OPT Director Of Strategic Initiatives Jobs
Director of Strategic Initiatives roles on OPT require employers to sponsor H-1B visa or other work visas before your authorization expires. These senior positions typically qualify as specialty occupations, making them strong candidates for visa sponsorship. Your 12-month OPT window, or 24-month STEM extension if eligible, shapes your timeline.
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Responsible for dual credit and dual enrollment agreements, implementation, and tracking; Early College Programs, and career pathway initiatives designed to support student credential completion. Work with Admissions, Financial Aid, Career Services, Academic Leadership and Faculty to coordinate respective initiatives and activities focused on high school students. Oversee high school recruitment and matriculation efforts. This position reports to the Executive Director of K-14 Initiatives.
Pay Range: $50,000 - 55,000 per year
Location: Primary office in Gary with frequent travel to East Chicago and Crown Point. Some regional and statewide travel will be required.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
- Support the Executive Director & K14 Initiatives in efforts to identify, develop and strategically build school corporation partnerships to support the college goal of advancing post-secondary attainment through career and college pathways.
- Support the Executive Director & K14 Initiatives in efforts to plan and coordinate visits with schools and deans or other faculty to facilitate awareness and relationships with the academic programs offered by Ivy Tech Lake County Campus.
- Responsible for overseeing high school recruitment efforts and meeting high school recruitment goals.
- Communicate and educate high school partners (administrators, faculty, guidance counselors, and staff), high school students, and high school parents about dual credit/dual enrollment opportunities, including, but not limited to, the Indiana College Core, workforce certificates and/or other seamless pathways into Ivy Tech Community College.
- Provide oversight for the application, course enrollment, and grade reporting process with high schools.
- Implement college policy and procedures related to secondary programs, including adherence to the accreditation standards of NACEP & HLC.
- Consult with various offices at the College to standardize procedures.
- Consult with Deans and Academic Chairs to ensure dual credit teacher observations, syllabi, and credentials adhere to college policy.
- Collaborate with academic leadership to ensure high school dual credit teachers receive required annual professional development.
- Ensure academic progress of dual credit students is monitored on a regular basis.
- Work to develop dual credit and dual enrollment pathways to completion from certifications to Associate degrees.
- Collaborate with Marketing & Communications Department to develop promotional and informational pieces for students and parents and manage the distribution of these materials.
- Oversee database maintenance of faculty and teachers involved in dual credit and dual enrollment courses in order to track and report Secondary Initiative data.
- Become competent working with Ivy Tech data and support systems (Banner, IvyLearn, MyIvy, etc.).
- Participates in major campus events such as, but not limited to, Commencement, College 101 Nights, etc.
The above list of duties is not to be construed as an exhaustive list. Other duties logically associated with the position may be assigned. All responsibilities will be conducted within the parameters of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), other applicable regulatory requirements, and professional standards.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor's degree required.
- One-year experience working in higher education.
- Excellent organizational, interpersonal and networking skills.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Must demonstrate the ability to take initiative and make decisions.
- Interpersonal skills, attention to detail and the ability to handle major projects, simultaneously are required.
- Must possess a willingness and ability to travel to three campus locations and other campuses or high school partners as needed.
Selected candidate for employment will be subject to pre-employment background checks, including criminal history check, and any offer of employment will be contingent upon that outcome.
BENEFITS
Ivy Tech is committed to supporting the well-being, growth, and financial security of our full-time faculty and staff. Our comprehensive benefits package includes:
Health & Wellness
- Multiple medical plan options paired with a Health Savings Account with a generous employer contribution
- Dental plan with no-cost preventive services and coverage for orthodontia
- Vision plan with low-cost exams and allowances for glasses or contact lenses
- Employee Assistance Program offering no-cost confidential counseling sessions, legal consultations, financial planning consultations, and other resources
- Wellness program with opportunities to earn $250 in Wellness Rewards
- Flexible Spending Accounts for healthcare (limited purpose) and dependent care
Retirement & Financial Security
- 10% employer retirement contribution, fully vested after two years
- Basic life insurance equal to annual salary paid by the College, with optional supplemental coverage
- Short-term and long-term disability benefits
Educational Benefits
- Fee remission for employees, spouses, and dependent children
- Tuition assistance for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs
- Paid professional development opportunities
Work-Life Balance
- Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, holidays, and winter recess
- Flexible work arrangements where available
- Paid childbirth recovery leave (8 weeks)
- Paid parental leave (4 weeks)
Additional Perks
- Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness
- Additional discounts on gym memberships, transportation, and various retail services
Ivy Tech is proud to offer benefits that support your health, your family, and your future—because when our employees thrive, our students and communities thrive too. For more information on Ivy Tech Benefits, visit https://careers.ivytech.edu/benefits.
