OPT Director of Student Services Jobs
Director of Student Services roles sit at the intersection of higher education administration and student advocacy, making them a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in education, counseling, or public administration. Most positions qualify as specialty occupations, supporting H-1B visa sponsorship after your OPT period ends.
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Posting Number PG194785EP
Internal Recruitment No
Working Title Assistant Director of Student Recruitment and Transfer Services
Anticipated Hiring Range $66,000 - $72,000
Work Schedule Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm; with frequent overnight travel, occasional night and weekend work required.
Job Location Raleigh, NC
Department College of Natural Resources
About the Department
The College of Natural Resources (CNR) is a world leader in the sustainability and stewardship of the planet we share. Across a broad array of programs, we supply students with the technical expertise and hands-on experience they need to thrive in their careers. Our faculty and staff work across disciplines and partner with the government, businesses, and other educational institutions to find innovative solutions to global challenges. We are recognized as experts in the management of land and other natural resources and for providing solutions at the intersection of natural and built environments. In keeping with NC State’s land-grant mission, we are dedicated to securing a healthier, more sustainable future for North Carolinians and all global citizens.
CNR’s high-quality academic offerings and its emphasis on hands-on learning are why it is a global academic leader in the sustainable use of natural resources. The Academic Affairs Office (AAO) is a key office in CNR for supporting student success across the whole student experience by providing student advocacy and strategic initiatives for student recruitment, enrollment management, courses and curricula, student success, academic advising, student enrichment, and career services. CNR AAO also works closely with the CNR Office of College Culture and Community, whose mission is to foster connection, well-being, and belonging by coordinating engagement opportunities within CNR and with local communities.
CNR consists of the Departments of Forestry and Environmental Resources, Forest Biomaterials, and Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management, and the Center for Geospatial Analytics. These units educate over 2,100 students each year, while also providing leadership within their industries through various cooperatives and consortia, and generating $50 billion in annual economic impact primarily through their research and extension efforts. Additionally, Forest Assets manages more than 94,000 acres of forests across North Carolina that are used for teaching, research, extension, and recreation.
Wolfpack Perks and Benefits
As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.
What we offer:
Medical, Dental, and Vision
Flexible Spending Account
Retirement Programs
Disability Plans
Life Insurance
Accident Plan
Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
12 Holidays Each Year
Tuition and Academic Assistance
And so much more!
Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.
Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.
Essential Job Duties
The Assistant Director of Student Recruitment and Transfer Services is part of the Academic Affairs Office in the College of Natural Resources (CNR) and serves as an ambassador and partnership builder for the College. This role works collaboratively with the CNR academic programs to identify, engage, enroll, and onboard the next generation of sustainability leaders, land stewards, and innovators. Reporting to the CNR Director of Recruitment Initiatives and Student Excellence, the assistant director leads undergraduate recruitment efforts. The assistant director also serves as the primary architect for transfer student pathways, ensuring a more welcoming and seamless transition for students coming from community colleges and other four-year institutions. Although this role is primarily during standard business hours, some evening and weekend work could be required, as well as occasional overnight travel.
Responsibilities of the position include but are not limited to:
Student Recruitment and Onboarding
Strategic Strategy: Develop and execute a comprehensive recruitment plan to manage enrollment in all CNR academic programs, with a primary focus on undergraduate degree programs.
High-Impact Engagement: Work closely with CNR departments to coordinate and lead on-campus visitation days, CNR Open House, admitted student yield programming, and off-campus high school/community events. Seek out opportunities for CNR to engage with high school curricula and student groups and have representation at aligned outreach events such as 4H, Envirothon, and the NC Science Festival.
Digital Advocacy: Partner with the communications team to create data-informed recruitment materials, social media campaigns, and email sequences that resonate with prospective students and their families.
Relationship Management: Act as a primary liaison for high school counselors across North Carolina and other external stakeholders, and with CNR academic programs and other campus partners.
* Academic Advising Support: Work closely with CNR academic programs to ensure a seamless transition for students to their academic advisor by assisting, when needed, with new student onboarding and introductory academic advising.
Undergraduate Transfer Student Services
Pathway Architecture: Serve as the lead coordinator for transfer student recruitment and admissions, working closely with the CNR academic programs to ensure transfer students receive pre-admission academic advising and a clear roadmap to degree completion.
Transfer Partnerships: Represent CNR with transfer student pathway programs, such as NC State Community College Collaboration (C3) and WolfPack Connect.
