H-1B Visa Director Of Innovation Jobs
Director of Innovation roles qualify for H-1B visa sponsorship when the position requires a bachelor's degree or higher in a directly related specialty field. Employers must file a Labor Condition Application before your petition, certifying the role meets prevailing wage requirements. Most hiring happens at large tech, consulting, and R&D-driven organizations with established H-1B filing history.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
At Houston Methodist, the Director Innovation position is responsible for oversight and direction for all aspects of the Center for Innovation at Houston Methodist including financial outcomes, strategic planning, operational effectiveness, vendor management and project planning. This position partners with the Innovation Steering Committee for guidance and strategic alignment. The Director Innovation position also partners with new health technology vendors to identify appropriate solutions to solve consumer and/or patient journeys, clinical workflow enhancements and patient billing revenue cycle enhancements. This position is tasked with leading the innovation strategy within the Center for Innovation for the health system through process engineering, technology utilization, strategic partnership and alignment with external vendors. The goal of the department is to transform the way healthcare is performed within Houston Methodist and develop process and technology that can be shared and potentially sold to external institutions.
The Director position responsibilities include overseeing the activities of the department staff, ensuring quality, productivity, functional excellence and efficiency to accomplish strategic and operational objectives. In addition, this position is accountable for employee engagement, adequate staffing levels, budget development and compliance, staffing decisions such as hiring and terminating employment, coaching and counseling employees on work-related performance, and developing and implementing policies and procedures to ensure a safe and effective work environment. This position also ensures training, monitoring and operations initiatives are implemented which secure compliance with ethical and legal business practices and accreditation/regulatory/government regulations.
FLSA STATUS
Exempt
QUALIFICATIONS
Education
Master’s degree in Business, healthcare administration or related field
Experience
Five years’ experience in a Manager or Director role; for internal candidates, three years of management experience with Houston Methodist performance that demonstrates leadership responsibility
Five years of progressively responsible project management experience, including projects of organization-wide scope and impact in innovation and technology
Three years of experience in artificial intelligence
Experience partnering with new digital health technology vendors
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
Preferred
Project Management, IT, or other related certification
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES
Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through ongoing skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations
Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially about activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
Demonstrates the ability to interact with others in a way that gives them confidence in one’s intentions and those of the organization
Ability to use appropriate interpersonal styles and techniques to gain acceptance of ideas or plans; modifying one’s own behavior to accommodate tasks, situations and individuals involved
Demonstrates leadership qualities and critical thinking through self-direction initiative and effective interpersonal skills and oral/written communication skills
Ability to identify and understand issues, problems and opportunities, comparing data from different sources to draw conclusions; using effective approaches for choosing a course of action or developing appropriate solutions; taking action that is consistent with available facts, constraints and probable consequences
Extensive knowledge of regulatory and accreditation agency requirements that impact department; stays abreast of industry changes
Demonstrates highly effective communication skills—strong written communications and platform presentation abilities
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment
Demonstrates flexibility and adaptability in the workplace
Capable of leading teams/facilitating groups, building consensus and garnering highest confidence in professionalism and work product by senior leadership
Ability to work under pressure and balance many competing priorities; highly responsive and solution/action oriented
Proficiency in spreadsheet, word processing, and presentation software
Maintains a positive and supportive attitude and demeanor
Professional handling of exposure to confidential/sensitive information
Willingness to take risks and openness to untried ideas and solutions
Ability to convert abstract concepts into concrete solutions
Ability to convey vision and effectively communicate to all stakeholders
Understanding of inherent risks and advances of creative ideas
Ability to see beyond current process and procedure to develop solutions that address current and yet to be encountered roadblocks
Ability to inspire others through personal confidence, interactions and communication of ideas
Project management skills with ability to multitask and manage multiple projects in a system-wide, cross-functional environment
Ability to deliver projects using leading-edge technology
Strong knowledge of current technologies
Strong knowledge and understanding of business needs, with the ability to establish and maintain a high level of customer trust and confidence
Advanced process engineering skills
Advanced knowledge of intelligent automation, voice technology for clinicians, ambient listening and artificial intelligence
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Directs, develops and implements strategic and operational/high-level projects and processes either through independent/highly autonomous work or through the facilitation of work teams to enable the effective and efficient completion of objectives.
Oversees management of and ensures development for staff to meet overall objectives in terms of quality, service and cost effectiveness. Provides timely guidance and feedback to help others strengthen specific knowledge/skill areas needed to accomplish a task or solve a problem. Directs management responsibilities of selection, scheduling, supervision, retention, and evaluation of employees.
Meets or exceeds threshold goal for department turnover and/or system metrics on employee engagement indicators: action readiness score, tier level.
Provides leadership and communication to maintain a competent and engaged employee group by conducting regular department meetings to review policies and procedures and operational matters, rounding on all employees, completing performance appraisals, conducting new hire feedback sessions, coaching/corrective counseling, and providing recognition/commendations to achieve desired outcomes.
Identifies opportunities and takes action to build strategic relationships between one’s area and other areas, teams, departments, and units to achieve business goals. Drives the promotion of teamwork within and between departments; participates and/or leads and facilitates department process improvements as needed.
Directs the functions of Innovation staff in the collaboration and support of HM internal/external clients, including defining service standards, support timelines, and client prioritization.
Partners with the Chief Innovation Officer to lead Innovation Council meetings, including coordination of vendors, finances, project updates, and the strategic planning process.
SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Oversees department operations, designated projects, schedules and activities as needed to ensure that goals or objectives are accomplished within the prescribed time frame. Sets priorities and functional standards, giving direction to staff as necessary to ensure the best possible delivery of service and high customer/patient satisfaction.
Drives department service standards and activities to impact department and/or system score for patient/customer-based satisfaction, through role modeling and fostering accountability. Serves and actively participates on various entity committees as a voice for the department.
Develops strong relationships with external vendors and internal clients to achieve strategic priorities. Partners with new health technology vendors to identify appropriate solutions to solve consumer and/or patient journeys, clinical workflow enhancements and patient billing revenue cycle enhancements.
QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Ensures a safe and effective working environment; monitors and/or revises the department safety plan and/or any specific accreditation/regulatory required safety guidelines. Responsible for staff maintenance of credentials and competencies, per accrediting/licensing agency and/or department guidelines as applicable.
Employs a proactive approach in the optimization of safe outcomes and information systems by monitoring and improving the department workflow and enhancing operations, using peer-to-peer accountability and identifying solutions via collaboration. Implements process improvements utilizing tools such as lean principles. Role models situational awareness, using teachable moments to improve safety.
Responsible for employee compliance to policies and procedures and performs associated actions upon non-compliance (i.e., licensure/certification compliance, focal point review requirements, disaster plan, in-services, influenza immunization, wage and hour, standard hours, timely termination submission, timely timecard approval, etc.).
Through strong utilization of metrics, ensures that innovative initiatives show the intended efficiencies and effectiveness set forth in project plans. Develops strategic plans for projects and associated success measures.
FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Develops and manages department operational and capital budgets, approvals, and ongoing maintenance of the department(s), ensuring operation in a cost-effective manner. Proactively identifies and plans for capital needs related to current equipment and future department projects. Ensures staffing plans and schedules meet department needs that reflect understanding of the importance of cost-effectiveness.
Creates department strategies to achieve financial target and staffing needs, through optimizing productivity, supply/resource efficiency, minimizing incidental overtime and overtime percentage, and other areas according to department specifications.
Ensures tight costing and ROI controls for all projects and vendors. Ensures project progression and alignment within budget. Sets and defines timeline standards and expectations for team.
GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Identifies and implements innovative solutions for practice or workflow changes to improve department, entity or system operations by leading unit projects and/or other department/system-directed activities. Proactively leads task forces and committees. May represent HM at assigned community or professional organization meetings.
Drives change initiatives, maintaining effectiveness when experiencing major changes in work responsibilities or environment; adjusts effectively to work within new work structures, processes, requirements or cultures. Partners effectively with stakeholders as appropriate.
Ensures own career discussions occur with appropriate management. Completes and updates the Individual Development Plan (IDP) on an ongoing basis. Conducts conversations with staff on their development and IDP.
Stays up-to-date on hospital operations to identify organizational needs and team support of those needs.
Identifies and makes recommendations for projects by evaluating against anticipated ROI and operational and organizational impact.
SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS
WORK ATTIRE
+ Uniform: No
+ Scrubs: No
+ Business professional: Yes
+ Other (department approved): No
ON-CALL
+ Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. Disaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.
+ On Call Yes
TRAVEL
Travel specifications may vary by department
+ May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area Yes
+ May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area Yes
Company Profile:
Houston Methodist is one of the nation’s leading health systems and academic medical centers. The health system consists of eight hospitals: Houston Methodist Hospital, its flagship academic hospital in the Texas Medical Center, seven community hospitals and one long-term acute care hospital throughout the Greater Houston metropolitan area. Houston Methodist also includes a research institute; a comprehensive residency program; international patient services; freestanding comprehensive care clinics, emergency care and imaging centers; and outpatient facilities. Come lead with us!
Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
INTRODUCTION
At Houston Methodist, the Director Innovation position is responsible for oversight and direction for all aspects of the Center for Innovation at Houston Methodist including financial outcomes, strategic planning, operational effectiveness, vendor management and project planning. This position partners with the Innovation Steering Committee for guidance and strategic alignment. The Director Innovation position also partners with new health technology vendors to identify appropriate solutions to solve consumer and/or patient journeys, clinical workflow enhancements and patient billing revenue cycle enhancements. This position is tasked with leading the innovation strategy within the Center for Innovation for the health system through process engineering, technology utilization, strategic partnership and alignment with external vendors. The goal of the department is to transform the way healthcare is performed within Houston Methodist and develop process and technology that can be shared and potentially sold to external institutions.
The Director position responsibilities include overseeing the activities of the department staff, ensuring quality, productivity, functional excellence and efficiency to accomplish strategic and operational objectives. In addition, this position is accountable for employee engagement, adequate staffing levels, budget development and compliance, staffing decisions such as hiring and terminating employment, coaching and counseling employees on work-related performance, and developing and implementing policies and procedures to ensure a safe and effective work environment. This position also ensures training, monitoring and operations initiatives are implemented which secure compliance with ethical and legal business practices and accreditation/regulatory/government regulations.
FLSA STATUS
Exempt
QUALIFICATIONS
Education
Master’s degree in Business, healthcare administration or related field
Experience
Five years’ experience in a Manager or Director role; for internal candidates, three years of management experience with Houston Methodist performance that demonstrates leadership responsibility
Five years of progressively responsible project management experience, including projects of organization-wide scope and impact in innovation and technology
Three years of experience in artificial intelligence
Experience partnering with new digital health technology vendors
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
Preferred
Project Management, IT, or other related certification
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES
Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through ongoing skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations
Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially about activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
Demonstrates the ability to interact with others in a way that gives them confidence in one’s intentions and those of the organization
Ability to use appropriate interpersonal styles and techniques to gain acceptance of ideas or plans; modifying one’s own behavior to accommodate tasks, situations and individuals involved
Demonstrates leadership qualities and critical thinking through self-direction initiative and effective interpersonal skills and oral/written communication skills
Ability to identify and understand issues, problems and opportunities, comparing data from different sources to draw conclusions; using effective approaches for choosing a course of action or developing appropriate solutions; taking action that is consistent with available facts, constraints and probable consequences
Extensive knowledge of regulatory and accreditation agency requirements that impact department; stays abreast of industry changes
Demonstrates highly effective communication skills—strong written communications and platform presentation abilities
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment
Demonstrates flexibility and adaptability in the workplace
Capable of leading teams/facilitating groups, building consensus and garnering highest confidence in professionalism and work product by senior leadership
Ability to work under pressure and balance many competing priorities; highly responsive and solution/action oriented
Proficiency in spreadsheet, word processing, and presentation software
Maintains a positive and supportive attitude and demeanor
Professional handling of exposure to confidential/sensitive information
Willingness to take risks and openness to untried ideas and solutions
Ability to convert abstract concepts into concrete solutions
Ability to convey vision and effectively communicate to all stakeholders
Understanding of inherent risks and advances of creative ideas
Ability to see beyond current process and procedure to develop solutions that address current and yet to be encountered roadblocks
Ability to inspire others through personal confidence, interactions and communication of ideas
Project management skills with ability to multitask and manage multiple projects in a system-wide, cross-functional environment
Ability to deliver projects using leading-edge technology
Strong knowledge of current technologies
Strong knowledge and understanding of business needs, with the ability to establish and maintain a high level of customer trust and confidence
Advanced process engineering skills
Advanced knowledge of intelligent automation, voice technology for clinicians, ambient listening and artificial intelligence
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Directs, develops and implements strategic and operational/high-level projects and processes either through independent/highly autonomous work or through the facilitation of work teams to enable the effective and efficient completion of objectives.
Oversees management of and ensures development for staff to meet overall objectives in terms of quality, service and cost effectiveness. Provides timely guidance and feedback to help others strengthen specific knowledge/skill areas needed to accomplish a task or solve a problem. Directs management responsibilities of selection, scheduling, supervision, retention, and evaluation of employees.
Meets or exceeds threshold goal for department turnover and/or system metrics on employee engagement indicators: action readiness score, tier level.
Provides leadership and communication to maintain a competent and engaged employee group by conducting regular department meetings to review policies and procedures and operational matters, rounding on all employees, completing performance appraisals, conducting new hire feedback sessions, coaching/corrective counseling, and providing recognition/commendations to achieve desired outcomes.
Identifies opportunities and takes action to build strategic relationships between one’s area and other areas, teams, departments, and units to achieve business goals. Drives the promotion of teamwork within and between departments; participates and/or leads and facilitates department process improvements as needed.
Directs the functions of Innovation staff in the collaboration and support of HM internal/external clients, including defining service standards, support timelines, and client prioritization.
Partners with the Chief Innovation Officer to lead Innovation Council meetings, including coordination of vendors, finances, project updates, and the strategic planning process.
SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Oversees department operations, designated projects, schedules and activities as needed to ensure that goals or objectives are accomplished within the prescribed time frame. Sets priorities and functional standards, giving direction to staff as necessary to ensure the best possible delivery of service and high customer/patient satisfaction.
Drives department service standards and activities to impact department and/or system score for patient/customer-based satisfaction, through role modeling and fostering accountability. Serves and actively participates on various entity committees as a voice for the department.
Develops strong relationships with external vendors and internal clients to achieve strategic priorities. Partners with new health technology vendors to identify appropriate solutions to solve consumer and/or patient journeys, clinical workflow enhancements and patient billing revenue cycle enhancements.
QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Ensures a safe and effective working environment; monitors and/or revises the department safety plan and/or any specific accreditation/regulatory required safety guidelines. Responsible for staff maintenance of credentials and competencies, per accrediting/licensing agency and/or department guidelines as applicable.
Employs a proactive approach in the optimization of safe outcomes and information systems by monitoring and improving the department workflow and enhancing operations, using peer-to-peer accountability and identifying solutions via collaboration. Implements process improvements utilizing tools such as lean principles. Role models situational awareness, using teachable moments to improve safety.
Responsible for employee compliance to policies and procedures and performs associated actions upon non-compliance (i.e., licensure/certification compliance, focal point review requirements, disaster plan, in-services, influenza immunization, wage and hour, standard hours, timely termination submission, timely timecard approval, etc.).
Through strong utilization of metrics, ensures that innovative initiatives show the intended efficiencies and effectiveness set forth in project plans. Develops strategic plans for projects and associated success measures.
FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Develops and manages department operational and capital budgets, approvals, and ongoing maintenance of the department(s), ensuring operation in a cost-effective manner. Proactively identifies and plans for capital needs related to current equipment and future department projects. Ensures staffing plans and schedules meet department needs that reflect understanding of the importance of cost-effectiveness.
Creates department strategies to achieve financial target and staffing needs, through optimizing productivity, supply/resource efficiency, minimizing incidental overtime and overtime percentage, and other areas according to department specifications.
Ensures tight costing and ROI controls for all projects and vendors. Ensures project progression and alignment within budget. Sets and defines timeline standards and expectations for team.
GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Identifies and implements innovative solutions for practice or workflow changes to improve department, entity or system operations by leading unit projects and/or other department/system-directed activities. Proactively leads task forces and committees. May represent HM at assigned community or professional organization meetings.
Drives change initiatives, maintaining effectiveness when experiencing major changes in work responsibilities or environment; adjusts effectively to work within new work structures, processes, requirements or cultures. Partners effectively with stakeholders as appropriate.
Ensures own career discussions occur with appropriate management. Completes and updates the Individual Development Plan (IDP) on an ongoing basis. Conducts conversations with staff on their development and IDP.
