus work authorization, extensions of stay, change of visa status processes, and termination of students’ SEVIS records. 

• Extensive knowledge of and ability to utilize ImageNow or similar software; ISRS, SEVIS, Liaison, Navigate, etc.

• Ability to serve as Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternate Responsible Office (ARO) and navigate the Student Exchange and Visitor Program (SEVP) through the Student Exchange and Visitor Information System (SEVIS), issue I-20 and DS-2019 (Note: in order to serve in this role, the employee must either be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident of the U.S.).

• Excellent oral and written communication skills, cross-cultural sensitivity and presentation skills.

• Cross-cultural advising and programming experience with demonstrated effectiveness in interpersonal communication with an international population.

• A demonstrated commitment to the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism.

Preferred Qualification 

• One (1) semester of overseas experience, in a study or living situation.

• Bilingual or multilingual.

• Knowledge of higher education and direct experience at the college or university level working with international F and J students. 

• Experience analyzing data and using it to shape strategic decisions.  Familiarity with international funnel/cycle. 

• Experience managing budgets.

To facilitate the review, assessment, and evaluation process, please ensure that your application and/or resume clearly demonstrate fulfillment of the minimum and preferred qualifications of the position. The application materials submitted will be utilized for salary placement purposes.

Working Conditions

• This position is 12-month, in-person, on-campus. Working conditions are primarily in an office setting. Travel to other sites (domestic and international), occasional evening and weekend work, and occasional overnight travel are required.

Physical Effort

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. Ability to travel by various modes of transportation including airplane, automobile, bus, and train.

Other Requirements

• All applicants must be able to lawfully accept employment in the United States at the time of an offer of employment. The University regrets that we are unable to offer H1-B sponsorship at this time.

• Employment for this position is covered by the collective bargaining agreement for the Minnesota State University Associate of Administrative and Service Faculty (MSUAASF) – see agreement.

• In accordance with the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MinnState) Vehicle Fleet Safety Program, faculty and staff driving on college/university business, who use a rental or state vehicle, shall be required to complete a vehicle Use Agreement form and conform to MinnState’s vehicle use criteria and consent to a motor vehicle records check.

• BSU is a tobacco free workplace (see policy).

Work Shift (Hours / Days of work)

Full-time / Exempt; Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Telework (Yes/No)

No

A complete application will include the following attachments:

• Cover letter, which addresses the required qualifications and your specific interest in working at BSU.

• Resume / Curriculum Vitae.

Inquiries about the position:

Matt Hiller, Director of the IPC

Phone: (218) 755-2701

Email: matthew.hiller@bemidjistate.edu

If you have general questions about this posting or submitting an application, contact Mary Miller at mary.miller@bemidjistate.edu

About

UNIVERSITY / COMMUNITY

WHY BEMIDJI:

It’s more than a job. It’s an opportunity for the extraordinary.

On the idyllic shores of Lake Bemidji, cradled among the limitless natural beauty of the North Woods and neighbored by Minnesota’s three largest Indigenous nations, Bemidji State University offers opportunities for the extraordinary.

Bemidji State University has been ranked as one of the top 30 public institutions in the Midwest region by U.S. News & World Report each year since 2019. BSU offers its diverse student body a comprehensive spectrum of opportunities with nearly 120 undergraduate degrees and emphasis areas in more than 50 areas of study, 14 pre-professional programs, and 14 graduate programs and certificates.

As Bemidji State continues its second century of service, our vision is simple: we educate people to lead inspired lives. To achieve this, BSU centers diversity, equity and inclusion as a core value and strives to create a campus culture in which all members are free to be their authentic selves. BSU also proactively engages with Indigenous communities in northern Minnesota and nationwide toward its goal of becoming a destination university.

BSU is a member of the Minnesota State system of colleges and universities, the third-largest system of higher education institutions in the United States. It shares a unique alignment with Northwest Technical College, with administration and student services generally having dual responsibilities to serve both campuses. Through this alignment, NTC students can take advantage of services, support, activities, and opportunities at BSU that expand and enhance their college experience — such as full access to BSU’s library and the ability to live in BSU’s on-campus resident housing.

For the first time, a joint strategic planning process will guide the future directions for both institutions. The schools are pursuing four shared strategic priorities: student success, the Nisidotaading initiative, northern distinction, and telling our story. These priorities will serve as the foundations for master planning processes for facilities, academic programs, fundraising, information technology, intercollegiate athletics, and diversity, equity, and inclusion, among others.

The Nisidotaading initiative — named for an Ojibwe phrase meaning “building mutual understanding” — is creating a statewide center of excellence. It will develop communities of practice meant to help Minnesota State colleges and universities better educate their campus communities on historical trauma and lived experiences of their Indigenous populations, and how to most effectively guide Indigenous students toward their educational goals. In addition, BSU is the first university in the United States to expose all of its students to a course on Indigenous people before graduation.

Bemidji State University acknowledges that it is located on land and water that is the current and ancestral homeland of the Ojibwe and Dakota. We acknowledge the painful history of genocide, forced assimilation, and efforts to alienate the Indigenous inhabitants from their territory here. We honor and respect the many diverse Indigenous peoples still connected to this land, retained tribal sovereignty, treaty rights, and cultural resilience. Indigenous people are spiritual and physical caretakers of this land to which we all belong. Bemidji State University respects these sacred lands, stands with the community members from these Nations, and will fight injustice in all its forms.

