H-1B Visa Co-Director Jobs
Co-Director jobs at H-1B visa-sponsoring employers typically qualify as specialty occupations when the role centers on strategic leadership backed by a relevant bachelor's degree or higher. Employers file an I-129 petition with USCIS, covering an initial three-year period with extensions up to six years total.
See Co-Director jobs across every visa typeFind H-1B Visa Co-Director JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 10+ Co-Director jobs
See all Co-Director Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Co-Director roles.
Get Access To All JobsOverview
The Lake Champlain Research Institute at SUNY Plattsburgh, through the Research Foundation for the State University of New York (RF-SUNY), is seeking a qualified candidate for the position of Co-Director to oversee the newly established Lake Champlain Discovery Center located in Plattsburgh, NY. This is an on-site leadership position with travel to regional partner sites and events. Qualified candidates should have a combination of environmental expertise, education and program management skills, and demonstrated leadership abilities to ensure the facility serves both the community and the Lake Champlain ecosystem. The Co-Director shall dedicate a significant portion of their effort toward organizational sustainability, including fundraising, partnership development, grant acquisition, strategic planning, visitor growth, revenue generation, and advancement initiatives necessary to ensure the long-term viability of the Lake Champlain Discovery Center beyond the period of initial grant funding.
Position Description
The Co-Director will oversee the Lake Champlain Discovery Center’s educational, interpretive, and community engagement programs, ensuring they align with the program’s vision and mission. The Co-Director of Science & Discovery will provide scientific content leadership to include the development, interpretation, and management of science exhibits, environmental education programs, and research partnerships focused on Lake Champlain's ecology, fisheries, environmental systems, and scientific discoveries.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Manage the center’s educational offerings, visitor programs, and community events; coordinate and supervise staff and students.
- Lead the development of science-based exhibits and interactive learning experiences.
- Ensure scientific accuracy and evidence-based interpretation of all scientific content.
- Develop exhibits focused on:
- Lake ecology
- Fisheries and aquatic species
- Watershed science
- Climate change
- Invasive species
- Water quality
- Conservation biology
- Sustainable resource management
- Collaborate with the Lake Champlain Research Institute and other regional partners.
- Coordinate field experiences, demonstrations, and environmental education activities.
- Coordinate STEM programming for K-12 students and lifelong learners.
- Establish partnerships with environmental agencies, conservation organizations, and research institutions.
- Pursue grants and funding opportunities related to science education, environmental stewardship, research translation, and public engagement.
- Translate current scientific research into exhibits and public educational experiences.
- Ensure exhibits remain current with emerging scientific knowledge and Lake Champlain research findings.
- Integrate scientific monitoring, conservation initiatives, and environmental data into visitor experiences.
Shared Co-Director Responsibilities
Organizational Leadership
- Serve as the senior leadership team for the Discovery Center.
- Participate in strategic planning and long-term organizational development.
- Develop annual goals, objectives, and performance measures.
- Present reports to the Research Foundation for SUNY, advisory boards, and funding agencies.
- Support policy development and operational procedures.
Discovery Center Development
- Guide exhibit planning and visitor experience design.
- Evaluate visitor engagement and educational outcomes.
- Ensure exhibits and programs are accessible, inclusive, and engaging for diverse audiences.
- Establish quality standards for all educational content and exhibits.
Sustainability & Revenue Generation
- Develop and implement long-term sustainability strategies to support operations beyond initial grant funding.
- Identify and cultivate revenue sources including:
- Grants
- Sponsorships
- Membership programs
- Donations
- Corporate partnerships
- Fee-based educational programming
- Events and facility rentals
- Assist in fundraising campaigns and donor cultivation.
- Develop strategic partnerships with tourism, educational, nonprofit, governmental, and business organizations.
- Identify opportunities for earned income and entrepreneurial program development.
- Support creation of a long-term business model and financial sustainability plan.
Community Engagement
- Serve as public ambassadors for the Discovery Center.
- Develop relationships with regional stakeholders throughout the Lake Champlain Basin.
- Represent the Center at conferences, community events, and professional meetings.
- Cultivate volunteer programs and community participation initiatives.
