Job Details

Aspen Group, Inc is an education technology holding company that leverages its infrastructure and expertise to allow its two universities, Aspen University and United States University, to deliver on the vision of making college accessible and affordable.

United States University,Inc. is looking for an Principal Designated School Official (PDSO). The schedule is full-time and allows for a hybrid work week with a minimum of 2 days on-site in the Sandy Springs, GA area.

The Principal Designated School Official (PDSO) ensures institutional compliance with SEVP regulations while providing comprehensive support to international students. This role manages SEVIS records, issues and updates Form I-20 entries, monitors status changes, and advises students on maintaining status, program changes, employment eligibility, and travel. The PDSO serves as the primary campus liaison with SEVP, DHS, and immigration authorities, leads orientation sessions, and verifies eligibility for practical training programs (OPT/CPT).

Essential Functions:

• Provide support to international students on issues related to their educational journey, including issues related to their coursework, OPT/CPT eligibility.
• Provide positive intervention in areas where students need support throughout their degree program.
• Act as a liaison between students and faculty, when necessary.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Issue and update Form I-20 entries in SEVIS.
• Monitor and report student status changes (enrollment, program changes, leaves, transfers, departures, or terminations).
• Maintain accurate SEVIS records and meet reporting deadlines per SEVP regulations.
• Advise students on maintaining status, course loads, program changes, employment eligibility, OPT, CPT, and travel.
• Guide students through visa applications, renewals, and changes.
• Ensure institutional compliance with SEVP certification and federal regulations.
• Serve as the main campus contact for SEVP, DHS, and immigration authorities.
• Develop and lead orientation sessions for incoming and current international students.
• Advise and verify student eligibility for Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT).
• Additional related duties as assigned

The above functions are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this job. This is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Qualifications and Education Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education
• Strong understanding of CFR 8 214.3 regulations and SEVP policy guidance

Preferred Experience:

• Master's degree or equivalent from an accredited institution of higher education
• 1-3 years of experience as a PDSO or advising role

Skills/Knowledge Needed:

• Previous experience in international student services, student advising, or related fields preferred
• Familiarity with immigration documentation and compliance processes preferred
• Excellent verbal/written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to collaborate with faculty, staff, government agencies, and student-led organizations.
• Ability to analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action
• Effective communication skills to support interaction with students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds regarding financial aid program requirements and procedures
• Ability to exercise sound judgment
• Proficiency in using administration software
• Proficiency in use Microsoft Word and Excel, PowerPoint, Internet, and email
• Ability to perform business math computations and maintain accurate financial records
• Ability to research, analyze and evaluate service delivery methods and techniques
• Ability to understand and follow instructions
• Skilled in the preparation of a variety of correspondence
• Ability to plan and organize work and meet schedules and timelines
• Ability to work cooperatively as a team member
• Ability to work effectively and independently under pressure and meet deadlines

Schedule/Work Environment

This job is hybrid. Employees must have a designated, private, quiet workspace when working remotely. Remote employees are expected to be on camera for meetings and training sessions. Employees are responsible for abiding by all FERPA privacy laws within their home-work environment and while in office. While employees will have some flexibility to work with their manager and determine their schedules, all work must be completed during standard workweek hours; employees are not permitted to work evenings or weekends as a standard schedule.

The essential functions of the job are usually performed in an environmentally controlled facility where the noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. This position may involve working in a combination of office and classroom environments. While performing the job duties, the employee is regularly required to sit; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee may sometimes be required to lift and/or move objects weighing up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision and ability to adjust focus. The work environment and physical demands described are representative of those required of an employee to perform the essential functions of this job with or without reasonable accommodations.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At Aspen Group Inc., we don't just accept difference - we celebrate it, we support it, and we thrive on it for the benefit of our employees and our community. Aspen Group Inc., is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We serve a diverse student group and want to make sure that diversity is also represented in our student support teams. Applicants of all backgrounds and identities are encouraged to apply.

This position requires background check.