J-1 Visa Development Manager Jobs
Development Manager roles in the United States are accessible to international professionals through the J-1 visa Trainee or Specialist program category, both requiring a designated sponsor organization to issue your DS-2019. Finding a host employer willing to structure a J-1 sponsorship arrangement is the critical first step.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
The WestStar Leadership Program Manager supports the planning, coordination, and execution of leadership development programs, alumni engagement initiatives, marketing efforts, and administrative operations for WestStar Leadership at the University of Tennessee at Martin. This position is responsible for managing event logistics, coordinating communications, supporting alumni relations, maintaining social media and marketing initiatives, and providing operational and administrative support to program leadership. The Program Manager works collaboratively with participants, alumni, community partners, vendors, sponsors, and university stakeholders to ensure the successful delivery of high-quality leadership programming across West Tennessee. This role requires strong organizational skills, professionalism, attention to detail, effective communication, and the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment while maintaining compliance with university policies and procedures. Regular travel throughout West Tennessee and physical event setup responsibilities are required as part of program operations.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Event Planning and Program Operations:
- Coordinating event logistics including venue reservations, catering, transportation, audiovisual needs, room setup, guest accommodations, registration management, and event timelines.
- Assisting in the development and preparation of session agendas, itineraries, schedules, participant materials, and event communications as directed by the Assistant Director.
- Ensuring all event materials, supplies, technology, and participant resources are prepared, organized, and operational prior to the start of each event.
- Providing on-site operational support during all assigned events, including setup, breakdown, registration management, speaker assistance, troubleshooting, and participant support.
- Coordinating directly with speakers, committees, facilitators, vendors, sponsors, venues, and community partners regarding logistics, scheduling, contracts, and event expectations.
- Traveling throughout West Tennessee to attend planning meetings and event coordination activities.
- Driving UT Martin and/or personal vehicles for program-related travel and transportation of materials when necessary.
- Managing and monitoring all assigned contracts, vendor agreements, invoices, and event-related documentation to ensure compliance with university policies and deadlines.
- Maintaining accurate event records, attendance lists, schedules, and logistical documentation.
- Assisting with loading, unloading, transporting, lifting, carrying, assembling, and dismantling program equipment, supplies, signage, materials, and displays required for events and sessions.
- Performing physical event setup duties, including movement of tables, chairs, boxes, technology equipment, signage, hospitality items, and other event materials.
- Maintaining inventory and organization of program materials, supplies, promotional items, and event equipment.
- Ensure all pre-approval documentations are completed and approved prior to events as needed to remain in compliance with UT Martin policy.
Alumni Relations and Membership Management:
- Cultivate and maintain relationships with program alumni, fostering a strong sense of community and engagement.
- Maintaining accurate alumni databases, contact information, membership records, and communication lists.
- Coordinating alumni meetings, receptions, networking opportunities, reunions, and engagement events.
- Preparing and distributing alumni invitations, registration materials, payment information, reminders, and follow-up communications in a timely manner.
- Tracking event RSVPs, registrations, attendance records, and membership payments.
- Managing and updating alumni membership records, including annual and lifetime memberships.
- Developing, designing, editing, and distributing alumni newsletters and electronic communications.
- Managing email distribution systems, text communication platforms, and alumni communication databases to ensure accuracy and consistency.
- Gathering alumni feedback and assisting with implementation of engagement strategies and program improvements.
- Traveling throughout West Tennessee to coordinate and support alumni engagement activities and meetings.
- Preparing invoices and payment documentation related to alumni dues, sponsorships, partnerships, and vendor services.
Marketing, Communication, and Social Media:
- Assisting with development and implementation of marketing and recruitment strategies for WestStar Leadership programs and events.
- Managing and maintaining WestStar Leadership social media accounts, including Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter/X, and other assigned platforms.
- Creating, scheduling, and publishing social media content, promotional materials, event announcements, and engagement campaigns.
- Monitoring social media activity, engagement metrics, and audience interaction to improve communication effectiveness.
- Assisting with development and distribution of brochures, flyers, digital assets, presentations, and promotional materials in collaboration with university relations and program leadership.
- Supporting photography, video, podcast, and multimedia promotional efforts as assigned.
- Coordinating scheduling, logistics, promotion, and operational support for podcasts and media-related activities.
Administrative Support for Executive Director:
- Managing calendars, meeting schedules, appointments, and travel arrangements.
- Preparing meeting materials, presentations, reports, correspondence, agendas, and program documentation.
- Drafting, proofreading, formatting, and editing professional communications and documents.
- Serving as a point of contact for program-related communications with participants, alumni, partners, vendors, and stakeholders.
- Maintaining organized electronic and physical filing systems for program records, contracts, financial documents, donor information, and administrative materials.
- Assisting with travel documentation, reimbursements, invoice processing, and operational paperwork.
- Serving as backup support to the Budget Coordinator, including familiarity with invoices, procurement processes, contracts, travel entry, and related administrative systems.
- Maintaining confidentiality and professionalism in all communications and records management.
- Responsibilities shall include all other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- High School diploma and four years of experience in office management, event planning, or communications.
