H-1B Visa Program Manager Jobs
Program Manager roles qualify for H-1B sponsorship as specialty occupations requiring a bachelor's degree in business, engineering, or a related field. Many employers across tech, healthcare, and defense actively file H-1B petitions for PMs. The H-1B cap applies, so timing your job search around the April lottery registration window matters.
See All Program Manager JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 39,900+ Program Manager jobs
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
See all 39,900+ Program Manager jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Program Manager roles.
Get Access To All JobsJob Description
Senior Principal, Partner Programs & Strategy
About the Job
The Senior Principal Partner Programs & Strategy is responsible for architecting the evolution of the partner ecosystem, leading and scaling AI-first programs that accelerate adoption and revenue growth across the Zendesk partner landscape. This role operates as a strategic builder and transformation leader—designing and executing initiatives that expand partner impact and unlock new routes to market.
You will partner closely with executive leadership, Sales, Product, Finance, Operations, Marketing, and Governance teams to shape and deliver a high-performing, AI-driven partner ecosystem.
You aren’t just managing a program; you are building the engine that will power our AI-driven future.
Core Responsibilities
Program Architecture & Innovation
Lead the redesign and execution of the Partner program with an 'AI-first' focus. Establish access for new routes-to-market through key partner channels: MSPs, Affiliates, and VARs.
- Own end-to-end strategy and execution of the global partner program, aligning cross-functional stakeholders to deliver at scale
- Design and operationalize innovative incentives, promotions, discount frameworks, and pilot programs to accelerate ecosystem growth
- Identify creative solutions to increase the profitability, capabilities, and overall contributions of the Zendesk partner ecosystem by aligning the Zendesk Partner program with company goals and objectives
- Develop and implement the strategy, policies, and value propositions for the partner distribution ecosystem to accelerate the shift of business from direct to indirect models
- Develop a multi-year Partner Incentives Strategy, leveraging rigorous analysis of ecosystem performance, payout data, and competitive intelligence to drive high-value partner behaviors and long-term growth
Operational Excellence
- Collaborate cross-functionally (Sales, Ops, Finance, Legal) to establish, accurately measure, and report on critical partner program KPIs, ROI, and overall health to inform investment decisions and program evolution
- Define and enforce governance frameworks that improve partner productivity, scalability, and operational rigor
- Drive Zendesk's AI-first partner program by evolving partner program policies and structures that enable seamless engagement and performance tracking
- Optimize partner experience across systems and tooling, including partner portal enhancements and program workflows
- Collaborate with Finance, RevOps and Pricing teams to enable Outcome-Based Pricing, Deal Desk frameworks, and scalable discounting models for complex deals
- Identify and resolve operational friction, continuously improving efficiency, speed, and partner satisfaction
Communication & Content
- Be a champion of Zendesk partners by owning and executing recruitment and awareness initiatives that drive last-mile execution, increase channel productivity, and fuel partner growth
- Develop and deliver high-impact communications for partner programs and incentives, ensuring clarity, adoption, and advocacy across partners and internal teams
- Lead program and product launch readiness for partners, partner sales, and direct sales teams
- Oversee the creation of compelling collateral (e.g., incentive guides, playbooks) that clearly articulate the business value of AI transformation to customers and partners
Leadership & Collaboration
- Serve as a high-level thought partner to GTM and Sales leadership, delivering strategic insights and shaping next-generation partner initiatives in evolving markets
- Lead the annual planning process, crafting a compelling narrative on how AI-led partner investments drive sustainable growth
- Communicate complex, high-stakes ideas with clarity and authority, influencing executive alignment on strategy and execution
- Drive deep cross-functional alignment across Support, Professional Services, Product, and Marketing to embed the partner program into the broader Customer Success and GTM strategy
- Foster a culture of accountability, data-driven decision-making, and operational excellence across the partner ecosystem
Desired Qualifications & Experience
- 15+ years of experience in partner programs, channel strategy, or ecosystem leadership within SaaS or enterprise technology
- Experience leading major route-to-market transformations (e.g., Direct to Indirect, Sales-led to Product-/Success-led growth)
- Proven ability to formalize scalable processes and build programs designed for long-term growth and operational efficiency
- Strong cross-functional leadership experience across Engineering, Finance, Legal, and Sales, delivering both strategic vision and operational execution
- Deep expertise across resale, referral, enablement, and partner recruitment models
- Demonstrated success driving revenue growth and increasing partner contribution aligned to company strategy
- Executive presence with the ability to influence senior leadership and clearly articulate complex partner value propositions
- Strong analytical mindset with the ability to translate KPIs, data, and insights into measurable business outcomes
- Bachelor’s degree required; MBA preferred
The US annualized base salary range for this position is $182,000.00-$272,000.00. This position may also be eligible for bonus, benefits, or related incentives. While this range reflects the minimum and maximum value for new hire salaries for the position across all US locations, the offer for the successful candidate for this position will be based on job related capabilities, applicable experience, and other factors such as work location. Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only (or OTE for commissions based roles), and do not include bonus, benefits, or related incentives.
