Director, International Programs

LAKE WASHINGTON INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

Kirkland, WA

JOB DETAILS
SKILLS
Academic Advice, Affirmative Action, Alliance/Partner Management, Background Investigation, Best Practices, Budget Management, Budgeting, Communication Skills, Compensation and Benefits, Competitive Research, Content Development, Continuous Improvement, Cross-Functional, Customer Support/Service, Data Analysis, Disability Insurance, Diversity, Educational Administration, English Language, Expense Tracking, Federal Compliance Regulations, Forecasting, Higher Education, Human Resources, Incident Response, Leadership, Maintain Compliance, Market Analysis, Market Trend Analysis, Marketing Communications, Marketing Strategy, Mathematics, Microsoft Product Family, Multimedia, Negotiation Skills, Onboarding, Online Marketing, Organizational Skills, People Management, Performance Metrics, Performance Reviews, Physical Demands, Policy Development, Primary School, Procedure Development, Product Positioning, Program Evaluation, Program Planning, Project/Program Management, Public Administration, Record Keeping, Recruiting Strategy, Reference Verification, Regulations, Regulatory Compliance, Reporting Skills, Risk Management, SEVIS, Service Delivery, Staff Training, Student Services, Target Marketing, Team Player, Training/Teaching, Trend Analysis, University/School Policies, Website Conversion, Willing to Travel
LOCATION
Kirkland, WA
POSTED
6 days ago

Director, International Programs

Salary

$8,541.00 Monthly

Location

Kirkland, WA

Job Type

Full-Time Permanent

Job Number

26A98

Department

Student Services

Divison

International Programs

Opening Date

07/02/2026

Closing Date

7/19/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

  • Description
  • Benefits
  • Questions

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES

Located just outside of Seattle, WA,Lake Washington Institute of Technology (LWTech) was founded in 1949, and is the only public institute of technology in the state of Washington. LWTech offers 12 bachelors degrees, 42 associate degrees, and 70 professional certificates in 41 areas of study, including STEM-focused programs in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.LWTech serves the Eastside and is located within the city of Kirkland, which is situated on the eastern shore of Lake Washington. Kirkland is home to companies such as GoDaddy, Google, Astronics and EvergreenHealth, and the college is within minutes from Microsoft and Nintendo.

Learn more about LWTechs Mission, Vision, Values, and Core Themes

LWTech is committed to increasing its cultural diversity with an emphasis on equity and inclusion among its staff and faculty. We serve a student population of 6,500 that come from a variety of backgrounds. We strongly value diversity and are working to improve access and successful educational outcomes for all students. We are actively seeking applicants that will help to balance our employee workforce to align with our students and community. Questions regarding the Colleges commitment to diversity and our campus culture may be directed to Human Resources. For more information on our Equity, Diversity, Inclusion Council, please click on the link.

Summary of Responsibilities

The Director of International Programs provides strategic leadership, vision, and direction for the college's international education initiatives. Reporting to the Vice President of Student Services, this position leads the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of programs and services that support international student recruitment, enrollment, compliance, retention, and success.

The Director leads international student services, immigration compliance infrastructure, and partnership development. This role serves as the institution's Primary Designated School Official (PDSO) and holds ultimate responsibility for compliance with federal regulations governing international students.

The Director plays a central role in aligning international programs with institutional enrollment and student success goals, while fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for international students.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Leadership and Strategy

  • Provide vision, leadership, and planning for international programs aligned with institutional mission and strategic priorities
  • Develop and implement a comprehensive international education strategy that integrates recruitment, enrollment, compliance, and student success
  • Establish policies, procedures, and service models that support high-quality, compliant international student services
  • Advance inclusive and culturally responsive practices that support student success and belonging
  • Serve as the institutional expert on international education trends, immigration regulations, and best practices
  • Partner with campus leadership to align international initiatives with fiscal, academic, and student services priorities