- Proven experience in event planning and management, preferably in a leadership development or educational context.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders, including program participants, alumni, and external partners.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience in crafting compelling marketing copy and engaging social media content.
- Proficiency in project management tools and platforms, as well as Microsoft Office suite and social media management tools.
- Creative thinker with a strategic mindset and a passion for leadership development and community engagement.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree
- Knowledge with FileMaker Pro, PerfectForms, GoogleForms, Teams, Survey Pro, MarketPlace, Virtual Platforms, and Mail Chimp.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
Applicants must apply online and attach a cover letter and resume.
APPLICATION DEADLINE:
Applicant review will begin immediately and continue until a candidate has been identified.
COMPENSATION
- Minimum hiring rate $18.13 per hour (Market Range 07) – Salary commensurate with education and experience.
INTRODUCTION
The WestStar Leadership Program Manager supports the planning, coordination, and execution of leadership development programs, alumni engagement initiatives, marketing efforts, and administrative operations for WestStar Leadership at the University of Tennessee at Martin. This position is responsible for managing event logistics, coordinating communications, supporting alumni relations, maintaining social media and marketing initiatives, and providing operational and administrative support to program leadership. The Program Manager works collaboratively with participants, alumni, community partners, vendors, sponsors, and university stakeholders to ensure the successful delivery of high-quality leadership programming across West Tennessee. This role requires strong organizational skills, professionalism, attention to detail, effective communication, and the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment while maintaining compliance with university policies and procedures. Regular travel throughout West Tennessee and physical event setup responsibilities are required as part of program operations.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Event Planning and Program Operations:
- Coordinating event logistics including venue reservations, catering, transportation, audiovisual needs, room setup, guest accommodations, registration management, and event timelines.
- Assisting in the development and preparation of session agendas, itineraries, schedules, participant materials, and event communications as directed by the Assistant Director.
- Ensuring all event materials, supplies, technology, and participant resources are prepared, organized, and operational prior to the start of each event.
- Providing on-site operational support during all assigned events, including setup, breakdown, registration management, speaker assistance, troubleshooting, and participant support.
- Coordinating directly with speakers, committees, facilitators, vendors, sponsors, venues, and community partners regarding logistics, scheduling, contracts, and event expectations.
- Traveling throughout West Tennessee to attend planning meetings and event coordination activities.
- Driving UT Martin and/or personal vehicles for program-related travel and transportation of materials when necessary.
- Managing and monitoring all assigned contracts, vendor agreements, invoices, and event-related documentation to ensure compliance with university policies and deadlines.
- Maintaining accurate event records, attendance lists, schedules, and logistical documentation.
- Assisting with loading, unloading, transporting, lifting, carrying, assembling, and dismantling program equipment, supplies, signage, materials, and displays required for events and sessions.
- Performing physical event setup duties, including movement of tables, chairs, boxes, technology equipment, signage, hospitality items, and other event materials.
- Maintaining inventory and organization of program materials, supplies, promotional items, and event equipment.
- Ensure all pre-approval documentations are completed and approved prior to events as needed to remain in compliance with UT Martin policy.
Alumni Relations and Membership Management:
- Cultivate and maintain relationships with program alumni, fostering a strong sense of community and engagement.
- Maintaining accurate alumni databases, contact information, membership records, and communication lists.
- Coordinating alumni meetings, receptions, networking opportunities, reunions, and engagement events.
- Preparing and distributing alumni invitations, registration materials, payment information, reminders, and follow-up communications in a timely manner.
- Tracking event RSVPs, registrations, attendance records, and membership payments.
- Managing and updating alumni membership records, including annual and lifetime memberships.
- Developing, designing, editing, and distributing alumni newsletters and electronic communications.
- Managing email distribution systems, text communication platforms, and alumni communication databases to ensure accuracy and consistency.
- Gathering alumni feedback and assisting with implementation of engagement strategies and program improvements.
- Traveling throughout West Tennessee to coordinate and support alumni engagement activities and meetings.
- Preparing invoices and payment documentation related to alumni dues, sponsorships, partnerships, and vendor services.
Marketing, Communication, and Social Media:
- Assisting with development and implementation of marketing and recruitment strategies for WestStar Leadership programs and events.
- Managing and maintaining WestStar Leadership social media accounts, including Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter/X, and other assigned platforms.
- Creating, scheduling, and publishing social media content, promotional materials, event announcements, and engagement campaigns.
- Monitoring social media activity, engagement metrics, and audience interaction to improve communication effectiveness.
- Assisting with development and distribution of brochures, flyers, digital assets, presentations, and promotional materials in collaboration with university relations and program leadership.
- Supporting photography, video, podcast, and multimedia promotional efforts as assigned.
- Coordinating scheduling, logistics, promotion, and operational support for podcasts and media-related activities.
Administrative Support for Executive Director:
- Managing calendars, meeting schedules, appointments, and travel arrangements.
- Preparing meeting materials, presentations, reports, correspondence, agendas, and program documentation.
- Drafting, proofreading, formatting, and editing professional communications and documents.
