OPT Director Of Project Management Jobs
Director of Project Management roles on OPT require employers comfortable sponsoring H-1B visa after your authorization period ends. Most hiring companies expect PMP certification, 8-plus years of experience, and cross-functional leadership. Your 12-month OPT window, extendable to 36 months with a STEM extension, gives you real runway to prove your value.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
The Wake Forest University School of Professional Studies (SPS) is seeking an exceptional and dynamic faculty leader to serve as the Academic Director of the Project Management and IT Management programs, starting July 1, 2026. This full-time position is based in Charlotte, North Carolina.
ABOUT THE SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES
The mission of the SPS is to accelerate the professional growth of adult learners across their careers and support the talent development needs of organizations. We believe this is best achieved through the strategic partnership of industry expertise and academic excellence, embodying principles of accessibility, flexibility, and a strong market orientation. All of our programs are designed for professionals who can apply acquired skills directly to their careers and reflect best and emerging practices from the field combined with rigorous, research-based knowledge from academia.
THE ACADEMIC DIRECTOR'S ROLE
This is a unique opportunity to join an innovative school that's shaping the future of professional education, built on the quality and excellence of our university. As an influential, market-connected leader and key subject-matter expert, the Academic Director will be responsible for providing academic oversight and strategic direction for our graduate Project Management and IT Management degree programs. The director will be joining a creative, mission-centered, and highly collaborative team of faculty and staff who will be supporting these programs and their students. The director will nurture a culture of innovation and collaboration that centers on the success of our students and community partners. The director will be expected to guide the programs' strategic positioning, guarantee their market leadership, and continuously enhance their impact by ensuring the quality and relevance of the program curriculum, monitoring outcomes and seeking input from students, faculty, advisors, and other stakeholders. As the leader of a team of practitioner-scholars, the academic director will engage with program faculty and nurture close connections with industry leaders, leveraging a deep understanding of emerging trends and best practices. This includes leading Program Advisory Boards to advance the programs and provide mentorship to students, as well as engaging deeply with IT and project management professionals in the Charlotte region to advance program goals, enhance student success, and positively impact our community. The candidate will be ranked as a professor of the practice (non-tenure track) and is expected to teach courses within the school in at least one of the two programs they lead.
QUALIFICATIONS
- An earned master’s degree in a related field such as technology, computer science, business, management, or IT management, along with relevant professional certifications.
- Significant experience leading and managing IT and other high-level projects in a professional setting.
- Prior experience teaching online at the graduate level is required, with evidence of teaching effectiveness.
- Prior academic leadership or business managerial experience is preferred.
ABOUT THE PROGRAMS
The Project Management program delivers a well-calibrated balance of the "art and science" of the discipline. Students gain essential leadership skills in communication and stakeholder engagement, alongside the technical skills needed to master proven and emerging methodologies. The program enables students to pursue industry certifications such as PMP® and Scrum Master. The IT Management program is designed to equip working professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to align IT strategies with business objectives, support digital transformation, and drive IT-enabled innovation. It's a cross-industry program for professionals looking to pivot into more significant leadership roles. This joint leadership role presents a unique opportunity to build synergies between two critical fields: the "art and science" of project management and the strategic leadership of IT. The director will guide a curriculum that prepares professionals to not only manage complex projects but also to align IT strategies with business objectives. This role requires a leader who is passionate about both the technical and leadership aspects of project and IT management in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a qualified candidate is selected and recommended for appointment. The following materials should be submitted: letter of application, curriculum vitae, statement of teaching philosophy, and evidence of teaching effectiveness (such as course evaluations and comparative benchmarks). Formal transcripts will be required before a hiring offer can be made. Applications that include all required information will be given full consideration. To apply, visit: https://hr.wfu.edu/careers/. Inquiries about the position should be addressed to askhr@wfu.edu.
WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY
Wake Forest University is a private, coeducational institution dedicated to academic excellence in liberal arts, graduate, and professional education. Founded in 1834, the University is ranked among the top thirty national universities according to U.S. News & World Report. With over 5,000 undergraduates and 3,000 graduate and professional students, the student-faculty ratio is 11:1. Wake Forest is a collegiate university offering a vibrant, intellectual community with a rich cultural life, an impressive array of facilities, and a strong athletics program competing in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Since its founding, the University has adopted the motto Pro Humanitate, which is exemplified by a deep institutional commitment to public service and engagement with the work.
THE SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES
The School of Professional Studies (SPS) is the newest school of Wake Forest University. SPS houses innovative graduate degree and non-degree programs, including certificates and other credentials, as well as relevant Executive Education courses, for working professionals. SPS is focused on developing accessible and market-relevant programs that build upon Wake Forest’s current areas of strength as well as delivering future professional development education that is essential to the growing economy of Charlotte, where the School is located, and the surrounding region. SPS is at the frontier of what’s next for Wake Forest University as the university boldly expands into Charlotte with the opening of an Innovation District in partnership with Atrium Health. SPS is an exciting strategic initiative for the university benefiting from strong support from the university community, including administration and trustees, and the business and civic leaders of Charlotte. SPS has a vision to develop a new kind of leader. It helps working professionals rise to the challenges of today’s dynamic job market by teaching in-demand skills and awarding sought-after credentials. The School empowers its students to adapt, grow, and excel, shaping them into leaders who will guide businesses into the future with integrity.
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA
The fifth fastest growing city in the U.S., Charlotte is the most populous city in North Carolina, with more than 874,000 residents. The city is the cultural, economic, and transportation center of the Charlotte metropolitan area, especially in the financial sector. It is the second largest financial banking center in the U.S. after New York City. Home to several Fortune 500 companies, Charlotte is one of the nation’s top cities expected to experience continued economic growth, particularly for start-ups. Charlotte has opportunities and activities of a large city with the welcoming community of a small town. Great school systems, a variety of parks and outdoor venues, eclectic food scene, wonderful museums, family-friendly activities, and live entertainment venues make this city one to enjoy year around. Business Insider ranked the city 14th in its list of 50 Best Places to Live in America.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT
The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all qualified candidates to apply without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, disability and military or veteran status.
ACCOMMODATIONS FOR APPLICANTS
If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact AskHR@wfu.edu or (336) 758-4700.
INTRODUCTION
The Wake Forest University School of Professional Studies (SPS) is seeking an exceptional and dynamic faculty leader to serve as the Academic Director of the Project Management and IT Management programs, starting July 1, 2026. This full-time position is based in Charlotte, North Carolina.
ABOUT THE SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES
The mission of the SPS is to accelerate the professional growth of adult learners across their careers and support the talent development needs of organizations. We believe this is best achieved through the strategic partnership of industry expertise and academic excellence, embodying principles of accessibility, flexibility, and a strong market orientation. All of our programs are designed for professionals who can apply acquired skills directly to their careers and reflect best and emerging practices from the field combined with rigorous, research-based knowledge from academia.
THE ACADEMIC DIRECTOR'S ROLE
This is a unique opportunity to join an innovative school that's shaping the future of professional education, built on the quality and excellence of our university. As an influential, market-connected leader and key subject-matter expert, the Academic Director will be responsible for providing academic oversight and strategic direction for our graduate Project Management and IT Management degree programs. The director will be joining a creative, mission-centered, and highly collaborative team of faculty and staff who will be supporting these programs and their students. The director will nurture a culture of innovation and collaboration that centers on the success of our students and community partners. The director will be expected to guide the programs' strategic positioning, guarantee their market leadership, and continuously enhance their impact by ensuring the quality and relevance of the program curriculum, monitoring outcomes and seeking input from students, faculty, advisors, and other stakeholders. As the leader of a team of practitioner-scholars, the academic director will engage with program faculty and nurture close connections with industry leaders, leveraging a deep understanding of emerging trends and best practices. This includes leading Program Advisory Boards to advance the programs and provide mentorship to students, as well as engaging deeply with IT and project management professionals in the Charlotte region to advance program goals, enhance student success, and positively impact our community. The candidate will be ranked as a professor of the practice (non-tenure track) and is expected to teach courses within the school in at least one of the two programs they lead.
