J-1 Visa Program Development Manager Jobs
Program Development Manager roles in the United States are accessible to international professionals through the J-1 visa Trainee or Specialist visa category, depending on your experience level and program design. Securing sponsorship requires a designated sponsor organization to issue your DS-2019 and approve your training plan before you can begin work.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
The A&F Leadership Development Programs are highly competitive initiatives, unique for their entrepreneurial structure, and provide immediate exposure to senior level leaders. With a “promote from within” mentality, these programs have been designed to shape top candidates into the future leaders of our company. We want students who are motivated, creative, and strategic – natural leaders seeking to drive results in a team-based environment.
ABOUT THE JOB
The comprehensive programs will include:
- Combination of classroom sessions and on-the-job training
- Relationship with a mentor to guide learning in the new role
- Interactive presentations from a variety of senior leaders in the company
- An open and inclusive learning environment with fellow associates
- Integrated social activities to help transition to Columbus and the unique corporate culture at A&F
- Preparation to effectively manage a portion of the business in one of our critical areas at Home Office
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Technical Designers translate flat sketches and trim sheets into physical garments by building detailed tech packs. They are responsible for creating detailed technical illustrations, editing paper patterns, and creating patterns from scratch when necessary. Our technical designers lead cross functional fit sessions and communicate with vendors and factories to bring our vision to life. They work closely with Apparel Designers, Merchants, and Sourcing Specialists to protect quality construction and fit for each product category.
What Will You Be Doing?
- Create and edit patterns to drive fit direction
- Build detailed tech packs
- Partner with cross functional teams to ensure proper construction and fit through interactive fit sessions
- Create detailed technical illustrations & specifications using Adobe Creative Suite
- Work together with overseas vendors to manage the garment sampling process
- Communicate with factories to identify & resolve production issues
- Utilize 3D software in the design process to create efficiencies in the sample process and fit integrity
- Manage product cycle from sketch through pre-production samples and final bulk garments
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
What Do You Need To Bring?
- Bachelor’s Degree in textile/fashion/apparel design or relevant degree
- Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA
- Passion for the A&F brands and the role
- Detail-oriented with excellent time management and organizational skills
- Career-driven, strong work ethic and high-performance standards
- Strong communication and presentation skills
- Knowledge of garment construction and fitting skills
- Strong pattern making, draping and grading skills
- Ability to manipulate existing patterns
- A collaborative approach to working with cross-functional partners to achieve the vision of the brand
- A strong desire for adventure & curiosity
- Ability to adapt and work in a fast-paced, structured environment
- Desire to learn & hunger for more!
- A portfolio is required with application
COMPENSATION
The A&F Full Time Leadership Development Programs offer competitive compensation packages for trainees. Other benefits include $8,000 in placement and relocation bonuses, merchandise discounts at all our brands, use of the A&F gym, industry-leading healthcare coverage, and company matching savings and retirement programs.
To be eligible for consideration, students must also submit their unofficial transcripts and resumes, complete with cumulative GPA.
COMPANY DESCRIPTION
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (A&F Co.) is a global, digitally led omnichannel specialty retailer of apparel and accessories catering to kids through millennials with assortments curated for their specific lifestyle needs.
The company operates a family of brands, including Abercrombie brands and Hollister brands, each sharing a commitment to offer products of enduring quality and exceptional comfort that support global customers on their journey to being and becoming who they are. Abercrombie & Fitch Co. operates stores under these brands across North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East, as well as the e-commerce sites abercrombie.com, abercrombiekids.com and hollisterco.com.
ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO. IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.
INTRODUCTION
The A&F Leadership Development Programs are highly competitive initiatives, unique for their entrepreneurial structure, and provide immediate exposure to senior level leaders. With a “promote from within” mentality, these programs have been designed to shape top candidates into the future leaders of our company. We want students who are motivated, creative, and strategic – natural leaders seeking to drive results in a team-based environment.
ABOUT THE JOB
The comprehensive programs will include:
- Combination of classroom sessions and on-the-job training
- Relationship with a mentor to guide learning in the new role
- Interactive presentations from a variety of senior leaders in the company
- An open and inclusive learning environment with fellow associates
- Integrated social activities to help transition to Columbus and the unique corporate culture at A&F
- Preparation to effectively manage a portion of the business in one of our critical areas at Home Office
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Technical Designers translate flat sketches and trim sheets into physical garments by building detailed tech packs. They are responsible for creating detailed technical illustrations, editing paper patterns, and creating patterns from scratch when necessary. Our technical designers lead cross functional fit sessions and communicate with vendors and factories to bring our vision to life. They work closely with Apparel Designers, Merchants, and Sourcing Specialists to protect quality construction and fit for each product category.
What Will You Be Doing?
- Create and edit patterns to drive fit direction
- Build detailed tech packs
- Partner with cross functional teams to ensure proper construction and fit through interactive fit sessions
- Create detailed technical illustrations & specifications using Adobe Creative Suite
- Work together with overseas vendors to manage the garment sampling process
- Communicate with factories to identify & resolve production issues
- Utilize 3D software in the design process to create efficiencies in the sample process and fit integrity
- Manage product cycle from sketch through pre-production samples and final bulk garments
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
What Do You Need To Bring?
