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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This position will work within Athletics’ team of strategic communication content creators and in collaboration with the entire team. They will serve as the primary contact for specific sports attending on and off campus events working closely with the coaches and student-athletes on storytelling aligned with the DCARD strategic priorities.
Description
Required Qualifications - Education and Yrs Exp
Bachelors plus 3-5 years' experience or equivalent combination of education and experience
Required Qualifications - Skills, Knowledge and Abilities
- Strong verbal communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
- Demonstrated aptitude in social media and proactive, strategic communication are essential. Confidence and familiarity working with web technologies, including basic HTML and CMS tools (such as SIDEARM).
- Experience updating content, managing user access, troubleshooting technical issues, assisting with CMS configurations, and ensuring site functionality aligns with branding and accessibility standards.
- Advanced and demonstrated knowledge of statistical programs (such as NCAA Live Stats, NCAA Genius and StatCrew).
- Writing experience with emphasis on Associated Press style.
- Ability to work a flexible schedule including late night and weekend hours.
- Commitment to diversity and to serving the needs of a diverse population.
- Previous experience working in a college sports information office.
- Effective time management skills.
- Ability to work independently as well as lead projects.
- Familiarity with managing social accounts.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree with more than five years’ relevant work experience with high autonomy, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Knowledgeable about the varsity sports offered at Dartmouth and their rules of competition.
- Proficient with Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Acrobat).
- Video editing and graphic design experience.
Department Contact for Recruitment Inquiries
Chris Celona
Department Contact Phone Number
603-646-5666
Department Contact for Cover Letter and Title
Chris Celona, Sr. Associate Athletics Director for External Strategy
Equal Opportunity Employer
Dartmouth College is an equal opportunity employer under federal law. We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, marital status, or any other legally protected status. Applications are welcome from all.
Background Check
Employment in this position is contingent upon consent to and successful completion of a pre-employment background check, which may include a criminal background check, reference checks, verification of work history, conduct review, and verification of any required academic credentials, licenses, and/or certifications, with results acceptable to Dartmouth College. A criminal conviction will not automatically disqualify an applicant from employment. Background check information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.
Is driving a vehicle (e.g. Dartmouth vehicle or off road vehicle, rental car, personal car) an essential function of this job? Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants
Dartmouth College has a Tobacco-Free Policy. Smoking and the use of tobacco-based products (including smokeless tobacco) are prohibited in all facilities, grounds, vehicles or other areas owned, operated or occupied by Dartmouth College with no exceptions. For details, please see our policy.
Key Accountabilities
Strategic Communications
Curate content, according to department vision and sport vision, for assigned sport programs by managing social media accounts, crafting content calendars and collaborating with other units to create and design artwork, graphics, and content for a variety of multimedia platforms.
- Incorporate key messaging points into daily content through a proactive approach and digital-forward growth mindset.
- Serve as the lead liaison between assigned sport programs and the External Strategy department.
- Solicit feedback from sport programs and External Strategy colleagues on objectives, goals, and strategies, in addition to creation and distribution of content.
- Facilitate multimedia student-athlete features in coordination with other departments.
- Responsible for the public relations functions for assigned sports.
- Promote student-athletes and coaches for national and conference awards.
- Facilitate interviews and initiate media coverage by preparing logistics, materials and talking points to announcers.
- Maintain an ongoing understanding of industry trends, innovative platforms, and emerging media in a rapidly changing profession.
- Develop rapport with coaching staff, student-athletes, and media members through communication, attendance at practices, and traveling for competitions.
- Oversee the recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and training of student workers for various roles within the department, ensuring each hire is aligned with operational needs and departmental standards. This includes developing job descriptions, conducting interviews, and facilitating orientation and skills development sessions.
- Coordinate and manage staffing for all student and freelance positions related to events, including scheduling, assigning roles, and ensuring appropriate coverage across all event functions. Responsible for maintaining an organized, efficient, and responsive staffing system to support high-quality event execution.
Percentage Of Time 70%
Website and Social Media Management
Directly responsible for all publicity efforts.
- Design, write, edit and fact-check various communications materials.
- Work closely with the other key Athletics personnel on planning and executing department-wide social media strategy.
- Serve as the backup website administrator, supporting backend setup and maintenance of the department’s digital platforms.
Percentage Of Time 20%
Statistics
Using statistical software, compiles accurate statistics for assigned sports, including game, season and career statistics.
- Manage current and historical team information (rosters, statistics, record, photos, videos) of assigned sports.
