J-1 Visa Program Director Jobs
Program Director roles in the United States are accessible to international professionals through the J-1 visa under the Specialist or Trainee category, depending on your experience level. Securing sponsorship requires a designated sponsor organization to issue your DS-2019, separate from your host employer. No lottery or annual cap applies.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Azurity Pharmaceuticals is a privately held, specialty pharmaceutical company that focuses on innovative products that meet the needs of underserved patients. As an industry leader in providing unique, accessible, and high-quality medications, Azurity leverages its integrated capabilities and vast partner network to continually expand its broad commercial product portfolio and robust late-stage pipeline. The company’s patient-centric products span the cardiovascular, neurology, endocrinology, gastro-intestinal, institutional, and orphan markets, and have benefited millions of patients. Azurity Pharmaceuticals is proud to be an inclusive workplace and an Equal Opportunity Employer. Azurity's success is attributable to our incredibly talented, dedicated team that focuses on benefiting the lives of patients by bringing the best science and commitment to quality into everything that we do. We seek highly motivated individuals with the dedication, integrity, and creative spirit needed to thrive in our organization.
ROLE SUMMARY
The Director, Franchise Program Management – CORE & ARGO is a franchise-anchored leadership role responsible for stewarding Azurity’s Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) process and Management System across the CORE and ARGO franchises. The role ensures disciplined execution, cross-functional accountability, and effective governance from early ideation through launch, lifecycle management, and value realization. This role operates as a trusted integrator and enablement leader—partnering closely with Franchise Portfolio Management (FPM), Medical, Clinical, Regulatory, Commercial, CMC, Finance, and Operations leaders to ensure that franchise priorities are translated into clear plans, aligned execution, and decision-ready governance. The Director does not own product strategy or functional execution, but is accountable for ensuring that the PLM system works predictably, transparently, and at enterprise standard.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Stewardship:
- Serve as the primary steward of the PLM process for CORE and ARGO assets across all lifecycle stages (cradle to grave)
- Ensure consistent application of PLM stages, stage-gate criteria, and governance expectations
- Maintain clear visibility into asset status, readiness, risks, and upcoming decision points
- Identify gaps or deviations from PLM expectations and drive corrective action
Accountability & Execution Enablement:
- Establish and maintain clear cross-functional ownership, milestones, and deliverables for franchise assets
- Track progress, risks, dependencies, and interlocks across asset teams
- Hold peers accountable to commitments through disciplined follow-up and escalation, without owning functional execution
- Surface issues early and frame options to support timely leadership decisions
Cross-Functional Collaboration & Integration:
- Act as the connective tissue across Medical, Clinical, Regulatory, Commercial, CMC, Supply Chain, Finance, and Operations
- Facilitate effective cross-functional discussions that drive alignment and resolve ambiguity
- Ensure functional inputs are integrated into a cohesive franchise-level execution view
- Promote enterprise-first thinking over functional optimization
Governance & Decision Readiness:
- Prepare asset teams for PLM stage-gates, franchise governance, and executive reviews
- Ensure materials are complete, aligned, and decision-ready
- Confirm that recommendations clearly articulate risks, trade-offs, and implications
- Determine readiness to advance assets through governance forums
Management System & A3 Leadership:
- Act as a visible advocate and steward of Azurity’s Management System within CORE and ARGO
- Ensure appropriate use of A3s to manage priorities, risks, and complex cross-functional problems
- Coach asset teams on structured problem-solving, transparency, and disciplined execution
- Drive continuous improvement in PLM and franchise ways of working
Business Development & Integration Support:
- Partner with Business Development and FPM to support diligence activities for CORE and ARGO assets
- Coordinate cross-functional inputs during diligence using Management System principles
- Support integration planning and transition of new assets into the PLM framework
QUALIFICATIONS
- Demonstrated success leading cross-functional program or portfolio management in pharmaceutical or biotechnology environments
- Strong understanding of product lifecycle management, stage-gate governance, and launch readiness
- Proven ability to lead through influence and hold peers accountable without direct authority
- Experience operating in matrixed organizations with multiple stakeholders and priorities
- Excellent executive communication, facilitation, and issue-framing skills
- Comfort navigating ambiguity, trade-offs, and complex decision environments
SUCCESS PROFILE
The successful candidate is recognized as a calm, credible franchise integrator who brings clarity and discipline to complex work. They enable leaders to make timely, well-informed decisions, ensure that the PLM system is trusted and predictable, and create an environment where cross-functional teams collaborate effectively and execute with accountability.
