J-1 Visa Program Manager Jobs
Program Manager roles in the U.S. are accessible to international professionals through J-1 visa sponsorship, most commonly under the Trainee or Specialist category for those with relevant work experience. A State Department-designated sponsor issues your DS-2019, while the hiring organization serves as your host employer.
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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 Program Manager Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new J-1 Visa Program Manager Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding J-1 Visa Sponsorship as a Program Manager
Align your training plan to PM competencies
Your DS-2019 requires a detailed training plan. Map your Program Manager objectives to specific skill areas like stakeholder coordination, budget oversight, and cross-functional delivery so the designated sponsor can certify the program has clear professional development goals.
Distinguish Trainee from Specialist category eligibility
The Trainee category fits professionals with a degree plus one year of experience, or five years of field experience. Specialist requires recognized expertise in a narrow discipline. Confirm which category your PM background qualifies for before approaching a designated sponsor for DS-2019 issuance.
Target host employers with structured onboarding programs
Host organizations must co-sign your training plan and accept oversight responsibilities. Program Manager roles at mid-to-large organizations with established project management offices are more likely to have the internal structure to fulfill those host obligations without friction.
Search for J-1-compatible roles using Migrate Mate
Use Migrate Mate to find U.S. employers actively hosting international Program Managers. Filtering by role and sponsorship history surfaces host organizations whose hiring patterns align with J-1 visa exchange visitor placements, saving time spent on employers unfamiliar with the host model.
Verify your home-residency requirement before accepting offers
Some J-1 Program Manager placements carry a two-year home-country residency requirement, triggered by government funding or skills-list status. Confirm whether your DS-2019 carries this condition before signing an offer, since it affects your ability to change status or apply for an immigrant visa afterward.
Confirm prevailing wage compliance with your host employer
J-1 Trainees and Specialists must receive wages commensurate with U.S. workers in the same role and location. Check the OFLC Wage Search for Program Manager prevailing wages in your target city so you can verify your offer meets compliance standards before the training plan is finalized.
Program Manager J-1 Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which J-1 program category applies to Program Manager roles?
Most Program Manager placements use the Trainee or Specialist category. Trainee applies if you hold a relevant degree plus at least one year of professional experience outside the U.S., or five years of work experience with no degree. Specialist is available for professionals with recognized expertise in a narrow program management discipline. The Intern category covers current students or those who graduated within 12 months.
Who actually sponsors the J-1 visa for a Program Manager position?
The visa sponsor is a U.S. Department of State-designated organization, not your employer. Organizations like Cultural Vistas or IIE issue the DS-2019 form that authorizes your exchange visitor status. Your hiring organization is the host employer and co-signs the training plan, but it does not hold sponsorship authority and cannot issue the DS-2019 itself.
How do I find U.S. employers willing to host a J-1 Program Manager?
Migrate Mate lets you search for U.S. employers and Program Manager roles that align with J-1 exchange visitor placements. Because the J-1 host model differs from direct employer sponsorship, targeting organizations already familiar with training plan requirements and designated sponsor oversight significantly improves your chances of a successful placement.
Does the two-year home-residency requirement affect Program Manager J-1 holders?
It can. The two-year home-residency requirement applies when your J-1 placement is funded by your home or host government, or when your occupation appears on the Exchange Visitor Skills List for your country. If the requirement applies, you must return home for two years before applying for an H-1B visa, L-1 visa, or immigrant visa unless you obtain a waiver from USCIS.
What does the training plan need to include for a Program Manager J-1 placement?
The training plan must outline specific skills to be developed, measurable objectives, a weekly activity schedule, and supervision arrangements. For Program Manager roles, this typically covers project lifecycle management, cross-functional team coordination, budget tracking, and stakeholder reporting. The designated sponsor reviews and must approve the plan before issuing the DS-2019, so vague or generic objectives are likely to be rejected.