Program Coordinator in Intercultural Relations
Lake Forest College invites applications for a temporary three-month assignment for the position of Program Coordinator in Intercultural Relations. The successful candidate will join a passionate Office of Intercultural Relations (“OIR”) in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (“DEI”) in our vibrant community of students, faculty, and staff.
The Program Coordinator contributes to the promotion of dialogue, understanding, and respect among the many identities represented within the Lake Forest College community and to fostering student success for historically underrepresented and/or marginalized students (students of color, first-generation students, LGBTQ+ students, undocumented students, international students, and students of diverse religious identities). The Program Coordinator reports to the Associate Director of International Student Support and the Director of Intercultural Relations and is responsible for providing international student support though three primary areas: regulatory compliance, program planning, and administrative systems.
A highly selective liberal arts college located north of Chicago, Lake Forest College enrolls more than 1,650 students from nearly every state and more than 100 countries. The College is a culturally diverse community with approximately 50% of our student body identifying as U.S. students of color or international students. In addition, we have a large number of first-generation college students (30%) and Pell-eligible students (30%), a visible LGBTQ student community, and numerous active religious student communities.
Responsibilities:
- May receive certification to serve as a Designated SEVIS Official (DSO); assist the Primary DSO (PDSO) with governmental processes for F1 students (e.g. I-20 issuance, SEVIS registration, Social Security applications)
- Coordinate programs for international students over Winter Break
- Under the supervision of the Associate Director for International Student Services and Primary Designated School Official (PDSO), the coordinator serves as a Designated School Official (DSO) responsible for routine SEVIS record maintenance, form I-20 creation, and basic updates and reporting to help ensure College and individual student compliance with immigration regulations. Will serve as a primary point of contact for inquiries from international students and direct them to the appropriate campus office or resource.
- Prepare, coordinate and manage F-1 SEVIS registration process.
- Manage, plan and implement the SSN application process and SS Office trips in collaboration with the Business Office and other campus offices.
- Prepare and assist students with legal documents, requests, correspondence, applications and visas.
- Update and maintain SEVIS records for F-1 students for annual reporting, travel, and academic changes, etc. Prepare letters and documentation for students regarding enrollment, travel, graduation, and employment.
- Manage database, preparation and storage of electronic documents and files for international students, and preparation of reports as needed.
- Assist in the coordination of the new international student orientation as well as other workshops and programs for international students; Assist in the development of materials and information for international students (i.e. brochures, flyers, website, etc.).
- Serve as liaison with external groups and organizations including the Social Security Administration, the Department of Motor Vehicles, the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office, and the Department of Homeland Security to resolve issues or provide/receive information.
- Other duties related to supporting international students as assigned.
Required Qualifications:
- A bachelor’s degree.
- Must be a U.S citizen or lawful permanent resident (for compliance with the U.S. Government requirements for issuing student immigration documents)
Demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities:
- Experience with small, residential, liberal arts colleges is preferred.
- Knowledge of diversity and inclusion issues as they pertain to historically underrepresented and/or marginalized college students.
- Ability to serve as a Designated School Official for international student immigration advising.
- Sensitivity to cultural diversity and ability to communicate and interact effectively with people of all ages and diverse backgrounds.
- Multi-tasking abilities, exceptional interpersonal/cross-cultural communication skills.
- Effective project management. The ability to organize and plan work, and complete tasks with accuracy and meet strict deadlines.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Proven ability to work effectively as a team player.
- Highly motivated, focused and results oriented.
- Strong knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint applications, including database management systems, reporting tools, and web-based applications.
- Ability to work some evenings and weekends.
- A valid driver’s license.
Lake Forest College embraces diversity and encourages applications from women, members of historically underrepresented groups, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. A cover letter, résumé, and contact information for three references should be submitted electronically to Starsheena Anderson (sanderson@lakeforest.edu).