Recruitment, Enrollment, and Partnerships

  • Develop and guide international recruitment strategies that support enrollment goals; travel as needed in support of enrollment goals
  • Establish and maintain institutional partnerships with international schools, agencies, and organizations
  • Negotiate and manage partnership agreements and assess partnership effectiveness
  • Represent the college at domestic and international recruitment events, including high school visits, college fairs, and partner engagements; travel includes evenings and weekends.
  • Identify and cultivate new international markets through data analysis, trend monitoring, and competitive positioning.
  • Collaborate with admissions and enrollment services to ensure a smooth and efficient international admissions and enrollment process
  • Monitor enrollment trends, conversion rates, and market conditions to inform strategic decisions
  • In partnership with the Marketing and Communications department, lead the development and execution of digital marketing strategies targeting prospective international students across multiple regions.
  • In partnership with the Marketing and Communications department, create multimedia content including videos, student stories, testimonials, and interactive content to support recruitment goals.

Student Success, Retention, and Campus Integration

  • Provide leadership for international student services across the student lifecycle
  • Ensure the development of programs, such as new international student orientation, that support onboarding, engagement, retention, and completion
  • Promote integration between international and domestic students through collaboration with the office of student life to provide co-curricular and campus programming
  • Serve as an advocate for international students and guide institutional response to student needs and concerns
  • Collaborate with advising and other support services to ensure a smooth and efficient advising for international students

Immigration Compliance and Risk Management

  • Serve as Primary Designated School Official (PDSO) with responsibility for institutional SEVIS compliance
  • Establish and monitor processes for SEVIS reporting, record maintenance, and regulatory adherence
  • Manage the institutions Form I-17 certification, recertification, and updates, ensuring the college maintains compliance with federal requirements for enrolling F-1 students.
  • Oversee the annual SEVIS certification process for Designated School Officials (DSOs) and ensure continued institutional compliance with federal requirements.
  • Provide guidance and decision-making on complex immigration cases and compliance issues
  • Ensure institutional readiness for audits, regulatory changes, and compliance reviews
  • Lead response to critical incidents, immigration concerns, and student crises in coordination with campus partners

Program Administration, Budget, and Data

  • Maintain active engagement with regional and national international education organizations to stay current on SEVIS regulations, immigration policy, and best practices; provide institutional guidance that supports compliance and student success.
  • Manage the International Programs budget, including planning, forecasting, and expenditure tracking
  • Use data to assess program effectiveness, inform strategy, and support institutional reporting
  • Establish performance metrics related to enrollment, retention, and compliance
  • Ensure accurate tracking of student data and program outcomes

Supervision and Training

  • Supervise professional staff and student employees; lead hiring, training, and employee evaluation
  • Provide training and guidance to campus stakeholders on international student regulations and processes
  • Collaborate with the business office, admissions, enrollment services, advising, and student life to ensure coordinated service delivery

Other Duties

  • Represent the college in regional and national international education organizations
  • Participate in institutional committees related to enrollment and student success
  • Perform other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor's degree in International Education, Higher Education Administration, Counseling, or related field
  • Progressive leadership experience in international education, student services, or a related area
  • Demonstrated knowledge of U.S. immigration regulations and SEVIS administration such as experience as a Designated School Official (DSO)
  • Experience developing partnerships and managing complex programs
  • Ability to:
  • Lead cross-functional initiatives in a collaborative environment
  • Use data to inform strategy and decision-making
  • Navigate complex compliance and regulatory environments
  • Communicate effectively across cultures
  • Support equity, diversity, inclusion, and student-centered practices

Preferred Qualifications

  • Master's degree in a related field
  • Three or more years of experience as a Designated School Official (DSO)
  • Supervisory experience
  • Experience with intensive English programs
  • Experience living, studying, or working abroad
  • Proficiency in an additional language

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Compensation & Work Schedule

Salary placement is $8,541 per month. This is a 40-hours per week, exempt position.

