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Job Description Summary
The Senior Immigration Specialist, Scholar position performs duties in two primary functional areas of institutional immigration compliance and educational outreach. The Center for Immigration Services & Support (ISS) Senior Immigration Specialist’s main immigration roles include managing the J-1 Exchange Visitor immigration compliance, processing, systems and data management and sharing at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center (WFBMC) in support and collaboration with the Director and Associate Director of ISS. The second ISS Center functional area supported by the Senior Immigration Specialist includes responsibility for initiating professional and cultural programs that aid in the academic and professional growth of Wake Forest’s international J-1 community at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center (WFBMC).
*Priority consideration will be given to applications received by September 18, 2026.
Job Description
This position is not eligible for sponsorship of non-immigrant or immigrant visa status through Wake Forest University. All eligible applicants are encouraged to apply.
Essential Functions:
- Serves as Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) and manages operations for the J-1 visa program for Exchange Visitors at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center (WFBMC); advises J-1 visa holders on all matters related to immigration issues.
- Develops the visiting scholar program and advises departments on potential uses of the J-1 category.
- Maintain a presence with various professional networks and keep up to date on relevant state and federal agency regulations and best practices in the field.
- Advises international scholars in J-1 status at WFBMC, in areas of immigration, cultural, personal and financial concerns.
- Manages J-1 records regarding international students, exchange visitors and dependent populations for accurate reporting to Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
- Assist Associate Director with managing and maintaining J-1 Exchange Visitor Program manages Terra Dotta J Scholar document storage and profile creation.
- Engages with the University community and offices to promote the role of ISS Center and the needs of international students and scholars.
- Prepares reports including statistical data on international scholars for audits, on-site reviews, and analyzes data to enable strategic planning for immigration services based on population changes.
- Creates, implements, manages, and assesses educational programs such as check-in, orientation, employment-based seminars, professional development courses and workshops, and other professional-based activities for international scholars.
- Responsible for event programming and acculturation activities for international scholars.
- Builds and maintains positive working relationships with various WFBMC partners.
- Provides general office support and fields inquiries from students, faculty, and community. Responsible for own correspondence, filing, copying, document preparation, and reports, as needed.
- Assists with special projects for the office as assigned by the Director.
Required Education, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
- Bachelor’s degree plus three years related experience in immigration advising, serving as an ARO.
- U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident (required to be authorized on government systems).
- Knowledge of statutory and regulatory issues related to J, and H visas.
- Knowledge of Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS)
- Ability to keep current on all immigration laws, regulations, and policy matters.
- Ability to set priorities and work independently.
- Experience working with foreign national students, scholars, or employees in a university or non-profit setting.
- Experience needed in program development and management.
- Public speaking skills and experience presenting informational workshops to various campus audiences.
- Ability to represent and advocate for international populations on campus.
- Exceptional organizational and customer service skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to foster teamwork and collegiality in a small office environment and with internal and external constituents.
- Proficiency with standard computer software (i.e. Microsoft Office suite, WordPress, and Google Apps).
- Ability to quickly develop competency in ISS software programs and workflow management procedures.
Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
- Knowledge of additional employment based nonimmigrant visas (i.e. H-1B, PR, TN, O, and E).
- Experience working in healthcare environment with immigration and human resource needs
- Experience with Terra Dotta and Banner software systems or other web-based international student and scholar data management systems.
- Proficiency in a foreign language.
- Experience studying, living, or working abroad.
Accountabilities:
- Responsible for own work.
- May supervise student workers.
- Train new ISS Center employees.
Physical Requirements:
- Sedentary work primarily involves sitting/standing; communicating with others to exchange information; repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands, and/or fingers; and assessing the accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of the work assigned.
Environmental Conditions:
- No environmental conditions
Additional Job Description
Time Type Requirement
Full time
Note to Applicant:
This position profile identifies the key responsibilities and expectations for performance. It cannot encompass all specific job tasks that an employee may be required to perform. Employees are required to follow any other job-related instructions and perform job-related duties as may be reasonably assigned by his/her supervisor.
In order to provide a safe and productive learning and living community, Wake Forest University conducts background investigations and drug screens for all final staff candidates being considered for employment.
Equal Opportunity Statement
The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all qualified candidates to apply without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, disability and military or veteran status.
Accommodations for Applicants
If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact
AskHR@wfu.edu
or (336) 758-4700.