OPT Financial Director Jobs
Financial Director jobs on OPT require employers to sponsor H-1B visa or offer cap-exempt alternatives, since your OPT work authorization is temporary. Most roles are with large corporations, private equity-backed firms, or multinationals with established immigration programs. STEM OPT extensions don't typically apply to this title.
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Get Access To All JobsMARYVILLE COLLEGE STAFF POSITION DESCRIPTION
Position Title: Director of Financial Aid
Department: Financial Aid
Title of Immediate Supervisor: VP of Admissions & Financial Aid
Funded Term / Work Cycle: 12 months, full-time
Expected Daily Work Hours: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Expected Weekly Work Schedule: Monday - Friday
Pay Grade: 11S
Starting Salary Expectations: $69,535.57 - $78,227.515 with starting salary determined based on relevant experience, qualifications, and demonstrated competencies.
About Maryville College:
Maryville College is a nationally ranked institution of higher learning and one of America’s oldest colleges. For more than 200 years, we’ve educated students to be giving citizens and gifted leaders to study everything so that they are prepared for anything. Our graduates are equipped to address complex problems, engage with diverse communities, and launch meaningful careers.
Nestled in Maryville, Tennessee, between the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the city of Knoxville, our campus combines the beauty of a rural setting with the advantages of an urban center. With a wide range of academic programs and a strong tradition of career preparation, our alumni live “strong of mind and brave of heart,” carrying forward our Presbyterian founder’s charge to do good on the largest possible scale.
Mission
At Maryville College, we offer more than a mission—we offer support. Our employees receive a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage; a generous paid time off program; a retirement plan with an employer match of up to 5%; tuition benefits for employees, spouses, and dependents; and the opportunity to grow in a collaborative community that values professional excellence and personal well-being.
“Maryville College prepares students for lives of citizenship and leadership as we challenge each one to search for truth, grow in wisdom, work for justice and dedicate a life of creativity and service to the peoples of the world.”
Values:
- Scholarship: We commit ourselves to lifelong curiosity and learning, to the search for knowledge, and to intellectual creativity.
- Respect: We commit ourselves to honor the worth, dignity, and freedom of ourselves and all creation, and to treat others as we wish to be treated.
- Integrity: We commit ourselves to truth, honesty, dependability, and responsibility in all our actions and relationships.
SUMMARY
The Director of Financial Aid administers, controls, and coordinates federal, state, and institutional financial aid funds from numerous individual programs. Ensures compliance with all laws and regulations through accurate reporting and auditing and resolves any issues related to auditors' findings. Under the general supervision of the Vice President of Admissions and Financial Aid, the Director of Financial Aid serves as a member of the Senior Leadership Team and has responsibility for the Office of Student Financial Aid and Student Employment and administers the student financial aid program including federal, state, and local funds.
Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree required. Masters degree preferred.
3-5 years of increased administrative responsibilities for financial aid programs at a college or university or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience with Power-FAIDS, J1, and Slate are preferred.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Leadership and Collaboration:
- Supervise and mentor financial aid staff, fostering a culture of collaboration, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
- Oversee the development and maintenance of policies, procedures, and systems to optimize aid distribution and student support.
- Manages and supervises all financial aid processes for awarding student loans, grants, Tennessee lottery and scholarship packages for new and returning students.
- Fosters and maintains excellent communications with other campus offices.
- Develops and directs financial aid strategies within the framework of federal and state regulations that are consistent with the enrollment management and budget objectives of the College and by administering financial aid, scholarships and student employment programs that support student recruitment and retention.
- Conducts financial aid presentations at open houses and Admissions events.
- Contributes to student satisfaction through delivery of quality customer services in administration, financial aid, and student employment.
- Administering financial aid, scholarships, and student employment programs that support student retention and recruitment.
Data, Technology, and Compliance:
- Ensure compliance with all Title IV, state, and institutional regulations.
- Proactively communicate changes with staff and supervisors in federal and state financial aid regulations and provide recommendations for necessary policy, procedural, and operational adjustments.
- Prepare and submit all required federal and state financial aid reports to outside reporting agencies.
- Serve as the point of contact for all Federal and State financial audits. Conduct regular audits and assessments to improve financial aid processes and maintain compliance.
- Responsible for systems upgrades and enhancements with assistance from IT.
- Interprets and applies federal laws and regulations; college policies and regulations; and state regulations relating to the delivery of student financial assistance.
- Monitors college work-study expenditures, students’ satisfactory academic progress, federal and state grant expenditures, Tennessee Educational Lottery Scholarship Program etc.
- Maintains Power-FAIDS, Slate, and Net Partner. Ensures that these systems are used effectively, and that processes and product enhancements are developed which are operationally up to date.
- Reconciles student receivable accounts with the Business Office including disbursement of anticipated and actual financial aid.
- Calculates refunds and repayments for students who withdraw from school.
Stakeholder and Institutional Support:
- Develops student costs of attendance (individual student budgets) including tuition, books, fees, room and board etc.
- Partner with Admissions and other campus partner teams to develop financial aid strategies that support recruitment and retention.
- Ensures that students are informed about their eligibility for financial aid by developing and directing a system for collecting and evaluating applications, and for the timely and effective awarding of all types of financial aid.
Operations and Technical Oversight:
- Oversees all administrative functions of the Financial Aid Office by supervising, providing ongoing professional development opportunities, and evaluating all fulltime and part-time employees.
Fiscal Oversight:
- Develops and monitors the Financial Aid Office budget including departmental operating expenses.
Strategic Planning and Sustainability:
- In collaboration with senior leadership, develop and implement a comprehensive financial aid strategy aligned with the college’s mission and enrollment goals.
Other:
NOTE: Other roles/duties will be assigned as necessary to assist the College in the attainment of the goals set forth and the enhancement of a positive, respectful learning environment for all staff, faculty, and students.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Must work well with others and participate in collaborative processes.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and safeguard the confidentiality of records.
- Able to perform basic mathematics, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
- Excellent problem-solving and communication skills.
- Able to work effectively and under pressure.
- Knowledge of federal and state financial aid programs.
- Can travel to workshops and conferences on behalf of the college.
- Regular attendance is required.
License, Certification, or Registration Necessary:
None required.
Work Environment and Physical Requirements:
- Must be able to lift/move up to 30 pounds.
- Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
- Ability to travel between campus buildings or off-campus locations as needed.
Ability to operate the following vehicles or equipment:
Exceptional computer skills and MS Office Suite programs are required.
The College may, at its discretion, sponsor employment-based immigration petitions (such as H-1B or permanent residency) on behalf of employees when permitted by law and aligned with institutional priorities and budget.
Sponsorship is contingent on satisfactory continued employment, compliance with applicable federal regulations, availability of institutional resources, and the College’s sole determination of fiscal feasibility.
The College cannot guarantee sponsorship in any case, particularly where newly introduced federal filing fees or wage obligations create financial burdens inconsistent with institutional budget stewardship. The College always reserves the right to defer or decline sponsorship.
MARYVILLE COLLEGE STAFF POSITION DESCRIPTION
Position Title: Director of Financial Aid
Department: Financial Aid
Title of Immediate Supervisor: VP of Admissions & Financial Aid
Funded Term / Work Cycle: 12 months, full-time
Expected Daily Work Hours: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Expected Weekly Work Schedule: Monday - Friday
Pay Grade: 11S
Starting Salary Expectations: $69,535.57 - $78,227.515 with starting salary determined based on relevant experience, qualifications, and demonstrated competencies.
About Maryville College:
Maryville College is a nationally ranked institution of higher learning and one of America’s oldest colleges. For more than 200 years, we’ve educated students to be giving citizens and gifted leaders to study everything so that they are prepared for anything. Our graduates are equipped to address complex problems, engage with diverse communities, and launch meaningful careers.
Nestled in Maryville, Tennessee, between the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the city of Knoxville, our campus combines the beauty of a rural setting with the advantages of an urban center. With a wide range of academic programs and a strong tradition of career preparation, our alumni live “strong of mind and brave of heart,” carrying forward our Presbyterian founder’s charge to do good on the largest possible scale.
Mission
At Maryville College, we offer more than a mission—we offer support. Our employees receive a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage; a generous paid time off program; a retirement plan with an employer match of up to 5%; tuition benefits for employees, spouses, and dependents; and the opportunity to grow in a collaborative community that values professional excellence and personal well-being.
“Maryville College prepares students for lives of citizenship and leadership as we challenge each one to search for truth, grow in wisdom, work for justice and dedicate a life of creativity and service to the peoples of the world.”
Values:
- Scholarship: We commit ourselves to lifelong curiosity and learning, to the search for knowledge, and to intellectual creativity.
- Respect: We commit ourselves to honor the worth, dignity, and freedom of ourselves and all creation, and to treat others as we wish to be treated.
- Integrity: We commit ourselves to truth, honesty, dependability, and responsibility in all our actions and relationships.
SUMMARY
The Director of Financial Aid administers, controls, and coordinates federal, state, and institutional financial aid funds from numerous individual programs. Ensures compliance with all laws and regulations through accurate reporting and auditing and resolves any issues related to auditors' findings. Under the general supervision of the Vice President of Admissions and Financial Aid, the Director of Financial Aid serves as a member of the Senior Leadership Team and has responsibility for the Office of Student Financial Aid and Student Employment and administers the student financial aid program including federal, state, and local funds.
Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree required. Masters degree preferred.
3-5 years of increased administrative responsibilities for financial aid programs at a college or university or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience with Power-FAIDS, J1, and Slate are preferred.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Leadership and Collaboration:
- Supervise and mentor financial aid staff, fostering a culture of collaboration, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
- Oversee the development and maintenance of policies, procedures, and systems to optimize aid distribution and student support.
- Manages and supervises all financial aid processes for awarding student loans, grants, Tennessee lottery and scholarship packages for new and returning students.
- Fosters and maintains excellent communications with other campus offices.
- Develops and directs financial aid strategies within the framework of federal and state regulations that are consistent with the enrollment management and budget objectives of the College and by administering financial aid, scholarships and student employment programs that support student recruitment and retention.
- Conducts financial aid presentations at open houses and Admissions events.
- Contributes to student satisfaction through delivery of quality customer services in administration, financial aid, and student employment.
- Administering financial aid, scholarships, and student employment programs that support student retention and recruitment.
Data, Technology, and Compliance:
- Ensure compliance with all Title IV, state, and institutional regulations.
- Proactively communicate changes with staff and supervisors in federal and state financial aid regulations and provide recommendations for necessary policy, procedural, and operational adjustments.
- Prepare and submit all required federal and state financial aid reports to outside reporting agencies.
- Serve as the point of contact for all Federal and State financial audits. Conduct regular audits and assessments to improve financial aid processes and maintain compliance.
- Responsible for systems upgrades and enhancements with assistance from IT.
- Interprets and applies federal laws and regulations; college policies and regulations; and state regulations relating to the delivery of student financial assistance.
- Monitors college work-study expenditures, students’ satisfactory academic progress, federal and state grant expenditures, Tennessee Educational Lottery Scholarship Program etc.
- Maintains Power-FAIDS, Slate, and Net Partner. Ensures that these systems are used effectively, and that processes and product enhancements are developed which are operationally up to date.
- Reconciles student receivable accounts with the Business Office including disbursement of anticipated and actual financial aid.
- Calculates refunds and repayments for students who withdraw from school.
Stakeholder and Institutional Support:
- Develops student costs of attendance (individual student budgets) including tuition, books, fees, room and board etc.
- Partner with Admissions and other campus partner teams to develop financial aid strategies that support recruitment and retention.
- Ensures that students are informed about their eligibility for financial aid by developing and directing a system for collecting and evaluating applications, and for the timely and effective awarding of all types of financial aid.
Operations and Technical Oversight:
- Oversees all administrative functions of the Financial Aid Office by supervising, providing ongoing professional development opportunities, and evaluating all fulltime and part-time employees.
Fiscal Oversight:
- Develops and monitors the Financial Aid Office budget including departmental operating expenses.
Strategic Planning and Sustainability:
- In collaboration with senior leadership, develop and implement a comprehensive financial aid strategy aligned with the college’s mission and enrollment goals.
Other:
NOTE: Other roles/duties will be assigned as necessary to assist the College in the attainment of the goals set forth and the enhancement of a positive, respectful learning environment for all staff, faculty, and students.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Must work well with others and participate in collaborative processes.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and safeguard the confidentiality of records.
- Able to perform basic mathematics, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
- Excellent problem-solving and communication skills.
- Able to work effectively and under pressure.
- Knowledge of federal and state financial aid programs.
- Can travel to workshops and conferences on behalf of the college.
- Regular attendance is required.
License, Certification, or Registration Necessary:
None required.
Work Environment and Physical Requirements:
- Must be able to lift/move up to 30 pounds.
- Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
- Ability to travel between campus buildings or off-campus locations as needed.
Ability to operate the following vehicles or equipment:
Exceptional computer skills and MS Office Suite programs are required.
The College may, at its discretion, sponsor employment-based immigration petitions (such as H-1B or permanent residency) on behalf of employees when permitted by law and aligned with institutional priorities and budget.
Sponsorship is contingent on satisfactory continued employment, compliance with applicable federal regulations, availability of institutional resources, and the College’s sole determination of fiscal feasibility.
The College cannot guarantee sponsorship in any case, particularly where newly introduced federal filing fees or wage obligations create financial burdens inconsistent with institutional budget stewardship. The College always reserves the right to defer or decline sponsorship.
See all OPT Financial Director Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Financial Director Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Financial Director
Target companies with active immigration programs
Large corporations and multinationals file H-1B visa petitions regularly and have legal infrastructure to support them. Look for employers with a track record of sponsoring senior finance roles, not just entry-level positions. Past H-1B filings are public record.
Lead with your financial credentials, not your visa status
CPA designation, CFA charter, or an MBA from a recognized program signals senior-level readiness. Employers considering a Financial Director hire are evaluating strategic impact first. Your visa situation is secondary to demonstrating you can lead a finance function.
Know your OPT timeline before applying
Standard OPT gives you 12 months of work authorization. If your degree is STEM-eligible, a 24-month extension may apply depending on your specific field. Confirm your end date with your DSO before negotiating offer timelines with employers.
Address sponsorship directly in senior-level conversations
At the Financial Director level, hiring decisions involve executives and legal teams. Raising the H-1B conversation early avoids wasted time on both sides. Frame it as a straightforward process your employer's immigration counsel handles, not a complication.
Prioritize private equity and venture-backed portfolio companies
Growth-stage companies promoted rapidly from within and often need senior finance leadership quickly. They may be more flexible on sponsorship than established multinationals. A CFO hire pipeline frequently includes Financial Director roles as an immediate step.
Quantify the value you bring to the finance function
Employers weighing sponsorship costs against candidate value need a clear business case. Document specific outcomes: audits you led, reporting structures you built, or capital raises you supported. Concrete results justify the investment in your sponsorship process.
Financial Director OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Financial Director on OPT?
Yes. OPT authorizes full-time employment in a role directly related to your field of study, and a Financial Director position typically qualifies under finance, accounting, or business degrees. Your employer doesn't need to file anything with USCIS during your OPT period, but they will need to sponsor an H-1B or alternative visa before your OPT authorization expires.
Does a Financial Director role qualify for a STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not your job title. If your degree is in a STEM-designated field such as financial engineering, applied mathematics, or management information systems, you may qualify for a 24-month STEM OPT extension. A standard finance or accounting degree typically does not qualify. Confirm your program's CIP code with your DSO before assuming the extension is available.
Will employers sponsor a Financial Director on OPT for an H-1B?
Senior finance roles do receive H-1B sponsorship, particularly at large corporations, financial services firms, and multinationals with established legal programs. The Financial Director title clearly meets the specialty occupation standard given the degree requirement in finance or a related field. Employers at this hiring level generally have immigration counsel on retainer, making the process more straightforward than at smaller companies.
How do I find Financial Director jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters roles by sponsorship willingness, so you're not applying blind to employers who won't engage on work authorization. Financial Director roles on Migrate Mate are sourced from companies with demonstrated histories of sponsoring international candidates in senior finance positions.
What happens to my OPT if I'm between Financial Director roles?
OPT allows a cumulative 90 days of unemployment, reduced to 60 days if you're on a STEM extension. If you leave one Financial Director position and haven't secured another, that clock starts immediately. Gap periods at the senior level can run longer than entry-level searches, so tracking your unemployment days carefully and communicating with your DSO during any transition is important.