- Build cross-border partnerships with organizations in New York, Vermont, Québec, and the broader Great Lakes region.
Educational Mission
- Collaboratively develop interdisciplinary experiences integrating history, culture, science, and environmental stewardship.
- Promote public understanding of the interconnected natural and human history of the Lake Champlain region.
- Support internships, student experiential learning opportunities, and research engagement through SUNY Plattsburgh.
Grants & Advancement
- Jointly identify funding opportunities.
- Participate in grant writing, reporting, and compliance activities.
- Develop relationships with philanthropic organizations and government funding agencies.
- Support development of a Friends of the Lake Champlain Discovery Center organization or similar fundraising entity.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- M.S. or M.A. in the sciences (Natural Science, Ecology, Environmental Science, or related fields) and a minimum of 3-5 years of relevant experience.
- Evidence of strong leadership skills.
- Strong collaboration, communication, and facilitation skills.
- Valid driver’s license is required.
- Familiarity with outreach and education programs and activities.
- Experience with environmental programs and public/private fundraising/legislative issues.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Knowledge of Lake Champlain resource management and environmental regulations.
- Experience in funding, development and legislative support for environmental programs related to Lake Champlain issues.
THE RESEARCH FOUNDATION FOR SUNY, RFSUNY
The position will be with the Research Foundation for SUNY, a private, nonprofit corporation. RFSUNY offers comprehensive and low-cost health, dental, and vision insurance, basic and optional retirement plans, employer paid life insurance, tuition waivers, paid time off, and other competitive benefits.
Salary Range: $75,000 to $90,000 Commensurate with education, qualifications, and field experience. Excellent benefit package.
Submit vitae/resume, cover letter, list of 3 professional references.
Research Foundation for SUNY
Box 2026-5
101 Broad Street, 202 Kehoe Building
Plattsburgh, NY 12901
Fax# (518)564-2157
Email: RFHRApply@plattsburgh.edu
Review of applications will begin November 11, 2026 and continue until the position is filled.
As an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer, The Research Foundation for SUNY will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant's race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy-related conditions, reproductive health decisions, childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, transgender status, age, national origin or ancestry, marital status, familial status, citizenship, physical and mental disability, prior arrest or conviction record, genetic characteristics/genetic information, predisposition or carrier status, domestic violence victim status, military status or service, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected under federal, state or local law.
The Company will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant.
The Research Foundation for the State University of New York is not an agency or instrumentality of the State of New York. Employees of the Research Foundation for the State University of New York are not state employees, do not participate in any state retirement system, and do not receive state fringe benefits. The Research Foundation for the State University of New York operates under a contract with The State University of New York and receives no directly appropriated state funding.
Pay: $75,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 403(b)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Overview
The Lake Champlain Research Institute at SUNY Plattsburgh, through the Research Foundation for the State University of New York (RF-SUNY), is seeking a qualified candidate for the position of Co-Director to oversee the newly established Lake Champlain Discovery Center located in Plattsburgh, NY. This is an on-site leadership position with travel to regional partner sites and events. Qualified candidates should have a combination of environmental expertise, education and program management skills, and demonstrated leadership abilities to ensure the facility serves both the community and the Lake Champlain ecosystem. The Co-Director shall dedicate a significant portion of their effort toward organizational sustainability, including fundraising, partnership development, grant acquisition, strategic planning, visitor growth, revenue generation, and advancement initiatives necessary to ensure the long-term viability of the Lake Champlain Discovery Center beyond the period of initial grant funding.
Position Description
The Co-Director will oversee the Lake Champlain Discovery Center’s educational, interpretive, and community engagement programs, ensuring they align with the program’s vision and mission. The Co-Director of Science & Discovery will provide scientific content leadership to include the development, interpretation, and management of science exhibits, environmental education programs, and research partnerships focused on Lake Champlain's ecology, fisheries, environmental systems, and scientific discoveries.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Manage the center’s educational offerings, visitor programs, and community events; coordinate and supervise staff and students.
- Lead the development of science-based exhibits and interactive learning experiences.