The intelligent heart of customer experience
Zendesk software was built to bring a sense of calm to the chaotic world of customer service. Today we power billions of conversations with brands you know and love.
Zendesk believes in offering our people a fulfilling and inclusive experience. Our hybrid way of working, enables us to purposefully come together in person, at one of our many Zendesk offices around the world, to connect, collaborate and learn whilst also giving our people the flexibility to work remotely for part of the week.
As part of our commitment to fairness and transparency, we inform all applicants that artificial intelligence (AI) or automated decision systems may be used to screen or evaluate applications for this position, in accordance with Company guidelines and applicable law.
Zendesk is an equal opportunity employer, and we’re proud of our ongoing efforts to foster global diversity, equity, & inclusion in the workplace. Individuals seeking employment and employees at Zendesk are considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition, ancestry, disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We are an AA/EEO/Veterans/Disabled employer. If you are based in the United States and would like more information about your EEO rights under the law, please click here.
Zendesk endeavors to make reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities and disabled veterans pursuant to applicable federal and state law. If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to submit this application, complete any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participate in the employee selection process, please send an e-mail to peopleandplaces@zendesk.com with your specific accommodation request.
Job Description
Senior Principal, Partner Programs & Strategy
About the Job
The Senior Principal Partner Programs & Strategy is responsible for architecting the evolution of the partner ecosystem, leading and scaling AI-first programs that accelerate adoption and revenue growth across the Zendesk partner landscape. This role operates as a strategic builder and transformation leader—designing and executing initiatives that expand partner impact and unlock new routes to market.
You will partner closely with executive leadership, Sales, Product, Finance, Operations, Marketing, and Governance teams to shape and deliver a high-performing, AI-driven partner ecosystem.
You aren’t just managing a program; you are building the engine that will power our AI-driven future.
Core Responsibilities
Program Architecture & Innovation
Lead the redesign and execution of the Partner program with an 'AI-first' focus. Establish access for new routes-to-market through key partner channels: MSPs, Affiliates, and VARs.
- Own end-to-end strategy and execution of the global partner program, aligning cross-functional stakeholders to deliver at scale
- Design and operationalize innovative incentives, promotions, discount frameworks, and pilot programs to accelerate ecosystem growth
- Identify creative solutions to increase the profitability, capabilities, and overall contributions of the Zendesk partner ecosystem by aligning the Zendesk Partner program with company goals and objectives
- Develop and implement the strategy, policies, and value propositions for the partner distribution ecosystem to accelerate the shift of business from direct to indirect models
- Develop a multi-year Partner Incentives Strategy, leveraging rigorous analysis of ecosystem performance, payout data, and competitive intelligence to drive high-value partner behaviors and long-term growth
Operational Excellence
- Collaborate cross-functionally (Sales, Ops, Finance, Legal) to establish, accurately measure, and report on critical partner program KPIs, ROI, and overall health to inform investment decisions and program evolution
- Define and enforce governance frameworks that improve partner productivity, scalability, and operational rigor
- Drive Zendesk's AI-first partner program by evolving partner program policies and structures that enable seamless engagement and performance tracking
- Optimize partner experience across systems and tooling, including partner portal enhancements and program workflows
- Collaborate with Finance, RevOps and Pricing teams to enable Outcome-Based Pricing, Deal Desk frameworks, and scalable discounting models for complex deals
- Identify and resolve operational friction, continuously improving efficiency, speed, and partner satisfaction
Communication & Content
- Be a champion of Zendesk partners by owning and executing recruitment and awareness initiatives that drive last-mile execution, increase channel productivity, and fuel partner growth
- Develop and deliver high-impact communications for partner programs and incentives, ensuring clarity, adoption, and advocacy across partners and internal teams
- Lead program and product launch readiness for partners, partner sales, and direct sales teams
- Oversee the creation of compelling collateral (e.g., incentive guides, playbooks) that clearly articulate the business value of AI transformation to customers and partners
Leadership & Collaboration
- Serve as a high-level thought partner to GTM and Sales leadership, delivering strategic insights and shaping next-generation partner initiatives in evolving markets
- Lead the annual planning process, crafting a compelling narrative on how AI-led partner investments drive sustainable growth
- Communicate complex, high-stakes ideas with clarity and authority, influencing executive alignment on strategy and execution
- Drive deep cross-functional alignment across Support, Professional Services, Product, and Marketing to embed the partner program into the broader Customer Success and GTM strategy
- Foster a culture of accountability, data-driven decision-making, and operational excellence across the partner ecosystem
Desired Qualifications & Experience
- 15+ years of experience in partner programs, channel strategy, or ecosystem leadership within SaaS or enterprise technology
- Experience leading major route-to-market transformations (e.g., Direct to Indirect, Sales-led to Product-/Success-led growth)
- Proven ability to formalize scalable processes and build programs designed for long-term growth and operational efficiency
- Strong cross-functional leadership experience across Engineering, Finance, Legal, and Sales, delivering both strategic vision and operational execution
- Deep expertise across resale, referral, enablement, and partner recruitment models
- Demonstrated success driving revenue growth and increasing partner contribution aligned to company strategy
- Executive presence with the ability to influence senior leadership and clearly articulate complex partner value propositions
- Strong analytical mindset with the ability to translate KPIs, data, and insights into measurable business outcomes
- Bachelor’s degree required; MBA preferred
The US annualized base salary range for this position is $182,000.00-$272,000.00. This position may also be eligible for bonus, benefits, or related incentives. While this range reflects the minimum and maximum value for new hire salaries for the position across all US locations, the offer for the successful candidate for this position will be based on job related capabilities, applicable experience, and other factors such as work location. Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only (or OTE for commissions based roles), and do not include bonus, benefits, or related incentives.
