LSU is seeking a dynamic, athletics-driven International Student Advisor. This position has a dual reporting line to International Student Services (ISS) and the Athletic Department. This position serves as the primary liaison between the Office of Global Engagement and the Athletic Department to support immigration compliance, transition, and success of international student-athletes.
As a key contributor to LSU's strategic mission, this position will ensure the success and holistic well-being of our international student athletes. This position will balance the rigorous demands of federal immigration compliance with the fast-paced world of elite athletics, ensuring our Tigers remain eligible, compliant, and supported. Whether it's advising a recruit or helping them navigate Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities, this role is the advisor who ensures their journey at LSU is seamless.
This position reports directly to the Director of International Student Services, with a dotted-line relationship with the Athletics Department Leadership, ensuring a unified approach to student-athlete success.
Job Responsibilities
Immigration & Regulatory Compliance (60%)
Serve as the Designated School Official (DSO) and an Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) for the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of State's reporting requirements impacting international students.
Advise international students on personal, academic, career, and social matters. The core cohort assigned to this role is international student-athletes. Other cohorts may also be assigned to maintain best practices in advising ratios and in accordance with the department's advising model.
In collaboration with the Athletic Department and other units, assist with providing services and support for international student-athletes
Serve as the primary point-of-contact for document processing, workloads directly impacting international student-athletes and international students. This includes pre-arrival immigration forms, SSN, and driver's license requests, among other processes and procedures.
Build relationships with the Athletic Department and colleges to provide relevant and up-to-date information on supporting international students.
Remain current on relevant immigration regulations and policies impacting the international student population at LSU.
Assist with meeting the ongoing reporting and compliance requirements of immigration regulations using the Sunapsis and SEVIS databases.
Support programming efforts designed by the Athletic Department and the Office of Global Engagement.
Participate in professional development opportunities to enhance knowledge and skills related to international student advising.
Athletic Integration & Strategic Liaison (15%)
Act as the dedicated point-of-contact and primary International Student Services liaison for coaches, compliance officers, and academic counselors within the Athletic Department.
Educate Athletics staff on the intersection of immigration law and recruiting, scholarships, and amateurism.
Partner with Recruiting Coordinators to provide early-stage visa pathway advising for prospective international Tigers and their families.
Collaborate on high-energy orientation programs specifically tailored to the unique schedules and needs of student-athletes.
Student Advocacy & Well-Being (10%)
Provide responsive advising that supports the mental well-being, retention, and adjustment of athletes far from home.
Manage complex cases with empathy and precision, including medical withdrawals or reduced course loads that impact both visa status and roster eligibility.
Coordinate with the Global Community Center staff and ISS team to conduct specialized workshops on tax responsibilities, post-graduation career options, and maintaining status.
Data Reporting & Outreach (10%)
Maintain meticulous, confidential records in compliance with FERPA and federal mandates.
Track and report on international student-athlete graduation and retention outcomes for institutional leadership.
Develop clear, compelling communication materials for international recruits to demystify the U.S. collegiate experience.
Other duties as assigned (5%)
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
This is a full-time position that requires the flexibility to work occasional evenings or weekends to align with the athletic calendar and institutional deadlines. As mandated by federal regulations, U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Permanent Residence is required to be a Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) for approval to access Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and thereby perform the duties of this position.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree with 1-2 years of experience working with international students in a university setting.
Specific Experience:
General understanding of U.S. immigration laws and classifications.
Excellent computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office.
Technical ability to interface with student information systems, such as Workday Student or Sunapsis
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.
Preferred Qualifications
Master's degree with 2-4 years of previous Designated School Official (DSO) and/or Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) experience advising F-1 and J-1 international students.
Specific Experience:
Strong knowledge of immigration regulations pertaining to relevant status categories (e.g., F-1, J-1) and familiarity with other immigration classifications.
Experience with Sunapsis database system.
Living or studying abroad.
Knowledge of both athletic and academic terms.
Job Competencies
Exceptional cross-communication skills and the ability to translate complex regulations into actionable advice for ]audiences (Proficient)
Ability to work independently as well as in a team (Proficient)
Deep empathy for the international student experience (Proficient)
Detail-oriented (Proficient)
Time management skills (Proficient)
Ability to work successfully with a variety of individuals (Proficient)
Ability to have a student-centered approach to advising and interacting with students. (Proficient)
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.
All candidates must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of hire and maintain that valid work authorization throughout employment. Changes in laws, regulations, or government policies may impact the university’s ability to employ individuals in certain positions.
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.