Note: Employees who re-hire with the College within 180 days of leaving a full-time position with the College may be eligible for additional benefits depending on their bridged seniority date.
Ivy Tech Community College is an accredited, equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, marital status, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age or veteran status. As required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Ivy Tech Community College does not discriminate on the basis of sex, including sexual harassment in its educational programs and activities, including employment and admissions. Questions specific to Title IX may be referred to the College’s Title IX Coordinator or to the US Department of Education Office of Civil Rights.
INTRODUCTION
Responsible for dual credit and dual enrollment agreements, implementation, and tracking; Early College Programs, and career pathway initiatives designed to support student credential completion. Work with Admissions, Financial Aid, Career Services, Academic Leadership and Faculty to coordinate respective initiatives and activities focused on high school students. Oversee high school recruitment and matriculation efforts. This position reports to the Executive Director of K-14 Initiatives.
Pay Range: $50,000 - 55,000 per year
Location: Primary office in Gary with frequent travel to East Chicago and Crown Point. Some regional and statewide travel will be required.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
- Support the Executive Director & K14 Initiatives in efforts to identify, develop and strategically build school corporation partnerships to support the college goal of advancing post-secondary attainment through career and college pathways.
- Support the Executive Director & K14 Initiatives in efforts to plan and coordinate visits with schools and deans or other faculty to facilitate awareness and relationships with the academic programs offered by Ivy Tech Lake County Campus.
- Responsible for overseeing high school recruitment efforts and meeting high school recruitment goals.
- Communicate and educate high school partners (administrators, faculty, guidance counselors, and staff), high school students, and high school parents about dual credit/dual enrollment opportunities, including, but not limited to, the Indiana College Core, workforce certificates and/or other seamless pathways into Ivy Tech Community College.
- Provide oversight for the application, course enrollment, and grade reporting process with high schools.
- Implement college policy and procedures related to secondary programs, including adherence to the accreditation standards of NACEP & HLC.
- Consult with various offices at the College to standardize procedures.
- Consult with Deans and Academic Chairs to ensure dual credit teacher observations, syllabi, and credentials adhere to college policy.
- Collaborate with academic leadership to ensure high school dual credit teachers receive required annual professional development.
- Ensure academic progress of dual credit students is monitored on a regular basis.
- Work to develop dual credit and dual enrollment pathways to completion from certifications to Associate degrees.
- Collaborate with Marketing & Communications Department to develop promotional and informational pieces for students and parents and manage the distribution of these materials.
- Oversee database maintenance of faculty and teachers involved in dual credit and dual enrollment courses in order to track and report Secondary Initiative data.
- Become competent working with Ivy Tech data and support systems (Banner, IvyLearn, MyIvy, etc.).
- Participates in major campus events such as, but not limited to, Commencement, College 101 Nights, etc.
The above list of duties is not to be construed as an exhaustive list. Other duties logically associated with the position may be assigned. All responsibilities will be conducted within the parameters of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), other applicable regulatory requirements, and professional standards.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor's degree required.
- One-year experience working in higher education.
- Excellent organizational, interpersonal and networking skills.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Must demonstrate the ability to take initiative and make decisions.
- Interpersonal skills, attention to detail and the ability to handle major projects, simultaneously are required.
- Must possess a willingness and ability to travel to three campus locations and other campuses or high school partners as needed.
Selected candidate for employment will be subject to pre-employment background checks, including criminal history check, and any offer of employment will be contingent upon that outcome.
BENEFITS
Ivy Tech is committed to supporting the well-being, growth, and financial security of our full-time faculty and staff. Our comprehensive benefits package includes:
Health & Wellness
- Multiple medical plan options paired with a Health Savings Account with a generous employer contribution
- Dental plan with no-cost preventive services and coverage for orthodontia
- Vision plan with low-cost exams and allowances for glasses or contact lenses
- Employee Assistance Program offering no-cost confidential counseling sessions, legal consultations, financial planning consultations, and other resources
- Wellness program with opportunities to earn $250 in Wellness Rewards
- Flexible Spending Accounts for healthcare (limited purpose) and dependent care
Retirement & Financial Security
- 10% employer retirement contribution, fully vested after two years
- Basic life insurance equal to annual salary paid by the College, with optional supplemental coverage
- Short-term and long-term disability benefits
Educational Benefits
- Fee remission for employees, spouses, and dependent children
- Tuition assistance for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs
- Paid professional development opportunities
Work-Life Balance
- Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, holidays, and winter recess
- Flexible work arrangements where available
- Paid childbirth recovery leave (8 weeks)
- Paid parental leave (4 weeks)
Additional Perks
- Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness
- Additional discounts on gym memberships, transportation, and various retail services
Ivy Tech is proud to offer benefits that support your health, your family, and your future—because when our employees thrive, our students and communities thrive too. For more information on Ivy Tech Benefits, visit https://careers.ivytech.edu/benefits.
