OPT Assistant Director Jobs
Assistant Director roles in higher education, film, nonprofit, and theater are open to F-1 OPT students with relevant degrees in communications, arts administration, education, or management. Your 12-month OPT window is enough to demonstrate leadership impact, and STEM OPT extension may apply if your program qualifies.
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Get Access To All JobsPAY RANGE
USD $22.00 - USD $24.77 /Hr.
Overview
The Assistant Director of Admission is responsible for contributing to the overall recruitment efforts of the University, including planning and implementing procedures and projects for attracting and matriculating a diverse and talented new-student class. The Assistant Director travels at least six-to-eight weeks in the fall term and spring travel as determined by the supervisor.
Responsibilities
- Manage a geographic recruitment territory: successfully manage and increase inquiries, applicants, and outreach initiatives. Remain current with trends in higher education.
- Present information about Clarkson to groups of students, parents, educators, and alumni. Correspond with students, alumni, parents, and educators. Follow-up with students using current contact management guidelines.
- Develop and maintain working relationships with high school counselors and maintain market research on primary geographical territory.
- Assist with scholarship program and financial aid follow-up.
- Work effectively within a team environment and participate in the planning and execution of on-campus and off-campus recruitment events.
- Demonstrate a commitment to recruiting a diverse student population.
- In-depth knowledge of how a robust outreach campaign works and integrates with a larger direct marketing campaign is preferable.
- Manage programs within the Enrollment Division including new staff training, marketing, visit programs, and phone campaigns.
- Lead and/or participate in various task-driven teams within the office, including territory management, student ambassador program, application processing and review.
- Contribute to the creation and execution of recruitment plans in alignment with first-year, Clarkson School, Transfer and International students.
- Assist in the development and implementation of a creative communication strategy for multiple student populations, families, school counselors and other stakeholders utilizing SLATE CRM.
- Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
A bachelor’s degree required with a masters preferred.
Direct admission experience is preferable.
A valid driver’s license is required.
Preference will be given to candidates with experience in an education environment and/or transferrable skills.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS
- Exemplary oral and written communication skills
- Exemplary marketing, networking, and advertising skills
- Ability to develop and deliver presentations
- Excellent organizational and analytical skills
- In-depth knowledge of how a robust outreach campaign works and integrates with a larger direct marketing campaign is preferable
- Ability to work independently and with a team as well as with various constituencies
- Must be able to travel out of state, and work evening and weekend hours
- Requires excellent functional skills including knowledge of and facility with a variety of desktop computer programs
- Knowledge of, or experience with Slate is preferred
- The ability to remain current with trends in higher education
- Ability to manage a recruitment territory, work under tight deadlines, and meet assigned enrollment goals
- Familiarity with social media sourcing
- Ability to build strong relationships
- Professional demeanor, dress, and personal interaction. Ability to interact effectively and represent the institution professionally with a variety of on and off campus constituents
- Demonstrate a commitment to recruiting a diverse student population
- Ability to analyze course prerequisites, certifications, and/or curriculum/graduation requirements
- Willing and able to travel. Some evening and weekend work required
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands characteristics 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.
HEALTH & SAFETY
All staff has a statutory responsibility to take reasonable care of themselves, others and the environment and to prevent harm by their acts or omissions. All staff is therefore required to adhere to the University’s Health, Safety, and Environmental Policy & Procedures.
DISCLAIMER
The above statements are designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, skills, and qualifications required of personnel so classified.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS
An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, Clarkson actively seeks and encourages applications from minorities, women and people with disabilities.
All offers of employment are subject to the applicant successfully passing a background check (including, but not limited to, employment verification, educational and other credential verification, and criminal records).
PAY RANGE
USD $22.00 - USD $24.77 /Hr.
Overview
The Assistant Director of Admission is responsible for contributing to the overall recruitment efforts of the University, including planning and implementing procedures and projects for attracting and matriculating a diverse and talented new-student class. The Assistant Director travels at least six-to-eight weeks in the fall term and spring travel as determined by the supervisor.
Responsibilities
- Manage a geographic recruitment territory: successfully manage and increase inquiries, applicants, and outreach initiatives. Remain current with trends in higher education.
- Present information about Clarkson to groups of students, parents, educators, and alumni. Correspond with students, alumni, parents, and educators. Follow-up with students using current contact management guidelines.
- Develop and maintain working relationships with high school counselors and maintain market research on primary geographical territory.
- Assist with scholarship program and financial aid follow-up.
- Work effectively within a team environment and participate in the planning and execution of on-campus and off-campus recruitment events.
- Demonstrate a commitment to recruiting a diverse student population.
- In-depth knowledge of how a robust outreach campaign works and integrates with a larger direct marketing campaign is preferable.
- Manage programs within the Enrollment Division including new staff training, marketing, visit programs, and phone campaigns.
- Lead and/or participate in various task-driven teams within the office, including territory management, student ambassador program, application processing and review.
- Contribute to the creation and execution of recruitment plans in alignment with first-year, Clarkson School, Transfer and International students.