- Bachelor’s Degree in textile/fashion/apparel design or relevant degree
- Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA
- Passion for the A&F brands and the role
- Detail-oriented with excellent time management and organizational skills
- Career-driven, strong work ethic and high-performance standards
- Strong communication and presentation skills
- Knowledge of garment construction and fitting skills
- Strong pattern making, draping and grading skills
- Ability to manipulate existing patterns
- A collaborative approach to working with cross-functional partners to achieve the vision of the brand
- A strong desire for adventure & curiosity
- Ability to adapt and work in a fast-paced, structured environment
- Desire to learn & hunger for more!
- A portfolio is required with application
COMPENSATION
The A&F Full Time Leadership Development Programs offer competitive compensation packages for trainees. Other benefits include $8,000 in placement and relocation bonuses, merchandise discounts at all our brands, use of the A&F gym, industry-leading healthcare coverage, and company matching savings and retirement programs.
To be eligible for consideration, students must also submit their unofficial transcripts and resumes, complete with cumulative GPA.
COMPANY DESCRIPTION
Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (A&F Co.) is a global, digitally led omnichannel specialty retailer of apparel and accessories catering to kids through millennials with assortments curated for their specific lifestyle needs.
The company operates a family of brands, including Abercrombie brands and Hollister brands, each sharing a commitment to offer products of enduring quality and exceptional comfort that support global customers on their journey to being and becoming who they are. Abercrombie & Fitch Co. operates stores under these brands across North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East, as well as the e-commerce sites abercrombie.com, abercrombiekids.com and hollisterco.com.
ABERCROMBIE & FITCH CO. IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.
See all J-1 Visa Program Development Manager Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding J-1 Visa Sponsorship as a Program Development Manager
Align your training plan to program outcomes
J-1 Trainee and Specialist categories require a structured training plan, not a standard job description. Document how each phase of your Program Development Manager role builds specific competencies you'll apply back in your home country.
Verify your field classification before applying
Program development roles can fall under business administration or public policy depending on your degree. Cross-reference your background against the O*NET occupation profile for Program Development Managers to confirm category alignment before targeting host employers.
Search for J-1-compatible roles on Migrate Mate
Filter your Program Development Manager job search on Migrate Mate to surface U.S. employers whose organizational structure and program scope align with J-1 training objectives, saving you from pursuing roles that won't satisfy the experiential component.
Target nonprofits and mission-driven organizations
Nonprofits, foundations, and government-adjacent institutions frequently host J-1 exchange visitors in program development roles because their work naturally maps to the cultural exchange and capacity-building goals the State Department requires for visa approval.
Confirm host employer willingness before DS-2019 filing
Your host employer must sign the training plan and cooperate with your designated sponsor organization throughout the placement. Raise this requirement during offer negotiations, not after, to avoid delays once you're ready to proceed with your DS-2019.
Flag home-residency requirement risks early
Some J-1 participants in training and specialist categories are subject to a two-year home-country residency requirement after their program ends. Determine your eligibility for a waiver before accepting a role, since this affects any future U.S. visa plans.
Program Development Manager J-1 Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which J-1 program category fits a Program Development Manager role?
It depends on your career stage. If you're currently enrolled in a degree program and the role is part of your curriculum, the Intern category applies. If you've graduated and have relevant professional experience, the Trainee category is the standard fit. Senior professionals with specialized expertise in program design or organizational development may qualify under the Specialist category, which requires demonstrated mastery rather than ongoing training.
Who actually sponsors my J-1 visa - the employer or a separate organization?
The employer is your host, not your visa sponsor. Your J-1 sponsorship comes from a U.S. Department of State-designated sponsor organization, such as Cultural Vistas or AIPT, which issues your DS-2019 form, approves your training plan, and monitors your compliance throughout the placement. The host employer agrees to the program terms but does not hold the sponsoring designation itself.
How do I find Program Development Manager positions that are compatible with J-1 sponsorship?
Start by searching Migrate Mate, which surfaces U.S. employers and roles that align with J-1 training structures. Not every Program Development Manager listing is compatible - you need a host employer whose work can be framed around a structured, objective-based training plan rather than standard at-will employment. Targeting nonprofits, research institutes, and mission-driven organizations increases your chances of finding a compatible placement.
Does a Program Development Manager role on a J-1 visa carry the two-year home residency requirement?
It may. The two-year home-country residency requirement applies based on factors including your country's participation in the exchange visitor skills list and whether your program is government-funded. Trainee and Specialist placements in policy, organizational development, or government-adjacent fields are common trigger points. Confirm your individual exposure with your designated sponsor organization before committing to a host employer, since the requirement directly limits future H-1B visa or immigrant visa options.
What does the host employer need to provide for the J-1 training plan?
The host employer must collaborate with your designated sponsor organization to produce a detailed training plan, typically using Form DS-7002, that outlines your learning objectives, supervision structure, weekly activity breakdown, and how each phase connects to skills you'll use after returning home. For Program Development Manager roles, this means mapping project management responsibilities, stakeholder engagement activities, and evaluation frameworks to concrete, measurable outcomes the sponsor can review and approve.