Percentage Of Time 10%
- Demonstrates professionalism and collegiality through actions, interactions, and communications with others appropriate to an environment that is welcoming to all.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Position Purpose
This position will work within Athletics’ team of strategic communication content creators and in collaboration with the entire team. They will serve as the primary contact for specific sports attending on and off campus events working closely with the coaches and student-athletes on storytelling aligned with the DCARD strategic priorities.
Description
Required Qualifications - Education and Yrs Exp
Bachelors plus 3-5 years' experience or equivalent combination of education and experience
Required Qualifications - Skills, Knowledge and Abilities
- Strong verbal communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
- Demonstrated aptitude in social media and proactive, strategic communication are essential. Confidence and familiarity working with web technologies, including basic HTML and CMS tools (such as SIDEARM).
- Experience updating content, managing user access, troubleshooting technical issues, assisting with CMS configurations, and ensuring site functionality aligns with branding and accessibility standards.
- Advanced and demonstrated knowledge of statistical programs (such as NCAA Live Stats, NCAA Genius and StatCrew).
- Writing experience with emphasis on Associated Press style.
- Ability to work a flexible schedule including late night and weekend hours.
- Commitment to diversity and to serving the needs of a diverse population.
- Previous experience working in a college sports information office.
- Effective time management skills.
- Ability to work independently as well as lead projects.
- Familiarity with managing social accounts.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree with more than five years’ relevant work experience with high autonomy, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Knowledgeable about the varsity sports offered at Dartmouth and their rules of competition.
- Proficient with Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Acrobat).
- Video editing and graphic design experience.
Department Contact for Recruitment Inquiries
Chris Celona
Department Contact Phone Number
603-646-5666
Department Contact for Cover Letter and Title
Chris Celona, Sr. Associate Athletics Director for External Strategy
Equal Opportunity Employer
Dartmouth College is an equal opportunity employer under federal law. We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, marital status, or any other legally protected status. Applications are welcome from all.
Background Check
Employment in this position is contingent upon consent to and successful completion of a pre-employment background check, which may include a criminal background check, reference checks, verification of work history, conduct review, and verification of any required academic credentials, licenses, and/or certifications, with results acceptable to Dartmouth College. A criminal conviction will not automatically disqualify an applicant from employment. Background check information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law.
Is driving a vehicle (e.g. Dartmouth vehicle or off road vehicle, rental car, personal car) an essential function of this job? Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants
Dartmouth College has a Tobacco-Free Policy. Smoking and the use of tobacco-based products (including smokeless tobacco) are prohibited in all facilities, grounds, vehicles or other areas owned, operated or occupied by Dartmouth College with no exceptions. For details, please see our policy.
Key Accountabilities
Strategic Communications
Curate content, according to department vision and sport vision, for assigned sport programs by managing social media accounts, crafting content calendars and collaborating with other units to create and design artwork, graphics, and content for a variety of multimedia platforms.
- Incorporate key messaging points into daily content through a proactive approach and digital-forward growth mindset.
- Serve as the lead liaison between assigned sport programs and the External Strategy department.
- Solicit feedback from sport programs and External Strategy colleagues on objectives, goals, and strategies, in addition to creation and distribution of content.
- Facilitate multimedia student-athlete features in coordination with other departments.
- Responsible for the public relations functions for assigned sports.
- Promote student-athletes and coaches for national and conference awards.
- Facilitate interviews and initiate media coverage by preparing logistics, materials and talking points to announcers.
- Maintain an ongoing understanding of industry trends, innovative platforms, and emerging media in a rapidly changing profession.
- Develop rapport with coaching staff, student-athletes, and media members through communication, attendance at practices, and traveling for competitions.
- Oversee the recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and training of student workers for various roles within the department, ensuring each hire is aligned with operational needs and departmental standards. This includes developing job descriptions, conducting interviews, and facilitating orientation and skills development sessions.
- Coordinate and manage staffing for all student and freelance positions related to events, including scheduling, assigning roles, and ensuring appropriate coverage across all event functions. Responsible for maintaining an organized, efficient, and responsive staffing system to support high-quality event execution.
Percentage Of Time 70%
Website and Social Media Management
Directly responsible for all publicity efforts.
- Design, write, edit and fact-check various communications materials.
- Work closely with the other key Athletics personnel on planning and executing department-wide social media strategy.
- Serve as the backup website administrator, supporting backend setup and maintenance of the department’s digital platforms.
Percentage Of Time 20%
Statistics
Using statistical software, compiles accurate statistics for assigned sports, including game, season and career statistics.
- Manage current and historical team information (rosters, statistics, record, photos, videos) of assigned sports.
Percentage Of Time 10%
- Demonstrates professionalism and collegiality through actions, interactions, and communications with others appropriate to an environment that is welcoming to all.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
See all 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.