Academic Director Visa Sponsorship Jobs in California
Academic director visa sponsorship jobs in California span the University of California system, California State University campuses, and private institutions like USC and Stanford. Major edtech employers in the Bay Area and Los Angeles also hire academic directors. Roles concentrate in San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Sacramento, with strong demand across K-12 networks, higher education, and curriculum-focused companies.
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Get Access To All JobsPosition Title: Assistant Director for Doctoral Research & Academic Advising (Bilingual English and Chinese Mandarin)
Department Name: GGU Worldwide
Position Reports To: Associate Dean of GGU Worldwide
FLSA STATUS: Exempt, Salaried
Salary Range: $70,304 to $75,000
Benefits: The University's comprehensive benefits program
Location: San Francisco - Hybrid
Days & Hours: Monday through Friday, 37.5 hours per week. Standard work schedule is 9:00 am to 5:30 pm (PST/PDT), may be adjusted. Flexible schedule may require evening and weekend hours.
BASIC FUNCTION AND SCOPE:
Reporting to the Associate Dean of GGU Worldwide, the Assistant Director for Doctoral Research & Academic Advising (Bilingual English and Chinese Mandarin) provides bilingual leadership and operational oversight of doctoral research and academic advising. The position serves as the primary liaison among doctoral students, faculty, and university departments, ensuring compliance with university policies while providing academic advising to GGU Worldwide students and bilingual (English and Chinese Mandarin) support to Chinese-speaking students and international partners.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Research Quality Assurance:
- Provide bilingual (English and Mandarin Chinese) academic feedback during DBA and other doctoral dissertation topic presentations, research proposal defenses, and final dissertation defenses.
- Support the review and evaluation of doctoral research proposals, dissertations, and scholarly presentations to promote academic quality and research excellence.
- Participate in doctoral research symposiums, dissertation workshops, and scholarly events.
- Assist with peer reviews for the Journal of International DBA Studies (JIDS) and other scholarly publications.
- Collaborate with academic leadership in the identification, evaluation, and recommendation of qualified dissertation chairs, readers, and committee members.
- Participate in doctoral immersion workshops and academic activities conducted locally and internationally.
- Coordinate and oversee dissertation committee formation and administration in collaboration with faculty, academic leadership, and university partners to ensure timely progression from topic proposal through final dissertation approval.
- Monitor doctoral student research progress and provide operational support to facilitate successful dissertation completion.
- Serve on GGU WW IRB committee to ensure students protect the rights, welfare, privacy, and safety of human research participants.
- Recommend process improvements that enhance the quality, efficiency, and effectiveness of doctoral research administration.
Academic Advising and Student Success:
- Lead and support academic advising services for prospective, new, transfer, and continuing students.
- Advise students on degree requirements, academic planning, course selection, transfer pathways, and graduation requirements.
- Guide and assist students with semester-by-semester course registration, ensuring enrollment aligns with degree requirements, academic plans, and program sequencing.
- Monitor student academic progress through degree audits and recommend appropriate interventions to support student success, retention, and timely degree completion.
- Develop, implement, and continuously improve advising resources, policies, procedures, and best practices to enhance the overall student experience.
- Collaborate with faculty and academic departments to promote student success, academic achievement, and persistence toward degree completion.
Transfer Credit and Academic Records:
- Help evaluate and process transfer credit, prior learning assessments, and articulation agreements in accordance with university policies and accreditation standards.
- Help with student registration, enrollment support, course scheduling coordination, and academic records management.
- Coordinate graduation reviews, degree clearance, transcript services, enrollment verification, and academic certification processes while ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and confidentiality of student records.
- Develop and recommend improvements to academic records processes to enhance operational efficiency and service quality.
Academic and Partner Support:
- Collaborate with Academic Affairs, Admissions, the Registrar, Financial Aid, Student Success, faculty, and other university offices to ensure seamless academic support services.
- Support Vice President for International Affairs with China initiatives and partnerships.
- Analyze advising, enrollment, retention, graduation, and student success data to identify trends and recommend operational and strategic improvements.
- Develop and implement operational initiatives that improve advising services, doctoral program administration, and student outcomes.
- Ensure compliance with university policies, accreditation requirements, and applicable federal and state regulations.
- Represent GGU Worldwide on university committees, cross-functional initiatives, student success programs, and institutional projects.
- Foster collaborative relationships with faculty, university departments, and international partners to support academic excellence and continuous improvement.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Education:
Doctoral degree in business or a related field required.
Experience:
- Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in higher education, graduate education, doctoral program administration, student advising, academic affairs, or research administration.
- Experience supporting dissertation or doctoral research processes preferred.
- Experience working with international students and global academic partnerships is highly desirable.