PHYSICAL & MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Must be able to sit for long periods of time
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; talk and/or hear
- May occasionally climb stairs and/or ride elevators
- The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds
- Employee must be able to manipulate keyboard, operate a telephone and hand-held devices
- Other miscellaneous job duties as required
BENEFITS WE OFFER:
- Unlock Your Earning Potential: Join our team and be rewarded with a competitive compensation package, including an annual bonus based on company performance, that recognizes your exceptional talent.
+ Sales - In lieu of annual bonuses, we offer an Incentive compensation program that allows you to earn more - even over plan.
+ Fuel Your Success: Sales Only - We understand the value of your hard work and provide a car reimbursement program and gas card for both business and personal use as part of our commitment to supporting you.
- Comprehensive Health Coverage: We value your well-being and offer excellent medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage to ensure you and your family are always taken care of.
- Flexibility for Your Lifestyle: Achieve work-life balance with our hybrid work model, allowing you to work two days from home and three days in the office. Excludes Sales, Manufacturing, and some Operations positions
- Invest in Your Future: Our Retirement Savings Plan (401K) is designed to help you secure a comfortable retirement by matching dollar for dollar up to 5%.
- Time Off That Counts: Take advantage of our generous time off policy, which offers up to 15 vacation days annually + rollover (up to 40 hours) as well as five sick/wellness days. For new employees, vacation accrual will be prorated based on your start date.
- Meaningful Time with Your Loved Ones: We close between Christmas and New Year’s to give you an extra week off to spend quality time with your family and recharge.
- Enjoy the Holidays: Over the course of the year, Azurity recognizes 13 holidays.
- Invest in Your Education: We support your professional growth with tuition reimbursement for undergraduate and graduate level courses or certifications.
- Recognize and Be Recognized: Our Azurity High Five peer recognition platform allows you to celebrate your colleagues' accomplishments and receive recognition for your own outstanding work.
The California Consumer Privacy Act regulates privacy rights and consumer protection for residents of California, United States. For details, click here. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) sets guidelines for the collection and processing of personal information from individuals who live in the European Union (EU).
INTRODUCTION
Azurity Pharmaceuticals is a privately held, specialty pharmaceutical company that focuses on innovative products that meet the needs of underserved patients. As an industry leader in providing unique, accessible, and high-quality medications, Azurity leverages its integrated capabilities and vast partner network to continually expand its broad commercial product portfolio and robust late-stage pipeline. The company’s patient-centric products span the cardiovascular, neurology, endocrinology, gastro-intestinal, institutional, and orphan markets, and have benefited millions of patients. Azurity Pharmaceuticals is proud to be an inclusive workplace and an Equal Opportunity Employer. Azurity's success is attributable to our incredibly talented, dedicated team that focuses on benefiting the lives of patients by bringing the best science and commitment to quality into everything that we do. We seek highly motivated individuals with the dedication, integrity, and creative spirit needed to thrive in our organization.
