Assistant Director – Visa Advising

About the Opportunity

JOB SUMMARY

The primary role of the Assistant Director of Visa Advising is to provide visa application support and advisement for students participating in outbound mobility programs. The Assistant Director of Visa Advising helps ensure timely and appropriate information is provided to program participants and coordination between university divisions is efficient and productive. The Assistant Director will play a central role in ensuring efficient student support, document issuance, and case-specific guidance for the university’s outbound international program portfolio.
 

The responsibilities of the Assistant Director of Outbound Visa Advising include liaising with local consular authorities, developing program material, providing front line customer service, case-specific student advisement, and other administrative tasks as needed. Additionally, the Assistant Director works closely with the Office of General Counsel and Global Safety and Support to provide comprehensive advisement and troubleshoot complicated situations, serving as a subject matter expert.

This role supports all Northeastern-sponsored outbound programs, including traditional study abroad, N.U.in, short-term faculty-led programs, and Global Co-op as part of their program portfolio in collaboration with the Director of Visa Policy & Compliance. This role will have their own program portfolio and support broader departmental initiatives.

This is a Boston-based role, requiring regular in-person presence in the Global Experience Office on the Northeastern Boston campus. Additional on-site work may be required during campus events, key periods in visa application cycles, and as part of departmental meetings/trainings. Periodic travel to consular locations in the Boston area is required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred
• Demonstrated knowledge in advising techniques in a higher education setting, with specific experience in international immigration and/or study abroad advising preferred
• Understanding of the Forum on Education Abroad’s standards and ethics
• Strong oral and written communication skills to positively engage people from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds
• Strong time management and prioritization skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and responsibilities in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills with proven ability to strategize, prioritize, and multi-task to meet deadlines
• Ability to interact with global program representatives, consular officials, faculty, and students in a highly professional manner with an understanding of protocol and confidentiality
• Strong organizational, administrative, and computer skills
• Proficiency in Excel and other Microsoft Office software required. Familiarity with Salesforce, Terra Dotta, Navigate, and Banner preferred
• Ability to work both independently and as a member of a team
• Ability and willingness to work some evening and/or weekend events

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & ACCOUNTABILITIES

Student Advising & Outbound Visa Support

• Maintain regional expertise and programmatic knowledge in an assigned portfolio
• Handle a high volume of student communication and be able to provide direction and guidance on visa types in both individual and group sessions
• Lead the coordination and tracking of visa application processes for select cohort program
• Liaise with external partners on in-country requirements and documentation needs
• Generate relevant supporting documentation for students as needed

Partnership Management

• Communicate professionally and effectively with both internal and external stakeholders, including but not limited to the Global Experience Office, Office of General Counsel, Global Safety & Security Office, Central Co-op, and network Northeastern campuses
• Provide expert-level guidance on the feasibility and compliance of international programs
• Oversee and coordinate responses to visa/immigration inquiries

Administrative Duties

• Maintain a comprehensive understanding of global issues that could affect student travel or visa processing, ensuring proactive adjustments to procedures as needed
• Provide high-level support and administrative coordination for departmental working groups focused on immigration matters
• Travel as necessary to meet with consular officials and oversee critical visa processes including submission of batch visa processes through Boston-area consular authorities
• Engage in continuous professional development, strengthening expertise and maintaining an up-to-date knowledge base on evolving immigration policies

Event Management

• Conduct cohort-specific information sessions, both virtually and in-person, for students and families
• Attend and assist at yield and orientation-related events

Position Type

Additional Information

Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer.  

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Compensation Grade/Pay Type:

Expected Hiring Range:

With the pay range(s) shown above, the starting salary will depend on several factors, which may include your education, experience, location, knowledge and expertise, and skills as well as a pay comparison to similarly-situated employees already in the role. Salary ranges are reviewed regularly and are subject to change.