J-1 Visa Project Leader Jobs
Project Leader roles in the United States are accessible to international professionals through the J-1 visa, typically under the Trainee or Specialist program category. A designated sponsor organization issues your DS-2019 and manages sponsorship compliance while your U.S. host employer directs the work.
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Get Access To All JobsIt’s a great time to join AAA The Auto Club Group!
JOIN THE TEAM COMMITTED TO DRIVING YOUR CAREER FORWARD
Job Type:
Full time
Exempt/Non Exempt:
Salary
Job Description:
The Car Care Leadership Development program is designed to provide future leaders with the foundation and guidance to operate, lead, and maximize a Car Care Center. Team Members will train with influential leaders in various Car Care locations to ensure all Car Care processes and functions are learned and comprehended.
Learn to lead and manage the following areas to ensure optimal success as a Facility Manager, Assistant Facility Manager, or Service Advisor:
- Lead and assist in the customer service and sales process, including but not limited to: customer service, sales, writing and updating repair orders, and digital vehicle inspections
- Overall operational, budgetary, and financial responsibilities and activities of the Car Care location (i.e., payroll, expense control, shop efficiency)
- Review financial and sales performance reports and profit/loss statements; implement actionable solutions to obtain performance results within key performance indicators
- Monitor and maintain company inventory standards
- Optimize staff performance by providing continuous training, coaching, feedback, and recognition
- Lead employees to meet expectations of productivity, quality, and customer service standards
- Document performance issues in accordance with company policies and procedures
- Prepare staff schedules for adequate coverage to meet member/customer service and repair needs
- Partner with Area/Regional Manager to recruit, interview, select, and hire an appropriate number of staff to meet business needs
- Partner with Area/Regional Manager to ensure compensation changes, promotions, demotions, and termination decisions are handled and communicated correctly
- Maintain the highest level of customer service scores by handling customer complaints immediately, focusing on solutions, and assisting members/customers
- Actively looks for member/customer needs across all business lines; introduces members to other departments
- Champions safety and ensures the Car Care branch is in compliance with established safety guidelines
- Conduct investigations for safety incidents; identify with the Safety Manager opportunities for correction or improvement
Total Compensation Overview:
Leadership Development will earn a competitive salary of $55,000 - $80,000 annually with annual bonus potential based on performance.
- Excellent and comprehensive benefits packages are just another reason to work for the Auto Club Group.
- Benefits include:
- 401k Match
- Medical
- Dental
- Vision
- PTO
- Paid Holidays
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Parental Leave
- Weekly Pay
- Closed on Sunday
- Five-day work week
Required Qualifications
Education:
- High School diploma, GED, or technical school graduate, certification
- Must possess a valid driver’s license
Experience:
- Mechanical aptitude is required.
Knowledge and Skills:
- Knowledge of automotive and/or truck systems, tools, and technical resources and training to independently perform a variety of usually basic repairs and maintenance of automobile and truck vehicles.
- Understand and consistently demonstrate the proper use of equipment and tools used in such repair and maintenance, as well as the need to maintain a clean, safe, and organized work area.
- Ability to consistently provide exceptional customer service and improve customer service scores.
Preferred Qualifications
- G1-Auto Maintenance & Light Repair preferred
- State inspection certificate, where applicable
- AC 609 Certification
- At least 6 months of customer service and sales experience.
Work Environment
- May experience loud noises and odors intermittently in the shop environment.
- This position involves standing, walking, and normal physical mobility, including reaching, grabbing, lifting, and carrying automotive parts and equipment (averaging up to approximately 80 pounds in weight)
- Must have their own tools appropriate for their skill level for use in the center.
- Must be able to work in the heat, as some locations do not have air conditioning. Fans are present in all facilities.
- Must be able to maintain working on your feet in a concrete facility for the entire work shift.
Who We Are
Become a part of something bigger.
The Auto Club Group (ACG) provides membership, travel, insurance, and financial service offerings to approximately 14+ million members and customers across 14 states and 2 U.S. territories through AAA, Meemic, and Fremont brands. ACG belongs to the national AAA federation and is the second largest AAA club in North America.
By continuing to invest in more advanced technology, pursuing innovative products, and hiring a highly skilled workforce, AAA continues to build upon its heritage of providing quality service and helping our members enjoy life’s journey through insurance, travel, financial services, and roadside assistance.
And when you join our team, one of the first things you’ll notice is that same, whole-hearted, enthusiastic advocacy for each other.
We have positions available for every walk of life! AAA prides itself on creating an inclusive and welcoming environment of diverse backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints, realizing our differences make us stronger.
Important Note:
ACG’s Compensation philosophy is to provide a market-competitive structure of fair, equitable and performance-based pay to attract and retain excellent talent that will enable ACG to meet its short and long-term goals. ACG utilizes a geographic pay differential as part of the base salary compensation program. Pay ranges outlined in this posting are based on the various ranges within the geographic areas which ACG operates. Salary at time of offer is determined based on these and other factors as associated with the job and job level.
