Position Title: Director of International Programs and Compliance

Employee Classification: Dir,International Studies

College/Division: Provost Office

Department: 200200-PROVOST OFFICE

Internal or External Search: External - Open to all applicants

Location: Las Cruces

Offsite Location (if applicable):

Target Hourly/Salary Rate:  Commensurate with qualifications.

Appointment Full-time Equivalency:  1.0

Exempt or Non-Exempt:  Exempt

Summary:  The Provost Office invites you to apply for the position of Director of International Programs and Compliance. We look forward to having you join our team!

Classification Summary:
Coordinates academic studies conducted outside the United States, advises students and faculty on international study and travel and promotes campus activities of an international nature. Oversees the implementation and operation of the U.S. government SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) at the University and ensures compliance with federal regulations and policies.

Classification Standard Duties:
Provides leadership and coordination of services for international students and scholars, including advisement and monitoring of U.S. government regulations and policies for non-immigrants. Develops and oversees all programs to provide international experience opportunities for domestic students and faculty including international exchange and study abroad; collaborates with faculty members and departments to improve their international programs and increase the number of international students. Oversees the implementation and operation of the U.S. government SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) at the University and ensures compliance with federal regulations and policies. Develops policies, procedures, and standards for assuring the health and safety of participants in international travel to minimize University's liability; develops contingency plans and procedures in the event of international emergencies.Serves as director/department representative on committees, to institutional divisions/departments, and to governmental agencies; Supervises personnel to include: work allocation, training, promotion and enforcement of internal procedures and controls and problem resolution; evaluates performance and makes recommendations for personnel actions; motivates employees to achieve peak productivity and performance. Identifies funding sources and develops grants; assists in the budget planning process; and monitors expenditures. Coordinates the collection, compilation, and analysis of program activity data; designs data collection systems and procedures; prepares reports; answers requests for program information. Oversees the issuance of non-immigrant documents and maintenance of accurate student records. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Required Education, Experience, Certification/License, Equivalency
Required Education:Bachelor's degree in a related field.; Required Experience:Eight (8) years of increasingly progressive management experience in one or more areas that report to this position.; Equivalency:None; Required Certification/License:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
KNOWLEDGE:Knowledge of organizational structure, workflow, and operating procedures. Knowledge of new student assimilation issues. Knowledge and understanding of international higher education practices and cultural variances. Knowledge of financial/business analysis techniques. Knowledge of applicable legislation, standards, policies and procedures within specialty area. Knowledge of faculty and/or staff hiring procedures.; SKILLS:Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community. Records maintenance skills. Skill in budget preparation and fiscal management. Skill in examining and re-engineering operations and procedures, formulating policy, and developing and implementing new strategies and procedures. Skill in organizing resources and establishing priorities. Advanced verbal and written communication skills. Outstanding interpersonal and community relations skills and the ability to communicate and work effectively within a diverse community. Employee development and performance management skills.; ABILITIES:Ability to use independent judgment and to manage and impart information to a range of clientele and/or media sources. Ability to evaluate, design, and implement curriculum, testing, and/or teaching methodologies. Ability to identify and secure alternative funding/revenue sources. Ability to supervise and train employees, to include organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments. Ability to foster a cooperative work environment.

Job Duties and Responsibilities
The Director of International Programs and Compliance is responsible for executing strategies to enhance international programs and services and to promote global engagement at New Mexico State University. The Director oversees the day-to-day operations of International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS), Education Abroad (EA), and Compliance and is accountable for organizational effectiveness and process management. The position ensures institutional adherence to U.S. government regulations and fosters a global, inclusive environment for students, faculty, and researchers. The Director will serve as the central coordinator, ensuring that these departments collaborate effectively to support and enhance the experiences of students, faculty, and researchers.

Key Responsibilities:
1. International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS) Leadership
· Lead and manage ISSS to ensure high-quality immigration support,
· Coordinate cultural programs and global initiatives with other units on campus
· Oversee compliance with U.S. Department of State (DOS) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regulations for F and J visa programs.
· Serve as the Primary Designated School Official (PDSO) and Responsible Officer (RO) for SEVIS compliance.
· Supervise international student and scholar recruitment, onboarding, and retention strategies.
· Develop, coordinate and sustain support programs that enhance student success, such as Global Coffee Hour, International Festivals, and International Education Week.
2. Passport Office & Student Visa Processing
· Direct the Passport Office, ensuring compliance with U.S. Department of State regulations for issuing and processing passports.
· Oversee student visa advising and visa application support for study abroad participants, international students, and scholars.
· Build and maintain relationships with embassies, consulates, and government agencies to facilitate visa processing.
3. Education Abroad & Global Partnerships
· Develop and oversee study abroad programs, exchange agreements, and faculty-led international initiatives.
· Manage risk assessment and crisis response plans for students traveling abroad.
· Collaborate with academic departments and international institutions to expand global learning opportunities.
· Implement recruitment and scholarship strategies to increase student participation in global programs.
· Maintain Education Abroad MOUs, agreements, and FLIP contracts.
4. Export Control Compliance & Risk Management
· Ensure institutional compliance with U.S. export control laws (ITAR, EAR, OFAC) related to international research, technology transfer, and travel.
· Develop training programs for faculty and staff on export control policies and international travel risks.
· Serve as a liaison with legal counsel and compliance officers on export control matters.
5. Administrative & Strategic Leadership
· Lead budget planning, personnel management, and process improvements for international services.
· Advise university leadership on global engagement strategies and regulatory compliance.
· Represent the university at professional organizations (e.g., NAFSA, OACAC) and government briefings.

Preferred Qualifications

Special Requirements of the Position

Department Contact:  Gabriela Cisneros, 5756462438, gcisnero@nmsu.edu

Contingent Upon Funding: Not Applicable

Bargaining Unit Eligibility: This is NOT a bargaining unit position with American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

Standard Work Schedule: Standard (M-F, 8-5)

If Not a Standard Work Schedule: 

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Environment: Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.

Physical Effort: No or very limited physical effort required.

Lifting Requirements: Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 10 pounds or some standing or walking.

Risk: No or very limited exposure to physical risk.