OPT Associate Director Of Admissions Jobs
Associate Director of Admissions roles sit at the intersection of higher education administration and student recruitment, making them a natural fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in education, counseling, or communications. Most positions qualify as specialty occupations under OPT work authorization, and many universities are experienced H-1B visa sponsors.
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Months Per Year:
12
Work Model:
Onsite
Seattle University will be one of the most innovative and progressive Jesuit and Catholic universities in the world, educating with excellence at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional levels. We embrace an intersectional framework for defining diversity in its broadest sense, including differences in gender, gender identity, race, ethnicity, generational history, culture, socioeconomic class, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship status, political perspectives, geographic origin and physical ability. Seattle University strives to be a welcome, open and safe campus climate for all who learn, live and work at Seattle University.
Seattle University's Core Competencies
Effective Team Collaboration: Works harmoniously with others towards a common goal, leveraging individual strengths to achieve shared objectives.
Emotionally Intelligent Communication: Engages in a skillful exchange of information, thoughts, and feelings, verbally and non-verbally.
Ethics and Integrity: Demonstrates an unwavering commitment to honesty, professionalism, and alignment with our Jesuit mission in all actions and decisions.
Flexibility and Innovation: Embraces change, approaching problems with curiosity adaptability, and is committed to making a positive impact.
Mindful Inclusion: Fosters mindful inclusion by consciously creating a workplace that celebrates differences, embraces cultural humility, and empowers uniqueness.
Outcomes-Driven Orientation: Sets clear objectives, pursues excellence, and delivers measurable outcomes while upholding Jesuit Catholic values.
Job Description Summary
As part of the Graduate Studies organization, the Graduate Admissions Counselor will recruit applicants to Seattle University’s graduate programs. Through daily outreach, events, and communications, this position will work with prospective students during the admissions process and through acceptance to their programs. This position will work under the supervision of the Director of Graduate Admissions and Recruitment and contribute to recruitment, admissions, and yield goals for graduate programs.
The graduate admissions counselor will be well-versed in all graduate academic offerings and will maintain expertise for a portfolio of programs. Working closely with our graduate program offices throughout the enrollment process, the graduate admissions counselor employs a variety of strategies to help meet enrollment goals. Through a proactive, engaged relationship with prospective students, the graduate admissions counselor will focus on recruitment for all programs and will guide prospective students through the admissions process.
Position Description:
Outreach and Recruitment
- Proactively manage an active portfolio of prospective graduate programs, providing professionally superior and differentiated service to achieve enrollment targets.
- Support prospective students through the full admissions cycle (prospect, inquiry, application, admissions, onboarding, and enrollment).
- Attend recruitment events requiring some evenings and weekends in the local area and Pacific Northwest region.
- Develop and organize top-quality recruitment events, and other activities to connect with, engage, and inform future students. Create opportunities to generate new student leads, in addition to and in partnership with the graduate enrollment marketing team.
- Meet prospective students through daily in-person, virtual and phone appointments, sharing information about the programs, learning about their interests, and providing guidance for a strong application.
- Partner with assigned program(s) to develop and implement full-cycle recruitment plans, including in person and virtual information sessions, meet-ups, and yield events.
- Track applicants through each part of the funnel and support them with application completion and monitor key performance indicators related to the recruitment funnel, events, and yield.
- Work with the Director of Admissions and Recruitment and the Student Success teams to ensure a smooth student experience from admission funnel through matriculation.
- Network and travel to build and expand existing, creative, and mutually beneficial relationships with targeted individuals and audiences. Support existing strategic partnerships and assist in the establishment of new partnerships.
- Oversee special projects related to admissions, recruitment and yield.
- Serve on relevant committees and working groups.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree and two years of experience sales/recruiting or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job
- A commitment to outstanding customer service and lifelong education
- Demonstrated skill in supporting diverse student populations and commitment to intercultural communication
- Ability to embrace change – technology, processes, and procedures
- Excellent active listening skills
- Strong organizational and project management skills
- A commitment to building an antiracist workplace.
- Ability to work in a team environment across multiple departments.
- Effectively communicate with colleagues, students, faculty, staff, and the public.
- Ability to manage time and hit deadlines
- Comfort and experience with learning and using multiple technology applications, including but not limited to chat features, texting, learning management systems, CRMs, student information systems, and event management systems
- Knowledge of MS Office 365 suite, including Excel Experience serving adult and professional students.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with Slate (CRM), Workday (SIS), Canvas (LMS), and Tableau (data visualization)
- Experience in recruitment and retention preferred
Compensation at a Glance
$56,100 - $61,500
Application Instructions
Please attach a cover letter with your resume when applying. Job postings are open until filled, unless otherwise specified.