The above statements describe the principal and essential functions, but not all functions that may be inherent in the job. This job requires the ability to perform duties contained in the job description for this position, including, but not limited to, the above requirements. Reasonable accommodations will be made for otherwise qualified applicants, as needed, to enable them to fulfill these requirements.
The Auto Club Group, and all its affiliated companies, is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.
Regular and reliable attendance is essential for the function of this job.
AAA The Auto Club Group is committed to providing a safe workplace. Every applicant offered employment within The Auto Club Group will be required to consent to a background and drug screen based on the requirements of the position.
It’s a great time to join AAA The Auto Club Group!
JOIN THE TEAM COMMITTED TO DRIVING YOUR CAREER FORWARD
Job Type:
Full time
Exempt/Non Exempt:
Salary
Job Description:
The Car Care Leadership Development program is designed to provide future leaders with the foundation and guidance to operate, lead, and maximize a Car Care Center. Team Members will train with influential leaders in various Car Care locations to ensure all Car Care processes and functions are learned and comprehended.
Learn to lead and manage the following areas to ensure optimal success as a Facility Manager, Assistant Facility Manager, or Service Advisor:
- Lead and assist in the customer service and sales process, including but not limited to: customer service, sales, writing and updating repair orders, and digital vehicle inspections
- Overall operational, budgetary, and financial responsibilities and activities of the Car Care location (i.e., payroll, expense control, shop efficiency)
- Review financial and sales performance reports and profit/loss statements; implement actionable solutions to obtain performance results within key performance indicators
- Monitor and maintain company inventory standards
- Optimize staff performance by providing continuous training, coaching, feedback, and recognition
- Lead employees to meet expectations of productivity, quality, and customer service standards
- Document performance issues in accordance with company policies and procedures
- Prepare staff schedules for adequate coverage to meet member/customer service and repair needs
- Partner with Area/Regional Manager to recruit, interview, select, and hire an appropriate number of staff to meet business needs
- Partner with Area/Regional Manager to ensure compensation changes, promotions, demotions, and termination decisions are handled and communicated correctly
- Maintain the highest level of customer service scores by handling customer complaints immediately, focusing on solutions, and assisting members/customers
- Actively looks for member/customer needs across all business lines; introduces members to other departments
- Champions safety and ensures the Car Care branch is in compliance with established safety guidelines
- Conduct investigations for safety incidents; identify with the Safety Manager opportunities for correction or improvement
Total Compensation Overview:
Leadership Development will earn a competitive salary of $55,000 - $80,000 annually with annual bonus potential based on performance.
- Excellent and comprehensive benefits packages are just another reason to work for the Auto Club Group.
- Benefits include:
- 401k Match
- Medical
- Dental
- Vision
- PTO
- Paid Holidays
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Parental Leave
- Weekly Pay
- Closed on Sunday
- Five-day work week
Required Qualifications
Education:
- High School diploma, GED, or technical school graduate, certification
- Must possess a valid driver’s license
Experience:
- Mechanical aptitude is required.
Knowledge and Skills:
- Knowledge of automotive and/or truck systems, tools, and technical resources and training to independently perform a variety of usually basic repairs and maintenance of automobile and truck vehicles.
- Understand and consistently demonstrate the proper use of equipment and tools used in such repair and maintenance, as well as the need to maintain a clean, safe, and organized work area.
- Ability to consistently provide exceptional customer service and improve customer service scores.
Preferred Qualifications
- G1-Auto Maintenance & Light Repair preferred
- State inspection certificate, where applicable
- AC 609 Certification
- At least 6 months of customer service and sales experience.
Work Environment
- May experience loud noises and odors intermittently in the shop environment.
- This position involves standing, walking, and normal physical mobility, including reaching, grabbing, lifting, and carrying automotive parts and equipment (averaging up to approximately 80 pounds in weight)
- Must have their own tools appropriate for their skill level for use in the center.
- Must be able to work in the heat, as some locations do not have air conditioning. Fans are present in all facilities.
- Must be able to maintain working on your feet in a concrete facility for the entire work shift.
Who We Are
Become a part of something bigger.
The Auto Club Group (ACG) provides membership, travel, insurance, and financial service offerings to approximately 14+ million members and customers across 14 states and 2 U.S. territories through AAA, Meemic, and Fremont brands. ACG belongs to the national AAA federation and is the second largest AAA club in North America.
By continuing to invest in more advanced technology, pursuing innovative products, and hiring a highly skilled workforce, AAA continues to build upon its heritage of providing quality service and helping our members enjoy life’s journey through insurance, travel, financial services, and roadside assistance.
