J-1 Visa Development Director Jobs
Development Director roles in the United States are accessible to international professionals through the J-1 visa under the Specialist or Trainee program category, depending on your experience level. Finding a host organization that will coordinate sponsorship through a State Department-designated sponsor is the critical first step.
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Get Access To All JobsAbout Kerry
At Kerry we’re obsessed with food and an ambition to provide 2 billion people access to more sustainable nutrition. Kerry is the world’s leading taste and nutrition company for food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. Every day we partner with customers to create healthier, tastier and more sustainable products that are consumed by billions of people across the world. Our vision is to be our customers’ most valued partner, creating a world of sustainable nutrition. A career with Kerry offers you an opportunity to shape the future of food while providing you opportunities to explore and grow in a truly global environment.
The Kerry Leadership Development Program is a 24-month rotational program, which will begin on July 12, 2027.
Manufacturing Overview
You will have responsibility to co-ordinate and drive the delivery of operational targets, initiatives and improvements at one of our manufacturing facilities. You will be required to support department managers in delivering factory performance improvements through the facilitation of Site teams using lean tools and techniques. Initially with a very hands-on approach to developing capability and leadership skills, you will develop into a People Manager with potential Shift Management responsibility. You will have specific project tasks related to driving the introduction of aspects of strategic change as the business continues to grow. Your direct line manager will be the Production Manager, but you may also receive instruction from the Operations Manager or other Managers as appropriate. You will have real opportunity to engage right across the business and make a difference early in your career. You will be supported and work alongside one of the most experienced food manufacturing teams in the world.
Key Responsibilities
What you'll do
- Support the Site Strategic Agenda and the successful implementation and maintenance of the Kerry Manufacturing Standard (Site Audit Standard)
- Identify, manage, and execute initiatives to deliver significant improvements in the areas of: Safety, Quality, Delivery / Service, Operating efficiency, People Management, Materials control and efficiency
- Facilitate and support management teams (and other teams) involved in major transformational projects (e.g. re-engineering the major Site business processes)
- Ensure all direct reports are fully trained and equipped with the necessary skills to operate in an environment that promotes safety and well-being
- Support site programs to ensure the effective training and deployment of the principles, projects, tools and techniques (as appropriate) and KPIs etc.
- Maintain awareness of best practice and modern improvement techniques
- Ensure familiarity is achieved with Kerry’s preferred method of problem solving (root cause, 8 steps etc.)
- Actively live the Kerry values of Courage, Ownership, Inclusiveness, Open-mindedness, & Enterprising Spirit
Qualifications and Skills
What you'll need to be successful
- Bachelor’s degree from a four-year accredited college or university in Food Science Technology, Process Engineering, Manufacturing/Mechanical Engineering, or Chemical/BioChemical Engineering with an expected graduation date between December 2026 – May 2027
- Exceptional problem-solving skills
- Motivated self-starter with the determination and drive to succeed
- Strong interpersonal skills with the proven ability to communicate effectively to all levels of an organization
- Ability to work in a team environment
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)
- A curious mindset
- Willingness to travel
- Relocation for the second rotation is required
Compensation Data
The pay range for this position is $65,000 - $70,000 in Annual Salary. Kerry typically does not hire an individual at the top or near the top of the range, as we are a pay-for-performance company, and this range is set to continue to reward performance annually while in role. Compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. The specific compensation offered to a candidate within the above range may be influenced by a variety of factors including skills, qualifications, experience, and internal equity. In addition, this position is also eligible to earn a performance-based incentive compensation. Kerry offers a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, a 401(k) plan with employee and company contribution opportunities, Employee Share Plan, Life, disability, and accident insurance, and tuition reimbursement. Accepting applications on a continuous basis until 2027 cohort is full. This job posting is anticipated to expire on March 31, 2027.
We may use artificial intelligence tools to support the review and assessment of applications and assist with scheduling interviews. We do not use AI to make decisions during the interview process. All candidate assessments and hiring decisions are made by our recruitment and leadership teams.
Kerry is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. Kerry will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditional upon the successful completion of a background investigation and drug screen. Additional information can be found at Know Your Rights Workplace Discrimination is Illegal (dol.gov).
