Program Specialist (WCC)- International Student Services at InsideHigherEd

Category:: Staff PositionsSubscribe:: Department:: Admissions Department/Student Affairs DivisionLocations:: Valhalla, NYPosted:: Dec 4, 2025Closes:: Open Until FilledType:: Full-timeRef. No.:: PSISS120425Position ID:: 195365About Westchester Community College:Westchester Community College was founded in 1946 as the New York State Institute of Applied Arts and Sciences in White Plains. In 1957, the County of Westchester bought the 360-acre John Hartford estate in Valhalla and designated 218 acres for the community college. Westchester Community College is more than just the county's largest educational institution. It is a living, breathing part of Westchester that goes beyond the influence of a typical college and affects the lives of all who enter its doors.Job Description:The Program Specialist (WCC) -International Student Services supports the recruitment, retention, success and compliance of the College's international student population and is a key part of the Office of Admissions. This position provides cultural adjustment support, and program coordination, ensuring compliance with federal regulations while fostering an inclusive campus environment. The Program Specialist serves as a primary point of contact for international students, faculty, and staff and collaborates across departments to deliver high-quality services and programs.Serve as Designated School Official (DSO) for the F-1 visa program and, if applicable, Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) for the J-1 exchange visitor program.Assist international students regarding employment authorization and international travel opportunities, restrictions and requirements.Issue and update immigration documents (Form I-20, DS-2019) and report changes in Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (or SEVIS) in accordance with federal regulations.Monitor and document student enrollment status, address updates, and other compliance requirements.Assist with outreach and recruitment efforts targeting prospective students, with a primary focus on international students and others as needed.Plan and coordinate events, activities, and programs that promote intercultural exchange and community engagement.Collaborate with student clubs, academic departments, and other campus offices to support the international student experience.Provide guidance to students with other immigration status and those wanting to apply with USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services) for change of immigration status.Initiate, develop, and present workshops to F1 students.Provide referrals to campus and community resources, including academic advising, counseling, housing, and health services.Serve as a resource to faculty, staff, and administrators on matters related to international students.Maintain up-to-date content on the International Student Services website, newsletters, and other communication channels.Respond to inquiries from students, families, and external partners in a timely and professional manner.Maintain accurate and confidential student records in compliance with institutional and federal requirements.Process official letters, forms, and verifications for enrollment, travel, and employment.Track key program metrics and prepare reports for internal and external stakeholders.Requirements:REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: The successful candidate must have a Bachelor's Degree and two years of experience in the field of education, educational administration, international studies, business administration, recruitment and/or training, or in the analysis of program operations, marketing or customer services. Must be eligible to serve as a Designated School Official (U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident) and be knowledgeable of U.S. immigration regulations for F-1 and/or J-1 students. Strong intercultural communication skills and ability to work effectively with diverse populations also required, along with excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and proficiency with office software.All candidates must have evidence of responsiveness to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students and evidence of equity-minded practice.PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: It's preferred that the successful candidate possess a Master's degree in higher education, international studies, or related field, preferably from an international background, or in an international education setting. Experience with SEVIS and student information systems is preferred. Foreign language proficiency and/or experience living, working, or studying abroad is also preferred.Additional Information:WORK SCHEDULE: The work schedule will be Monday through Friday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm.SALARY & BENEFITS: The starting salary for this position is $74,384. Additional compensation with seniority steps maximizes at a salary of $92,149. Benefits include comprehensive health coverage, a choice of defined benefit or defined contribution pension plan, generous leave benefits, and access to tax sheltered annuities and a deferred compensation plan. POSITION EFFECTIVE: The position will remain open until filled. Application Instructions:Applicants must apply online by submitting a letter expressing interest in this position, a resume/CV, and contact information for three professional references. You must be legally eligible to work in the United States at the time of hire. Please login to: https://sunywcc.interviewexchange.com/login.jsp in order to check/edit your profile or to upload additional documents. The review of candidates will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.Westchester Community College provides accessible, high quality and affordable education to meet the needs of our diverse community. We are committed to student success, academic excellence, workforce development, economic development and lifelong learning. The College will provide equal opportunity in all of its employment practices to all persons without unlawful discrimination on the basis of political affiliation, age, race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, parental status, pregnancy, arrest or conviction record, membership in any reserve component of the armed forces, or use or non-use of lawful products off College premises during nonworking hours, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law.