At Minnesota State, the work we do is more than just a job. In their pursuit of purpose, connection, and growth, our employees play a critical role on our campuses. They develop policies, provide essential services, and work to improve the well-being and quality of life for our students and for all Minnesotans. Minnesota State is committed to equity and inclusion, and we invest in our employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities. Unlock your potential through possibility.

The City of Bemidji

Bemidji State University and Northwest Technical College lie amid the lakes and forests of northern Minnesota. Bemidji State occupies a wooded campus along the western shore of Lake Bemidji while Northwest Technical College lies just three miles east, near Bemidji’s robust industrial district. 

The city sits between Minnesota’s three largest American Indian tribal nations: the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, the Red Lake Nation and the White Earth Nation. When settling the Bemidji area in 1750, the Ojibwe people named the lake Bemidjigamaag, which means “a lake with crossing waters” as the Mississippi River flows in from the south and exits on the east. Today, a city proper with a population of around 15,000 serves as a regional economic and cultural hub for about 100,000 Minnesotans.

Located just minutes away from a thriving downtown Bemidji, both the BSU and NTC campus communities have convenient access to affordable restaurants, fine-dining experiences, cozy coffee shops, grocery stores — including a natural foods co-op — city parks, and nearly unlimited outdoor recreational opportunities. Small, locally-owned shops and art sculptures line Bemidji's downtown streets, while national chains are also found in and around the area. The historic Paul Bunyan Playhouse has a calendar of classic shows, restaurants offer weekly live music performances, the First Friday Art Walk provides a tour of new monthly art exhibits, and annual festivals bring the community together throughout the year. 

Additionally, the North Woods setting means students, staff, and faculty have a variety of activities available at their fingertips year-round. With more than 400 lakes — and a 240-acre research forest owned by BSU — within 25 miles of the city, there is easy access to kayaking, canoeing, swimming, boating, paddle boarding, hunting, hiking, biking, foraging, fishing, and more. An expansive network of multi-use trail systems is available for running, cross-country skiing, single-track or fat-tire biking, and skijoring. Further, downhill skiing, snowboarding, and tubing lie just north of Bemidji at the Buena Vista Ski Area.

Bemidji is also near two of Minnesota’s 66 state parks: Lake Bemidji State Park, which sits along Lake Bemidji’s northern shore, and Itasca State Park, home to the majestic Mississippi River Headwaters. Both parks are popular recreational and camping destinations where locals and tourists gather for sailing, swimming, and fishing during the summer months, and skating, hockey, curling, and—yes—more fishing in the winter. 

Of course, no tour of Bemidji is complete without a visit to — and a selfie with — its two most famous residents: the iconic statues of Paul Bunyan and his trusty companion, Babe the Blue Ox. The famed duo, which has greeted visitors to Bemidji since 1937, is on the National Register of Historic Places and was once ranked by Kodak as the second most-photographed statue in America.

For further information About BSU visit our website at http://www.bemidjistate.edu.

Review a "special report on how this former lumber town has rebuilt itself as a high-speed, regional center of enterprise" at Bemidji 2.0

Other Resources:

• Visit Bemidji – https://www.visitbemidji.com/

• 218 Relocate / Greater Bemidji – https://www.218relocate.com/

• Bemidji Area Chamber of Commerce – https://www.bemidji.org/ 

• Explore Minnesota – https://www.exploreminnesota.com/article/top-things-to-do-bemidji

Statement of Notice

Bemidji State University prohibits discrimination and sexual violence of any kind. Contact the Title IX Coordinator if you have concerns regarding discrimination and/or sexual violence.

Per Minnesota State System Procedure 1B.3.1, all universities and colleges must provide contact information of their Title IX Coordinator.

Megan Zothman, Campus Human Resources Officer & Title IX Coordinator

Email: TitleIX@bemidjistate.edu or Megan.Zothman@BemidjiState.edu

Phone: (218) 755-2502

1500 Birchmont Drive NE, Deputy Hall, Room 335, Bemidji, MN 56601

Bemidji State University is an Affirmative Action Equal Opportunity Employer and Educator.  This document is available in alternative formats to individuals with disabilities. Consumers with hearing or speech disabilities may contact us via their preferred Telecommunications Relay Service.

Benefits Information:

At Minnesota State, we take your well-being and work-life balance seriously. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that features low-cost medical and dental insurance with affordable deductibles, employer-paid life insurance, short- and long-term disability, and pre-tax healthcare and dependent care accounts with a roll-over option. To further support your holistic health, employees also have access to a confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for mental health, legal, and financial counseling. Detailed plan details, rates, and coverage choices can be reviewed directly via the State Employee Group Insurance Program (SEGIP) website.

 

To support your life outside of work, our package includes 12 paid holidays, generous vacation and sick time, and six weeks of Paid Parental Leave. We also help you secure your financial future with a robust Pension Plan, 457(b) and 403(b) retirement accounts, and various investment options. Furthermore, we invest in your growth by providing dedicated professional development and tuition waivers for both you and your dependents. Please note that specific benefit eligibility and coverage levels may vary depending on the type of position, employee classification, and collective bargaining agreements.

Desired Start Date:

10-05-2026

Position End Date:

Open Date:

07-30-2026

Close Date:

07-30-2026

Posting Contact Name:

Mary Miller

Posting Contact Email:

mary.miller@bemidjistate.edu