H-1B Visa Director of Student Services Jobs
Director of Student Services roles at U.S. universities and school districts regularly appear on H-1B visa LCA filings, making them a viable path for international professionals with degrees in education administration, counseling, or student affairs. Most positions require a master's degree, which satisfies the specialty occupation standard USCIS applies to H-1B visa petitions.
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Get Access To All JobsJOB TITLE: Chief – Innovation and Student Support Services
Days per year: 226
Min: $158,690
Mid: $191,194
REPORTS TO: Superintendent of Schools
WAGE/HOUR STATUS: Exempt
PAY GRADE: AM 11
PRIMARY PURPOSE:
The Chief of Innovation and Student Support Services is a visionary and systems-level leader responsible for the strategic integration and oversight of districtwide innovation, student wellness, behavioral supports, and access to enrichment and engagement opportunities. This role ensures the delivery of comprehensive services that support the whole child, academically, socially, emotionally, and physically, while upholding high standards for behavior and school culture.
The Chief provides executive leadership to a portfolio of departments including student assessment, counseling, health services, mental wellness, strategic innovation, and student conduct. The Chief ensures that the district’s Code of Conduct, student discipline practices, and multi-tiered behavior interventions are developmentally appropriate, responsive, and aligned with district values and legal standards.
All employees of Spring ISD are expected to act with integrity, support organizational goals, communicate clearly and respectfully, champion student needs, and drive continuous improvement.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required:
- Master’s Degree in Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field from an accredited institution
- Minimum of 7 years of progressive leadership experience in K-12 education, with at least 5 years in district-level leadership.
Preferred:
- Doctorate Degree in Education or a related field
- Texas Mid-Management, Principal, or Superintendent Certification
- Experience in large, diverse urban or suburban school districts
SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS:
- Deep understanding of innovation and whole-child frameworks integrating academic, behavioral, social-emotional, and physical supports
- Expertise in student support systems, including counseling, mental health, health services, and student conduct policies
- Comprehensive knowledge of local, state, and federal accountability, compliance regulations, and assessment frameworks related to student services and discipline
- Advanced knowledge of strategic planning, systems-level thinking, and implementation science to drive districtwide innovation
- Familiarity with multi-tiered behavioral intervention frameworks and culturally responsive discipline practices
- Understanding of budget management, grant writing, and securing external funding for large-scale initiatives
- Strong leadership and coaching skills to guide senior leaders and cross-functional teams toward aligned district goals
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to engage diverse stakeholders including the Board of Trustees, families, community partners, and state agencies
- Proficient in using data and research to inform policy development, program design, and continuous improvement efforts
- Skilled in managing complex projects, fostering innovation, and redesigning systems to improve student outcomes and operational efficiency
- Expertise in facilitating collaboration across departments, community organizations, and external agencies to build comprehensive support networks
- Ability to develop and deliver training on restorative practices, discipline, and legal compliance for school leaders
- Ability to lead at a systems level with vision and strategic focus, integrating multiple departments and initiatives toward holistic student support
- Capacity to analyze and interpret complex data sets to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities for improvement across student support services
- Aptitude for balancing operational and fiscal responsibilities while maintaining focus on student-centered outcomes
- Ability to manage competing priorities, make high-stakes decisions, and communicate effectively under pressure
- Capability to build trust and foster shared ownership among internal teams and external partners in advancing innovation
- Ability to maintain emotional regulation and professionalism in complex, high-stress environments
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:
Executive Leadership and Strategic Oversight
- Provide strategic direction, cross-functional alignment, and senior-level leadership to all departments and initiatives under Innovation and Student Support Services, ensuring integration with the district’s overall mission and strategic plan.
- Supervise and support the Executive Director of Innovation and Student Support Services and the Assistant Superintendent of Research, Accountability, and Testing, providing leadership coaching and performance management aligned to district goals.
- Serve as a key member of the Superintendent’s Senior Leadership Team, contributing to system-wide decision-making and representing student support, innovation, and engagement perspectives at the executive level.
- Oversee the development and implementation of districtwide innovation strategies, student wellness programs, and behavior support systems to ensure student access to academic, social-emotional, and enrichment services.
- Provide leadership and accountability for student discipline systems and the implementation of the district’s Student Code of Conduct, ensuring policies and practices are aligned with legal requirements and District goals.
Student Support Systems and Whole-Child Services
-
Provide executive-level oversight of all student support services departments, including:
-
Guidance, Counseling, and Mental Health
- Nursing and Health Services
- Truancy and Dropout Prevention
- Credit Recovery
- Safe and Drug-Free Schools
-
Student Discipline and Code of Conduct
-
Ensure that school-based and districtwide behavior intervention systems are research-based, developmentally appropriate, and culturally responsive.