Beware of scams online or from individuals claiming to represent us. A Kerry employee will not solicit candidates through a non-Kerry email address or phone number. In addition, Kerry does not currently utilise video chat rooms (e.g., Google Hangouts) to conduct interviews. Refuse any request that asks you to provide payment to participate in the hiring process (e.g., purchasing a “starter kit,” investing in training, or something similar). Kerry will not ask you to pay any money at any point in the hiring process with the exception of reimbursable travel expenses. In addition, any payments made by Kerry will be from official firm accounts bearing the Kerry name.
Nearest Major Market: Milwaukee
About Kerry
At Kerry we’re obsessed with food and an ambition to provide 2 billion people access to more sustainable nutrition. Kerry is the world’s leading taste and nutrition company for food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. Every day we partner with customers to create healthier, tastier and more sustainable products that are consumed by billions of people across the world. Our vision is to be our customers’ most valued partner, creating a world of sustainable nutrition. A career with Kerry offers you an opportunity to shape the future of food while providing you opportunities to explore and grow in a truly global environment.
The Kerry Leadership Development Program is a 24-month rotational program, which will begin on July 12, 2027.
Manufacturing Overview
You will have responsibility to co-ordinate and drive the delivery of operational targets, initiatives and improvements at one of our manufacturing facilities. You will be required to support department managers in delivering factory performance improvements through the facilitation of Site teams using lean tools and techniques. Initially with a very hands-on approach to developing capability and leadership skills, you will develop into a People Manager with potential Shift Management responsibility. You will have specific project tasks related to driving the introduction of aspects of strategic change as the business continues to grow. Your direct line manager will be the Production Manager, but you may also receive instruction from the Operations Manager or other Managers as appropriate. You will have real opportunity to engage right across the business and make a difference early in your career. You will be supported and work alongside one of the most experienced food manufacturing teams in the world.
Key Responsibilities
What you'll do
- Support the Site Strategic Agenda and the successful implementation and maintenance of the Kerry Manufacturing Standard (Site Audit Standard)
- Identify, manage, and execute initiatives to deliver significant improvements in the areas of: Safety, Quality, Delivery / Service, Operating efficiency, People Management, Materials control and efficiency
- Facilitate and support management teams (and other teams) involved in major transformational projects (e.g. re-engineering the major Site business processes)
- Ensure all direct reports are fully trained and equipped with the necessary skills to operate in an environment that promotes safety and well-being
- Support site programs to ensure the effective training and deployment of the principles, projects, tools and techniques (as appropriate) and KPIs etc.
- Maintain awareness of best practice and modern improvement techniques
- Ensure familiarity is achieved with Kerry’s preferred method of problem solving (root cause, 8 steps etc.)
- Actively live the Kerry values of Courage, Ownership, Inclusiveness, Open-mindedness, & Enterprising Spirit
Qualifications and Skills
What you'll need to be successful
- Bachelor’s degree from a four-year accredited college or university in Food Science Technology, Process Engineering, Manufacturing/Mechanical Engineering, or Chemical/BioChemical Engineering with an expected graduation date between December 2026 – May 2027
- Exceptional problem-solving skills
- Motivated self-starter with the determination and drive to succeed
- Strong interpersonal skills with the proven ability to communicate effectively to all levels of an organization
- Ability to work in a team environment
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)
- A curious mindset
- Willingness to travel
- Relocation for the second rotation is required
Compensation Data
The pay range for this position is $65,000 - $70,000 in Annual Salary. Kerry typically does not hire an individual at the top or near the top of the range, as we are a pay-for-performance company, and this range is set to continue to reward performance annually while in role. Compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. The specific compensation offered to a candidate within the above range may be influenced by a variety of factors including skills, qualifications, experience, and internal equity. In addition, this position is also eligible to earn a performance-based incentive compensation. Kerry offers a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, a 401(k) plan with employee and company contribution opportunities, Employee Share Plan, Life, disability, and accident insurance, and tuition reimbursement. Accepting applications on a continuous basis until 2027 cohort is full. This job posting is anticipated to expire on March 31, 2027.
We may use artificial intelligence tools to support the review and assessment of applications and assist with scheduling interviews. We do not use AI to make decisions during the interview process. All candidate assessments and hiring decisions are made by our recruitment and leadership teams.