Language:
Professional proficiency in English and Mandarin Chinese (spoken and written) is required.
Knowledge of:
- Curriculum support and student success software and systems.
- Scholarly and applied practical research.
- Publication process.
- Business plan development.
Skills and abilities:
- Proficiency with learning management systems and educational technologies.
- Excellent analytical and communication skills.
- Strong writing and editing skills and publication record.
- Attention to detail.
- Caring and patient approach to students.
- Strong interpersonal, cross-cultural, and diplomacy skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Proficient in data analysis, report writing, and APA style guide.
- Proficiency in AI tools a plus.
- DEIB sensitive.
Supplemental Information
To apply: Please go to http://www.ggu.edu/jobs to submit an application, letter of interest, and a resume.
In applying for a position, candidates sign a consent authorizing a broader inquiry which may include reference checks, a motor vehicle check, and a third-party background check.
Golden Gate University is an equal employment opportunity employer. We support inclusive excellence and are committed to creating a safe and welcoming community for all.
University policy prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion/creed, national origin, ancestry, age, sex/gender, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition, physical or mental disability, gender stereotyping, and gender identity, gender expression, military or veteran status, taking a protected leave (e.g., family medical or pregnancy leave), or on any other basis protected by applicable laws.
The University has a strong commitment to the principles of diversity and inclusion, and to maintaining working and learning environments that reinforce these practices. The University welcomes and encourages applications from all demographics.
Position Title: Assistant Director for Doctoral Research & Academic Advising (Bilingual English and Chinese Mandarin)
Department Name: GGU Worldwide
Position Reports To: Associate Dean of GGU Worldwide
FLSA STATUS: Exempt, Salaried
Salary Range: $70,304 to $75,000
Benefits: The University's comprehensive benefits program
Location: San Francisco - Hybrid
Days & Hours: Monday through Friday, 37.5 hours per week. Standard work schedule is 9:00 am to 5:30 pm (PST/PDT), may be adjusted. Flexible schedule may require evening and weekend hours.
BASIC FUNCTION AND SCOPE:
Reporting to the Associate Dean of GGU Worldwide, the Assistant Director for Doctoral Research & Academic Advising (Bilingual English and Chinese Mandarin) provides bilingual leadership and operational oversight of doctoral research and academic advising. The position serves as the primary liaison among doctoral students, faculty, and university departments, ensuring compliance with university policies while providing academic advising to GGU Worldwide students and bilingual (English and Chinese Mandarin) support to Chinese-speaking students and international partners.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Research Quality Assurance:
- Provide bilingual (English and Mandarin Chinese) academic feedback during DBA and other doctoral dissertation topic presentations, research proposal defenses, and final dissertation defenses.
- Support the review and evaluation of doctoral research proposals, dissertations, and scholarly presentations to promote academic quality and research excellence.
- Participate in doctoral research symposiums, dissertation workshops, and scholarly events.
- Assist with peer reviews for the Journal of International DBA Studies (JIDS) and other scholarly publications.
- Collaborate with academic leadership in the identification, evaluation, and recommendation of qualified dissertation chairs, readers, and committee members.
- Participate in doctoral immersion workshops and academic activities conducted locally and internationally.
- Coordinate and oversee dissertation committee formation and administration in collaboration with faculty, academic leadership, and university partners to ensure timely progression from topic proposal through final dissertation approval.
- Monitor doctoral student research progress and provide operational support to facilitate successful dissertation completion.
- Serve on GGU WW IRB committee to ensure students protect the rights, welfare, privacy, and safety of human research participants.
- Recommend process improvements that enhance the quality, efficiency, and effectiveness of doctoral research administration.
Academic Advising and Student Success:
- Lead and support academic advising services for prospective, new, transfer, and continuing students.
- Advise students on degree requirements, academic planning, course selection, transfer pathways, and graduation requirements.
- Guide and assist students with semester-by-semester course registration, ensuring enrollment aligns with degree requirements, academic plans, and program sequencing.
- Monitor student academic progress through degree audits and recommend appropriate interventions to support student success, retention, and timely degree completion.
- Develop, implement, and continuously improve advising resources, policies, procedures, and best practices to enhance the overall student experience.
- Collaborate with faculty and academic departments to promote student success, academic achievement, and persistence toward degree completion.
Transfer Credit and Academic Records:
- Help evaluate and process transfer credit, prior learning assessments, and articulation agreements in accordance with university policies and accreditation standards.
- Help with student registration, enrollment support, course scheduling coordination, and academic records management.
- Coordinate graduation reviews, degree clearance, transcript services, enrollment verification, and academic certification processes while ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and confidentiality of student records.
- Develop and recommend improvements to academic records processes to enhance operational efficiency and service quality.