- Collaborate with academic and operational departments to integrate student support services into campus instructional programs, crisis management plans, and continuous improvement cycles.
Innovation and Strategic Initiatives
- Oversee districtwide innovation initiatives, including strategic projects aligned to the Superintendent’s priorities and the district’s long-range strategic plan.
- Lead the district’s Advisory Committee on Education (ACE) and ensure stakeholder feedback informs the development and refinement of innovative programs.
- Support and scale innovative practices, technologies, and systems that improve student engagement, accelerate achievement, and close opportunity gaps.
- Collaborate with departments to redesign outdated systems and pilot new models that enhance student outcomes and operational efficiency.
Student Conduct, Behavior, and Discipline
- Provide leadership and oversight of the district’s student discipline systems, ensuring all practices align with federal and state law, board policy, and District commitments.
- Supervise the Executive Director of Innovation and Student Support Services in the implementation of the district’s Student Code of Conduct, ensuring clarity, fairness, and responsiveness.
- Develop and oversee training for principals and other leaders on restorative practices, de-escalation techniques, due process in disciplinary matters, and the use of data to monitor discipline referrals and consequences.
- Analyze discipline data to identify trends, disparities, and areas for improvement, and lead system-wide efforts to reduce exclusionary discipline and increase student engagement.
- Ensure appropriate collaboration with Legal, Special Education, and other teams to address due process, complaints, and investigations related to student discipline.
Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement
- Serve as the district’s liaison with external agencies, nonprofit organizations, and state-level networks focused on innovation, student health, and mental wellness.
- Foster strong partnerships with families, community stakeholders, and local organizations to expand access to wraparound services and supports.
- Lead cross-functional teams and working groups to assess program effectiveness, solve complex challenges, and recommend improvements to policy and practice.
Data-Informed Decision Making and Accountability
- Use data to monitor the impact and effectiveness of all programs under the Chief’s leadership, identifying gaps in service and areas for innovation or redesign.
- Ensure effective systems for progress monitoring and continuous improvement across departments.
- Oversee compliance with all federal, state, and local requirements related to student services, including discipline, health, mental health, and counseling.
- Present data-informed updates and recommendations to the Superintendent, Board of Trustees, and other stakeholders as needed.
Operational and Fiscal Management
- Develop and manage budgets for assigned departments, ensuring efficient and strategic use of resources aligned with student needs and district priorities.
- Identify and secure external funding opportunities, including grants and partnerships, to support innovation and student support initiatives.
- Ensure departments maintain accurate records and documentation required for audits, compliance, and program evaluation.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Physical Demands:
The usual and customary methods of performing the job’s functions require the following physical demands: physical mobility, standing, prolonged sitting, some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling. This position will require frequent travel within the district and occasional statewide travel.
Mental Demands:
Ability to solve problems and manage high-stakes, complex situations; ability to interpret data and research; ability to communicate across stakeholder groups with discretion and professionalism; ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines under pressure; ability to maintain emotional control under stress.
The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.
JOB TITLE: Chief – Innovation and Student Support Services
Days per year: 226
Min: $158,690
Mid: $191,194
REPORTS TO: Superintendent of Schools
WAGE/HOUR STATUS: Exempt
PAY GRADE: AM 11
PRIMARY PURPOSE:
The Chief of Innovation and Student Support Services is a visionary and systems-level leader responsible for the strategic integration and oversight of districtwide innovation, student wellness, behavioral supports, and access to enrichment and engagement opportunities. This role ensures the delivery of comprehensive services that support the whole child, academically, socially, emotionally, and physically, while upholding high standards for behavior and school culture.
The Chief provides executive leadership to a portfolio of departments including student assessment, counseling, health services, mental wellness, strategic innovation, and student conduct. The Chief ensures that the district’s Code of Conduct, student discipline practices, and multi-tiered behavior interventions are developmentally appropriate, responsive, and aligned with district values and legal standards.
All employees of Spring ISD are expected to act with integrity, support organizational goals, communicate clearly and respectfully, champion student needs, and drive continuous improvement.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required:
- Master’s Degree in Education, Educational Leadership, or a related field from an accredited institution
- Minimum of 7 years of progressive leadership experience in K-12 education, with at least 5 years in district-level leadership.
