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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Get Access To All JobsDirector of Student Services ~ Secondary
Location: District Administrative Center
Salary: $107,500.00
240 Workdays
Start Date: 7/1/2026
Purpose Statement
The job of Director of Student Services is done for the purpose/s of directing student services programs and services; providing information and serving as a resource to others; achieving defined objectives by planning, evaluating, developing, implementing and maintaining services in compliance with established guidelines; and serving as a member of the leadership team.
This job reports to Assistant Superintendent, Instructional Support Secondary.
Essential Functions
-
Collaborates with internal and external personnel (i.e. other administrators, public agencies, community members, high school patrons, etc.) for the purpose of implementing and/or maintaining services and programs.
-
Coordinates operations among middle and high school sports for the purpose of ensuring district objectives are achieved and resources are effectively utilized.
-
Oversees the district’s random drug testing program for high school athletes as well as “opt-in” drug testing for middle and high school students.
-
Develops and implements policies, procedures and/or processes (i.e. safety, security, crisis teams, threat assessments, emergency response planning, etc.) for the purpose of providing direction and/or complying with mandated requirements.
-
Directs department operations; the maintenance of services and the implementation of new programs and/or processes (i.e. risk management program in athletics, school resource officer program, district prevention program, etc.) for the purpose of providing services within established timeframes and in compliance with related requirements.
-
Oversees management of all district student records.
-
Evaluates programs and/or projects for the purpose of carrying out and achieving objectives within area of responsibility.
-
Manages a wide variety of program components (i.e. threat assessments, crisis teams, district-level student discipline hearings, troubleshooting issues, district-level parent/student handbooks, school resource officer program, etc.) for the purpose of delivering services, which conform to regulatory requirements and established guidelines.
-
Participates as a member or facilitator in meetings, workshops and seminars (i.e. training, Board presentations, staff development for teachers and administrators, policy development, etc.) for the purpose of identifying issues, developing recommendations, providing training, and conveying and/or gathering information required to perform functions.
-
Performs personnel functions (i.e. interviewing, evaluating, supervising, misconduct, grievances, terminations, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining adequate staffing, enhancing productivity of personnel and achieving objectives with budget.
-
Researches a variety of topics (i.e. current best practices, law-related issues, statutory requirements, etc.) for the purpose of developing new programs and/or policies.
-
Responds to issues involving staff, students, parental concerns, conflicts in policies and regulations, community concerns, parental requests that may result in some negative impact and/or liability if not appropriately addressed for the purpose of identifying the relevant issues and recommending or implementing a plan of action that will efficiently resolve the issue.
-
Serves as a resource for building administrators relative to policies, procedures, and best practices.
Other Functions
Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.
Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications
Skills, Knowledge and Abilities
SKILLS are required to perform multiple, highly complex, technical tasks with a need to occasionally upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: operating standard office equipment including using a variety of software and web-based applications; planning and managing projects; preparing and maintaining accurate records; and effective application of mediation and conflict resolution skills.
KNOWLEDGE is required to perform advanced math; review and interpret highly technical information, write technical materials, and/or speak persuasively to implement desired actions; and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions. Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: pertinent laws, codes, policies, and/or regulations; personnel processes; standard business practices; program planning and development; concepts of grammar and punctuation; instructional procedures and practices; age appropriate student activities; and stages of child development/behavior.
ABILITY is required to schedule a significant number of activities, meetings, and/or events; routinely gather, collate, and/or classify data; and use job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to independently work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a significant diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with data of widely varied types and/or purposes; and utilize a variety of job-related equipment. Independent problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data frequently requires independent interpretation of guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is moderate to significant. Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adapting to changing work priorities; communicating with diverse groups and individuals; meeting deadlines and schedules; setting priorities; working as part of a team; and working with detailed information/data.
Responsibility
Responsibilities include: working under limited supervision using standardized practices and/or methods; managing a department; utilization of resources from other work units is often required to perform the job’s functions. There is a continual opportunity to impact the organization’s services.
Work Environment
The usual and customary methods of performing the job’s functions require the following physical demands: some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 60% sitting, 20% walking, and 20% standing. The job is performed under minimal temperature variations and in a clean atmosphere.
Experience:
-
Job-related experience with increasing levels of responsibility.
-
Three to five years successful administrative experience in grades 7-12.
-
Demonstrated expertise related to student management and the application of appropriate consequences.
-
Demonstrated experience working with diverse school and community populations.
-
Demonstrated experience with emergency management planning processes, including an understanding of NIMS and ICS Organization Structure.
-
Completion of FEMA coursework IS 100, 200, 700 and other applicable trainings relative to emergency response planning.
-
Demonstrated experience in problem-solving and conflict resolution with issues that arise in an educational setting.
Education: Masters Degree in job-related area
Equivalency:
Required Testing Certificates and Licenses
Administrators Credential
Continuing Educ./Training Clearances
Maintains Certificates and/or Licenses Criminal Background Clearance
FLSA Status - Exempt
Paradise Valley Unified School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex or disability, in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in its programs and activities. Any person having inquiries concerning the School's compliance with the regulations implementing Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), or Title II of the Genetic Information Non-Discrimination Act of 2008 (GINA) may contact the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources.
Director of Student Services ~ Secondary
Location: District Administrative Center
Salary: $107,500.00
240 Workdays
Start Date: 7/1/2026
Purpose Statement
The job of Director of Student Services is done for the purpose/s of directing student services programs and services; providing information and serving as a resource to others; achieving defined objectives by planning, evaluating, developing, implementing and maintaining services in compliance with established guidelines; and serving as a member of the leadership team.
This job reports to Assistant Superintendent, Instructional Support Secondary.
Essential Functions
-
Collaborates with internal and external personnel (i.e. other administrators, public agencies, community members, high school patrons, etc.) for the purpose of implementing and/or maintaining services and programs.
-
Coordinates operations among middle and high school sports for the purpose of ensuring district objectives are achieved and resources are effectively utilized.
-
Oversees the district’s random drug testing program for high school athletes as well as “opt-in” drug testing for middle and high school students.
-
Develops and implements policies, procedures and/or processes (i.e. safety, security, crisis teams, threat assessments, emergency response planning, etc.) for the purpose of providing direction and/or complying with mandated requirements.
-
Directs department operations; the maintenance of services and the implementation of new programs and/or processes (i.e. risk management program in athletics, school resource officer program, district prevention program, etc.) for the purpose of providing services within established timeframes and in compliance with related requirements.
-
Oversees management of all district student records.
-
Evaluates programs and/or projects for the purpose of carrying out and achieving objectives within area of responsibility.
-
Manages a wide variety of program components (i.e. threat assessments, crisis teams, district-level student discipline hearings, troubleshooting issues, district-level parent/student handbooks, school resource officer program, etc.) for the purpose of delivering services, which conform to regulatory requirements and established guidelines.
-
Participates as a member or facilitator in meetings, workshops and seminars (i.e. training, Board presentations, staff development for teachers and administrators, policy development, etc.) for the purpose of identifying issues, developing recommendations, providing training, and conveying and/or gathering information required to perform functions.
-
Performs personnel functions (i.e. interviewing, evaluating, supervising, misconduct, grievances, terminations, etc.) for the purpose of maintaining adequate staffing, enhancing productivity of personnel and achieving objectives with budget.
-
Researches a variety of topics (i.e. current best practices, law-related issues, statutory requirements, etc.) for the purpose of developing new programs and/or policies.
-
Responds to issues involving staff, students, parental concerns, conflicts in policies and regulations, community concerns, parental requests that may result in some negative impact and/or liability if not appropriately addressed for the purpose of identifying the relevant issues and recommending or implementing a plan of action that will efficiently resolve the issue.
-
Serves as a resource for building administrators relative to policies, procedures, and best practices.
Other Functions
Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.
Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications
Skills, Knowledge and Abilities
SKILLS are required to perform multiple, highly complex, technical tasks with a need to occasionally upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: operating standard office equipment including using a variety of software and web-based applications; planning and managing projects; preparing and maintaining accurate records; and effective application of mediation and conflict resolution skills.
KNOWLEDGE is required to perform advanced math; review and interpret highly technical information, write technical materials, and/or speak persuasively to implement desired actions; and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions. Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: pertinent laws, codes, policies, and/or regulations; personnel processes; standard business practices; program planning and development; concepts of grammar and punctuation; instructional procedures and practices; age appropriate student activities; and stages of child development/behavior.
ABILITY is required to schedule a significant number of activities, meetings, and/or events; routinely gather, collate, and/or classify data; and use job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to independently work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a significant diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with data of widely varied types and/or purposes; and utilize a variety of job-related equipment. Independent problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data frequently requires independent interpretation of guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is moderate to significant. Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adapting to changing work priorities; communicating with diverse groups and individuals; meeting deadlines and schedules; setting priorities; working as part of a team; and working with detailed information/data.
Responsibility
Responsibilities include: working under limited supervision using standardized practices and/or methods; managing a department; utilization of resources from other work units is often required to perform the job’s functions. There is a continual opportunity to impact the organization’s services.
Work Environment
The usual and customary methods of performing the job’s functions require the following physical demands: some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 60% sitting, 20% walking, and 20% standing. The job is performed under minimal temperature variations and in a clean atmosphere.
Experience:
-
Job-related experience with increasing levels of responsibility.
-
Three to five years successful administrative experience in grades 7-12.
-
Demonstrated expertise related to student management and the application of appropriate consequences.
-
Demonstrated experience working with diverse school and community populations.
-
Demonstrated experience with emergency management planning processes, including an understanding of NIMS and ICS Organization Structure.
-
Completion of FEMA coursework IS 100, 200, 700 and other applicable trainings relative to emergency response planning.
-
Demonstrated experience in problem-solving and conflict resolution with issues that arise in an educational setting.
Education: Masters Degree in job-related area
Equivalency:
Required Testing Certificates and Licenses
Administrators Credential
Continuing Educ./Training Clearances
Maintains Certificates and/or Licenses Criminal Background Clearance
FLSA Status - Exempt
Paradise Valley Unified School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex or disability, in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in its programs and activities. Any person having inquiries concerning the School's compliance with the regulations implementing Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504), Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), or Title II of the Genetic Information Non-Discrimination Act of 2008 (GINA) may contact the Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources.
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.