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Designated School Official Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Niagara University

As a Designated School Official (DSO), the coordinator ensures compliance with federal regulations and supports international students from application through arrival and orientation. In addition ...

Bluegrass Community and Technical College

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International Student Services Director (Student Support Specialist IV

Lexington, KY · On-site

$4.0K - $5.0K/mo

Serving as the Principal Designated School Official (PDSO) for Bluegrass Community and Technical College, the Director holds responsibility for maintaining the college's authorization to enroll ...

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How much do designated school official jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for designated school official in the United States is $21.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.43 and $22.84 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Designated School Officials (DSOs)?

Designated School Officials (DSOs) are school employees authorized by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to support international students in the F and M visa categories. DSOs act as liaisons between the school, international students, and federal immigration authorities. They are responsible for issuing and maintaining student records in SEVIS, advising students on maintaining their visa status, and ensuring institutional compliance with immigration regulations. DSOs also help students understand and follow rules regarding enrollment, employment, and travel while in the United States.

What is the difference between Designated School Official vs International Student Advisor?

AspectDesignated School OfficialInternational Student Advisor
CredentialsSEVIS certification, immigration law knowledgeSEVIS certification, student support experience
Work EnvironmentDesignated school, immigration complianceEducational institutions, student services
Employer & IndustrySchools, colleges, universitiesEducational institutions, student affairs

Both roles often require SEVIS certification and involve working within educational settings. The Designated School Official primarily manages immigration compliance and SEVIS reporting, while the International Student Advisor focuses on supporting international students' academic and personal needs. Although overlapping, the DSO has a more compliance-focused role, whereas the advisor emphasizes student support services.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Designated School Official, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Designated School Official (DSO), you need in-depth knowledge of federal immigration regulations, student advising experience, and typically a bachelor’s degree. Familiarity with the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and completion of required SEVP training are essential. Strong attention to detail, cultural sensitivity, and excellent communication skills help DSOs effectively guide international students and ensure institutional compliance. These competencies are crucial for maintaining legal status for students and safeguarding the school’s authorization to enroll international students.

What are some common challenges Designated School Officials face when managing international student compliance?

Designated School Officials (DSOs) often encounter challenges such as staying updated with frequent changes in immigration regulations, accurately maintaining student records in the SEVIS system, and effectively communicating complex visa requirements to students. Balancing these compliance duties with providing support to international students can be demanding, especially during peak periods like enrollment or travel seasons. Successful DSOs stay organized, proactively seek training, and build strong relationships with campus departments and students to ensure both compliance and student success.
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Designated School Official jobs near you
Infographic showing various Designated School Official job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,000 per year, or $21.6 per hour.
Designated School Official

Designated School Official

University of the Cumberlands

Williamsburg, KY • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

Get Set for Cumberlands!
Join our team of student-focused individuals working together in order to encourage intellectual and spiritual growth, leadership and service.
CURRENT STUDENT or EMPLOYEE? Please log into Workday and use the Career Tile to find and apply to jobs from our internal career sites.
The Designated School Official will perform a broad range of duties to meet the needs of the international student population, including updating and creating student records within SEVIS, and processing other SEVIS-related applications.
This person will have excellent intercultural, problem-solving, organizational, and computer skills to keep up with the demands of the office. The position requires excellent communication skills, the ability to be a dynamic team player, and experience in educational processes.
Requirements:
  • Should be a U.S. citizen or a Legal Permanent Resident.
  • Bachelor's degree preferred.
  • Must possess good people skills, ability to communicate honestly and with tact for students who may not qualify for admissions.
  • Outstanding telephone skills; polite, friendly manner working with students.
  • Professional appearance and demeanor.
  • Proficient in computer literacy and knowledgeable of Microsoft Office.
  • Must show initiative, adaptability, resourcefulness, dependability, and ability to take action.
  • Customer service experience.
  • Excellent analytical, communication, and writing skills.
  • Ability to work a flexible schedule.
  • Will require occasional weekend work and travel.
  • Will require on-campus travel for hosting events.
  • Office hours and work times are based on student needs, including availability for students worldwide.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Working with admissions staff, advisors, customer service representatives, and other Designated School Officials to keep student records up-to-date and accurately entered into SEVIS.
  • Submit correction requests and data fixes for students and dependents to the SEVIS Help Desk and follow up when necessary.
  • View and print reports within SEVIS.
  • Update/edit records for students and dependents (Form I-20), including financial, program, and personal information; transferring and registering student records within SEVIS; adding and editing employment authorization, including requesting OPT and STEM.
  • Review, approve, and process I-20, CPT, STEM and OPT applications.
  • Draft, save, submit, and print records for students and dependents (Form I-20).
  • Communicate effectively with students in a timely manner.
  • Provides thorough knowledge of the University, academic departments, programs, curricula, methods of program delivery, and expectations.
  • Collaboration with academic departments and administration on a regular basis and ability to build/maintain positive relationships.
  • Provide prompt and efficient customer service through the Department of International Graduate Services and for the University.
  • Learn and execute new information and data processes that are required to meet the needs of the Department of International Graduate Services.
  • Represent the University at events.
  • Assist with on-campus events for international students.
  • Performs other duties as assigned

Cumberlands is different by design. Our employees exemplify our motto in the pursuit of a
"life-more-abundant."

Apply