Preferred:
- Doctorate Degree in Education or a related field
- Texas Mid-Management, Principal, or Superintendent Certification
- Experience in large, diverse urban or suburban school districts
SPECIAL KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS:
- Deep understanding of innovation and whole-child frameworks integrating academic, behavioral, social-emotional, and physical supports
- Expertise in student support systems, including counseling, mental health, health services, and student conduct policies
- Comprehensive knowledge of local, state, and federal accountability, compliance regulations, and assessment frameworks related to student services and discipline
- Advanced knowledge of strategic planning, systems-level thinking, and implementation science to drive districtwide innovation
- Familiarity with multi-tiered behavioral intervention frameworks and culturally responsive discipline practices
- Understanding of budget management, grant writing, and securing external funding for large-scale initiatives
- Strong leadership and coaching skills to guide senior leaders and cross-functional teams toward aligned district goals
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills to engage diverse stakeholders including the Board of Trustees, families, community partners, and state agencies
- Proficient in using data and research to inform policy development, program design, and continuous improvement efforts
- Skilled in managing complex projects, fostering innovation, and redesigning systems to improve student outcomes and operational efficiency
- Expertise in facilitating collaboration across departments, community organizations, and external agencies to build comprehensive support networks
- Ability to develop and deliver training on restorative practices, discipline, and legal compliance for school leaders
- Ability to lead at a systems level with vision and strategic focus, integrating multiple departments and initiatives toward holistic student support
- Capacity to analyze and interpret complex data sets to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities for improvement across student support services
- Aptitude for balancing operational and fiscal responsibilities while maintaining focus on student-centered outcomes
- Ability to manage competing priorities, make high-stakes decisions, and communicate effectively under pressure
- Capability to build trust and foster shared ownership among internal teams and external partners in advancing innovation
- Ability to maintain emotional regulation and professionalism in complex, high-stress environments
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:
Executive Leadership and Strategic Oversight
- Provide strategic direction, cross-functional alignment, and senior-level leadership to all departments and initiatives under Innovation and Student Support Services, ensuring integration with the district’s overall mission and strategic plan.
- Supervise and support the Executive Director of Innovation and Student Support Services and the Assistant Superintendent of Research, Accountability, and Testing, providing leadership coaching and performance management aligned to district goals.
- Serve as a key member of the Superintendent’s Senior Leadership Team, contributing to system-wide decision-making and representing student support, innovation, and engagement perspectives at the executive level.
- Oversee the development and implementation of districtwide innovation strategies, student wellness programs, and behavior support systems to ensure student access to academic, social-emotional, and enrichment services.
- Provide leadership and accountability for student discipline systems and the implementation of the district’s Student Code of Conduct, ensuring policies and practices are aligned with legal requirements and District goals.
Student Support Systems and Whole-Child Services
-
Provide executive-level oversight of all student support services departments, including:
-
Guidance, Counseling, and Mental Health
- Nursing and Health Services
- Truancy and Dropout Prevention
- Credit Recovery
- Safe and Drug-Free Schools
-
Student Discipline and Code of Conduct
-
Ensure that school-based and districtwide behavior intervention systems are research-based, developmentally appropriate, and culturally responsive.
- Collaborate with academic and operational departments to integrate student support services into campus instructional programs, crisis management plans, and continuous improvement cycles.
Innovation and Strategic Initiatives
- Oversee districtwide innovation initiatives, including strategic projects aligned to the Superintendent’s priorities and the district’s long-range strategic plan.
- Lead the district’s Advisory Committee on Education (ACE) and ensure stakeholder feedback informs the development and refinement of innovative programs.
- Support and scale innovative practices, technologies, and systems that improve student engagement, accelerate achievement, and close opportunity gaps.
- Collaborate with departments to redesign outdated systems and pilot new models that enhance student outcomes and operational efficiency.
Student Conduct, Behavior, and Discipline
- Provide leadership and oversight of the district’s student discipline systems, ensuring all practices align with federal and state law, board policy, and District commitments.
- Supervise the Executive Director of Innovation and Student Support Services in the implementation of the district’s Student Code of Conduct, ensuring clarity, fairness, and responsiveness.
- Develop and oversee training for principals and other leaders on restorative practices, de-escalation techniques, due process in disciplinary matters, and the use of data to monitor discipline referrals and consequences.
- Analyze discipline data to identify trends, disparities, and areas for improvement, and lead system-wide efforts to reduce exclusionary discipline and increase student engagement.
- Ensure appropriate collaboration with Legal, Special Education, and other teams to address due process, complaints, and investigations related to student discipline.
Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement
- Serve as the district’s liaison with external agencies, nonprofit organizations, and state-level networks focused on innovation, student health, and mental wellness.
- Foster strong partnerships with families, community stakeholders, and local organizations to expand access to wraparound services and supports.
- Lead cross-functional teams and working groups to assess program effectiveness, solve complex challenges, and recommend improvements to policy and practice.