Community College Liaison: Work with the CNR academic departments to strengthen relationships with NC Community College partners and to develop and maintain formal transfer 2+2 agreements and articulation pathways.
Transitional Success: Serve as the coordinator for transfer transitional success by helping ensure that these students get onboarded quickly, build community, and are able to navigate academic policies and processes during their first semester. This may include serving as an instructor for the transitional success course (CNR 303) and introductory academic advising support.
Operational
Supervision: Direct the work of student workers involved with student recruitment and transitional success.
Data Monitoring and Reporting: Systematically capture and analyze recruitment and enrollment data, regularly assess the ROI of various initiatives and use it to inform future strategic goals, and keep College and Departmental leadership updated on outcomes.
Policy Integration: Stay apprised of university-wide policies to provide accurate guidance to prospective students and faculty/staff.
Campus Citizenship: Represent the College on relevant university-level and college-level committees and keep informed of industry best practices and trends.
Other Responsibilities
* Other tasks and responsibilities may be assigned based on the needs of the organization and evolving priorities.
Qualifications
Minimum Education and Experience
* Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration, Communications, Marketing, a major offered in CNR, or related fields; OR a Bachelor’s degree with 3+ years of significant experience in college recruiting or admissions, or other related academic affairs.
Other Required Qualifications
Demonstrated ability to build and cultivate relationships with a wide range of populations and partners.
Ability to communicate verbally and in writing to a wide range of audiences, but particularly to high school and community college students.
Ability to work autonomously yet collaboratively.
Demonstrated ability with analytical and problem-solving skills.
Demonstrated ability to successfully manage multiple ongoing and complex projects.
Ability to work occasional nights/weekends and overnight travel.
* Ability to regularly keep up to date with the latest trends in student recruitment and transfer services in higher education.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with Slate CRM or similar enrollment management platforms.
Experience teaching student success courses at the undergraduate level.
Experience with academic advising or other student support services.
Experience with data management and analysis.
Knowledge of North Carolina’s Comprehensive Articulation Agreement (CAA).
A passion for the environment, sustainability, and the mission of the College of Natural Resources.
Required License(s) or Certification(s)
Valid driver’s license required.
Valid NC Driver’s License within 60 days of hire.
Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions
Job Open Date 08/04/2026
Anticipated Close Date Open Until Filled
Special Instructions to Applicants
Please include as attachments a resume/CV, cover letter, and contact information for at least 3 professional references.
This position requires frequent overnight travel and occasional weekend work.
Position Details
Position Number 00105273
Position Type Exempt Professional Staff
Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week) 1.0
Appointment 12 Month Recurring
Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather
Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events Non Mandatory - Emergency Event
Department ID 150101 - College of Natural Resources
EEO
NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.
If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.
NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.
Posting Information
Posting Number PG194785EP
Internal Recruitment No
Working Title Assistant Director of Student Recruitment and Transfer Services
Anticipated Hiring Range $66,000 - $72,000
Work Schedule Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm; with frequent overnight travel, occasional night and weekend work required.
Job Location Raleigh, NC
Department College of Natural Resources
About the Department
The College of Natural Resources (CNR) is a world leader in the sustainability and stewardship of the planet we share. Across a broad array of programs, we supply students with the technical expertise and hands-on experience they need to thrive in their careers. Our faculty and staff work across disciplines and partner with the government, businesses, and other educational institutions to find innovative solutions to global challenges. We are recognized as experts in the management of land and other natural resources and for providing solutions at the intersection of natural and built environments. In keeping with NC State’s land-grant mission, we are dedicated to securing a healthier, more sustainable future for North Carolinians and all global citizens.
CNR’s high-quality academic offerings and its emphasis on hands-on learning are why it is a global academic leader in the sustainable use of natural resources. The Academic Affairs Office (AAO) is a key office in CNR for supporting student success across the whole student experience by providing student advocacy and strategic initiatives for student recruitment, enrollment management, courses and curricula, student success, academic advising, student enrichment, and career services. CNR AAO also works closely with the CNR Office of College Culture and Community, whose mission is to foster connection, well-being, and belonging by coordinating engagement opportunities within CNR and with local communities.