- Assist in the development and implementation of a creative communication strategy for multiple student populations, families, school counselors and other stakeholders utilizing SLATE CRM.
- Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
A bachelor’s degree required with a masters preferred.
Direct admission experience is preferable.
A valid driver’s license is required.
Preference will be given to candidates with experience in an education environment and/or transferrable skills.
ESSENTIAL SKILLS
- Exemplary oral and written communication skills
- Exemplary marketing, networking, and advertising skills
- Ability to develop and deliver presentations
- Excellent organizational and analytical skills
- In-depth knowledge of how a robust outreach campaign works and integrates with a larger direct marketing campaign is preferable
- Ability to work independently and with a team as well as with various constituencies
- Must be able to travel out of state, and work evening and weekend hours
- Requires excellent functional skills including knowledge of and facility with a variety of desktop computer programs
- Knowledge of, or experience with Slate is preferred
- The ability to remain current with trends in higher education
- Ability to manage a recruitment territory, work under tight deadlines, and meet assigned enrollment goals
- Familiarity with social media sourcing
- Ability to build strong relationships
- Professional demeanor, dress, and personal interaction. Ability to interact effectively and represent the institution professionally with a variety of on and off campus constituents
- Demonstrate a commitment to recruiting a diverse student population
- Ability to analyze course prerequisites, certifications, and/or curriculum/graduation requirements
- Willing and able to travel. Some evening and weekend work required
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands characteristics 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.
HEALTH & SAFETY
All staff has a statutory responsibility to take reasonable care of themselves, others and the environment and to prevent harm by their acts or omissions. All staff is therefore required to adhere to the University’s Health, Safety, and Environmental Policy & Procedures.
DISCLAIMER
The above statements are designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, skills, and qualifications required of personnel so classified.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS
An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, Clarkson actively seeks and encourages applications from minorities, women and people with disabilities.
All offers of employment are subject to the applicant successfully passing a background check (including, but not limited to, employment verification, educational and other credential verification, and criminal records).
See all 480+ OPT Assistant Director Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Assistant Director
Target OPT-friendly sectors first
Higher education institutions and nonprofits hire Assistant Directors regularly and have established international student hiring pipelines. These employers understand OPT authorization and are far less likely to withdraw offers over visa paperwork than private-sector employers without prior experience.
Lead your resume with management scope
Assistant Director roles require demonstrated leadership. Quantify how many people you supervised, what budgets you managed, and what programs you oversaw. Hiring managers screen for organizational authority quickly, so surface those details in your first three bullet points.
Clarify your OPT timeline upfront
Know your OPT start date, end date, and STEM extension eligibility before every application. Employers hiring for long-term leadership roles want confidence you can stay. Being specific about your authorization window builds trust rather than raising uncertainty.
Frame sponsorship as a future step, not a current burden
Many Assistant Director roles transition into H-1B visa sponsorship after one to two years. Position yourself as a long-term hire from the start. Employers who see leadership potential are far more willing to sponsor H-1B status down the line than those hiring for entry-level roles.
Highlight cross-functional coordination experience
Assistant Directors are expected to align departments, manage external partners, and report to senior leadership. If you coordinated between teams during a graduate assistantship, research project, or internship, describe that scope explicitly. It directly mirrors what employers expect in this role.
Use Migrate Mate to filter for OPT-sponsoring employers
Not every employer who posts an Assistant Director opening is open to OPT or future visa sponsorship. Migrate Mate surfaces employers with a verified sponsorship history so you spend your application time on roles that are actually accessible given your authorization status.
Assistant Director OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as an Assistant Director on F-1 OPT?
Yes, if the role is directly related to your field of study. OPT authorizes F-1 students to work in positions that align with their degree. An Assistant Director role in higher education administration, film production, nonprofit program management, or arts organizations can qualify depending on your major. Your job offer should reflect that connection clearly.
Does an Assistant Director role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It can, but only if your degree is in a STEM-designated field and the role has a STEM component. An Assistant Director of data operations or research program management at a qualifying employer may support a STEM OPT extension. Pure arts administration or theater roles typically do not qualify. Confirm your degree's CIP code with your DSO before applying.
Will employers sponsor H-1B for Assistant Director positions?
Many do, particularly in higher education and large nonprofits, which have experience sponsoring international staff. The role's seniority and the employer's prior sponsorship history both matter. Searching on Migrate Mate lets you identify which employers have a documented track record of sponsoring work visas, so you can prioritize applications accordingly.
How do I explain my OPT status to an employer during the hiring process for this role?
Be direct and prepared. State your OPT authorization period, confirm you're work-authorized without requiring immediate employer action, and mention your STEM extension eligibility if applicable. For Assistant Director roles, which often involve multi-year planning cycles, employers appreciate knowing your timeline. Framing it as a bridge to long-term sponsorship keeps the conversation forward-looking.
What degree fields most commonly lead to Assistant Director roles on OPT?
Higher education administration, public administration, communications, arts management, film and media studies, social work, and business management are the most common pathways. Graduate degrees are frequently preferred for Assistant Director titles. If your master's or professional degree aligns with the functional area of the role, your OPT eligibility and career fit work together naturally.