ROLE SUMMARY
The Director, Franchise Program Management – CORE & ARGO is a franchise-anchored leadership role responsible for stewarding Azurity’s Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) process and Management System across the CORE and ARGO franchises. The role ensures disciplined execution, cross-functional accountability, and effective governance from early ideation through launch, lifecycle management, and value realization. This role operates as a trusted integrator and enablement leader—partnering closely with Franchise Portfolio Management (FPM), Medical, Clinical, Regulatory, Commercial, CMC, Finance, and Operations leaders to ensure that franchise priorities are translated into clear plans, aligned execution, and decision-ready governance. The Director does not own product strategy or functional execution, but is accountable for ensuring that the PLM system works predictably, transparently, and at enterprise standard.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) Stewardship:
- Serve as the primary steward of the PLM process for CORE and ARGO assets across all lifecycle stages (cradle to grave)
- Ensure consistent application of PLM stages, stage-gate criteria, and governance expectations
- Maintain clear visibility into asset status, readiness, risks, and upcoming decision points
- Identify gaps or deviations from PLM expectations and drive corrective action
Accountability & Execution Enablement:
- Establish and maintain clear cross-functional ownership, milestones, and deliverables for franchise assets
- Track progress, risks, dependencies, and interlocks across asset teams
- Hold peers accountable to commitments through disciplined follow-up and escalation, without owning functional execution
- Surface issues early and frame options to support timely leadership decisions
Cross-Functional Collaboration & Integration:
- Act as the connective tissue across Medical, Clinical, Regulatory, Commercial, CMC, Supply Chain, Finance, and Operations
- Facilitate effective cross-functional discussions that drive alignment and resolve ambiguity
- Ensure functional inputs are integrated into a cohesive franchise-level execution view
- Promote enterprise-first thinking over functional optimization
Governance & Decision Readiness:
- Prepare asset teams for PLM stage-gates, franchise governance, and executive reviews
- Ensure materials are complete, aligned, and decision-ready
- Confirm that recommendations clearly articulate risks, trade-offs, and implications
- Determine readiness to advance assets through governance forums
Management System & A3 Leadership:
- Act as a visible advocate and steward of Azurity’s Management System within CORE and ARGO
- Ensure appropriate use of A3s to manage priorities, risks, and complex cross-functional problems
- Coach asset teams on structured problem-solving, transparency, and disciplined execution
- Drive continuous improvement in PLM and franchise ways of working
Business Development & Integration Support:
- Partner with Business Development and FPM to support diligence activities for CORE and ARGO assets
- Coordinate cross-functional inputs during diligence using Management System principles
- Support integration planning and transition of new assets into the PLM framework
QUALIFICATIONS
- Demonstrated success leading cross-functional program or portfolio management in pharmaceutical or biotechnology environments
- Strong understanding of product lifecycle management, stage-gate governance, and launch readiness
- Proven ability to lead through influence and hold peers accountable without direct authority
- Experience operating in matrixed organizations with multiple stakeholders and priorities
- Excellent executive communication, facilitation, and issue-framing skills
- Comfort navigating ambiguity, trade-offs, and complex decision environments
SUCCESS PROFILE
The successful candidate is recognized as a calm, credible franchise integrator who brings clarity and discipline to complex work. They enable leaders to make timely, well-informed decisions, ensure that the PLM system is trusted and predictable, and create an environment where cross-functional teams collaborate effectively and execute with accountability.
PHYSICAL & MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Must be able to sit for long periods of time
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; talk and/or hear
- May occasionally climb stairs and/or ride elevators
- The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds
- Employee must be able to manipulate keyboard, operate a telephone and hand-held devices
- Other miscellaneous job duties as required
BENEFITS WE OFFER:
- Unlock Your Earning Potential: Join our team and be rewarded with a competitive compensation package, including an annual bonus based on company performance, that recognizes your exceptional talent.
+ Sales - In lieu of annual bonuses, we offer an Incentive compensation program that allows you to earn more - even over plan.
+ Fuel Your Success: Sales Only - We understand the value of your hard work and provide a car reimbursement program and gas card for both business and personal use as part of our commitment to supporting you.
- Comprehensive Health Coverage: We value your well-being and offer excellent medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage to ensure you and your family are always taken care of.
- Flexibility for Your Lifestyle: Achieve work-life balance with our hybrid work model, allowing you to work two days from home and three days in the office. Excludes Sales, Manufacturing, and some Operations positions
- Invest in Your Future: Our Retirement Savings Plan (401K) is designed to help you secure a comfortable retirement by matching dollar for dollar up to 5%.
- Time Off That Counts: Take advantage of our generous time off policy, which offers up to 15 vacation days annually + rollover (up to 40 hours) as well as five sick/wellness days. For new employees, vacation accrual will be prorated based on your start date.