Benefits

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability and other insurance benefits are provided as currently administered under Public Employees Benefits Board, State Retirement Plan and a Deferred Compensation Plan; sick leave accrues at 1 day effective upon employment and vacation accrues at 25 days per year. We also offer 13 paid holidays and 4 paid personal days effective upon employment. Full time, exempt employees have access to bereavement leave, employee assistance program, free tuition, reduced childcare costs at our Early Learning Center, reduced Bus Fare, professional development opportunities and more! For further details on the benefits offered at LWTech, please visit: lwtech.edu/about/human-resources/benefits/

Required Online Application Materials

  • Online application
  • Current resume
  • Cover letter
  • Responses to the supplemental questions included in the online application process

To be considered for a position you MUST submit a complete online application form, resume, cover letter, responses to the supplemental questions included in the online application process.

Conditions of Employment

  • Official transcripts/certifications will be required upon employment
  • Other conditions that may apply will be detailed upon the offer of employment
  • Job offers are contingent upon successful completion of background/reference checks

Physical Requirements

Ability to perform range of physical motions; lifting and carrying; standing, walking, sitting for long periods of time, kneeling, squatting, and stooping; and traversing up and down stairs.

Disability Accommodation

LWTech follows the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and provides the following information as a guideline for applicants:

  • Ability to operate office equipment
  • Ability to read and verify data and prepare various materials
  • Ability to exchange information on the phone or in person

Eligibility to Work

In compliance with the Immigration and Nationality Act, proof of authorization to work in the United States will be required at the time of hire. LWTech does not currently sponsor HB-1 visas. Other conditions that may apply will be detailed upon the offer of employment.

Applicants considered for positions at the College may be required to submit to a background check as a condition of employment. Adverse information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability for the position.

Equal Employment Opportunity(EEO) Statement

Lake Washington Institute of Technology is an equal opportunity employer. Women and minority groups are strongly encouraged to apply. Lake Washington Institute of Technology does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, creed, disabled veteran status, marital status or Vietnam-era veteran status in is programs and activities. Questions regarding the Colleges Affirmative Action Policy may be directed to the Meena Park, Vice President of Human Resources, Affirmative Action Office/Title IX Coordinator, (425) 739-8212.

Jeanne Clery Statement:

Notice of Availability of Annual Security and Fire Safety Report: In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act of 1998, and as a part of the College's commitment to safety and security on campus, Lake Washington Institute of Technology(LWTech) reports the mandated information about current campus policies concerning safety and security issues, the required statistics, and other related information for the past three (3) calendar years. LWTech's Annual Safety Report (ASR) is available online atwww.lwtech.edu/about/campus-safety/.

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability and other insurance benefits are provided as currently administered under Public Employees Benefits Board. Eligible employees receive access to a State Retirement Plan and a Deferred Compensation Plan; sick leave accrues at 1 day effective upon employment and vacation accrues at 25 days per year. We also offer 13 paid holidays and 4 paid personal days effective upon employment. Full time, exempt employees have access to bereavement leave, employee assistance program, free tuition, reduced child care costs at our Early Learning Center, reduced Bus Fare, professional development opportunities and more! For further details on the benefits offered at LWTech, please visit: lwtech.edu/employees/human-resources/benefits/index.aspx

01

LWTech is committed to anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion and welcomes students, staff and faculty from all backgrounds and levels of educational attainment. In 500 words or less, please describe what previous actions you have taken to promote anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and how would you see yourself continuing that work at LWTech?

02

Are you able to perform the essential functions of this position, with or without accommodation?

  • Yes
  • No

03

Acknowledgement of required application materials. An LWTech application packet must contain a resume and cover letter. Please ensure your application is complete and that you attach your resume and letter before moving forward with this submission.

  • I acknowledge that if my application packet - including a complete application, resume, and cover letter - is incomplete, LWTech will not consider me for this position.

Required Question

Employer Lake Washington Institute of Technology

Address 11605 132nd Ave NE

Kirkland, Washington, 98034

Phone 425-739-8212

Website http://www.lwtech.edu

About the Company

L

LAKE WASHINGTON INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY