Director Of Partnerships Jobs for OPT Students
Director of Partnerships roles on OPT require employers to navigate work authorization carefully, making cap-exempt organizations and experienced H-1B sponsors your strongest targets. With a 12-month OPT window (24-month STEM extension if eligible), timing your job search around sponsorship timelines is critical for this senior-level role.
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The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) provides leadership, resources, support, and guidance to approximately 200,000 school district staff serving approximately 1.5 million students in public and non-public schools and 39,000 students in special education transition services. In addition, MDE provides administrative support and supervision for the Michigan School for the Deaf and the Library of Michigan. MDE is responsible for state education leadership in a local control state and works to implement state and federal education laws, disburse state and federal resources, license educators, develop state summative assessments and accountability systems, create state academic standards, and coordinate school health and nutrition programs. In addition, in developing and promoting the state’s Top 10 Strategic Education Plan, MDE works with partner education entities and stakeholders to improve public education for children across the state. MDE’s role in the improvement of public education extends to providing information and feedback to public policy-makers, convening educators on public policy issues, recommending draft language on legislation, and developing guidance to districts on statutory changes adopted at the state and federal levels. Join a team of highly trained and educated individuals committed to supporting learners and learning in Michigan. Serving students, parents, families, educators, and communities within a culture that promotes excellence and respects diversity, our work is meaningful and impactful. As a State of Michigan employee, you will receive a competitive wage and benefit package that values your experience and skills. You will join a team of more than 400 professionals at the department and almost 50,000 in state government who are committed to excellence in public service.
Responsibilities
The Office of Partnership Districts is responsible for supporting all districts with low performing schools that have entered into partnership agreements with the state and with their local Intermediate School District and/or local partners. The major areas of the office include:
- Developing supports for Partnership Districts
- Assisting with the development of the Partnership Agreement
- Reducing and/or removing barriers to success for each district/school
- Providing technical assistance when appropriate
- Identifying and connecting new partners with the district/school
- Partnership District Liaisons provide direct support and technical assistance to their assigned Partnership District
Primary Physical Work Address
Position is located at the John A. Hannah Building, 608 West Allegan Street, Lansing, Michigan 48933. Hybrid flexible schedule of in-person and remote work arrangement.
Position Summary
The Director of Partnership Districts provides leadership and oversight for the partnership model and initiatives for public schools and Michigan’s Top 10 Strategic Education Plan. This position works with MDE offices, the Center for Educational Performance and Information (CEPI), and community partners to improve student achievement, teacher preparation, professional development, and the department’s strategic planning initiatives. Responsibilities include approval of partnership agreements with the goal of improving achievement levels at the lowest performing schools in Michigan; and ensures alignment of major department goals and initiatives. This position assists the chief deputy superintendent and the state superintendent of public instruction with providing leadership in developing, achieving, and maintaining the best possible partnership districts model services and implementation of Michigan’s Top 10 Strategic Education Plan. This position provides direction, supervision, and coordination to ensure the department’s activities are aligned with federal and state statutory and regulatory requirements and rules; State Board of Education and Department policies; and Michigan’s Top 10 Strategic Education Plan.
State Of Michigan Benefits
Required Education and Experience
Education
Master’s degree or higher in a related field to the position
Experience
- Two years of experience as a director or assistant director of an office or central office experience.
- Five years of experience in teaching/leadership in an urban district, preferred.
Alternate Education And Experience
Equivalent combinations of education and experience that provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be evaluated on an individual basis.
Additional Requirements And Information
- Completed Application
- Resume (entered or attached to the job posting)
- Official copy of transcripts (if applicable)
- Cover Letter
The Michigan State Employees Retirement System (MSERS) is separate from the Michigan Public School Employees Retirement System (MPSERS). If you are currently a MPSERS retiree, there should be no impact to your MPSERS pension due to employment with the Michigan Department of Education. If you are currently eligible for a MPSERS retirement benefit and become the successful candidate for this position, you should contact the Office of Retirement Services (ORS) to determine any impact if you elect to immediately begin receiving your MPSERS retirement benefit.
Accommodations
If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or selection processes, please contact the ADA coordinator for the agency that posted this position vacancy.
Job Description
The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) provides leadership, resources, support, and guidance to approximately 200,000 school district staff serving approximately 1.5 million students in public and non-public schools and 39,000 students in special education transition services. In addition, MDE provides administrative support and supervision for the Michigan School for the Deaf and the Library of Michigan. MDE is responsible for state education leadership in a local control state and works to implement state and federal education laws, disburse state and federal resources, license educators, develop state summative assessments and accountability systems, create state academic standards, and coordinate school health and nutrition programs. In addition, in developing and promoting the state’s Top 10 Strategic Education Plan, MDE works with partner education entities and stakeholders to improve public education for children across the state. MDE’s role in the improvement of public education extends to providing information and feedback to public policy-makers, convening educators on public policy issues, recommending draft language on legislation, and developing guidance to districts on statutory changes adopted at the state and federal levels. Join a team of highly trained and educated individuals committed to supporting learners and learning in Michigan. Serving students, parents, families, educators, and communities within a culture that promotes excellence and respects diversity, our work is meaningful and impactful. As a State of Michigan employee, you will receive a competitive wage and benefit package that values your experience and skills. You will join a team of more than 400 professionals at the department and almost 50,000 in state government who are committed to excellence in public service.
