International Post-Graduate Employment Specialist

Position Details
University of Colorado | Denver
Official Title\: Academic Services Intermediate Professional
Working Title: International Post-Graduate Employment Specialist 
FTE\: Full-time 
Salary Range:  $50,000 - $55,000
Position #00671998– Requisition #38566
Join the University of Colorado Denver

About the University of Colorado, Denver | Anschutz
CU Denver and the CU Anschutz serve as vital pillars of the University of Colorado system. Located in the heart of the city, CU Denver helps make education work for all by offering unique opportunities at a premier public urban research university with more than 100 in-demand, top-ranked bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs, across seven schools and colleges. Just a few miles away in Aurora, CU Anschutz is a nationally recognized academic medical campus, home to six health professional schools, more than 60 centers and institutes, and two nationally ranked hospitals—UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital and Children’s Hospital Colorado—which together see more than 2.6 million patient visits annually. 

While on separate campuses, the two universities collaborate in key areas to provide comprehensive support for students, faculty, and staff. The results are powerful\: Together, CU Denver and CU Anschutz have earned an R1 classification for conducting cutting-edge and life-changing research that creates impact in our communities. Additionally, for more than a decade, they have received a national Military Friendly® School designation. For more information visit,  ucdenver.edu  and cuanschutz.edu. 
 

Job Description
* Applications are accepted electronically ONLY at www.cu.edu/cu-careers *
The Office of International Affairs (OIA) develops and advances initiatives that support the University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz vision as a leading public university with a global reputation for excellence in learning, research, creativity, community engagement, and clinical care. OIA
partners with the university’s schools/colleges and with other university offices to align international student recruitment efforts and services, support academic programs, foster global educational partnerships, facilitate research collaborations and create global learning opportunities.

International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) provides expert immigration advice to international students, scholars, hiring units, and the faculty and staff who educate and support them. ISSS is responsible for ensuring compliance with complex immigration rules and regulations when foreign nationals come to the University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz to study, teach, conduct research, or engage in other academic pursuits.

The International Post-Graduate Employment Specialist is responsible for ensuring institutional compliance with relevant federal regulations and reporting requirements related to F-1 post-graduate work authorizations, with a primary focus on Optional Practical Training (OPT) and STEM OPT Extensions. The position focuses on intake processing, communications, and casework related to F-1 post-graduate work authorizations.  The Specialist will also contribute to the creation of OPT training and compliance resources for F-1 students applying for post-graduate work authorization and engaged in post-graduate work.  

International Post-Graduate Employment Specialist 

What you will do:
OPT and STEM OPT Initial Request Processing  (45%)

• The Specialist is responsible for reviewing requests related to Post-Completion OPT and STEM OPT extensions to ensure that all required information has been provided and for conducting any necessary follow-up. 
• Ensures that applicants have paid the required administrative charge and answers questions about payment logistics/coordinates resolution of any issues with the payment system.  
• Reviews eligibility requirements and recommends students who meet them for OPT or STEM OPT extensions by creating new I-20s for students to submit to USCIS with their I-765 applications for work authorization.

OPT and STEM OPT Student Employment Reporting Processing (35%)

• Advises students regarding compliance with F-1 regulations that apply while they are on OPT and STEM OPT extensions. 
• Processes initial OPT reporting, changes in employment, and address changes within strict deadlines.  
• Assists students with SEVP Portal issues and guides students on its use and limitations. 
• Informs and periodically reminds students of the OPT and STEM OPT extension employment reporting requirements. 
• Collects employment information from students and reports it to SEVIS for six-month validations, and for the annual and final self-evaluations required of F-1 students on STEM OPT extensions.

Create Resources Related to Post-Graduate Employment (10%)

• Review available resources, including those available on the ISSS website and Study in the States, and suggest updates and improvements.
• Identify gaps and create resources in multiple modalities, e.g., OPT training workshops, one-pagers, reels, videos, etc., to address them.
• Organize a semesterly presentation by an immigration attorney on work authorization options after student status.