- Serving as a point of contact for program-related communications with participants, alumni, partners, vendors, and stakeholders.
- Maintaining organized electronic and physical filing systems for program records, contracts, financial documents, donor information, and administrative materials.
- Assisting with travel documentation, reimbursements, invoice processing, and operational paperwork.
- Serving as backup support to the Budget Coordinator, including familiarity with invoices, procurement processes, contracts, travel entry, and related administrative systems.
- Maintaining confidentiality and professionalism in all communications and records management.
- Responsibilities shall include all other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- High School diploma and four years of experience in office management, event planning, or communications.
- Proven experience in event planning and management, preferably in a leadership development or educational context.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders, including program participants, alumni, and external partners.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience in crafting compelling marketing copy and engaging social media content.
- Proficiency in project management tools and platforms, as well as Microsoft Office suite and social media management tools.
- Creative thinker with a strategic mindset and a passion for leadership development and community engagement.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree
- Knowledge with FileMaker Pro, PerfectForms, GoogleForms, Teams, Survey Pro, MarketPlace, Virtual Platforms, and Mail Chimp.
APPLICATION PROCESS:
Applicants must apply online and attach a cover letter and resume.
APPLICATION DEADLINE:
Applicant review will begin immediately and continue until a candidate has been identified.
COMPENSATION
- Minimum hiring rate $18.13 per hour (Market Range 07) – Salary commensurate with education and experience.
See all J-1 Visa Development Manager Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new J-1 Visa Development Manager Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding J-1 Visa Sponsorship as a Development Manager
Frame your training plan around measurable outcomes
Your designated sponsor requires a detailed Training or Internship Placement Plan (T/IPP). Development Manager candidates should document specific project milestones, skills to be acquired, and supervisory structures, since vague plans are the most common reason sponsors delay DS-2019 issuance.
Verify your role qualifies under Trainee or Specialist
J-1 Trainee category requires a degree plus one year of relevant experience, or five years of work experience. Senior-level Development Manager candidates who exceed these thresholds may fit the Specialist category instead. Confirm your classification with your designated sponsor before your host employer drafts any offer letter.
Search Migrate Mate to find J-1-aligned host employers
Host employers for Development Manager roles are rarely advertising J-1 openings explicitly. Use Migrate Mate to identify organizations with a documented history of hosting international professionals, which signals the internal HR infrastructure needed to coordinate with a designated sponsor.
Check whether your host employer has hosted J-1 participants before
Ask prospective employers directly whether they have an existing relationship with a State Department-designated sponsor such as Cultural Vistas or AIPT. Establishing that relationship from scratch adds weeks to your timeline and requires the employer to complete a separate vetting process.
Understand the 2-year home residency requirement before accepting
Certain J-1 participants, including those funded by their home government or whose skills appear on the Exchange Visitor Skills List, must return home for two years after the program ends. Confirm your eligibility status with your designated sponsor before signing an offer, since this affects future H-1B visa or green card pathways.
Align your offer letter timeline with DS-2019 processing
Sponsors like IIE and Cultural Vistas typically need three to six weeks to issue a DS-2019 after receiving a completed program application. Your host employer's offer letter should reflect a start date that accounts for this window, plus your consular appointment wait time.
Development Manager J-1 Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which J-1 program category fits a Development Manager role?
Most Development Manager candidates fall under the J-1 Trainee or Specialist category. Trainee applies if you hold a relevant degree plus at least one year of related work experience, or five or more years of experience without a degree. The Specialist category covers professionals with recognized expertise in a specialized field. Your designated sponsor organization makes the final category determination based on your documentation.
Who actually sponsors the J-1 visa for a Development Manager position?
The visa sponsor is a U.S. Department of State-designated organization, not your hiring employer. Organizations such as Cultural Vistas, AIPT, and IIE issue the DS-2019 form and are legally responsible for monitoring your program. Your employer is the host organization. The two roles are separate, and your host employer must be approved by the designated sponsor before your DS-2019 can be issued.
How do I find host employers open to J-1 arrangements for management roles?
Host employers that have previously worked with designated sponsors are significantly easier to place with because they understand the compliance requirements. Use Migrate Mate to identify companies with a track record of hosting international professionals in development or management functions. Approaching employers who already have sponsor relationships shortens your timeline and reduces the administrative burden on both sides.
Can a Development Manager J-1 participant transition to an H-1B after the program ends?
Yes, but the 2-year home residency requirement can block that path if it applies to you. If your J-1 category triggers the requirement under INA Section 212(e), you must return to your home country for two years before applying for an H-1B or most immigrant visas. A waiver is possible through USCIS but requires meeting specific grounds such as exceptional hardship or a no-objection statement from your home government.
What documentation does a Development Manager need to prepare before approaching a designated sponsor?
Sponsors require evidence of your degree, a translated transcript if applicable, a detailed resume showing progression in development or management functions, and a letter from your prospective host employer describing the training objectives. You will also need to complete a Training or Internship Placement Plan outlining specific skills, tasks, and supervision arrangements. Incomplete applications are the primary cause of DS-2019 delays.