Note: Employees who re-hire with the College within 180 days of leaving a full-time position with the College may be eligible for additional benefits depending on their bridged seniority date.
Ivy Tech Community College is an accredited, equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, marital status, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age or veteran status. As required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Ivy Tech Community College does not discriminate on the basis of sex, including sexual harassment in its educational programs and activities, including employment and admissions. Questions specific to Title IX may be referred to the College’s Title IX Coordinator or to the US Department of Education Office of Civil Rights.
See all 38+ OPT Director Of Strategic Initiatives Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Director Of Strategic Initiatives
Target organizations with established immigration infrastructure
Large enterprises and growth-stage companies with dedicated HR or legal teams are far more likely to sponsor visas for senior roles. Smaller organizations often lack the infrastructure to navigate H-1B or O-1 visa petitions for Director-level positions.
Lead with your OPT timeline, not around it
Senior hiring moves slowly. If your OPT expires in under 12 months, say so in early conversations. Directors who surprise employers late in the process lose offers. Transparency at the start protects both sides and filters out non-sponsors fast.
Frame sponsorship as a standard cost of senior talent
At the Director level, employers expect to invest in top candidates. Position visa sponsorship as comparable to relocation packages or signing bonuses. Framing it as a normal business expense, not a burden, changes how decision-makers respond to the conversation.
Identify your STEM OPT eligibility before you apply
If your degree is in a STEM-designated field, a 24-month extension gives you significantly more runway for H-1B sponsorship timing. Confirm your degree's CIP code qualifies before negotiating timelines with employers so you can speak to it confidently.
Pursue roles where your visa status creates genuine leverage
Employers sponsoring international talent for strategic leadership roles signal long-term commitment to that hire. Use this dynamic deliberately. Companies investing in sponsorship expect retention, which often translates to stronger offers, equity, and promotion timelines for Director candidates.
Prepare a concise sponsorship explainer for executive interviewers
C-suite hiring managers often don't know how OPT or H-1B works. A clear, two-sentence explanation of your authorization status and the sponsorship process reduces anxiety and keeps the conversation focused on your qualifications rather than administrative uncertainty.
Director Of Strategic Initiatives OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Director of Strategic Initiatives on OPT?
Yes. OPT authorizes F-1 students to work in any role directly related to their field of study, and Director of Strategic Initiatives positions typically qualify across business, management, engineering, and policy-related degree programs. Your role must be substantially related to your major, so be prepared to articulate that connection clearly if asked by your Designated School Official or during any USCIS review.
How do I find Director of Strategic Initiatives jobs that offer visa sponsorship?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically for OPT and visa sponsorship eligibility, which makes it the most efficient starting point for Director-level searches. Beyond job boards, target employers with a documented history of H-1B filings in leadership functions. OFLC disclosure data from the Department of Labor shows which organizations have sponsored similar roles, giving you a concrete shortlist before you apply.
Does a Director of Strategic Initiatives role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B?
Most Director of Strategic Initiatives roles qualify as specialty occupations because they typically require a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific field such as business administration, public policy, finance, or a related discipline. The key is that the degree requirement must be tied to the specific job duties, not just any degree. If your employer can demonstrate the role requires specialized knowledge, H-1B approval is generally achievable for this title.
What happens to my OPT if my Director role ends before I secure H-1B sponsorship?
If your employment ends before H-1B sponsorship is secured, you have a 60-day grace period to find new employment, transfer to another visa status, or prepare to depart the United States. During this window you cannot work, but you can continue job searching and negotiating offers. Losing employment does not immediately terminate your F-1 status, but acting quickly within that 60-day period is essential to maintaining lawful presence.
Is the H-1B lottery a real risk for Director of Strategic Initiatives candidates?
It is. The H-1B cap applies to most private-sector employers, and selection is by lottery with a roughly 25% selection rate in recent fiscal years. However, some Director of Strategic Initiatives roles are placed at cap-exempt institutions such as universities, nonprofit research organizations, or government-affiliated entities, which are not subject to the lottery. Targeting these employers significantly improves your odds of securing continuous work authorization beyond OPT.