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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A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.
Who We Are
The University of Michigan is a premier public research university with more than 53,488 students, including 35,358 undergraduates, and is firmly committed to serving the people of Michigan, and the world, through preeminence in creating, communicating, preserving and applying knowledge, art, and academic value. U-M is in high demand, with a record 115,957 undergraduate first-year and transfer applicants in fall 2025 and 9,711 incoming undergraduate students enrolling.
Reporting to the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Office of Enrollment Management (OEM) manages U-M's enrollment function to efficiently optimize students' experiences throughout their engagement, from prospect to alumni. The division collaborates with campus partners, faculty, and staff in support of the university's mission.
OEM comprises a dedicated team of more than 200 full-time staff members and more than 400 additional student and temporary staff and is structured in five operational units - the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, the Office of Financial Aid, the Office of New Student Programs, the Office of the Registrar, and OEM Administration. OEM strives to provide excellence in access and support to inspiring learners who will challenge the present and enrich the future.
Job Summary
Reporting to the Office of Financial Aid (OFA), the Assistant Director of Financial Education and Engagement leads the development, delivery, and continuous improvement of student-centered financial education programming. The position integrates financial aid, including student loan and debt counseling, with broader financial literacy education.
The Assistant Director's work is balanced across three primary areas: individualized student education, including one-on-one meetings; workshops, presentations, and outreach; and the development of accessible educational content and resources. Programming primarily serves currently enrolled undergraduate, graduate, and professional students, and may also support prospective students, alumni, families, and campus partners.
In addition to delivering individual and group education services, the Assistant Director assesses student financial educational needs, identifies emerging issues and best practices, defines meaningful measures of success, evaluates program outcomes, and provides strategic recommendations to OFA leadership regarding future programming and resource priorities. The position requires initiative, sound independent judgment, strong communication and relationship-building skills, and a commitment to helping students make informed financial decisions.
Responsibilities
- Meet with and educate individuals and groups of students on personal financial literacy topics.
- Lead the development, delivery, and continuous improvement of integrated financial education and engagement programming that connects financial aid and student borrowing decisions with broader financial literacy, financial wellness, and long-term financial capability.
- Design and facilitate engaging workshops, presentations, and educational programs in multiple formats for students at all degree levels.
- Create, curate, and maintain clear, accurate, accessible, and inclusive financial education content for websites, learning platforms, presentations, communications, and other digital or print channels. Ensure that programming avoids deficit-based assumptions and responds to students' differing circumstances and experiences.
- Assess student needs, emerging financial concerns, and relevant best practices using student interactions, institutional data, research, and campus-partner feedback. Define success measures, evaluate outcomes, and use findings to improve educational approaches, curricula, communications, and services.
- Provide regular updates to OFA leadership on program activity, outcomes, trends, and opportunities. Recommend strategies for expanding, refining, or prioritizing financial education and engagement efforts.
- Responsibly and strategically use technology to broaden access, improve engagement and content delivery, and create efficient, effective student experiences.
- Build collaborative relationships with campus partners to coordinate programming, extend the reach of financial education resources, and strengthen referral pathways for students requiring additional support.
- Provide training, consultation, and educational resources to faculty, staff, student organizations, and other campus stakeholders on relevant financial aid and financial wellness topics as needs are identified.
- Stay current on financial aid regulations, federal student loan programs, repayment options, financial education practices, student-development approaches, and issues affecting students' financial well-being. Lead or contribute to related special projects and office-wide initiatives.
- May recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate staff, including student employees, supporting financial education programming.
- Will have opportunities to serve as an adjunct lecturer for financial education courses based on needs and availability; such teaching would be separate from the position's regular responsibilities and effort.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
- At least three years of relevant professional experience in higher education, student services, financial aid, financial education, counseling, advising, training, program development, or a related field.
- Demonstrated commitment to student-centered service and the ability to build rapport with students experiencing a wide range of financial circumstances.
- Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex or sensitive information clearly and without judgment.
- Demonstrated initiative, self-motivation, organizational ability, and capacity to manage multiple priorities.
- Knowledge of, or ability to learn, interpret, and apply university policies and applicable federal and state laws and regulations, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
- Experience handling confidential or sensitive information with discretion.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively and respectfully with individuals from a broad range of backgrounds, identities, experiences, and financial circumstances.
- Demonstrated commitment to accessibility, equal opportunity, and inclusive practices in program design, communication, and service delivery.
- Proficiency with common workplace and presentation technologies and the ability to learn new systems and digital engagement tools.
Desired Qualifications
- Master's degree in higher education, student affairs, counseling, business, finance, or a related field.
- Experience working in a college or university financial aid office.
- Experience developing and delivering workshops, presentations, training, educational programs, or related content.
- Experience providing financial literacy, financial wellness, financial counseling, or financial coaching services.
Modes of Work
The Office of Enrollment Management requires a hybrid work arrangement of minimally three days on-site and two remote days. We require Thursdays as an on-site workday for all.
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.
Additional Information
Benefits at the University of Michigan
In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:
- Generous time off
- A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
- Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
- Life insurance
- Long-term disability coverage
- Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Job Opening ID
283352
Working Title
Assistant Director for Financial Education and Engagement
Job Title
Financial Aid Assistant Dir
Work Location
Ann Arbor Campus
Ann Arbor, MI
Modes of Work
Onsite
Hybrid
Full/Part Time
Full-Time
Regular/Temporary
Regular
FLSA Status
Exempt
Organizational Group
Avp Enroll Mgmt
Department
OFA Office of Financial Aid
Posting Begin/End Date
9/22/2026 - 10/13/2026
Salary
$70,000.00 - $75,000.00
Career Interest
Academic & Student Services
Administration
How to Apply
A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.
Who We Are
The University of Michigan is a premier public research university with more than 53,488 students, including 35,358 undergraduates, and is firmly committed to serving the people of Michigan, and the world, through preeminence in creating, communicating, preserving and applying knowledge, art, and academic value. U-M is in high demand, with a record 115,957 undergraduate first-year and transfer applicants in fall 2025 and 9,711 incoming undergraduate students enrolling.
Reporting to the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Office of Enrollment Management (OEM) manages U-M's enrollment function to efficiently optimize students' experiences throughout their engagement, from prospect to alumni. The division collaborates with campus partners, faculty, and staff in support of the university's mission.
OEM comprises a dedicated team of more than 200 full-time staff members and more than 400 additional student and temporary staff and is structured in five operational units - the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, the Office of Financial Aid, the Office of New Student Programs, the Office of the Registrar, and OEM Administration. OEM strives to provide excellence in access and support to inspiring learners who will challenge the present and enrich the future.
Job Summary
Reporting to the Office of Financial Aid (OFA), the Assistant Director of Financial Education and Engagement leads the development, delivery, and continuous improvement of student-centered financial education programming. The position integrates financial aid, including student loan and debt counseling, with broader financial literacy education.
The Assistant Director's work is balanced across three primary areas: individualized student education, including one-on-one meetings; workshops, presentations, and outreach; and the development of accessible educational content and resources. Programming primarily serves currently enrolled undergraduate, graduate, and professional students, and may also support prospective students, alumni, families, and campus partners.
In addition to delivering individual and group education services, the Assistant Director assesses student financial educational needs, identifies emerging issues and best practices, defines meaningful measures of success, evaluates program outcomes, and provides strategic recommendations to OFA leadership regarding future programming and resource priorities. The position requires initiative, sound independent judgment, strong communication and relationship-building skills, and a commitment to helping students make informed financial decisions.
Responsibilities
- Meet with and educate individuals and groups of students on personal financial literacy topics.
- Lead the development, delivery, and continuous improvement of integrated financial education and engagement programming that connects financial aid and student borrowing decisions with broader financial literacy, financial wellness, and long-term financial capability.
- Design and facilitate engaging workshops, presentations, and educational programs in multiple formats for students at all degree levels.
- Create, curate, and maintain clear, accurate, accessible, and inclusive financial education content for websites, learning platforms, presentations, communications, and other digital or print channels. Ensure that programming avoids deficit-based assumptions and responds to students' differing circumstances and experiences.
- Assess student needs, emerging financial concerns, and relevant best practices using student interactions, institutional data, research, and campus-partner feedback. Define success measures, evaluate outcomes, and use findings to improve educational approaches, curricula, communications, and services.
- Provide regular updates to OFA leadership on program activity, outcomes, trends, and opportunities. Recommend strategies for expanding, refining, or prioritizing financial education and engagement efforts.
- Responsibly and strategically use technology to broaden access, improve engagement and content delivery, and create efficient, effective student experiences.
- Build collaborative relationships with campus partners to coordinate programming, extend the reach of financial education resources, and strengthen referral pathways for students requiring additional support.
- Provide training, consultation, and educational resources to faculty, staff, student organizations, and other campus stakeholders on relevant financial aid and financial wellness topics as needs are identified.
- Stay current on financial aid regulations, federal student loan programs, repayment options, financial education practices, student-development approaches, and issues affecting students' financial well-being. Lead or contribute to related special projects and office-wide initiatives.
- May recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate staff, including student employees, supporting financial education programming.
- Will have opportunities to serve as an adjunct lecturer for financial education courses based on needs and availability; such teaching would be separate from the position's regular responsibilities and effort.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
- At least three years of relevant professional experience in higher education, student services, financial aid, financial education, counseling, advising, training, program development, or a related field.
- Demonstrated commitment to student-centered service and the ability to build rapport with students experiencing a wide range of financial circumstances.
- Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex or sensitive information clearly and without judgment.
- Demonstrated initiative, self-motivation, organizational ability, and capacity to manage multiple priorities.
- Knowledge of, or ability to learn, interpret, and apply university policies and applicable federal and state laws and regulations, including the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
- Experience handling confidential or sensitive information with discretion.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively and respectfully with individuals from a broad range of backgrounds, identities, experiences, and financial circumstances.
- Demonstrated commitment to accessibility, equal opportunity, and inclusive practices in program design, communication, and service delivery.
- Proficiency with common workplace and presentation technologies and the ability to learn new systems and digital engagement tools.
Desired Qualifications
- Master's degree in higher education, student affairs, counseling, business, finance, or a related field.
- Experience working in a college or university financial aid office.
- Experience developing and delivering workshops, presentations, training, educational programs, or related content.
- Experience providing financial literacy, financial wellness, financial counseling, or financial coaching services.
Modes of Work
The Office of Enrollment Management requires a hybrid work arrangement of minimally three days on-site and two remote days. We require Thursdays as an on-site workday for all.
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.
Additional Information
Benefits at the University of Michigan
In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:
- Generous time off
- A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
- Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
- Life insurance
- Long-term disability coverage
- Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Job Opening ID
283352
Working Title
Assistant Director for Financial Education and Engagement
Job Title
Financial Aid Assistant Dir
Work Location
Ann Arbor Campus
Ann Arbor, MI
Modes of Work
Onsite
Hybrid
Full/Part Time
Full-Time
Regular/Temporary
Regular
FLSA Status
Exempt
Organizational Group
Avp Enroll Mgmt
Department
OFA Office of Financial Aid
Posting Begin/End Date
9/22/2026 - 10/13/2026
Salary
$70,000.00 - $75,000.00
Career Interest
Academic & Student Services
Administration
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.