Administrative Duties and Professional Development (10%)

• Collect data related to case processing productivity, including number of requests processed/week, turnaround times, and time required per request.
• Participate in weekly team and case meetings.
• Participate in training to develop knowledge of F-1 regulations, specifically those related to OPT, STEM OPT, along with SEVIS and Sunapsis case processing and reporting.
• Receive mentoring from senior ISSS staff on F-1 student advising.

Qualifications you already possess (Minimum Qualifications)

Applicants must meet minimum qualifications at the time of hire.  

• Bachelor’s degree in international education, international affairs, international relations, or a related field.
• One year of professional experience in, or closely related to, international student and scholar services that includes applying the F-1 regulations to student situations, case processing, and providing customer service to diverse constituents.
• US citizen or US Lawful Permanent Resident to comply with the Department of Homeland Security requirement for serving as a Designated School Official for the university’s F-1 program.

Substitution\: A bachelor’s degree is preferred, or equivalent combination of education, certification, and experience. 

Preferred Qualifications to possess (Preferred Qualifications)

• Master’s degree in international education, international affairs, international relations, or a related field.
• Ability to interpret and apply immigration-related laws, regulations, and procedures in a university environment.
• 2 years of experience serving as a Designated School Official.
• Experience processing casework and advising international students on immigration matters.
• Experience with SEVIS (RTI and Batch).
• Experience with Sunapsis enterprise software.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally. 
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees at all levels throughout the institution. 
• Demonstrate a commitment to providing outstanding customer service skills to diverse constituents. 
• Demonstrate an exceptional understanding of access and engagement with a commitment to developing equitable practices.
• Interpersonal relations and cross-cultural communications competencies.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Excellent computer skills.

Conditions of Employment

• This position follows a hybrid work structure. This position is required to work from one of OIA’s campus locations three days per week and may work from home two days per week. Working from the office is encouraged when working on tasks that require a high degree of collaboration..  
• All OIA staff are expected to work from the Downtown Denver Campus on Tuesdays.
• Occasional work during the evening and/or weekends may be required.
• 100% of the funding for this position comes from the OPT/STEM OPT Charge. This position will be continued only if the revenue from the charge is sufficient to cover salary, benefits, and operating expenses.

Mental, Physical, and/or Environmental Requirements  

• The ability to sit for extended periods, stand and walk occasionally, reach with hands and arms, use hands to manipulate a keyboard and mouse, and have good near vision for computer work; often requiring minimal lifting, but may involve bending or reaching to retrieve items from shelves or drawers. 

CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at workplaceengagement@ucdenver.edu.

Employment Sponsorship
Please be advised that this position is not eligible now or in the future for visa sponsorship. 

Compensation and Benefits
The salary range (or hiring range) for this position has been established at $50,000 - $55,000.   
The salary of the finalist(s) selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training.
The above salary range (or hiring range) represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

his position is not eligible for overtime compensation. Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Colorado Denver provides generous leave, health plans and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line. Benefits\: https\://www.cu.edu/employee-services/benefits Total Compensation Calculator\: http\://www.cu.edu/node/153125 

Application Deadline
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Preference will be given to complete applications received by Jan. 4, 2026 11\:59 pm. Those who do not apply by this date may or may not be considered. 

Required Application Materials
To apply, please visit\: http\://www.cu.edu/cu-careers and attach:
•    A cover letter which specifically addresses the job requirements and outlines qualifications
•    A current CV/resume
•    References will be requested of finalists and will be required before an offer is made.  

Questions should be directed to the search chair Grant Powell, at grant.powell@ucdenver.edu.

Background Check Policy
The University of Colorado Denver strives to maintain a safe and productive educational, clinical, research and employment environment. All prospective employees and current employees must, therefore, consent to and pass background checks prior to any final appointment/employment.