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.

Find OPT Program Director Jobs

Overview

Open Jobs218+
Work Type88% On-site
Top LocationHouston, TX
Most JobsWhite Cap

Showing 5 of 218+ Program Director jobs

Saint Joseph's University
Clinical Instructor and Program Director
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Saint Joseph's University
New 11h ago
Clinical Instructor and Program Director
Saint Joseph's University
Lancaster, California
Nursing
Healthcare Administration
Teaching & Instruction
Corporate Training & Learning Development
$73k - $78k/yr
On-Site
Master's

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The Child Center of NY
After-School Assistant Program Director
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The Child Center of NY
New 11h ago
After-School Assistant Program Director
The Child Center of NY
Queens, New York
Human Resources
Corporate Training & Learning Development
Customer Service & Support
$26 - $27/hr
On-Site
Associate's
1,001-5,000

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The University Of Tulsa
Program Director
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The University Of Tulsa
New 16h ago
Program Director
The University Of Tulsa
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Human Resources
Corporate Training & Learning Development
Project & Program Management
On-Site
Bachelor's
1,001-5,000

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Florida State University
Program Director
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Florida State University
New 19h ago
Program Director
Florida State University
Tallahassee, Florida
Academic & Educational Administration
Corporate Training & Learning Development
Human Resources
On-Site
Bachelor's
10,000+

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Inspira Health Network
Manager, Ambulatory Care Pharmacy & PGY2 Program Director
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Inspira Health Network
Added 1d ago
Manager, Ambulatory Care Pharmacy & PGY2 Program Director
Inspira Health Network
Woodbury, New Jersey
Nursing
Allied Health
Healthcare Administration
Pharmacy
On-Site
Doctorate
5,001-10,000

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Tips 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.