OPT Director of Strategic Sourcing Jobs
Director of Strategic Sourcing roles on OPT require employers willing to sponsor H-1B visa or other long-term visas, since CPO-level procurement leadership is firmly a specialty occupation. Your 12-month OPT window (29 months with STEM extension) makes timing your job search and visa transition critical.
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Get Access To All JobsDepartment University Comms and Marketing-258000
Career Area Public Relations/Communications/Marketing
Posting Open Date 05/07/2026
Application Deadline 05/20/2026
Open Until Filled No
Position Type Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)
Working Title Associate Director of Strategic Planning
Appointment Type EHRA Non-Faculty
Position Number 00035364
Vacancy ID NF0009746
Full Time/Part Time Full-Time Permanent
FTE 1
Hours per week 40
Position Location North Carolina, US
Hiring Range $80,000-$85,000
Proposed Start Date 07/13/2026
Be a Tar Heel!
A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.
One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community. University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.
Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit
University Communications and Marketing protects and advances Carolina’s reputation as the nation’s first and best public research university. In partnership with leaders and colleagues across campus, the team is responsible for developing and implementing an integrated strategy to share the impact of our university’s teaching, research and service that improves our state, nation and world. Areas within University Communications and Marketing include Web Planning and Production, Internal Communications, Development Marketing, Executive Communications, Strategic Communications, Marketing, Social Media, Creative Services, and the UNC Visitors Center.
Position Summary
The Associate Director of Strategic Planning serves as the second-in-command to the Director, ensuring continuity of leadership, sound decision-making and consistent stakeholder engagement. They oversee the day-to-day operations of the Strategic Planning team, where the strategy and execution of communications and marketing campaigns intersect. This includes balancing workloads, setting priorities and supporting team development. The Associate Director of Strategic Planning is responsible for reviewing and strengthening strategic briefs to ensure clarity, rigor and alignment before campaigns move into execution. In addition, this position coaches and develops Strategic Planners to elevate strategic thinking, integration, and the effective use of insights. They also own a portfolio of key schools or units, acting as the senior strategic lead for complex or high-visibility campaigns, and facilitates cross-team alignment to ensure strategies are cohesive and executable across functions.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
Master’s or Bachelor’s and 0-2 years’ experience; or will accept a combination of related education and experience in substitution.
Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
- Advanced knowledge of strategic planning principles, marketing strategy and integrated communications.
- Strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information into actionable recommendations.
- Strong consultation and facilitation skills, including the ability to lead planning discussions with diverse stakeholders.
- Excellent written, verbal, presentation and interpersonal communication skills.
- Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Ability to build relationships, influence decision-making and work effectively across a decentralized organization.
- Ability to interpret performance data and apply insights to improve strategy and outcomes.
- Proficiency with analytics, reporting, and work management tools such as Google Analytics, Asana, and similar platforms.
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
- Master’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Business Administration, Higher Education, or a related field.
- Experience in higher education marketing, branding, or communications.
- Experience presenting to senior leaders and facilitating strategic planning sessions.
- Experience developing dashboards, performance reports, and measurement frameworks for communications or marketing initiatives.
Special Physical/Mental Requirements
Campus Security Authority Responsibilities
Not Applicable.
Department University Comms and Marketing-258000
Career Area Public Relations/Communications/Marketing
Posting Open Date 05/07/2026
Application Deadline 05/20/2026
Open Until Filled No
Position Type Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)
Working Title Associate Director of Strategic Planning
Appointment Type EHRA Non-Faculty
Position Number 00035364
Vacancy ID NF0009746
Full Time/Part Time Full-Time Permanent
FTE 1
Hours per week 40
Position Location North Carolina, US
Hiring Range $80,000-$85,000
Proposed Start Date 07/13/2026
Be a Tar Heel!
A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.
One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community. University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.
Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit
University Communications and Marketing protects and advances Carolina’s reputation as the nation’s first and best public research university. In partnership with leaders and colleagues across campus, the team is responsible for developing and implementing an integrated strategy to share the impact of our university’s teaching, research and service that improves our state, nation and world. Areas within University Communications and Marketing include Web Planning and Production, Internal Communications, Development Marketing, Executive Communications, Strategic Communications, Marketing, Social Media, Creative Services, and the UNC Visitors Center.
