Emily De Melo
Lee's Summit,
Summary
Detail-oriented and solutions-driven professional with 13+ years of experience in regulatory compliance, policy interpretation, and team leadership within a high-volume higher education environment. Recognized for strong problem-solving skills under pressure and the ability to guide staff and stakeholders with clarity, empathy, and sound judgment. Proven ability to lead and mentor teams, fostering a collaborative and service-focused environment while supporting consistent application of policy. Skilled in cross-functional collaboration, process improvement, and delivering clear, effective communication to support organizational goals.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Director, International Student Services
University of Central Missouri
Lee’s Summit, Missouri
01.2016 - Current
- Ensure organizational compliance with complex federal regulations by auditing records, interpreting policy changes, and implementing procedures that reduce risk and improve accuracy for 5,000–7,000 students annually.
- Serve as hiring manager and direct supervisor for a team of 6 staff, overseeing recruitment, performance evaluations, workload distribution, and professional development while fostering a collaborative, service-focused culture.
- Provide operational leadership for a 14-person team during the Director’s frequent recruitment travel, managing daily operations and coordinating cross-functional policy updates across admissions and advising functions.
- Advise staff and leadership on sensitive eligibility, documentation, and status matters, resolving complex cases with accuracy, confidentiality, and strong regulatory interpretation.
- Develop and distribute student-facing email communications and website content that clearly explain regulatory requirements, deadlines, and procedures to improve understanding and compliance.
- Build cross-campus relationships to educate stakeholders on policy requirements and ensure consistent application of compliance standards.
- Partner with HR, IT, and leadership to manage data systems, analyze trends, and generate reports that support compliance monitoring and informed decision-making.
International Student Advisor
University of Central Missouri
Lee’s Summit, Missouri
06.2016 - 10.2016
- Advised 700+ individuals annually on complex regulations, eligibility, and documentation, ensuring compliance and timely updates.
- Reviewed federal applications and records for accuracy, completeness, and adherence to strict deadlines.
- Developed and delivered workshops and training that simplified complex policies and improved understanding of compliance requirements.
International Student Advisor
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Rolla, Missouri
01.2014 - 01.2016
- Advised 500+ individuals on regulatory requirements related to employment authorization, enrollment, and status maintenance.
- Reviewed and processed applications in a federal reporting system, ensuring data accuracy, completeness, and compliance with applicable requirements.
- Partnered with team members to streamline procedures, improve workflows, and strengthen consistency in regulatory processes.
Senior Staff Specialist, International Center
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Rolla, Missouri
01.2013 - 01.2014
- Coordinated onboarding, programming, and support services to help sponsored international students successfully transition and integrate.
- Managed billing, invoicing, and documentation for sponsored students, ensuring accuracy and compliance with sponsor agreements.
- Partnered with external sponsoring agencies to maintain strong relationships and ensure fulfillment of contractual and program expectations.
Graduate Assistant, Institutional Research
Missouri State University
Springfield, Missouri
01.2011 - 01.2013
- Assisted with institutional reporting for federal and state compliance by entering and verifying data, maintaining rigorous attention to detail to ensure accurate reporting outputs.
- Reviewed and audited institutional reports for accuracy and consistency, ensuring high-quality data submissions and compliance with reporting standards.
Education
Master of Science - Student Affairs in Higher Education
Missouri State University
Springfield, MissouriBachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of Missouri
Columbia, MissouriTEFL Certificate - undefined
International TEFL Academy
Skills
- Regulatory Compliance
- Policy Interpretation & Implementation
- Data Reporting & Analysis (Excel)
- Database Management Systems (SEVIS/ISSM-style systems)
- Documentation Management & Audit Accuracy
- Process Improvement & Workflow Optimization
- Leadership & Team Supervision
- Training & Staff Development
- Professional Writing & Communication
- Case Management Systems (CRM-style platforms)
- Problem Solving & Issue Resolution
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
Affiliations
NAFSA: Association of International Educators
Languages
English - Native
Portuguese - Intermediate
Timeline
International Student Advisor
University of Central Missouri
06.2016 - 10.2016
Assistant Director, International Student Services
University of Central Missouri
01.2016 - Current
International Student Advisor
Missouri University of Science and Technology
01.2014 - 01.2016
Senior Staff Specialist, International Center
Missouri University of Science and Technology
01.2013 - 01.2014
Graduate Assistant, Institutional Research
Missouri State University
01.2011 - 01.2013
TEFL Certificate - undefined
International TEFL Academy
Master of Science - Student Affairs in Higher Education
Missouri State University
Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
University of Missouri