The intelligent heart of customer experience
Zendesk software was built to bring a sense of calm to the chaotic world of customer service. Today we power billions of conversations with brands you know and love.
Zendesk believes in offering our people a fulfilling and inclusive experience. Our hybrid way of working, enables us to purposefully come together in person, at one of our many Zendesk offices around the world, to connect, collaborate and learn whilst also giving our people the flexibility to work remotely for part of the week.
As part of our commitment to fairness and transparency, we inform all applicants that artificial intelligence (AI) or automated decision systems may be used to screen or evaluate applications for this position, in accordance with Company guidelines and applicable law.
Zendesk is an equal opportunity employer, and we’re proud of our ongoing efforts to foster global diversity, equity, & inclusion in the workplace. Individuals seeking employment and employees at Zendesk are considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition, ancestry, disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We are an AA/EEO/Veterans/Disabled employer. If you are based in the United States and would like more information about your EEO rights under the law, please click here.
Zendesk endeavors to make reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities and disabled veterans pursuant to applicable federal and state law. If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to submit this application, complete any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participate in the employee selection process, please send an e-mail to peopleandplaces@zendesk.com with your specific accommodation request.
See all 39,900+ Program Manager jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Program Manager roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship as a Program Manager
Map your degree to PMP-aligned SOC codes
USCIS evaluates specialty occupation based on your degree field matching the role. Pull the Program Manager SOC code from O*NET and confirm your degree aligns before applying. A mismatch is the most common RFE trigger for PM petitions.
Target cap-exempt employers for immediate starts
Universities, nonprofit research institutions, and government-affiliated organizations are exempt from the annual H-1B cap. PM roles at these employers can start any time of year, bypassing the April lottery entirely.
Search LCA filing history before applying
Use Migrate Mate to filter Program Manager roles by employers with verified H-1B LCA filing history. This tells you which companies have already navigated the DOL prevailing wage certification process for this exact job title.
Verify prevailing wage tier before negotiating offers
Run the OFLC Wage Search for your target metro area under the Program Manager SOC code before salary discussions. Your offer must meet the DOL prevailing wage for the work location, and Level I versus Level III wages vary significantly by region.
Document cross-functional scope in your resume now
USCIS scrutinizes PM petitions for evidence that the role requires a specific degree, not just managerial experience. Your resume should explicitly list the technical domain you manage, the teams you coordinate, and any systems or methodologies tied to your field of study.
Program Manager jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Program Manager JobsProgram Manager H-1B Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Program Manager role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
Yes, but the employer must demonstrate the specific position requires at least a bachelor's degree in a directly related field. A general management role can fail USCIS review if the job description doesn't tie the degree to the work. PM roles in software development, engineering, healthcare IT, or defense programs typically have stronger specialty occupation cases than broad operational management positions.
Which industries sponsor H-1B visas most often for Program Managers?
Technology, aerospace and defense, healthcare systems, and federal contracting firms file H-1B petitions for Program Managers at higher volumes than most sectors. These industries routinely require PMs with engineering or computer science backgrounds, which strengthens the specialty occupation argument. You can browse employers with verified filing history for this role on Migrate Mate.
How does the H-1B lottery affect my timeline as a Program Manager job seeker?
USCIS opens H-1B registration each March for the fiscal year starting October 1. If you're selected, your employer files the full petition between April and June, and employment can begin no earlier than October 1. If you're on OPT with a cap-gap, you're covered through September 30. Missing the registration window means waiting a full year unless your employer is cap-exempt.
Can I switch employers mid-H-1B if I get a better Program Manager offer?
Yes. H-1B portability under AC21 lets you change employers as soon as your new employer files a transfer petition, without waiting for approval. You can start the new PM role immediately once the petition is received by USCIS. The new employer still needs to file an LCA for your work location and pay the prevailing wage for the role.
What documentation strengthens an H-1B petition for a Program Manager position?
A detailed job description that connects specific degree requirements to daily responsibilities is the most important document. Include organizational charts showing where the PM sits within a technical team, any required certifications tied to your field, and evidence that similar positions at the company required the same degree. USCIS looks for proof the role isn't generalist management work.
See which Program Manager employers are hiring and sponsoring visas right now.
Search Program Manager Jobs