Responsibilities
The Office of Partnership Districts is responsible for supporting all districts with low performing schools that have entered into partnership agreements with the state and with their local Intermediate School District and/or local partners. The major areas of the office include:
- Developing supports for Partnership Districts
- Assisting with the development of the Partnership Agreement
- Reducing and/or removing barriers to success for each district/school
- Providing technical assistance when appropriate
- Identifying and connecting new partners with the district/school
- Partnership District Liaisons provide direct support and technical assistance to their assigned Partnership District
Primary Physical Work Address
Position is located at the John A. Hannah Building, 608 West Allegan Street, Lansing, Michigan 48933. Hybrid flexible schedule of in-person and remote work arrangement.
Position Summary
The Director of Partnership Districts provides leadership and oversight for the partnership model and initiatives for public schools and Michigan’s Top 10 Strategic Education Plan. This position works with MDE offices, the Center for Educational Performance and Information (CEPI), and community partners to improve student achievement, teacher preparation, professional development, and the department’s strategic planning initiatives. Responsibilities include approval of partnership agreements with the goal of improving achievement levels at the lowest performing schools in Michigan; and ensures alignment of major department goals and initiatives. This position assists the chief deputy superintendent and the state superintendent of public instruction with providing leadership in developing, achieving, and maintaining the best possible partnership districts model services and implementation of Michigan’s Top 10 Strategic Education Plan. This position provides direction, supervision, and coordination to ensure the department’s activities are aligned with federal and state statutory and regulatory requirements and rules; State Board of Education and Department policies; and Michigan’s Top 10 Strategic Education Plan.
State Of Michigan Benefits
Required Education and Experience
Education
Master’s degree or higher in a related field to the position
Experience
- Two years of experience as a director or assistant director of an office or central office experience.
- Five years of experience in teaching/leadership in an urban district, preferred.
Alternate Education And Experience
Equivalent combinations of education and experience that provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be evaluated on an individual basis.
Additional Requirements And Information
- Completed Application
- Resume (entered or attached to the job posting)
- Official copy of transcripts (if applicable)
- Cover Letter
The Michigan State Employees Retirement System (MSERS) is separate from the Michigan Public School Employees Retirement System (MPSERS). If you are currently a MPSERS retiree, there should be no impact to your MPSERS pension due to employment with the Michigan Department of Education. If you are currently eligible for a MPSERS retirement benefit and become the successful candidate for this position, you should contact the Office of Retirement Services (ORS) to determine any impact if you elect to immediately begin receiving your MPSERS retirement benefit.
Accommodations
If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or selection processes, please contact the ADA coordinator for the agency that posted this position vacancy.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship in Director Of Partnerships
Target companies with a proven H-1B sponsorship track record
Search OFLC disclosure data to identify employers who have sponsored partnership or business development roles before. Prior H-1B filings in your job category signal a company already understands the process and has legal infrastructure in place.
Lead with business impact, not immigration needs
Director-level hiring managers focus on revenue and strategic value. Frame your pitch around partnership pipelines you have built and deals you have closed. Sponsorship conversations land better once a company is already sold on what you deliver.
Pursue STEM OPT extension if your degree qualifies
A STEM extension adds 24 months to your work authorization window. Business analytics, information systems, or technology-related degrees often qualify. Confirm eligibility with your DSO early, as the application must be filed before your initial OPT expires.
Focus on late-stage startups and mid-market companies
Series B and C startups and mid-market companies actively building partnership functions are more likely to sponsor a Director hire than early-stage teams. They have budget, legal resources, and a clear need for structured partnership leadership.
Use Migrate Mate to filter for sponsorship-ready employers
Migrate Mate surfaces Director of Partnerships roles from employers who have sponsored OPT and H-1B candidates before. Filtering by sponsorship history saves significant time and directs your applications toward opportunities with realistic paths forward.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Director of Partnerships on OPT?
Yes. OPT authorizes F-1 students to work in roles directly related to their field of study, and Director of Partnerships positions typically qualify under business, marketing, or management disciplines. Your employment must be at least 20 hours per week and directly connected to your degree program to remain compliant with OPT requirements.
Will employers sponsor a Director of Partnerships for an H-1B?
Many do, particularly companies that have sponsored international hires before. Director of Partnerships is generally a specialty occupation when it requires a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific field such as business, marketing, or communications. Targeting employers with a documented H-1B sponsorship history significantly improves your odds. Migrate Mate filters for those employers specifically.
How does the H-1B lottery timeline affect my OPT job search for this role?
H-1B cap petitions are filed in early April each year, with a lottery selection in March and an October 1 start date. If your OPT expires before October 1, you need your application submitted and a cap-gap bridge in place. F-1 students in valid OPT status when the petition is filed are generally covered by cap-gap through September 30.
Does a Director of Partnerships role qualify as a STEM OPT position?
It depends on your degree, not the job title. STEM OPT eligibility is determined by whether your degree appears on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List, not by the role itself. If your degree is in data science, information systems, or a qualifying technology field, and the role involves analytical or technical work, your DSO can assess eligibility.
What should I do if my OPT expires before I receive an H-1B approval?
If you filed an H-1B petition before your OPT expired, cap-gap protection automatically extends your work authorization through September 30. If cap-gap does not apply or expires before approval, options include negotiating a delayed start date, exploring O-1 visa eligibility, or identifying cap-exempt employers such as universities or nonprofit research organizations that can sponsor outside the annual lottery.
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