- Ensure scientific accuracy and evidence-based interpretation of all scientific content.
- Develop exhibits focused on:
- Lake ecology
- Fisheries and aquatic species
- Watershed science
- Climate change
- Invasive species
- Water quality
- Conservation biology
- Sustainable resource management
- Collaborate with the Lake Champlain Research Institute and other regional partners.
- Coordinate field experiences, demonstrations, and environmental education activities.
- Coordinate STEM programming for K-12 students and lifelong learners.
- Establish partnerships with environmental agencies, conservation organizations, and research institutions.
- Pursue grants and funding opportunities related to science education, environmental stewardship, research translation, and public engagement.
- Translate current scientific research into exhibits and public educational experiences.
- Ensure exhibits remain current with emerging scientific knowledge and Lake Champlain research findings.
- Integrate scientific monitoring, conservation initiatives, and environmental data into visitor experiences.
Shared Co-Director Responsibilities
Organizational Leadership
- Serve as the senior leadership team for the Discovery Center.
- Participate in strategic planning and long-term organizational development.
- Develop annual goals, objectives, and performance measures.
- Present reports to the Research Foundation for SUNY, advisory boards, and funding agencies.
- Support policy development and operational procedures.
Discovery Center Development
- Guide exhibit planning and visitor experience design.
- Evaluate visitor engagement and educational outcomes.
- Ensure exhibits and programs are accessible, inclusive, and engaging for diverse audiences.
- Establish quality standards for all educational content and exhibits.
Sustainability & Revenue Generation
- Develop and implement long-term sustainability strategies to support operations beyond initial grant funding.
- Identify and cultivate revenue sources including:
- Grants
- Sponsorships
- Membership programs
- Donations
- Corporate partnerships
- Fee-based educational programming
- Events and facility rentals
- Assist in fundraising campaigns and donor cultivation.
- Develop strategic partnerships with tourism, educational, nonprofit, governmental, and business organizations.
- Identify opportunities for earned income and entrepreneurial program development.
- Support creation of a long-term business model and financial sustainability plan.
Community Engagement
- Serve as public ambassadors for the Discovery Center.
- Develop relationships with regional stakeholders throughout the Lake Champlain Basin.
- Represent the Center at conferences, community events, and professional meetings.
- Cultivate volunteer programs and community participation initiatives.
- Build cross-border partnerships with organizations in New York, Vermont, Québec, and the broader Great Lakes region.
Educational Mission
- Collaboratively develop interdisciplinary experiences integrating history, culture, science, and environmental stewardship.
- Promote public understanding of the interconnected natural and human history of the Lake Champlain region.
- Support internships, student experiential learning opportunities, and research engagement through SUNY Plattsburgh.
Grants & Advancement
- Jointly identify funding opportunities.
- Participate in grant writing, reporting, and compliance activities.
- Develop relationships with philanthropic organizations and government funding agencies.
- Support development of a Friends of the Lake Champlain Discovery Center organization or similar fundraising entity.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- M.S. or M.A. in the sciences (Natural Science, Ecology, Environmental Science, or related fields) and a minimum of 3-5 years of relevant experience.
- Evidence of strong leadership skills.
- Strong collaboration, communication, and facilitation skills.
- Valid driver’s license is required.
- Familiarity with outreach and education programs and activities.
- Experience with environmental programs and public/private fundraising/legislative issues.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Knowledge of Lake Champlain resource management and environmental regulations.
- Experience in funding, development and legislative support for environmental programs related to Lake Champlain issues.
THE RESEARCH FOUNDATION FOR SUNY, RFSUNY
The position will be with the Research Foundation for SUNY, a private, nonprofit corporation. RFSUNY offers comprehensive and low-cost health, dental, and vision insurance, basic and optional retirement plans, employer paid life insurance, tuition waivers, paid time off, and other competitive benefits.
Salary Range: $75,000 to $90,000 Commensurate with education, qualifications, and field experience. Excellent benefit package.
Submit vitae/resume, cover letter, list of 3 professional references.