Stays up-to-date on hospital operations to identify organizational needs and team support of those needs.
Identifies and makes recommendations for projects by evaluating against anticipated ROI and operational and organizational impact.
SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS
WORK ATTIRE
+ Uniform: No
+ Scrubs: No
+ Business professional: Yes
+ Other (department approved): No
ON-CALL
+ Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. Disaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.
+ On Call Yes
TRAVEL
Travel specifications may vary by department
+ May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area Yes
+ May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area Yes
Company Profile:
Houston Methodist is one of the nation’s leading health systems and academic medical centers. The health system consists of eight hospitals: Houston Methodist Hospital, its flagship academic hospital in the Texas Medical Center, seven community hospitals and one long-term acute care hospital throughout the Greater Houston metropolitan area. Houston Methodist also includes a research institute; a comprehensive residency program; international patient services; freestanding comprehensive care clinics, emergency care and imaging centers; and outpatient facilities. Come lead with us!
Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
See all 32+ H-1B Visa Director Of Innovation Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new H-1B Visa Director Of Innovation Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship in Director Of Innovation
Map your degree to the role
Director of Innovation petitions face RFE risk when the specialty occupation connection is unclear. Document how your degree field directly underpins the innovation function, not just general management, using the O*NET occupation profile as a reference framework.
Target employers with R&D budget mandates
Companies with dedicated R&D spend or federal innovation contracts file H-1B petitions more predictably than those where the role is discretionary. Search Migrate Mate by employer to surface organizations with verified LCA filing history for innovation-adjacent titles.
Verify prevailing wage before salary negotiations
Your employer's LCA must certify a wage at or above the DOL prevailing wage for your specific job zone and location. Run the OFLC Wage Search before your offer conversation so you can confirm the posted range satisfies Level III or Level IV requirements.
Negotiate H-1B premium processing into your offer
Director-level roles often come with tight start-date expectations. Request that your employer file with USCIS premium processing, which reduces the adjudication window to 15 business days and protects your start date if you're transitioning from another status.
Confirm cap-exempt status for university or nonprofit roles
Innovation director positions at universities, nonprofit research institutions, or government-affiliated entities are cap-exempt, meaning your employer can file outside the annual lottery. Confirm the organization qualifies under INA 214(g)(5) before counting on cap-exempt filing.
Prepare evidence of specialized expertise early
USCIS scrutinizes Director of Innovation petitions for evidence that the role genuinely requires specialized knowledge rather than general leadership. Assemble publications, patents, keynote invitations, or board memberships before the offer stage so your employer's attorney can build the petition immediately.
H-1B Visa Director Of Innovation: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Director of Innovation role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
It can, but USCIS reviews these petitions carefully because the title spans both management and technical functions. The role qualifies when it demonstrably requires a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific field, such as engineering, computer science, or design strategy. A job description that lists a degree as preferred rather than required weakens the petition significantly.
How do I find employers who actually sponsor H-1B visas for Director of Innovation positions?
The most reliable method is searching DOL Labor Condition Application disclosure data, which shows which employers have filed for innovation-related titles and at what wage levels. Migrate Mate filters this data by role and employer so you can identify organizations with a documented H-1B filing track record, rather than relying on job postings that may not reflect actual sponsorship willingness.
Can my employer count me toward the H-1B cap if I'm already on a valid H-1B with another company?
Yes. If you already hold H-1B status, your new employer can file an H-1B transfer petition without subjecting you to the annual cap or lottery. The transfer lets you begin work as soon as the new petition is filed, not after approval, provided the new employer's I-129 is submitted before your current authorized period ends.
What happens to my H-1B status if my Director of Innovation role is eliminated or restructured after I'm sponsored?
You have a 60-day grace period from the date your employment ends to find a new sponsoring employer, transfer your H-1B, or change to another valid status. During that window, you can't work, but you can interview and negotiate an offer. Filing a transfer petition before the grace period expires preserves your status while the new petition is pending.
Does the DOL prevailing wage requirement apply differently for a director-level role versus a manager-level role?
The prevailing wage is determined by the specific SOC occupation code and job zone assigned to your role, not the title alone. Director of Innovation positions typically map to higher wage levels, usually Level III or Level IV, because they require substantial experience and independent judgment. Your employer must certify this wage in the LCA before USCIS will approve the H-1B petition.