Operations Specialist – International Students and Scholars

WashU IT

. Ensure compliance with university, HR, and federal immigration regulations, data integrity, and documentation requirements .

Posted 9/29/2026full-timeClayton • Missouri • United StatesEntry Level💰 $49,700 - $82,100 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in immigration services, compliance with federal regulations, and effective management of visa sponsorship processes. Proficient in data analysis and reporting using relevant tools to support international employment initiatives.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Designated School Official (DSO)Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO)SEVIS ReportingVisa Sponsorship ManagementData Analysis

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Immigration Regulations ComplianceData Integrity ManagementVisa Sponsorship ProcessingReport GenerationDatabase Management

Soft Skills

Interpersonal CommunicationAnalytical ThinkingCustomer Relationship Management (CRM)Problem SolvingRelationship Building

Tools & Technologies

SEVISTerra DottaDocketwiseWorkdayMicrosoft Excel

Certifications & Qualifications

U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Permanent ResidencyDesignated School Official (DSO) CertificationAlternate Responsible Officer (ARO) Certification

Industry Keywords

Immigration ServicesHuman ResourcesVisa SponsorshipEmployment AuthorizationInternational Scholars

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Ensure compliance with university, HR, and federal immigration regulations, data integrity, and documentation requirements
Collect and arrange visa sponsorship application materials for upload into OISS systems
Process and manage visa sponsorship transactions and petitions according to internal and federal timelines
Track employment authorizations and process timely, accurate filings
Generate and analyze reports using SEVIS, Terra Dotta, Docketwise, and Workday
Work with international scholars, employees, and university departments to validate application materials
Oversee workflows, correct errors, conduct audits, and respond to inquiries about international employment status
Monitor scholar immigration status and manage communications about visa expirations and work authorization renewals
Serve as Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO)
Respond to departmental inquiries about visa sponsorship, immigration regulations, and work authorization
Advise departments and divisions on hiring practices and valid employment status for international employees and scholars
Assist incoming international scholars, stipend recipients, and employees with relevant policies and procedures
Collaborate with benefits, payroll, and campus colleagues on international employment and sponsorship matters
Direct individuals to appropriate university and community resources
Stay updated on immigration regulations and best practices through ongoing training
Serve as a member of the Operations Team and provide backup assistance
Participate in process enhancement initiatives and business process testing
Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree
Relevant experience in immigration services or human resources
2 years of relevant experience
Must be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident and provide proof of status
Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO) within six months of start date; OISS will provide training
Ability to comply with university, HR, and federal immigration regulations
Ability to maintain accurate sponsorship data and documentation
Experience or ability to generate and analyze reports using SEVIS, Terra Dotta, Docketwise, and Workday
Ability to validate application materials and conduct audits
Ability to provide guidance on visa sponsorship, immigration regulations, and work authorization
Analytical Thinking, Cultural Diversity, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Data Analysis, Data Assessment, Database Management, Data Entry, Data Interpretations, Interpersonal Communication, Managing Ambiguity, Microsoft Excel, Multitasking, Prioritization, Problem Solving, Recordkeeping, Relationship Building, Self Motivation, Service Oriented

Benefits

Comp & perks

Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time
Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance
Free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees
Defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, combining employee and university contributions starting at 7%
Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more
4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child
Family care resources for continued childcare needs
Adult care resources
Tuition coverage for employees and family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years