Position Summary
The Associate Director of Strategic Planning serves as the second-in-command to the Director, ensuring continuity of leadership, sound decision-making and consistent stakeholder engagement. They oversee the day-to-day operations of the Strategic Planning team, where the strategy and execution of communications and marketing campaigns intersect. This includes balancing workloads, setting priorities and supporting team development. The Associate Director of Strategic Planning is responsible for reviewing and strengthening strategic briefs to ensure clarity, rigor and alignment before campaigns move into execution. In addition, this position coaches and develops Strategic Planners to elevate strategic thinking, integration, and the effective use of insights. They also own a portfolio of key schools or units, acting as the senior strategic lead for complex or high-visibility campaigns, and facilitates cross-team alignment to ensure strategies are cohesive and executable across functions.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
Master’s or Bachelor’s and 0-2 years’ experience; or will accept a combination of related education and experience in substitution.
Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
- Advanced knowledge of strategic planning principles, marketing strategy and integrated communications.
- Strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information into actionable recommendations.
- Strong consultation and facilitation skills, including the ability to lead planning discussions with diverse stakeholders.
- Excellent written, verbal, presentation and interpersonal communication skills.
- Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Ability to build relationships, influence decision-making and work effectively across a decentralized organization.
- Ability to interpret performance data and apply insights to improve strategy and outcomes.
- Proficiency with analytics, reporting, and work management tools such as Google Analytics, Asana, and similar platforms.
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
- Master’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Business Administration, Higher Education, or a related field.
- Experience in higher education marketing, branding, or communications.
- Experience presenting to senior leaders and facilitating strategic planning sessions.
- Experience developing dashboards, performance reports, and measurement frameworks for communications or marketing initiatives.
Special Physical/Mental Requirements
Campus Security Authority Responsibilities
Not Applicable.
See all OPT Director of Strategic Sourcing Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Director of Strategic Sourcing
Target companies with active procurement functions
Large manufacturers, retailers, and tech companies with dedicated supply chain teams are far more likely to sponsor than generalist employers. Search for organizations with established strategic sourcing departments, where this role is a core business function, not an ad hoc hire.
Lead with cost savings and supplier metrics in your resume
Directors of Strategic Sourcing are hired to reduce spend and build supplier relationships. Quantify your impact with specific metrics like cost reduction percentages, supplier consolidation results, or contract cycle improvements. Numbers make sponsorship feel like a clear return on investment.
Start your OPT job search at least four months before graduation
H-1B visa cap registration opens in March for an October 1 start. If your OPT begins in summer, you need your offer in hand before cap season closes. Delayed starts mean waiting a full additional year for the next lottery cycle.
Prioritize STEM-designated programs if your degree qualifies
Supply chain, operations research, and industrial engineering degrees often carry STEM OPT eligibility, extending your work authorization to 29 months. That extra 17 months significantly improves your odds of clearing two H-1B lottery cycles before your status expires.
Engage employers who have previously sponsored procurement roles
Past sponsorship behavior is the strongest predictor of future willingness. Focus your applications on companies with a documented track record of sponsoring supply chain and operations professionals, rather than trying to convince reluctant employers from scratch.
Frame your international background as a strategic sourcing asset
Global supplier networks, cross-border negotiation experience, and multilingual capability are genuine competitive advantages in strategic sourcing. Emphasize these strengths in cover letters and interviews to make your international profile a reason to hire, not a perceived complication.
Director of Strategic Sourcing OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Director of Strategic Sourcing on OPT?
Yes. Director of Strategic Sourcing is a specialty occupation requiring a bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant field such as supply chain management, business, or engineering. That makes it fully eligible for F-1 OPT work authorization. Your employment must be directly related to your degree field, which is straightforward for most supply chain and business graduates.
Does this role qualify for STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not the job title. If your degree is in a STEM-designated field, such as supply chain management, industrial engineering, operations research, or management information systems, you can apply for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. The role itself must also be related to your STEM field, which is easily satisfied for most strategic sourcing positions.
How do I find Director of Strategic Sourcing employers who sponsor OPT?
Migrate Mate is the recommended starting point. It surfaces Director of Strategic Sourcing roles at employers with a history of sponsoring international candidates, saving you from applying to companies that won't move forward with OPT students. Focus on large enterprises with global supply chains, where strategic sourcing is a core function and sponsorship is a routine part of their hiring process.
Will employers view my OPT status as a problem for a director-level role?
Some will, but many won't. Director-level procurement roles have a small, competitive candidate pool globally, which works in your favor. Employers who have struggled to fill senior sourcing positions are often more willing to sponsor than those hiring for entry-level roles. Leading with your impact metrics and downplaying the visa complexity in early conversations helps. Let the employer see the value first.
What happens to my Director of Strategic Sourcing job if my H-1B isn't selected in the lottery?
If your H-1B registration isn't selected and your OPT expires, you lose work authorization and cannot legally continue in the role. Some employers will explore alternatives like the O-1A visa for candidates with exceptional ability, or the EB-1 or EB-2 green card paths for senior leaders. It's worth having this conversation with your employer well before your OPT end date, not after a lottery miss.