CNR consists of the Departments of Forestry and Environmental Resources, Forest Biomaterials, and Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management, and the Center for Geospatial Analytics. These units educate over 2,100 students each year, while also providing leadership within their industries through various cooperatives and consortia, and generating $50 billion in annual economic impact primarily through their research and extension efforts. Additionally, Forest Assets manages more than 94,000 acres of forests across North Carolina that are used for teaching, research, extension, and recreation.
Wolfpack Perks and Benefits
As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.
What we offer:
Medical, Dental, and Vision
Flexible Spending Account
Retirement Programs
Disability Plans
Life Insurance
Accident Plan
Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
12 Holidays Each Year
Tuition and Academic Assistance
And so much more!
Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.
Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.
Essential Job Duties
The Assistant Director of Student Recruitment and Transfer Services is part of the Academic Affairs Office in the College of Natural Resources (CNR) and serves as an ambassador and partnership builder for the College. This role works collaboratively with the CNR academic programs to identify, engage, enroll, and onboard the next generation of sustainability leaders, land stewards, and innovators. Reporting to the CNR Director of Recruitment Initiatives and Student Excellence, the assistant director leads undergraduate recruitment efforts. The assistant director also serves as the primary architect for transfer student pathways, ensuring a more welcoming and seamless transition for students coming from community colleges and other four-year institutions. Although this role is primarily during standard business hours, some evening and weekend work could be required, as well as occasional overnight travel.
Responsibilities of the position include but are not limited to:
Student Recruitment and Onboarding
Strategic Strategy: Develop and execute a comprehensive recruitment plan to manage enrollment in all CNR academic programs, with a primary focus on undergraduate degree programs.
High-Impact Engagement: Work closely with CNR departments to coordinate and lead on-campus visitation days, CNR Open House, admitted student yield programming, and off-campus high school/community events. Seek out opportunities for CNR to engage with high school curricula and student groups and have representation at aligned outreach events such as 4H, Envirothon, and the NC Science Festival.
Digital Advocacy: Partner with the communications team to create data-informed recruitment materials, social media campaigns, and email sequences that resonate with prospective students and their families.
Relationship Management: Act as a primary liaison for high school counselors across North Carolina and other external stakeholders, and with CNR academic programs and other campus partners.
* Academic Advising Support: Work closely with CNR academic programs to ensure a seamless transition for students to their academic advisor by assisting, when needed, with new student onboarding and introductory academic advising.
Undergraduate Transfer Student Services
Pathway Architecture: Serve as the lead coordinator for transfer student recruitment and admissions, working closely with the CNR academic programs to ensure transfer students receive pre-admission academic advising and a clear roadmap to degree completion.
Transfer Partnerships: Represent CNR with transfer student pathway programs, such as NC State Community College Collaboration (C3) and WolfPack Connect.
Community College Liaison: Work with the CNR academic departments to strengthen relationships with NC Community College partners and to develop and maintain formal transfer 2+2 agreements and articulation pathways.
Transitional Success: Serve as the coordinator for transfer transitional success by helping ensure that these students get onboarded quickly, build community, and are able to navigate academic policies and processes during their first semester. This may include serving as an instructor for the transitional success course (CNR 303) and introductory academic advising support.
Operational
Supervision: Direct the work of student workers involved with student recruitment and transitional success.
Data Monitoring and Reporting: Systematically capture and analyze recruitment and enrollment data, regularly assess the ROI of various initiatives and use it to inform future strategic goals, and keep College and Departmental leadership updated on outcomes.
Policy Integration: Stay apprised of university-wide policies to provide accurate guidance to prospective students and faculty/staff.
Campus Citizenship: Represent the College on relevant university-level and college-level committees and keep informed of industry best practices and trends.
Other Responsibilities
* Other tasks and responsibilities may be assigned based on the needs of the organization and evolving priorities.
Qualifications
Minimum Education and Experience
* Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration, Communications, Marketing, a major offered in CNR, or related fields; OR a Bachelor’s degree with 3+ years of significant experience in college recruiting or admissions, or other related academic affairs.
Other Required Qualifications
Demonstrated ability to build and cultivate relationships with a wide range of populations and partners.
Ability to communicate verbally and in writing to a wide range of audiences, but particularly to high school and community college students.
Ability to work autonomously yet collaboratively.
Demonstrated ability with analytical and problem-solving skills.
Demonstrated ability to successfully manage multiple ongoing and complex projects.
Ability to work occasional nights/weekends and overnight travel.
* Ability to regularly keep up to date with the latest trends in student recruitment and transfer services in higher education.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with Slate CRM or similar enrollment management platforms.
Experience teaching student success courses at the undergraduate level.
Experience with academic advising or other student support services.
Experience with data management and analysis.
Knowledge of North Carolina’s Comprehensive Articulation Agreement (CAA).
A passion for the environment, sustainability, and the mission of the College of Natural Resources.
Required License(s) or Certification(s)
Valid driver’s license required.
Valid NC Driver’s License within 60 days of hire.
Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions
Job Open Date 08/04/2026
Anticipated Close Date Open Until Filled
Special Instructions to Applicants
Please include as attachments a resume/CV, cover letter, and contact information for at least 3 professional references.
This position requires frequent overnight travel and occasional weekend work.
Position Details
Position Number 00105273
Position Type Exempt Professional Staff
Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week) 1.0
Appointment 12 Month Recurring
Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather
Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events Non Mandatory - Emergency Event
Department ID 150101 - College of Natural Resources
EEO
NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.
If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.
NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.
See all OPT Director of Student Services Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Director of Student Services Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Director of Student Services
Target universities and community colleges first
Public and private higher education institutions are among the most experienced H-1B visa sponsors in this field. They have established immigration processes and often prioritize retaining staff they've already trained, making OPT-to-H-1B transitions more predictable.
Frame your international background as an asset
Directors of Student Services who understand cross-cultural adjustment firsthand bring measurable value to international student offices. Highlight your own F-1 experience when applying. Institutions serving large international student populations actively seek that perspective in administrative leadership.
Identify roles tied to STEM-adjacent departments
If your degree is in a STEM field, seek Director of Student Services roles within STEM colleges or graduate schools. A departmental placement within a qualifying STEM division may support a 24-month STEM OPT extension, significantly extending your authorized work period.
Ask about sponsorship before the offer stage
Many institutions sponsor H-1B petitions but don't advertise it. Raise the question after a second interview, framing it as planning for long-term commitment. Most HR offices at universities have standard answers and won't penalize you for asking professionally.
Quantify your student outcomes in your resume
Hiring committees respond to measurable impact: retention rates improved, programs launched, caseloads managed. Concrete numbers differentiate you from generalist applicants and signal that you can lead a department, not just coordinate within one.
Build relationships with campus international student offices
Networking inside university international offices gives you direct access to administrators who understand OPT timelines and sponsorship processes. These contacts often know of unadvertised openings and can advocate internally on your behalf during hiring decisions.
Director of Student Services OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Director of Student Services role qualify as a specialty occupation for OPT and H-1B purposes?
Most Director of Student Services positions qualify as specialty occupations because they require a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific field such as education, counseling, student affairs, or a related discipline. USCIS looks at whether the role requires theoretical and practical application of specialized knowledge. Roles with clear degree requirements in your job offer documentation are the strongest candidates for H-1B sponsorship.
Can I work as a Director of Student Services on F-1 OPT without my employer needing to file anything with USCIS?
Yes. During your standard OPT period, your employer does not file anything with USCIS. Your Employment Authorization Document authorizes you to work, and your employer only needs to report your job offer to your DSO within 10 days of starting. The process becomes more complex if you pursue a STEM OPT extension, which requires your employer to enroll in E-Verify and submit a formal training plan.
How can I find Director of Student Services jobs where employers are open to OPT sponsorship?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 students and filters job listings by visa sponsorship willingness, so you're not guessing which employers will consider OPT candidates. University and college postings dominate this role category and tend to be the most sponsorship-friendly employers. Searching by institution type on Migrate Mate helps you focus your applications where your authorization is least likely to be a barrier.
What happens to my OPT authorization if the Director of Student Services role I accepted is eliminated or I'm laid off?
You enter a 60-day grace period from the date your employment ends. You cannot work during this period, but you can use the time to secure a new qualifying position and update your employment record with your DSO. If you don't secure new OPT-qualifying employment before the 60 days expire, you must leave the country, transfer to a new program, or change your visa status.
Does my degree field need to match the student services specialty area I'd be directing?
For OPT, your degree just needs to be related to the position in a broad sense. For H-1B purposes, the connection between your degree field and the specific role becomes more important. A degree in higher education administration, counseling, social work, or a related field typically supports a Director of Student Services petition. A degree in an unrelated field may require documentation showing how your coursework or training prepares you for the role.