Assistant Director For Immigration And Postdoctoral Programming

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Job Posting Title:

Assistant Director for Immigration and Postdoctoral Programming

Position Type:

Professional / Unclassified

Department:

LSUAM AA - OGE - International Faculty & Scholar Services (Loveness Schafer (00004491))

Work Location:

0160S William B. Hatcher Hall

Pay Grade:

Professional

Job Description:

The Assistant Director for Immigration and Postdoctoral Programming will hold a joint role in the Office of Global Engagement and the Office of Research & Economic Development and will perform a critical role in supporting the university's efforts in immigration services, international compliance, and supporting the postdoctoral scholar program. This individual will serve as a compliance resource for international faculty, and postdoctoral scholars navigating the complexities of H1-B visa processes, permanent resident processes and international compliance requirements. This position works under a dual reporting structure, receiving administrative supervision from the International Faculty and Scholars Office and functional direction from the Office of Research and Economic Development. The role involves close coordination with both leaders in the management of LSU's employment-based immigration program as well as LSU's Exchange Visitor Program. The Assistant Director will collaborate with other departments, offer guidance, and ensure institutional adherence to federal and international regulations in these key areas. The Assistant Director will work closely with the Director of the International Faculty and Scholars Office (IFSO) in the management of LSU's employment-based immigration program as well as LSU's Exchange Visitor Program. The Assistant Director will serve as Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO), and must therefore be a US Citizen or permanent resident of the United States, which is a requirement of the US Federal government. The Assistant Director will support the success and well-being of our postdoctoral community by providing professional administrative support, coordinating programs and events, and serving as a liaison between postdocs and leadership in the Postdoctoral Research Office - a division of the Office of Research and Economic Development.

Job Responsibilities:

Employment-Based Immigration 50%

• Process H-1B, O-1, E-3, and TN petitions.
• Process permanent residence petitions, including Labor Certifications and Outstanding Professor or Researcher petitions.
• Oversee maintenance of immigration records, H-1B Public Access Files, and Labor Certification audit files to ensure compliance with Department of State (DOS), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and Department of Labor (DOL) laws and regulations.
• Advise international employees and hiring departments on immigration policies, procedures, and processes. Apply complex federal policies to advising and processing practices.
• Collaborate with and advise the office of Human Resources Management (HRM) on immigration related matters including prevailing wage determinations for H-1B processing and issues related to immigration compliance.
• Collaborate with the Office of Research and Economic Development (ORED) in managing export control screenings for university compliance and immigration related matters.
• Design and implement programs for LSU postdoctoral researchers on topics including professional development, research fairs, postdoctoral appreciation events, etc.
• H1-B Visa Processing: Serve as an institutional expert on H1-B visa applications and related immigration processes for faculty and researchers. Provide strategic advice and support in navigating visa petitions, renewals, and extensions.
• Advisory Role: Advise international faculty members and postdoctoral scholars on visa status, work permits, and other immigration-related matters. Ensure compliance with federal regulations and deadlines.
• Liaison: Work closely with the Office of Global Engagement, HRM, legal teams, and other stakeholders to facilitate timely and accurate visa processing.
• Training & Education: Develop and conduct workshops for faculty, staff, and graduate students on H1-B visa processes, compliance, and related immigration matters.

Exchange Visitor Program 40%

• Manage LSU's Exchange Visitor Program on behalf of the US DOS, which allows LSU to host exchange students, scholars, professors, instructors, and researchers.
• Support the LSU Redesignation process biannually, collaborating with campus departments to ensure accreditations are kept current.
• Prepare an annual report of the Exchange Visitor Program for approval by the Director and submission to DOS.
• Process Certificates of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status.
• Provide expert advising to exchange visitors, their dependents, and host departments regarding immigration, status maintenance, change of status, and regulatory compliance.
• Monitor compliance with the health insurance requirements for exchange visitors.
• Design and deliver cultural and educational programming for exchange visitors and Fulbright visitors.

Postdoctoral Program and International Compliance:

• Regulatory Compliance: Provide guidance on regulatory requirements related to research, including processing international travel, and residency status compliance.
• Documentation & Reporting: Maintain records of compliance activities and provide reporting as required for audits or regulatory assessments.