Academic and Partner Support:
- Collaborate with Academic Affairs, Admissions, the Registrar, Financial Aid, Student Success, faculty, and other university offices to ensure seamless academic support services.
- Support Vice President for International Affairs with China initiatives and partnerships.
- Analyze advising, enrollment, retention, graduation, and student success data to identify trends and recommend operational and strategic improvements.
- Develop and implement operational initiatives that improve advising services, doctoral program administration, and student outcomes.
- Ensure compliance with university policies, accreditation requirements, and applicable federal and state regulations.
- Represent GGU Worldwide on university committees, cross-functional initiatives, student success programs, and institutional projects.
- Foster collaborative relationships with faculty, university departments, and international partners to support academic excellence and continuous improvement.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Education:
Doctoral degree in business or a related field required.
Experience:
- Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in higher education, graduate education, doctoral program administration, student advising, academic affairs, or research administration.
- Experience supporting dissertation or doctoral research processes preferred.
- Experience working with international students and global academic partnerships is highly desirable.
Language:
Professional proficiency in English and Mandarin Chinese (spoken and written) is required.
Knowledge of:
- Curriculum support and student success software and systems.
- Scholarly and applied practical research.
- Publication process.
- Business plan development.
Skills and abilities:
- Proficiency with learning management systems and educational technologies.
- Excellent analytical and communication skills.
- Strong writing and editing skills and publication record.
- Attention to detail.
- Caring and patient approach to students.
- Strong interpersonal, cross-cultural, and diplomacy skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Proficient in data analysis, report writing, and APA style guide.
- Proficiency in AI tools a plus.
- DEIB sensitive.
Supplemental Information
To apply: Please go to http://www.ggu.edu/jobs to submit an application, letter of interest, and a resume.
In applying for a position, candidates sign a consent authorizing a broader inquiry which may include reference checks, a motor vehicle check, and a third-party background check.
Golden Gate University is an equal employment opportunity employer. We support inclusive excellence and are committed to creating a safe and welcoming community for all.
University policy prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion/creed, national origin, ancestry, age, sex/gender, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition, physical or mental disability, gender stereotyping, and gender identity, gender expression, military or veteran status, taking a protected leave (e.g., family medical or pregnancy leave), or on any other basis protected by applicable laws.
The University has a strong commitment to the principles of diversity and inclusion, and to maintaining working and learning environments that reinforce these practices. The University welcomes and encourages applications from all demographics.
Academic Director Job Roles in California
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Search Academic Director Jobs in CaliforniaAcademic Director Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies sponsor visas for academic directors in California?
California's largest academic director sponsors include the University of California system, California State University campuses, Stanford University, USC, and major edtech companies headquartered in the Bay Area and Los Angeles. K-12 charter networks such as KIPP and Aspire Public Schools, as well as large test-preparation and online learning companies, have also filed sponsorship petitions for academic leadership roles in the state.
Which visa types realistically fit academic director roles in California?
Academic director roles typically qualify as specialty occupations requiring a directly related bachelor's degree or higher, making the H-1B visa the most common path. Candidates already in H-1B status can transfer to a new California employer once the new petition is filed. Canadian and Mexican nationals do not qualify under TN visa, as academic director is not a USMCA-listed profession. F-1 students nearing graduation may use OPT while pursuing longer-term sponsorship. EB-2 and EB-3 employment-based green cards are available for permanent roles through the PERM process.
Which cities in California have the most academic director sponsorship jobs?
Los Angeles and the Bay Area account for the greatest share of academic director sponsorship activity in California, driven by large university systems, edtech headquarters, and charter school networks. San Diego has consistent demand from UC San Diego, private colleges, and education-focused nonprofits. Sacramento sees hiring from California Department of Education contractors and CSU Sacramento. Smaller but active markets include Fresno and Long Beach, anchored by their respective CSU campuses.
How to find academic director visa sponsorship jobs in California?
Migrate Mate lists California academic director roles specifically filtered to employers with verified visa sponsorship history, so you can focus on institutions and companies that have sponsored similar positions before. Search by city to compare openings across the Bay Area, Los Angeles, and San Diego. Because sponsorship willingness varies significantly between employers in education, targeting verified sponsors from the start saves time and increases your chances of a productive application.
Are there state-specific factors that affect academic director sponsorship in California?
California's size and density of higher education institutions create more sponsorship opportunities than most states, but competition is also high. Public university systems follow state procurement and HR rules that can slow petitions compared to private employers. California's strong edtech sector in the Bay Area adds non-traditional employers to the mix. Roles that require a California-specific credential or state licensure may complicate sponsorship if the credential cannot be obtained while on a pending visa status.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored academic director jobs in California?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.