Admissions Manager & Principal Designated School Official (PDSO)

About California Miramar UniversityCalifornia Miramar University is a DEAC-accredited, career-focused university serving a diverse community of domestic and international students through undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs. As our university continues to grow, we are building a talented and collaborative team committed to helping students succeed. Team members have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in students’ academic journeys while developing their own skills, expanding their careers, and contributing to a supportive and student-centered community.Position SummaryCalifornia Miramar University (CalMU) is seeking an experienced Admissions Manager to lead admissions operations and serve as the university's Principal Designated School Official (PDSO). The role ensures that prospective and enrolled students are processed promptly, accurately, and in full compliance with institutional, state, and federal requirements, including SEVIS requirements for international students.This is a hands-on leadership role. The Admissions Manager personally processes applications, issues Forms I-20, and prepares enrollment agreements, while owning the systems and standards that keep admissions fast and audit ready. It offers the opportunity to lead admissions at a growing university and to build efficient processes in a small, entrepreneurial environment.Key ResponsibilitiesPDSO and SEVIS ComplianceServe as the university's PDSO and primary owner of SEVIS compliance.Issue, process, and maintain Forms I-20 with 100% accuracy.Complete all SEVIS actions on time, including enrollments, transfers, deferrals, and terminations.Ensure compliance with SEVP, SEVIS, and DHS regulations.Admissions ProcessingReview and evaluate domestic and international applications, including credentials and English proficiency.Issue admission decisions within the required turnaround times.Collect transcripts and process transfer credit evaluations.Communicate directly with recruitment partners on international applications.Enrollment Agreements and RecordsPrepare enrollment agreements and review them for accuracy and compliance.Maintain accurate admission and denial decisions, student records, and enrollments in Populi.Conduct regular audits to meet DEAC, BPPE, and federal standards.Student Communication and OnboardingSpeak directly with applicants and students to explain admissions processes and decisions.Lead orientation for domestic and international students, covering immigration requirements and academic expectations.Partner with the Registrar, Student Success, and Academic teams to ensure a smooth transition to enrollment.Process Improvement and ReportingMaintain and refine admissions SOPs and resolve documentation issues.Improve workflows using HubSpot and other technology tools.Track admissions metrics and recommend improvements to conversion and retention.Partner with Recruitment, Registrar, Student Success, and Finance to ensure accurate data sharing.Protect student privacy and comply with FERPA, university policy, and data-security requirements.Document procedures, identify recurring errors or delays, and recommend process improvements.Work with Admissions, Academic Affairs, Student Success, Financial Aid, International Student Services, Veterans Affairs, and Information Technology as needed.Support institutional, accreditation, and audit reporting requests.Perform other related dutiesMinimum QualificationsU.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, as required by federal regulation to serve as a PDSO.Bachelor's degree.At least 3 years of relevant experience in higher education, including admissions experience.At least 3 years of experience as a Principal Designated School Official (PDSO) at an SEVP-certified institution. DSO-only experience does not satisfy this requirement.Strong working knowledge of F-1 regulations, SEVIS, SEVP policies, and Form I-20 issuance.Proficiency with Microsoft 365, student information systems, and CRM platforms.Clear, timely written and verbal communication, including explaining processes and decisions to students.Exceptional attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities independently within strict turnaround times.Preferred QualificationsExperience preparing and maintaining Form I-17.Completion of NAFSA training or equivalent professional development.Experience improving admissions processes in a fast-paced setting.International experience and strong cultural competency.Schedule: Full time, 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.Pay: $70,300.00 - $77,000.00 per year