Research Foundation for SUNY
Box 2026-5
101 Broad Street, 202 Kehoe Building
Plattsburgh, NY 12901
Fax# (518)564-2157
Email: RFHRApply@plattsburgh.edu
Review of applications will begin November 11, 2026 and continue until the position is filled.
As an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer, The Research Foundation for SUNY will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant's race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy-related conditions, reproductive health decisions, childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, transgender status, age, national origin or ancestry, marital status, familial status, citizenship, physical and mental disability, prior arrest or conviction record, genetic characteristics/genetic information, predisposition or carrier status, domestic violence victim status, military status or service, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected under federal, state or local law.
The Company will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant.
The Research Foundation for the State University of New York is not an agency or instrumentality of the State of New York. Employees of the Research Foundation for the State University of New York are not state employees, do not participate in any state retirement system, and do not receive state fringe benefits. The Research Foundation for the State University of New York operates under a contract with The State University of New York and receives no directly appropriated state funding.
Pay: $75,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 403(b)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
See all H-1B Visa Co-Director Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new H-1B Visa Co-Director Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship in Co-Director
Frame your credentials around dual leadership
Co-Director roles often split authority between two leaders with distinct domain expertise. Identify which discipline your degree covers, whether arts administration, nonprofit management, or a related field, and present credentials that map directly to your half of the role.
Search employers with verified H-1B LCA filings
Target organizations that have already certified Labor Condition Applications for leadership roles. Migrate Mate surfaces employers with verified H-1B sponsorship history, letting you focus outreach on organizations already prepared to file.
Verify prevailing wage before salary negotiations begin
Your employer's LCA must certify a wage at or above the prevailing rate for your occupation and worksite location. Run your job title and metro area through the OFLC Wage Search before entering negotiations so you know the DOL wage floor.
Confirm each worksite needs its own certified LCA
Co-Directors working across multiple venues, campuses, or offices require a separate certified LCA for each worksite location. Raise this early with your prospective employer so USCIS filing timelines account for multi-site certification.
Use O*NET to anchor the specialty occupation argument
If an employer's HR team questions whether Co-Director qualifies as a specialty occupation, pull the O*NET occupation profile for your closest matching SOC code. It documents the typical education level and duties that support the degree-requirement argument in an I-129.
Account for H-1B cap timing when accepting offers
If you're not currently in H-1B status, the selection rules have changed recently and your start date depends on when a cap slot is allocated. Negotiate an offer start date with enough lead time for USCIS petition processing after selection.
H-1B Visa Co-Director: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Co-Director role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
Co-Director positions typically qualify as specialty occupations when the role requires at least a bachelor's degree in a directly related field such as arts administration, nonprofit management, education leadership, or a relevant discipline. The employer must demonstrate through the I-129 petition that the position's duties are complex enough to require that specific degree, not just any bachelor's degree.
How does shared leadership affect the H-1B petition for a Co-Director?
USCIS evaluates the specific duties and degree requirement for each individual petitioned, not the organization's overall leadership structure. Your employer must document which responsibilities are uniquely yours and show those duties require your particular degree background. A well-drafted job description that separates your domain from your co-director's strengthens the specialty occupation argument significantly.
What happens to my H-1B status if the organization restructures and my Co-Director role changes?
Material changes to your job duties, title, or worksite require the employer to file an amended I-129 petition with USCIS before those changes take effect. If the restructured role no longer meets specialty occupation standards, the amended petition could face a Request for Evidence. You have a 60-day grace period if your position is eliminated, during which you can seek new sponsoring employment.
How do I find employers actively sponsoring H-1B visas for Co-Director roles?
Migrate Mate lists employers with verified H-1B Labor Condition Application filing history, searchable by role type and location. Focusing your search on organizations that have already filed LCAs for leadership positions reduces the time spent educating HR teams about the sponsorship process and improves your chances of a timely offer.
Can my H-1B status cover Co-Director work at multiple locations within the same organization?
No. Each distinct worksite requires its own certified Labor Condition Application filed with DOL before work begins at that location. If you'll split time between a main office and satellite venues, your employer must obtain separate LCA certification for each address. Confirm this multi-site requirement during offer negotiations so the filing timeline is planned correctly from the start.