Designated School Official - Costa Mesa, CA

University Overview: Since 1975, Sofia University has aspired to be a leader in transformative higher education offering students an education that transcends beyond a traditional learning environment. Students, staff, and faculty at Sofia are passionate individuals that recognize the need to be a part of something greater than themselves and seek opportunities that will provide them with the tools to empower themselves and their community. As Sofia continues to grow as a University, it remains committed to its transformative transpersonal values, as well as to maintaining a high-quality and diverse workforce representative of the community it serves. Sofia University is Western Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) accredited and offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs in the fields of psychology, business, and computer science. Located in Palo Alto/Costa Mesa, California, the University provides both on campus and online programs, giving students the flexibility to further an education rooted in transformative and transpersonal values. Position Overview: As a key member of the International Student Office, the DSO provides a welcoming and supportive presence for international students, ensuring compliance with immigration regulations and supporting student success from admission to post-graduation. This role upholds Sofia’s commitment to global engagement through student services, regulatory expertise, and partnership development. The DSO works closely with the PDSO and collaborates with all other university departments to support international student recruitment, assist in managing global partnerships and articulation agreements, and deliver essential services such as orientation, career resources, and compliance advising. This position is central to maintaining SEVIS records, coordinating with faculty and staff, and enhancing the student experience at Sofia campuses. Aligned with Sofia University’s vision of transformative education and cultural humility, the DSO embodies the university’s values—Service, Stewardship, Academic Excellence, Emotional Awareness, and Innovation—in every aspect of their work. Responsibilities: Serve as the Designated School Official (DSO) for international students and ensure that required documentation is appropriately maintained and reported (as needed, in the absence of the PDSO or at crucial enrollment times). If approved, serve as Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) for J-1 Exchange Students Manage and supervise Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) data collection and tracking system. Ensure the system is current and accurate. Respond to requests for information or assistance as requested. Collaborate in providing support and assistance to all international students. Collaborate with the office of Student Services, Registrar’s Office and Admissions Department to efficiently on-board international students and prepare them for orientation. Develop and implement educational workshops, lectures, social opportunities, and informative materials for international students. Meet face-to-face or virtually with international students on a regular basis and provide guidance and advice regarding their F-1 status, work eligibility, Optional Practical Training (OPT), Curricular Practical Training (CPT), travel documentation processes and all related matters. Possess and maintain an understanding of current trends in international student affairs and current immigration policies, issues, and procedures. Track, monitor and follow up with direct and indirect F-1 international student leads. Provide current information to incoming international students. Process of initial/transfer/change of status I-20 requests. Communicate with the appropriate departments and students to obtain supplementary visa documentation for the issuance of I-20’s. Serve as the initial point of contact for international student queries related to the F-1 visa application or SEVIS transfer process. Track and upload F-1 visa and compliance related content, documents, and Internship forms to our CRM system. Foster a high-touch environment of knowledge-sharing by supporting quarterly events at Sofia campuses, such as Orientation, information sessions, webinars, weekly advising hours or webinars sessions in array of F-1 visa related topics. Collaborate with the Marketing Team in updating the international student portal and other platforms, create and build new initiatives and collateral marketing materials. Collaborate with the Admissions Team and provide pertaining updates related to F-1 students and participate in weekly meetings. Provide support in on-ground course registration audits to ensure F-1 compliance with federal regulations. Assist with the Work Integrated Learning Internship (WIL) Program and processing of documents related to the Internship course. Review cooperative agreements, job offer letters and internship forms and maintain effective communication with the school’s Internship Faculty Advisor. Report any F-1 compliance related issues effectively to Admissions, Students Services, and Registrar Departments. Assist the PDSO in coordinating introductive or recurrent meetings with potential or current domestic and international partners and be the secondary point of contact between the partner and the school. Assist in the creation of Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) agreements with prospective international and domestic partners and assist with the creation of articulation agreements. Assist with onboarding new students to the campus and the university. Collaborate with all Academic Departments regarding Sofia students. Communicate with new students regarding mandatory trainings, ID cards, Housing Relocation, Health Insurance, Orientation, Seminars, and other services. Assist with editing and maintaining international student handbooks. Assist with Career Resources for international students. Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor. Qualifications: Earned Bachelor's degree at the time of application. Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and be able to serve as a Designated School Official (DSO)/Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) with ability to pass a required background check. A minimum of two (2) years of relevant experience working as DSO/ARO is required. Must have a valid, current SEVIS user ID. Knowledge of SEVIS documentation and reporting system required. Ability to be proactive, work under minimal supervision, with an appreciation for innovation, creativity and professionalism. Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written. Highly motivated self-starter with strong analytical, technical, and problem-solving skills with ability to troubleshoot complex issues and implement systemic solutions. Previous experience with University CRM platforms is strongly preferred. Proficient with computer software including excel, Word, Power Point. High energy, meticulous attention to detail, and keen organizational skills highly desirable. Demonstrated ability to work in a proactively diverse and inclusive culture and effectively collaborate with all Departments across the organization. Ability to occasionally travel and work nights and weekends as necessary. Preferred Qualifications: Master’s Degree in Higher Education Administration, Education, International Affairs, Counseling or other related fields. Ability to manage sensitive and challenging issues and maintain confidentiality. Strong interpersonal and verbal communications skills, including the ability to deal sensitively and confidentially with critical issues. Excellent organizational, project management and time management skills, including the ability to work with deadlines. Independent initiative, sound judgment and developed decision-making abilities. Ethical commitment and ability to align with Sofia’s values and mission. Bilingual in English, Spanish, Mandarin, Vietnamese, or other languages preferred. Sofia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, gender, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, medical condition, marital status, veteran status, and disability. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for applicants with disabilities who self-disclose by contacting the Human Resources Department at 888-820-1484 ext.10200. Job Type: Full-time Pay: $71,000.00 - $73,000.00 per year Benefits: 401(k) Dental insurance Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid time off Vision insurance Application Question(s): Do you have a current SEVIS ID? Do you have 2 years of DSO/ARO experience? Do you have weekend availability? Work Location: Hybrid remote in Costa Mesa, CA 92626