Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon Portland Community College

International Student Admissions Specialist

  • Title: International Student Admissions Specialist
  • Class: Academic Professional
  • Exempt Status: Exempt
  • Level: 2

Job Summary

The International Student Admissions Specialist is responsible for marketing and admitting efforts related to international students. The Specialist recruits new students through a variety of outreach efforts, reviews and analyzes documentation, trouble-shoots and helps resolve obstacles to enrollment, ensures compliance with related rules and regulations, and supports broader Department goals and initiatives. The Specialist acts as a Designated School Official (DSO) as defined by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).

Typical Duties and Responsibilities

  1. Assists with the development and implementation of marketing and recruitment strategies for international students. Visits high schools, language schools, colleges, universities and other organizations to recruit international students. Provides information about educational opportunities and services at the College.
  2. Initiates phone, print, and electronic contact with applicants and prospective students and responds to inquiries.
  3. Reviews, updates, and processes admissions forms and letters. Provides admissions counseling to prospective students. Coordinates with campus admissions office and central enrollment services to facilitate consistent delivery of admissions services. Participates in planning and implementing international student orientation activities.
  4. Collects and reviews documents submitted for admissions, such as transcripts, health insurance documents, bank documents, verifications from US sponsors including employment verifications and Affidavits of Support. Collects additional information needed and makes recommendation on admission eligibility.
  5. Coordinates dual admissions with partner institutions, domestic and international, in collaboration with the Director and Coordinator.
  6. Collects and analyzes complex data and information regarding international admissions for college departments as well as partner institutions, scholarship agencies, study abroad agencies and international organizations. Assists in developing, reviewing, and updating policies and procedures.
  7. Monitors compliance with government regulations ensuring high standard of cooperation and compliance with FERPA and Department of Homeland Security regulations with respect to admissions practices.
  8. Collaborates with PCC staff and outside agencies in resolving complex prospective student issues relating to admission and pre-arrival issues (VISA complications, payment of SEVIS fees, etc.).
  9. In collaboration with the Director and Coordinator, maintains the international admissions databases. Tracks statistics, gathers data, and creates reports.
  10. Establishes cooperative and collaborative relationships with Study Abroad Agencies, Education USA advisors, US Embassy officials, business and industry representatives in the United States, and other partners and stakeholders.
  11. Provides back-up support for the Coordinator as needed.
  12. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

Work is typically performed in an office environment with a high level of public contact, both over the phone and in person. During peak registration periods incumbents will typically work extended hours, including some weekends. This position requires travel within the community and PCC campuses using a personal vehicle.

Occasional lifting of large quantities of recruiting materials and display equipment that may weigh 30-50 pounds required. During peak recruiting seasons requires long hours of standing on cement or gym floors.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Global Studies, International Affairs, International Education, Social Sciences, International Business, Marketing, Foreign/Modern Languages, or other related field. Experience performing the duties of this job may substitute for the degree requirement on a year-for-year basis. Two years of experience working with international (F-1 or J-1) students in a service oriented environment. Ability to be a Designated School Official as required by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of:
  • Immigration rules and regulations;
  • College admissions policies and procedures;
  • Academic marketing and recruitment methods.
Skills in:
  • Reading and evaluating transcripts;
  • Operating a computer and various supporting software packages;
  • Reviewing/evaluating foreign transcripts;
  • Delivering presentations;
  • Operating a computer and supporting software;
  • Time management;
  • Prioritizing multiple projects.
Ability to:
  • Organize and effectively communicate a variety of information to diverse groups of people;
  • Work collaboratively with diverse academic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds of students and staff;
  • Demonstrate cultural sensitivity and diplomacy;
  • Learn and apply applicable federal regulations;
  • Process high volumes of paperwork;
  • Collaborate with students, faculty, and staff;
  • Work in a team as well as self-directed
  • Effectively communicate in oral and written form.

Reviewed: 12/2018

  • Revised: 8/2017; 11/2001
  • Established: 9/1997