Job Information
Suffolk University Evaluator/Designated School Official (DSO) in Boston, Massachusetts
Evaluator/Designated School Official (DSO)
Staff Exempt Boston, Massachusetts
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Description
Company B ackground
INTO Suffolk University is a partnership made up of INTO University Partnerships North America and Suffolk University. INTO Suffolk focuses on the recruitment and enrollment of international students, through a variety of programs at the Undergraduate and Graduate program, both pathways and direct entry.
Reporting line
This position will report directly to the University Director of International Recruitment and Enrollment Director of International Admissions with a dotted line to INTO Suffolk University’s Enrollment Manager.
Job overview
The Evaluator/Designated School Official (DSO) will evaluate credentials and determine if international students are admissible to the University in a variety of programs: undergraduate and graduate degree programs, first-year "pathway" programs; English language programs and special short-term programs. Decisions involve interpretation of complex standards and foreign credentials from all over the world. Impact of decisions are critical to the student’s personal success and the reputation of Suffolk University and the INTO Suffolk University program.
The Designated School Official (DSO), will issue initial I-20s for admitted international students.
Key accountabilities and duties
Evaluate foreign credentials, convert foreign grading scales, and assist in admissions decision processing for international applicants to university graduate and undergraduate programs, as well as INTO Suffolk University and Academic English programs
Serve as Designated School Official for F-1 student visa purposes and stay informed on general immigration matters
Evaluate financial and application documentation, issue immigration documents for new and continuing international students, and update student records in various databases
Conduct research to determine if post-secondary institution(s) are accredited and/or recognized using reference books and internet resources to determine whether University requirements are met.
Liaise with the University Office of Admissions and the INTO Application Processing Center on application decisions, processes and procedures
Work with enrolment managers and credential evaluators at other IUP partnerships to advance best practices
Remain up to date on evaluation standards, educational practices and the latest information on academic policy regarding international admissions standards at the undergraduate and graduate level
Contribute to student services activities such as orientation, educational events, and other Center-wide programs as assigned
Other duties as assigned
Qualifications and Experience
Minimum
Bachelor’s degree
At least one year of experience evaluating foreign academic credentials at a post-secondary institution
Knowledge of various countries’ educational systems, international credentials evaluation procedures; and the ability to oversee initial transcript evaluation
Proficient with Microsoft Office and have experience with student data systems, e.g. Technolutions SLATE, Salesforce, Workday, Banner, PeopleSoft, and/or Colleague
Strong oral/written communication and interpersonal skills
Preferred:
Knowledge of and/or experience with international student programs such as ESL and academic preparatory programs
Experience using Salesforce, or similar CRM software
Experience living and working overseas
Knowledge of another language
Skills and abilities
Ability to prioritize, meet deadlines, work under pressure, and, when necessary, with minimal resources
Detail-oriented, organized, and able to juggle a fast-paced working environment
Ability to build effective relationships with key stakeholders
Ability to deploy and manage resources effectively with efficient priority and time management
Ability to maintain sound judgment and decision-making even when under pressure
Competent IT and analytical skills
Position Information:
All candidates must be a U.S. Citizen or have Permanent Resident status at time of application in order to serve as a Designated School Official for F-1 visa purposes.
Suffolk University does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religious creed, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, age, genetic information, or status as a veteran in admission to, access to, treatment in, or employment in its programs, activities, or employment. As an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer, the University is dedicated to the goal of building a diverse and inclusive faculty and staff that reflect the broad range of human experience who contribute to the robust exchange of ideas on campus, and who are committed to teaching and working in a diverse environment. We strongly encourage applications from groups historically marginalized or underrepresented because of race/color, gender, religious creed, disability, national origin, veteran status or LGBTQ status. Suffolk University is especially interested in candidates who, through their training, service and experience, will contribute to the diversity and excellence of the University community.