Susan Leigh Connors
Boston,Massachusetts
Summary
Encouraging manager and analytical problem-solver with talents for team building, leading and motivating, as well as excellent customer relations aptitude and relationship-building skills. Proficient in using independent decision-making skills and sound judgment to make a positive impact. Dedicated to applying training, monitoring and morale-building abilities to enhance engagement.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Temporary Full-time Elementary School Teacher
Weston Public Schools
02.2024 - Current
- Created lesson plans to correlate with state curriculum standards and devised educational programs to meet educational objectives.
- Established open communication and positive relationships with students, parents, peers, and administrative staff.
- Established a positive classroom environment through effective classroom management strategies, fostering respect and cooperation among students.
- Provided warm, supportive environment for developing academic, social, and emotional growth.
- Assisted in creating a safe and nurturing classroom environment that promoted emotional well-being and academic growth for all students.
- Supported students in developing social skills through structured activities and positive reinforcement techniques.
- Provided one-on-one support for students with learning disabilities, enabling them to excel in their coursework.
Visa Facilitator | Human Resources Associate
Northeastern University
01.2020 - 02.2023
- Developed and delivered outreach and training sessions for faculty, departments, administrators, and relevant NU offices/labs hosting international researchers;
- Managed pre-arrival and onboarding operations for incoming foreign nationals;
- Created and managed internal website for department administrators and faculty regarding various immigration and HR policies and procedures;
- Served as committee member on the Global Hiring & Immigration Resources committee with the objective of providing training and resources for departments hosting international employees;
- Coordinated employment applications for F-1/J-1/TN/H1B cap exempt categories with the Office of General Counsel;
- Designed and delivered “Lunch & Learn” workshops focusing on a variety of professional development topics;
- Functioned as department contact for all non-immigrant employees;
- Coordinated with Compensation & Benefits staff for position gradings for new positions, reclassifications, and promotions;
- Provided support to faculty on performance review process;
- Monitored and managed all externally funded research appointments;
- Provided full-cycle human resources support.
Associate Director for Scholar Services, ARO
Northeastern University
- Provided operational guidance and made recommendations to senior leadership with the goal of maintaining the successful health the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program;
- Developed outreach and training sessions for faculty, departments, administrators, and relevant NU offices/labs hosting J-1 researchers;
- Liaised with Office of General Counsel and Compliance Office on matters related to the researcher population;
- Assisted with changes of status for visa types F,J TN, H-1B;
- Served as committee member on the Global Hiring & Immigration Resources committee;
- Interfaced with campus offices, such as Human Resources, Faculty Affairs, Institutional, Compliance, the Provost’s Office, General Counsel, among others;
- Developed and updated onboarding and maintenance processes using the Sunapsis immigration case management system;
- Oversaw pre-arrival operations for incoming foreign nationals and provided guidance to campus partners/HR key contacts;
- Oversaw 2nd Section I-9 compliance for international employees;
- Managed a staff of seven immigration advisors (DSO/AROs);
- Served as Fulbright scholar liaison for IIE sponsored exchange visitors;
- Managed annual Fulbright reception.
Director, International Student & Scholar Office, RO/PDSO
University of Massachusetts Boston
01.2014 - 01.2020
- Facilitated H-1B applications;
- Directed weekly J-1 scholar information sessions for newly arrived researchers;
- Supervised Institution's SEVIS team (DSOs) in the offices of graduate, undergraduate admissions and ESL admissions office, as well as four direct reports in the ISSO;
- Responded to and established protocol for federal inquiries and unannounced site visits from various federal agencies;
- Liaised with the Office of General Counsel on complex RFEs;
- Served as the Primary Designated School Official (PDSO) and Responsible Officer (RO);
- Liaised with Human Resources and departments on matters pertaining to F-1/J-1 graduate employees;
- Managed tracking of all non-sponsored F-1 OPT employees;
- Served as scholar advisor and provided guidance to departments on onboarding and management of the researcher population;
- Ensured programs/departments hosting F-1/ J-1 visitors were compliant with S/EVP regulations;
- Managed all federally mandated reporting requirements and SEVP & EVP certifications/redesignations;
- Responsible for analytical study and policy interpretation of regulatory matters pertaining to Department of Homeland (DHS) Security and Department of State (DOS) regulations and reporting to campus leadership changes in policy;
- Represented immigration services on campus and system-wide committees.
Immigration Coordinator
University of Massachusetts Boston
01.2010 - 01.2014
- Created, conducted, and oversaw workshops on student employment, CPT, OPT, STEM OPT, as well as a variety of immigration programming (visa renewal workshops, etc.);
- Managed initial DS2019 production and J-1 Academic Training for Education Abroad Office; Served as Designated School Official (DSO) and Alternative Responsible Officer (ARO);
- Managed Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) data tracking and reporting;
- Drafted policies and procedures for the new immigration unit on a range of policy matters and initiatives; established connections with departments/campus offices to promote policy awareness;
- Facilitated H-1B processing with Human Resources and outside counsel;
- Oversaw ESL school business practices for I-20 issuance and reporting obligations (attendance, etc.);
- Created website for the International Student & Scholar Office;
- Assisted with international student orientation and registration;
- Oversaw four full-time staff members and eight indirect reports in admissions and ESL offices;
- Established monthly DSO meetings to ensure cohesiveness with DSO staff in other offices, and to disseminate new policy guidance + changes in the immigration landscape.
Education
Master of Arts in Italian Literature -
Boston College
Bachelor of Arts in Spanish Literature -
University of Massachusetts
Graduate Certificate in Human Resources Management -
Northeastern University
01.2021
Skills
- MAC
- Windows XP
- Microsoft Office Suite: Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook, Access
- Project Management
- Analytical Thinking
- Coaching and Mentoring
- Relationship Building
- Decision-Making
- Team Collaboration and Leadership
- Process Improvement
- Event Planning
- Onboarding and training
- Hiring and Training
- Professional Networking
- Work Planning and Prioritization
- Program Development
- Human Resources Management
- Performance Evaluations
- Strategic Planning
- Regulatory Compliance
- Program coordination
- Staff Development
- Staff Management
- Google Drive
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Italian
Full Professional
French
Limited Working
Ukrainian
Elementary
Timeline
Temporary Full-time Elementary School Teacher
Weston Public Schools
02.2024 - Current
Visa Facilitator | Human Resources Associate
Northeastern University
01.2020 - 02.2023
Director, International Student & Scholar Office, RO/PDSO
University of Massachusetts Boston
01.2014 - 01.2020
Immigration Coordinator
University of Massachusetts Boston
01.2010 - 01.2014
Associate Director for Scholar Services, ARO
Northeastern University
Master of Arts in Italian Literature -
Boston College
Bachelor of Arts in Spanish Literature -
University of Massachusetts
Graduate Certificate in Human Resources Management -
Northeastern University
Similar Profiles
Nikki WeissauerNikki Weissauer
Physical and Health Education Teacher, Grades 3-5 at Weston Public SchoolsPhysical and Health Education Teacher, Grades 3-5 at Weston Public Schools
Luiza KosminskyLuiza Kosminsky
Spanish Teacher at Weston Public SchoolsSpanish Teacher at Weston Public Schools
Angeleah (Angie) MadoreAngeleah (Angie) Madore
Long-Term Substitute Teacher at Weston Public SchoolsLong-Term Substitute Teacher at Weston Public Schools
Yichen ZhouYichen Zhou
Peer Leader at Global House, Boston UniversityPeer Leader at Global House, Boston University
Liam FlahertyLiam Flaherty
Analyst at Saints and CompanyAnalyst at Saints and Company