Administration 10%

Administration in the International Faculty & Scholars Office:

• Represent IFSO as ARO and delegate of the Director. In the Director's absence, participate in his or her place on the Research Security Program Planning Committee and other committees as needed.
• Support the Director of IFSO in timely, accurate responses to institutional reviews and audits. Produce required documentation and data. Respond to Federal and State-level audits from agencies such as DOL, USCIS, LSU, and other agencies. Assist in responding to public records requests, under guidance of General Counsel.
• Maintain immigration data and statistics for Open Doors annual reporting to the Institute of International Education (IIE), the Office of Global Engagement (OGE) annual report, and DOS annual statistical and narrative reports.
• Design and develop immigration instructional materials for faculty, scholars, hiring and host departments, and campus stakeholders.
• Take the lead on providing information and training in individual and group settings to faculty, scholars, department immigration points of contact, and campus stakeholders.
• Assist faculty and scholars with international travel documents to support their visa applications or renewals to enter, leave, and/or return to the US on time to perform work, research, or teaching obligations at LSU.
• Resolve issues with other agencies such as US consular offices, Social Security Administration, and the Office of Motor Vehicles.

Administration in the Postdoctoral Research Office:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for all postdoctoral scholars and fellows.
• Coordinate onboarding and offboarding processes for postdocs and serve as liaison with hiring departments.
• Manage and maintain databases, records, and documentation related to postdoc appointments.
• Plan and execute events, workshops, and initiatives to support postdoc professional development and recognition.
• Assist with the preparation of reports, communications, and promotional materials.
• Collaborate with HRM and other offices including the LSU Postdoctoral Society to support postdoc needs.
• Monitor compliance with institutional and federal policies regarding postdoc appointments.
• Maintain and update the Postdoc Office website and social media presence.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Directors of IFSO and the Postdoctoral Research Office.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 3 years of professional experience in either immigration services, export control compliance, research compliance, academic administration, and/or human resources. At least 2 years in a supervisory or leadership capacity.

Degree Substitute: LSU values skills, experience, and expertise. Candidates who have relevant experience in key job responsibilities are encouraged to apply- a degree is not required as long as the candidate meets the required years of experience specified in the job description.

Specific Experience:

• Immigration Compliance: In-depth knowledge of H1-B visa processes, regulations, and related immigration law.
• Research Compliance: Understanding of research regulations, including human subjects research, biosafety, and related federal and institutional compliance policies.

Minimum Certifications/Licenses:

US Citizen or permanent resident of the United States of America, which is a requirement of the US Federal government for this role.

Preferred Qualifications:

Master's degree or an advanced degree preferred in a relevant field (M.B.A., M.S., certified paralegal experience, etc.)

Specific Experience:

• Familiarity with working in an academic environment or in higher education settings.

Preferred Certifications/Licenses:

Relevant certifications in immigration law, export control compliance, or research compliance (e.g., Certified Export Specialist (CES), Certified Compliance and Ethics Professional (CCEP)).

Additional Requirements:

FERPA -As with all LSU employees, due to this position title and/or responsibilities, this position has an obligation to assist students in the acquisition of necessary services. Should a student appear in need of or seek assistance with issues of an emotional, behavioral, or mental health related matter they should be referred to the proper service within the Student Health Center. In situations where the student creates an impression that they are a danger to themselves or others, the advisor should immediately contact the Care Team, the Dean of Students or the appropriate law enforcement agency. The employee outside of those rights contained within FERPA should create no impression of client or patient confidentiality.

Additional Information:

• Full-time position with occasional evening or weekend work required based on project deadlines or institutional needs.
• Occasional travel to conferences or meetings may be required.

Additional Job Description:

Special Instructions:

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter that outlines their qualifications and experience related to immigration services, export controls, and research compliance.

This job description serves as a general outline of key responsibilities and qualifications and is not an exhaustive list of tasks that the Assistant Director will perform.

For questions or concerns regarding the status of your application or salary ranges, please contact Loveness Schafer at lschaf2@lsu.edu

Posting Date:

June 16, 2025

Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified):

October 13, 2025

Additional Position Information:

Background Check- An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.

Benefits- LSU offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options; various leave options; paid holidays; wellness benefits; tuition exemption for qualified positions; training and development opportunities; employee discounts; and more!

Positions approved to work outside the State of Louisiana shall be employed through Louisiana State University's partner, nextSource Workforce Solutions, for Employer of Record Services including but not limited to employment, benefits, payroll, and tax compliance. Positions employed through Employer of Record Services will be offered benefits and retirement as applicable through their provider and will not be eligible for State of Louisiana benefits and retirement.

Essential Position (Y/N):

LSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

HCM Contact Information:

For questions or concerns related to updating your application with attachments (e.g., resumes, RS:17 documents), date of birth, or reactivating applications, please contact the LSU Human Resources Management Office at 225-578-8200 or email HR@lsu.edu. For questions or concerns regarding the status of your application or salary ranges, please contact the department using the information provided in the Special Instructions section of this job posting.