Data-Informed Decision Making and Accountability
- Use data to monitor the impact and effectiveness of all programs under the Chief’s leadership, identifying gaps in service and areas for innovation or redesign.
- Ensure effective systems for progress monitoring and continuous improvement across departments.
- Oversee compliance with all federal, state, and local requirements related to student services, including discipline, health, mental health, and counseling.
- Present data-informed updates and recommendations to the Superintendent, Board of Trustees, and other stakeholders as needed.
Operational and Fiscal Management
- Develop and manage budgets for assigned departments, ensuring efficient and strategic use of resources aligned with student needs and district priorities.
- Identify and secure external funding opportunities, including grants and partnerships, to support innovation and student support initiatives.
- Ensure departments maintain accurate records and documentation required for audits, compliance, and program evaluation.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Physical Demands:
The usual and customary methods of performing the job’s functions require the following physical demands: physical mobility, standing, prolonged sitting, some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling. This position will require frequent travel within the district and occasional statewide travel.
Mental Demands:
Ability to solve problems and manage high-stakes, complex situations; ability to interpret data and research; ability to communicate across stakeholder groups with discretion and professionalism; ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines under pressure; ability to maintain emotional control under stress.
The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.
See all H-1B Visa Director of Student Services Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship in Director of Student Services
Verify your degree meets specialty occupation
USCIS requires a direct-field degree connection for H-1B approval. A master's in higher education administration, student affairs, or counseling typically qualifies. A general business degree alone can trigger an RFE, so gather transcripts showing curriculum alignment before applying.
Target public universities over private schools
Public universities, community colleges, and K-12 district offices frequently sponsor H-1B workers and file LCAs through DOL annually. Check OFLC Wage Search for recent Director of Student Services LCA filings to identify which institutions have active sponsorship history.
Search verified H-1B employer history on Migrate Mate
Use Migrate Mate to filter Director of Student Services openings by employers with documented H-1B LCA filing history, so you're applying to institutions that have already cleared the DOL and USCIS process for this occupation code.
Clarify cap-exempt status during offer negotiations
Many university and nonprofit employers are cap-exempt under INA Section 214(g)(5), meaning your H-1B petition bypasses the annual lottery entirely. Confirm this status with HR before accepting an offer so your timeline doesn't depend on the April registration window.
Use O*NET to align your job description language
The O*NET occupation profile for Education Administrators lists the specific duties and knowledge areas USCIS adjudicators reference. Your offer letter and LCA job description should mirror this language to reduce the chance of a specialty occupation RFE.
Request premium processing when start dates are fixed
Academic hiring cycles run on hard timelines, often tied to the fall semester. If your start date is firm, ask your employer to file Form I-907 for premium processing, which gives USCIS a 15-business-day adjudication window rather than the standard several-month timeline.
H-1B Visa Director of Student Services: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Director of Student Services role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
Yes, provided the position requires at least a bachelor's degree in a directly related field such as higher education administration, student affairs, counseling, or a closely aligned discipline. USCIS evaluates the job duties, not just the title, so your offer letter should specify the degree requirement explicitly. Roles that accept any bachelor's degree regardless of field are more likely to receive an RFE.
Which types of employers sponsor H-1B visas for this role most often?
Public universities, community college systems, large K-12 school districts, and accredited nonprofit educational institutions file the most H-1B LCAs for student services leadership positions. Many of these employers qualify as cap-exempt under the INA, meaning they can file outside the annual lottery. Use Migrate Mate to browse Director of Student Services openings filtered by employers with verified H-1B filing history.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for this position and how is it determined?
The prevailing wage is set by DOL based on the occupation's SOC code, the employer's geographic location, and the required experience level. Your employer files a Labor Condition Application certifying they'll pay at or above this wage. You can look up the applicable wage range for your location using the OFLC Wage Search tool before negotiating your offer, though the page you're on already displays live salary data for context.
Can I transfer an existing H-1B to a new Director of Student Services role?
Yes. If you're already on H-1B status, a new employer can file a portability transfer petition while you begin working, as long as your prior petition was approved and you've maintained valid status. The new job must still qualify as a specialty occupation under the same standards. The 60-day grace period after your current role ends also gives you time to secure a transfer without immediately falling out of status.
What documents should I prepare before a prospective employer starts the H-1B filing process?
You'll need your academic transcripts and degree certificates, a credential evaluation if your degree is from outside the U.S., your current I-94 record, any prior immigration approval notices, and a copy of your passport biographical page. For education roles, employers often also request professional licensure or certification documentation if the state requires it for the position. Having these ready shortens the LCA and I-129 preparation timeline significantly.