Kerry is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. Kerry will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditional upon the successful completion of a background investigation and drug screen. Additional information can be found at Know Your Rights Workplace Discrimination is Illegal (dol.gov).
Beware of scams online or from individuals claiming to represent us. A Kerry employee will not solicit candidates through a non-Kerry email address or phone number. In addition, Kerry does not currently utilise video chat rooms (e.g., Google Hangouts) to conduct interviews. Refuse any request that asks you to provide payment to participate in the hiring process (e.g., purchasing a “starter kit,” investing in training, or something similar). Kerry will not ask you to pay any money at any point in the hiring process with the exception of reimbursable travel expenses. In addition, any payments made by Kerry will be from official firm accounts bearing the Kerry name.
Nearest Major Market: Milwaukee
See all 38+ J-1 Visa Development Director Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding J-1 Visa Sponsorship in Development Director
Align your credentials with Specialist eligibility
The J-1 visa Specialist category requires recognized expertise in your field. Gather documentation of your fundraising track record, board experience, and campaign outcomes before outreach. Designated sponsors will assess your credentials when evaluating your DS-2019 eligibility.
Target nonprofits with international exchange history
Organizations that have hosted J-1 exchange visitors before understand the DS-2019 process and are far less likely to withdraw an offer due to compliance concerns. Focus your search on host employers in arts, education, and public health sectors.
Use Migrate Mate to filter roles by sponsorship readiness
Development Director openings vary widely in employer familiarity with J-1 hosting requirements. Migrate Mate lets you surface roles at organizations already aligned with international hiring, saving time spent on employers who will not engage with the process.
Clarify host versus sponsor roles before accepting an offer
Your hiring employer is the host organization, not your visa sponsor. A State Department-designated sponsor such as Cultural Vistas or IIE issues your DS-2019. Confirm the host has already engaged a designated sponsor, or negotiate that step into your offer terms.
Check whether your home country triggers the two-year rule
The J-1 two-year home residency requirement applies to exchange visitors funded by their home government or whose home country lists their skill on the Exchange Visitor Skills List. Determine your status early, since it affects your ability to change to H-1B visa or immigrant status later.
Prepare a detailed training plan before the DS-2019 is issued
Designated sponsors require a structured training plan outlining your learning objectives, supervision arrangements, and program goals. Development Directors should document specific skill-transfer areas, such as major gifts strategy or board development, not just general leadership responsibilities.
Development Director J-1 Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which J-1 program category applies to Development Director roles?
Most Development Directors qualify under the J-1 Specialist category, which covers professionals with recognized expertise in a specialized field. If you're earlier in your career and the role includes structured learning objectives, the Trainee category may apply instead. The designated sponsor, not the host employer, makes the final determination based on your qualifications and the training plan.
Does the host employer sponsor my J-1 visa directly?
No. The J-1 visa is not employer-sponsored the way an H-1B is. Your host employer, the organization where you'll work as Development Director, enters into an agreement with a U.S. Department of State-designated sponsor such as Cultural Vistas or IIE. That designated sponsor issues your DS-2019 form and remains responsible for your program compliance throughout your exchange.
How do I find Development Director host employers open to J-1 exchange visitors?
Many nonprofits and cultural institutions are unfamiliar with J-1 hosting obligations, so targeting organizations with prior international hiring experience is practical. Migrate Mate is specifically designed to surface roles at employers aligned with international visa categories, including J-1, so you can focus outreach on hosts already familiar with the DS-2019 and training plan requirements.
Can the two-year home residency requirement affect a Development Director's long-term U.S. plans?
Yes. If the two-year requirement applies to you, you cannot change to H-1B status or apply for a green card until you fulfill it or obtain a waiver. Development Directors who plan to stay in the U.S. long-term should determine their two-year rule status before accepting a J-1 placement, since the waiver process can take one to two years depending on the basis for the request.
What documents should I prepare before a host employer engages a designated sponsor?
You'll typically need proof of your professional credentials, a resume documenting relevant fundraising and leadership experience, and a draft training plan that outlines your program objectives. Designated sponsors review these materials to confirm your eligibility and to complete the DS-2019 application. Having a clearly structured training plan specific to Development Director responsibilities, such as major gifts or endowment strategy, speeds up the sponsor's review considerably.