QUALIFICATIONS
- An earned master’s degree in a related field such as technology, computer science, business, management, or IT management, along with relevant professional certifications.
- Significant experience leading and managing IT and other high-level projects in a professional setting.
- Prior experience teaching online at the graduate level is required, with evidence of teaching effectiveness.
- Prior academic leadership or business managerial experience is preferred.
ABOUT THE PROGRAMS
The Project Management program delivers a well-calibrated balance of the "art and science" of the discipline. Students gain essential leadership skills in communication and stakeholder engagement, alongside the technical skills needed to master proven and emerging methodologies. The program enables students to pursue industry certifications such as PMP® and Scrum Master. The IT Management program is designed to equip working professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to align IT strategies with business objectives, support digital transformation, and drive IT-enabled innovation. It's a cross-industry program for professionals looking to pivot into more significant leadership roles. This joint leadership role presents a unique opportunity to build synergies between two critical fields: the "art and science" of project management and the strategic leadership of IT. The director will guide a curriculum that prepares professionals to not only manage complex projects but also to align IT strategies with business objectives. This role requires a leader who is passionate about both the technical and leadership aspects of project and IT management in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until a qualified candidate is selected and recommended for appointment. The following materials should be submitted: letter of application, curriculum vitae, statement of teaching philosophy, and evidence of teaching effectiveness (such as course evaluations and comparative benchmarks). Formal transcripts will be required before a hiring offer can be made. Applications that include all required information will be given full consideration. To apply, visit: https://hr.wfu.edu/careers/. Inquiries about the position should be addressed to askhr@wfu.edu.
WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY
Wake Forest University is a private, coeducational institution dedicated to academic excellence in liberal arts, graduate, and professional education. Founded in 1834, the University is ranked among the top thirty national universities according to U.S. News & World Report. With over 5,000 undergraduates and 3,000 graduate and professional students, the student-faculty ratio is 11:1. Wake Forest is a collegiate university offering a vibrant, intellectual community with a rich cultural life, an impressive array of facilities, and a strong athletics program competing in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Since its founding, the University has adopted the motto Pro Humanitate, which is exemplified by a deep institutional commitment to public service and engagement with the work.
THE SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES
The School of Professional Studies (SPS) is the newest school of Wake Forest University. SPS houses innovative graduate degree and non-degree programs, including certificates and other credentials, as well as relevant Executive Education courses, for working professionals. SPS is focused on developing accessible and market-relevant programs that build upon Wake Forest’s current areas of strength as well as delivering future professional development education that is essential to the growing economy of Charlotte, where the School is located, and the surrounding region. SPS is at the frontier of what’s next for Wake Forest University as the university boldly expands into Charlotte with the opening of an Innovation District in partnership with Atrium Health. SPS is an exciting strategic initiative for the university benefiting from strong support from the university community, including administration and trustees, and the business and civic leaders of Charlotte. SPS has a vision to develop a new kind of leader. It helps working professionals rise to the challenges of today’s dynamic job market by teaching in-demand skills and awarding sought-after credentials. The School empowers its students to adapt, grow, and excel, shaping them into leaders who will guide businesses into the future with integrity.