- Meaningful Time with Your Loved Ones: We close between Christmas and New Year’s to give you an extra week off to spend quality time with your family and recharge.
- Enjoy the Holidays: Over the course of the year, Azurity recognizes 13 holidays.
- Invest in Your Education: We support your professional growth with tuition reimbursement for undergraduate and graduate level courses or certifications.
- Recognize and Be Recognized: Our Azurity High Five peer recognition platform allows you to celebrate your colleagues' accomplishments and receive recognition for your own outstanding work.
The California Consumer Privacy Act regulates privacy rights and consumer protection for residents of California, United States. For details, click here. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) sets guidelines for the collection and processing of personal information from individuals who live in the European Union (EU).
See all 21+ Program Director jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Program Director roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding J-1 Visa Sponsorship in Program Director
Align your credentials with DS-2019 requirements
Your DS-2019 application must document how your Program Director experience ties directly to your proposed U.S. training objectives. Gather performance evaluations, program portfolios, and organizational charts showing your leadership scope before approaching any designated sponsor.
Distinguish Specialist from Trainee category early
Seasoned Program Directors with five or more years of demonstrated program leadership typically qualify as Specialists. Those under two years post-graduation fit Trainee. Applying under the wrong category delays your DS-2019 issuance and can trigger sponsor rejection.
Search for J-1-aligned roles using Migrate Mate
Use Migrate Mate to filter U.S. Program Director openings by employers who have hosted J-1 exchange visitors before. Host history signals familiarity with training plan requirements and the DS-2019 process, reducing onboarding friction.
Confirm host employer willingness before sponsor outreach
Designated sponsors like Cultural Vistas or CIEE issue DS-2019 forms only after your host employer signs a training plan. Secure a formal offer or letter of intent from the host organization before contacting any sponsor, or the application stalls at the first step.
Map your training plan to measurable program outcomes
Designated sponsors scrutinize whether your Specialist or Trainee placement advances skills you cannot acquire at home. Frame your training plan around specific program management methodologies, stakeholder engagement models, or evaluation frameworks tied to defined milestones.
Verify the two-year home residency requirement before accepting
Program Directors sponsored under government-funded categories or coming from countries on the Exchange Visitor Skills List may face the two-year home residency requirement after program completion. Confirm your country and funding source with your sponsor before signing any offer letter.
Program Director jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Program Director JobsProgram Director J-1 Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which J-1 category fits a Program Director role?
Most experienced Program Directors qualify under the Specialist category, which is designed for professionals with specialized knowledge or skills coming to the U.S. to share expertise with a host organization. Early-career professionals within 12 months of graduation may qualify under the Trainee category instead, provided the placement focuses on structured skill development rather than independent program leadership.
Who actually sponsors my J-1 visa as a Program Director?
Your visa sponsor is a U.S. Department of State-designated organization, not your host employer. Organizations such as Cultural Vistas, CIEE, or IIE review your qualifications, approve your training plan, and issue the DS-2019 form that authorizes your exchange visitor status. Your host employer, the organization where you direct programs day to day, signs the training plan but does not hold sponsor authority.
How do I find U.S. employers open to hosting a J-1 Program Director?
Migrate Mate lets you search Program Director openings and filter by employers with J-1 hosting history. Host familiarity matters because the employer must sign a detailed training plan before any designated sponsor can issue a DS-2019. Organizations that have navigated this process before move faster and make fewer compliance errors during onboarding.
What goes into the training plan for a Program Director placement?
The training plan, typically form DS-7002 for Trainees, must detail each phase of your exchange activity, the skills you will develop, supervision arrangements, and evaluation checkpoints. For Program Director roles, sponsors expect concrete descriptions of program design, stakeholder coordination, or evaluation frameworks you will learn or apply, with timelines tied to measurable outcomes.
Can a Program Director on J-1 status change host organizations mid-program?
You can change host organizations, but only with your designated sponsor's prior approval. The sponsor must issue an amended DS-2019 reflecting the new host and updated training plan before you begin work there. Starting at a new host without this step violates the terms of your exchange visitor status and can result in program termination.
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