Director of Contracts and Immigration

The primary responsibilities of the incumbent includes the contractual process and the immigration process. The contractual process includes preliminary meetings regarding the task to be accomplished, drafting, negotiating with the contractor, and final execution of the contract. It is imperative that all contracts negotiated on behalf of LSU Health Sciences Center in Shreveport be kept current and timely filing of extensions is necessary. There is much interfacing with faculty, staff, attorneys for the contractor, the contractor, etc. before a final contract is fully executed. It is the ultimate responsibility of the Director to be responsible for the execution and submission of all contracts. The immigration process involves much detail in filing forms to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). A separate database must be kept up to date regarding termination dates, extensions of stay in the U.S., dependent travel to the U.S. and abroad, and other information necessary for the programs authorized by the USCIS, Department of State for the J Exchange Visitor Program, or the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) at the LSU Health Sciences Center in Shreveport. The Director is responsible for assuring that all non immigrants' forms are correct and legal before being sent out to USCIS. This position is supervised by the Chief Business Officer. Regular attendance is required to perform the functions of this position. Incumbent will maintain a customer-oriented awareness in acknowledging and responding to needs as they occur that customer satisfaction is met at all times. Essential Position Functions & Duties 50% Contracts Responsibility for the creation, drafting, negotiation, and execution of all professional service, personal service, and consulting service contracts for the LSU Health Sciences Center in Shreveport which includes the School of Medicine, the Graduate School, and the School of Allied Health Professions and which involves negotiation with the different agencies, attorneys, and institutions and interface with the faculty and staff of the different schools. Interface with architects and/or engineers regarding designer service agreements and preparation of same. Direct interface with the Office of State Procurement in Baton Rouge regarding contracts over $49,999. Responsibility for all Cooperative Endeavors and familiarity with the laws of the State of Louisiana which govern these agreements. Approve and process all contract requisitions for payment. Maintain records and logs of contracts as required by State statutes and regulations. Maintain evaluation forms on all contracts. Distribute copies of fully executed agreements and amendments as required. 45% Immigration Resource person to faculty, staff, and aliens (and their families) on all matters pertaining to immigration. Prepare, process, and approve all immigration documents as required for Students (F-1 status), Exchange Visitors (J-1 status), Temporary Workers (H-1B status), Aliens of Extraordinary Ability (O-1 status), Canadians/Mexicans (TN status), Employment Authorization Status (J-2, awaiting Permanent Resident Alien status and the approval of the green card, practical training after graduate degree) and other immigration categories. Interface with attorneys regarding permanent resident alien status and the filing and execution of all forms regarding this process. Assist non-immigrants at the Health Sciences Center in bringing their family members to the United States. Review, prepare, process and approve all requests for extension of stay, transfers to other institutions, and change of status to another category. Provide liaison with the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) for physicians in training. Provide counseling services to non-immigrants and their families in order to assist their adjustment to the United States. Refer them to agencies for help; i.e., English as a second language program, churches and their programs, etc. Responsibility for execution of all I-9 (Employment Eligibility Verification) forms for Non-Immigrant Aliens. Total responsibility for the physician waiver program. Interface with their attorney regarding the process, disseminate the paperwork to the various departments who want to hire the physician. Knowledge of the SEVIS system for J-1 and F-1 visa holders. Responsible for reporting to SEVIS at various times which are required by law. 3% Office Management Review all ledgers that pertain to the Office of Contracts and Immigration . Serve as presenter regarding contracts and/or immigration to various committees or groups at the Health Sciences Center. Non-Essential Position Functions & Duties 2% Miscellaneous. Perform additional duties and responsibilities as requested by the Chief Business Officer.