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA
The fifth fastest growing city in the U.S., Charlotte is the most populous city in North Carolina, with more than 874,000 residents. The city is the cultural, economic, and transportation center of the Charlotte metropolitan area, especially in the financial sector. It is the second largest financial banking center in the U.S. after New York City. Home to several Fortune 500 companies, Charlotte is one of the nation’s top cities expected to experience continued economic growth, particularly for start-ups. Charlotte has opportunities and activities of a large city with the welcoming community of a small town. Great school systems, a variety of parks and outdoor venues, eclectic food scene, wonderful museums, family-friendly activities, and live entertainment venues make this city one to enjoy year around. Business Insider ranked the city 14th in its list of 50 Best Places to Live in America.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT
The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all qualified candidates to apply without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, disability and military or veteran status.
ACCOMMODATIONS FOR APPLICANTS
If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact AskHR@wfu.edu or (336) 758-4700.
See all 255+ OPT Director Of Project Management Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Director Of Project Management
Target companies with H-1B sponsorship track records
Search DOL disclosure data to identify employers who have previously sponsored H-1B visas for project management roles. Companies with established sponsorship pipelines are far more likely to extend an offer to an OPT candidate at the director level.
Lead with your STEM OPT extension eligibility upfront
If your degree is in a STEM field, clarify during early conversations that you qualify for a 36-month OPT period. Hiring managers often assume OPT means 12 months, and that assumption alone can kill a director-level candidacy before it starts.
Position yourself as a long-term investment, not a short-term hire
Director roles require organizational context and institutional knowledge. Emphasize your intent to build a career with the employer, and frame H-1B sponsorship as a routine step in that relationship rather than a burden they are taking on for your benefit.
Get PMP certification before applying if you do not have it
Most director-level project management postings treat PMP as a baseline requirement. Holding certification removes one objection employers use to screen out OPT candidates and signals you meet the professional standard expected at this seniority level.
Negotiate sponsorship commitment into the offer stage, not after
Once you have a verbal offer, ask directly whether the company sponsors H-1B visas and request that sponsorship intent be referenced in your offer letter. Waiting until after you start leaves you exposed if leadership or HR priorities shift later.
Focus on industries with high project management demand and sponsorship history
Technology, pharmaceuticals, healthcare IT, and defense contracting consistently file high volumes of H-1B petitions for project management roles. Concentrating your search in these sectors meaningfully improves your odds of finding sponsors at the director level.
Director Of Project Management OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Director of Project Management on OPT?
Yes. OPT authorizes F-1 students to work in roles directly related to their field of study, and project management qualifies under business, engineering, information systems, and several other degree fields. Director-level roles are permitted as long as the position connects to your academic background. Your EAD card is the only document your employer needs to verify work authorization during the OPT period.
Will employers sponsor H-1B for a Director of Project Management on OPT?
Many do, particularly in technology, pharmaceuticals, and financial services, where project management directors are in consistent demand. Director-level roles are easier to sponsor than junior positions because employers have greater incentive to retain experienced leaders. The key is targeting companies that have a documented history of H-1B filings. Migrate Mate filters job listings by sponsorship willingness, making it easier to identify employers worth approaching at this seniority level.
Does a Director of Project Management role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your underlying degree, not the job title. If you hold a qualifying STEM degree, such as computer science, information systems, industrial engineering, or a related field, you can apply for the 24-month STEM extension regardless of whether your role is a director-level position. The extension is tied to your academic credential, so confirm your CIP code with your DSO before assuming eligibility.
What should I do if my OPT expires before my H-1B is approved?
If your employer files your H-1B petition before April 1 and USCIS selects you in the lottery, you are protected under cap-gap provisions, which automatically extend your OPT status and work authorization through September 30. If you are not selected in the lottery, you will need to leave the U.S. or transition to another visa status. Planning your job search early enough to secure a sponsoring employer before the October 1 filing window is critical for director-level candidates on OPT.
How do I find Director of Project Management jobs that accept OPT candidates?
Generic job boards rarely filter for OPT-friendly employers, which means you spend significant time applying to companies that will not move forward once they learn your status. Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and surfaces director-level project management roles from employers who have demonstrated sponsorship willingness, so your applications go to companies where your work authorization is already understood and accepted.