Executive Director of the International Students and Scholars Office

Job Type: Officer of Administration
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Salary Range: $225,000 - $250,000

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training.

Position Summary

The International Students and Scholar Office (ISSO) delivers expert guidance grounded in regulatory excellence and a deep commitment to serving Columbia's international community. ISSO also provides services to academic units and University staff who admit, appoint, employ, and work with international students, faculty members, and researchers. Homed in the Office of the Provost, the ISSO partners closely with schools and departments across Columbia's campuses, Human Resources, Office of the General Counsel, Public Affairs, and senior leadership to ensure institutional compliance and strengthen Columbia as a premier destination for education and research.

Reporting to the Vice Provost for Campus Integration, the Executive Director leads the University's International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO), overseeing immigration advising and institutional regulatory compliance for a large population of international students, faculty, and research scholars. The Executive Director sets ISSO's strategic direction, ensures adherence to all applicable federal immigration requirements, and advances a holistic, University-wide approach to international student and scholar support and success.

Responsibilities

Leadership and Organizational Oversight
Direct and guide all ISSO functions across compliance, visa services, programming, IT and data analytics, and communications. Lead the development of training programs and talent strategies to build institutional capacity. Partner with the Office of the Provost on strategic endeavors related to the international student and scholar community. Provide direct leadership, management, and mentorship of ISSO staff.

Communications and Operations
Provide oversight of communications and operations. Ensure that all service delivery channels are consistently staffed, accessible, and deliver accurate, responsive, and empathetic support. Implement enhancements to systems, workflows, and service models to strengthen operational effectiveness and efficiency.

Regulatory Affairs and Institutional Representation
Serve as the University's senior representative on immigration policy and regulatory compliance. Act as the University's primary liaison on matters related to Columbia's international community to US government agencies, including DHS, DOL, and DOS.

Data and Reporting
Provide oversight of ISSO's data systems, ensuring integrity, accuracy, and compliance across all records related to international students and scholars.

Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree Required
- Minimum of 8-10 years of related experience

Required Qualifications
- 8+ years of progressive leadership and supervisory experience in international student and scholar services within higher education
- Advanced degree required (Master's, PhD, EdD, JD, or other)
- Expertise in immigration regulations, including F-1, J-1, H-1B, and other employment-based visa categories
- Experience overseeing personnel, administrative operations, budgets, and technology systems
- Strong communication skills
- Must be a US citizen or lawful permanent resident

Preferred Qualifications
- Graduate degree (Master's, PhD, EdD, JD, or other advanced degree)

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.
Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran