OPT Program Director Jobs
Program Director jobs on OPT require employers willing to sponsor H-1B visa or provide OPT extension support. Most roles fall under specialty occupation criteria through a relevant advanced degree. STEM OPT extension is uncommon for this title unless the position sits within a qualifying STEM field.
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Center for Academic Retention & Enhancement
Responsibilities
The Program Director (Instructional Specialist 1) provides leadership and support for designated initiatives, programs, and services within the Center for Academic Retention and Enhancement (CARE). The position serves as a member of the CARE senior management team and supports the development, implementation, and assessment of programs designed to advance student academic achievement, engagement, persistence, and success. Specific responsibilities include:
Instructional
- Coordinate the development and delivery of academic courses and instructional initiatives associated with the various programs administered by CARE.
- Serve as instructor of record for assigned student success focused courses within CARE.
- Lead design and implementation of academic support, student engagement, and other high-impact learning experiences aligned with departmental goals and student needs.
- Provide direct academic support, guidance, and referrals to students to promote academic achievement, persistence, and successful completion of CARE requirements.
- Develop and maintain instructional partnerships with faculty, academic departments, university offices, and community organizations to expand learning opportunities and strengthen student success.
Administrative & Operational
- Provide supervision to full-time and part-time staff with assigned CARE academic initiatives, programs, and services.
- Collaborate on departmental strategic planning, staffing decisions, budget development, resource allocation, and the creation and implementation of program policies and procedures.
- Monitor and evaluate student participation, academic progress, program outcomes to inform decision-making.
- Provide oversight for assigned strategic partnerships focused on undergraduate research programming to include faculty engagement, student recruitment and student funding.
Scholarship/Continuous Improvement Activities
- Conduct program evaluation and applied research related to CARE initiatives and the academic success of first-generation, limited-income, and other focused student populations.
- Collaborate on presentations, reports, publications, and other dissemination activities related to student success practices and program outcomes.
Qualifications
Masters degree and 3+ years of experience in higher education, research practice, instruction, or academic support.
Preferred Qualifications
- 5+ years of experience in higher education, research practice, instruction, or academic support.
- Demonstration of strong interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively work with a wide range of individuals and constituencies in a community, and the ability to foster a cooperative work environment.
- Ability to provide subject matter expertise and counsel others.
- Ability to develop and implement policies, procedures, goals, and objectives.
- Ability to evaluate process effectiveness and develop change or alternatives.
- Ability to train and supervise employees.
Contact Info
Dr. McDonald or Dr. Wright
University Information
One of the nation's elite research universities, Florida State University preserves, expands, and disseminates knowledge in the sciences, technology, arts, humanities, and professions, while embracing a philosophy of learning strongly rooted in the traditions of the liberal arts and critical thinking. Founded in 1851, Florida State University is the oldest continuous site of higher education in Florida. FSU is a community steeped in tradition that fosters research and encourages creativity. At FSU, there’s the excitement of being part of a vibrant academic and professional community, surrounded by people whose ideas are shaping tomorrow’s news!
Learn more about Florida State University and our campuses.
FSU Total Rewards
FSU offers a robust Total Rewards package. Visit our FSU Total Rewards website to learn more about our Compensation, Benefits, Wellness, Recognition, and Employee Development programs.
Use our FSU Total Compensation Calculator to calculate Total Compensation options based on potential salary, benefits and retirement contributions, earned leave, and other employment-related perks.
How To Apply
If qualified and interested in a specific Faculty job opening as advertised, apply through the FSU Faculty Careers site (jobs.fsu.edu). If you are a current FSU employee, apply through myFSU Self Service.
Applicants are required to complete the online application with all applicable information. Applications must include education details even if attaching a Vita.
Note: A cover letter outlining your interest and relevant experience is also required as part of your submission.
Considerations
This is a Faculty position.
This position requires successful completion of a criminal history background check.
Equal Employment Opportunity
FSU is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
Department
Center for Academic Retention & Enhancement
Responsibilities
The Program Director (Instructional Specialist 1) provides leadership and support for designated initiatives, programs, and services within the Center for Academic Retention and Enhancement (CARE). The position serves as a member of the CARE senior management team and supports the development, implementation, and assessment of programs designed to advance student academic achievement, engagement, persistence, and success. Specific responsibilities include:
Instructional
- Coordinate the development and delivery of academic courses and instructional initiatives associated with the various programs administered by CARE.
- Serve as instructor of record for assigned student success focused courses within CARE.
- Lead design and implementation of academic support, student engagement, and other high-impact learning experiences aligned with departmental goals and student needs.
- Provide direct academic support, guidance, and referrals to students to promote academic achievement, persistence, and successful completion of CARE requirements.
- Develop and maintain instructional partnerships with faculty, academic departments, university offices, and community organizations to expand learning opportunities and strengthen student success.
Administrative & Operational
- Provide supervision to full-time and part-time staff with assigned CARE academic initiatives, programs, and services.
- Collaborate on departmental strategic planning, staffing decisions, budget development, resource allocation, and the creation and implementation of program policies and procedures.
- Monitor and evaluate student participation, academic progress, program outcomes to inform decision-making.
- Provide oversight for assigned strategic partnerships focused on undergraduate research programming to include faculty engagement, student recruitment and student funding.
Scholarship/Continuous Improvement Activities
- Conduct program evaluation and applied research related to CARE initiatives and the academic success of first-generation, limited-income, and other focused student populations.
- Collaborate on presentations, reports, publications, and other dissemination activities related to student success practices and program outcomes.
Qualifications
Masters degree and 3+ years of experience in higher education, research practice, instruction, or academic support.
Preferred Qualifications
- 5+ years of experience in higher education, research practice, instruction, or academic support.
- Demonstration of strong interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively work with a wide range of individuals and constituencies in a community, and the ability to foster a cooperative work environment.
- Ability to provide subject matter expertise and counsel others.
- Ability to develop and implement policies, procedures, goals, and objectives.
- Ability to evaluate process effectiveness and develop change or alternatives.
- Ability to train and supervise employees.
Contact Info
Dr. McDonald or Dr. Wright
University Information
One of the nation's elite research universities, Florida State University preserves, expands, and disseminates knowledge in the sciences, technology, arts, humanities, and professions, while embracing a philosophy of learning strongly rooted in the traditions of the liberal arts and critical thinking. Founded in 1851, Florida State University is the oldest continuous site of higher education in Florida. FSU is a community steeped in tradition that fosters research and encourages creativity. At FSU, there’s the excitement of being part of a vibrant academic and professional community, surrounded by people whose ideas are shaping tomorrow’s news!
Learn more about Florida State University and our campuses.
FSU Total Rewards
FSU offers a robust Total Rewards package. Visit our FSU Total Rewards website to learn more about our Compensation, Benefits, Wellness, Recognition, and Employee Development programs.
Use our FSU Total Compensation Calculator to calculate Total Compensation options based on potential salary, benefits and retirement contributions, earned leave, and other employment-related perks.
How To Apply
If qualified and interested in a specific Faculty job opening as advertised, apply through the FSU Faculty Careers site (jobs.fsu.edu). If you are a current FSU employee, apply through myFSU Self Service.
Applicants are required to complete the online application with all applicable information. Applications must include education details even if attaching a Vita.
Note: A cover letter outlining your interest and relevant experience is also required as part of your submission.
Considerations
This is a Faculty position.
This position requires successful completion of a criminal history background check.
Equal Employment Opportunity
FSU is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
See all 202+ OPT Program Director Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Program Director Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Program Director
Target mission-driven and funded organizations
Nonprofits, research institutions, and government-funded agencies hire Program Directors regularly and have established HR processes for OPT. These employers are more accustomed to visa timelines than early-stage startups with no immigration infrastructure.
Lead with your degree field, not just your title
Program Director is a broad title. Employers and USCIS care whether your degree aligns with the role's core function. Frame your background around the discipline your program manages, whether that's public health, education, technology, or international development.
Address OPT status early in the process
Senior roles involve lengthy hiring processes. Bring up your work authorization status before final-round interviews to avoid late-stage rejections. Employers invested in a candidate are far more willing to discuss sponsorship than ones who feel surprised by it.
Quantify your program outcomes before applying
Program Directors are hired to deliver results. Prepare two or three concrete examples with measurable impact before your first interview. Employers sponsoring a visa need confidence the investment is worth it, and numbers build that case faster than any other evidence.
Clarify whether STEM OPT applies to your situation
If your degree is in a STEM-designated field and the role involves substantial technical or analytical work, you may qualify for a 24-month STEM OPT extension. Confirm your CIP code with your DSO before relying on this as part of your job search strategy.
Use Migrate Mate to filter for sponsoring employers
Not every Program Director opening comes with visa support. Migrate Mate surfaces roles from employers actively hiring OPT students, saving you the effort of filtering out positions that will not consider candidates requiring sponsorship.
Program Director OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Program Director on OPT?
Yes, if the role qualifies as a specialty occupation tied to your degree field. Program Director positions that require a specific bachelor's or advanced degree in a relevant discipline, such as public health, education administration, or computer science, generally meet this standard. Roles that accept any degree regardless of field are harder to support under OPT or future H-1B visa sponsorship.
Does a Program Director role qualify for STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree's CIP code and how the role is classified by the employer. If your degree is in a STEM-designated field and the Program Director position centers on technical, scientific, or analytical work, the employer may be able to support a STEM OPT extension. Confirm your eligibility with your designated school official before assuming this option is available.
What types of employers hire Program Directors on OPT?
Universities, research centers, nonprofits, public health agencies, and technology companies are the most consistent sources of Program Director roles with OPT-friendly hiring practices. These organizations typically have HR teams familiar with work authorization requirements. You can browse employers currently hiring on Migrate Mate, which filters for companies open to sponsoring OPT candidates.
How does my OPT end date affect the Program Director hiring process?
Program Director searches often run 60 to 90 days or longer because of the seniority level involved. If your OPT expires within three to four months, prioritize employers with existing H-1B sponsorship infrastructure who can move quickly. Starting your search with enough runway to complete a full hiring process significantly reduces the risk of a gap in work authorization.
Will employers sponsor H-1B for a Program Director role?
Many will, but sponsorship is not automatic. Employers need to file a Labor Condition Application and submit an H-1B petition, which takes time and legal resources. Organizations that have sponsored visas before are more likely to do so again. When evaluating opportunities, prioritize employers with a track record of H-1B filings, which you can identify through public disclosure data from the Department of Labor.