And when you join our team, one of the first things you’ll notice is that same, whole-hearted, enthusiastic advocacy for each other.
We have positions available for every walk of life! AAA prides itself on creating an inclusive and welcoming environment of diverse backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints, realizing our differences make us stronger.
Important Note:
ACG’s Compensation philosophy is to provide a market-competitive structure of fair, equitable and performance-based pay to attract and retain excellent talent that will enable ACG to meet its short and long-term goals. ACG utilizes a geographic pay differential as part of the base salary compensation program. Pay ranges outlined in this posting are based on the various ranges within the geographic areas which ACG operates. Salary at time of offer is determined based on these and other factors as associated with the job and job level.
The above statements describe the principal and essential functions, but not all functions that may be inherent in the job. This job requires the ability to perform duties contained in the job description for this position, including, but not limited to, the above requirements. Reasonable accommodations will be made for otherwise qualified applicants, as needed, to enable them to fulfill these requirements.
The Auto Club Group, and all its affiliated companies, is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.
Regular and reliable attendance is essential for the function of this job.
AAA The Auto Club Group is committed to providing a safe workplace. Every applicant offered employment within The Auto Club Group will be required to consent to a background and drug screen based on the requirements of the position.
See all J-1 Visa Project Leader Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new J-1 Visa Project Leader Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding J-1 Visa Sponsorship in Project Leader
Frame your training plan around measurable milestones
Designated sponsors require a detailed training plan before issuing your DS-2019. For Project Leader roles, map each phase to concrete deliverables like sprint cycles or stakeholder reviews so the plan demonstrates structured skill development, not general employment.
Distinguish Trainee from Specialist before applying
If you have a relevant degree plus one year of experience abroad, you qualify as a Trainee. If you lack a degree but have five-plus years of project management experience, the Specialist category applies. Targeting the wrong category delays your DS-2019 issuance.
Search Migrate Mate to find host employers open to J-1 exchange visitors
Not every employer knows how J-1 visa hosting works for professional roles. Migrate Mate filters for U.S. employers actively seeking international exchange visitors for Project Leader positions, saving you from cold-pitching companies unfamiliar with the program.
Verify the host employer's FLSA compliance before accepting
Your J-1 program must provide compensation that meets federal and state wage law. Before your sponsor finalizes the DS-2019, confirm the offered role is fully W-2 compensated, since misclassified contractor arrangements can void your J-1 eligibility entirely.
Document your foreign project credentials in U.S. format
Sponsors assess your prior experience against U.S. standards. Convert foreign project certifications like PRINCE2 or IPMA to their PMP equivalents where applicable, and present scope, budget authority, and team size in metrics a U.S. employer and sponsor can evaluate.
Clarify the 2-year home residency requirement with your sponsor early
Some Project Leader roles in government-funded or exchange-program contexts trigger the two-year home residency requirement under INA 212(e). Ask your designated sponsor to confirm whether your specific host organization or funding source carries this obligation before you accept.
Project Leader J-1 Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which J-1 program category fits a Project Leader role?
Most Project Leader positions fall under the Trainee or Specialist category. Trainee applies if you hold a relevant degree and at least one year of prior project management experience outside the U.S. Specialist applies if you lack a degree but have five or more years of specialized experience. The category determines which designated sponsor organizations can issue your DS-2019 and how long your program can run.
Who actually sponsors my J-1 visa if the employer is just a host?
Your visa sponsor is a U.S. Department of State-designated organization, not the hiring company. The designated sponsor, such as Cultural Vistas or AIPT for professional training programs, issues your DS-2019 form, files compliance reports, and holds legal responsibility for your exchange program. The employer functions as your host organization and directs your day-to-day work but does not file any visa petition on your behalf.
How do I find Project Leader roles with employers open to J-1 hosting?
Most employers don't advertise J-1 hosting explicitly because the process isn't as familiar to HR teams as H-1B visa sponsorship. Migrate Mate surfaces Project Leader opportunities with U.S. employers who are actively open to hosting international exchange visitors, so you aren't starting from scratch with companies that have never navigated the program. Filtering by J-1 compatibility at the search stage saves significant time in your outreach.
Can I transfer from J-1 to H-1B status after my Project Leader placement ends?
Yes, but only if you're not subject to the two-year home residency requirement under INA 212(e). If your program was government-funded or falls under a skills-shortage designation, you'd need to satisfy or obtain a waiver of that requirement before changing to H-1B. Your designated sponsor can confirm whether your specific placement triggers the requirement before you begin the program.
What happens if my Project Leader role changes scope during the J-1 program?
Any material change to your training plan, such as a shift in project type, department, or supervision structure, must be reported to your designated sponsor immediately. The sponsor is required to amend the DS-2019 training plan to reflect the new scope. Continuing under a modified role without updating the plan puts your J-1 status at risk and creates compliance liability for both you and your host employer.