Seattle University has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information, and not based on a candidate’s gender or any other protected status.
Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. Seattle University provides generous leave, health plans, and retirement contributions that add to your total compensation package.
Benefits at a Glance
Consistent with its fundamental Jesuit values, Seattle University offers a wide range of benefits designed to care for the whole person. Benefits are available to eligible employees working at an FTE of 0.53 or greater. Eligible employees may choose from three medical plans, as well as dental and vision insurance programs. Protect your income with life, short- and long-term disability coverage. Plan for your future with up to a 10% employer contribution toward retirement benefits, comprised of a 5% nonelective employer contribution and an additional dollar-for-dollar match of your voluntary contributions, up to a maximum of 5%.
Eligible employees may also take advantage of 100% paid tuition benefits for themselves and eligible dependents, a subsidized transportation benefit, a wellness program with free access to an on-site fitness facility, and a wide variety of campus events. Enjoy a generous holiday schedule, including a paid December holiday break closure, vacation and paid sick leave, and paid community service leave.
Positions designated as hybrid eligible may offer the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule after successful completion of an introductory period of 3–6 months. In these cases, the role typically begins fully on campus to support onboarding and training, with the potential to transition to a hybrid arrangement thereafter.
Positions designated as on-site are not eligible for hybrid work and are expected to remain fully on campus.
All flexible work arrangements are subject to periodic review and may be modified or discontinued at any time at the university’s discretion.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Associate Director Of Admissions
Target universities with active H-1B sponsorship history
Large public and private universities file H-1B visa petitions regularly for admissions staff. Research institutions with dedicated international hiring infrastructure, as they understand OPT timelines and are more likely to support your transition before your authorization expires.
Frame your international perspective as a recruiting asset
Admissions offices actively recruit diverse student bodies. Your firsthand experience navigating international applications and U.S. higher education systems positions you as someone who can authentically connect with and recruit prospective international students.
Start your job search at least six months before OPT expires
Associate Director searches at universities often move slowly through committee approvals and HR processes. Beginning early gives you enough runway to complete multi-round interviews and still allow your employer to file an H-1B or other sponsorship petition in time.
Clarify your OPT status and STEM extension eligibility upfront
If your degree is in a STEM-designated field, you may qualify for a 24-month OPT extension, giving employers nearly three years of work authorization. Communicating this clearly reduces perceived sponsorship risk and makes you a more attractive candidate.
Emphasize transferable enrollment management skills in applications
Quantify outcomes where possible: yield rates improved, application volumes managed, or recruitment events coordinated. Admissions directors hire on results, and concrete metrics signal readiness for an Associate Director role while demonstrating professional-level competency.
Build relationships inside university HR and international offices
Many universities have dedicated international faculty and staff hiring processes. Connecting with HR partners or the international student office at target institutions can surface unadvertised openings and give you an internal advocate during the hiring process.
Associate Director Of Admissions OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does an Associate Director of Admissions role qualify for OPT work authorization?
Yes, Associate Director of Admissions positions generally qualify as specialty occupations because they require a bachelor's degree or higher in a related field such as education, counseling, or communications. USCIS evaluates each role on its specific requirements, so reviewing the job description carefully to confirm the degree requirement is listed as mandatory, not preferred, is important.
Are universities likely to sponsor an H-1B visa after my OPT ends?
Many universities, particularly large research institutions and private colleges, are experienced H-1B sponsors for administrative and professional staff including admissions roles. Higher education employers tend to have established relationships with immigration counsel and understand the process. Focusing your search on institutions that have sponsored H-1B petitions for admissions staff in the past improves your odds significantly. Migrate Mate lists Associate Director of Admissions jobs at OPT-friendly employers.
Can I work as an Associate Director of Admissions on STEM OPT extension?
Only if your underlying degree falls under a STEM-designated Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code. Admissions roles connected to degrees in fields like data-driven education research, information systems, or counseling psychology with a STEM designation may qualify. A non-STEM degree in general communications or liberal arts would not support a STEM OPT extension, regardless of the job title.
What degree backgrounds are most competitive for Associate Director of Admissions jobs on OPT?
Hiring committees most commonly look for degrees in higher education administration, counseling, student affairs, communications, or psychology. A master's degree is frequently preferred at the Associate Director level, particularly at research universities. Candidates who have worked in undergraduate admissions, enrollment management, or student recruitment during CPT or prior OPT periods are consistently viewed as stronger applicants.
How do I find Associate Director of Admissions jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
The challenge with general job searches is that most postings don't explicitly state sponsorship willingness. Migrate Mate surfaces roles at employers with demonstrated OPT and visa sponsorship history, saving you from applying to positions where authorization barriers will disqualify you late in the process. Filtering by institution type and role can help you identify universities actively hiring international admissions professionals.