Chief Administrative Officer Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Chief Administrative Officer roles attract H-1B and EB-1C sponsorship from large multinationals, healthcare systems, and universities. Most employers require a master's degree and 10-plus years of senior operations experience. Competition for sponsored CAO positions is selective but consistent across industries. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Get Access To All JobsJob Summary
The Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost (EVCP) Organization seeks a candidate who will serve in the role of the Chief Administrative Officer/Chief of Staff for the Office of Education and Student Affairs (OESA). The incumbent is the in-unit resource and is responsible for the human resource management, budget, technology and space management of the units within the office. This includes oversight of centralized student affairs services of 65 staff, which provide support to approximately 3,100 students across all UCSF professional schools, and management of a $31M budget. This role reports to the Associate Vice Chancellor, Organization Development and Transformation and is responsible for implementing programmatic vision and strategic plans of the Vice Chancellor of Education and Student Affairs. They also serve as primary senior advisors to the Vice Chancellor of Education and Student Affairs to determine, prioritize, articulate, and execute the mission, vision, and strategies of the organization. The incumbent coordinates the activities and initiatives in the operational and programmatic areas of the organization. Additionally, they serve as a core member of the EVCP’s administrative leadership team, contributing knowledge and expertise to guide the oversight of all academic missions, including research, education, faculty and student affairs and other support units. The final salary and offer components are subject to additional approvals based on UC policy. Your placement within the salary range is dependent on a number of factors including your work experience and internal equity within this position classification at UCSF. For positions that are represented by a labor union, placement within the salary range will be guided by the rules in the collective bargaining agreement. The salary range for this position is $183,800 - $275,700 (Annual Rate). To learn more about the benefits of working at UCSF, including total compensation, please visit: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html
Department Description
The Office of Education and Student Affairs (OESA) at UCSF provides 3,100 students with services and resources they need to be successful at UCSF and to enter their desired careers when they leave UCSF. It also offers a wide range of vital services to support our faculty in creating the optimal environment for learning and professional development. OESA has six units that collaborate to provide academic and professional development resources from financial aid to mental health counseling to classroom learning resources and career planning workshops.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in related areas and/or equivalent experience/training
- Minimum 8 Years of Directly related experience (in addition to degree)
- Management experience (minimum 5 years) in an academic research environment or equivalent experience
- Direct financial management experience for a large, complex academic operation
- Demonstrated success in developing and managing large budgets in a resource-constrained environment
- Excellent ability to establish metrics for department and employee goals
- Thorough knowledge of financial analysis and reporting techniques; human resources and risk management planning; accounting and payroll
- Excellent project management skills, including the capability of managing capital projects
- Very strong ability to quickly evaluate complex issues and identify multiple options for resolution
- Demonstrated record of accomplishment in advocating and incorporating the policy and program needs of a complex, multi-unit organization into the broader organization-wide/corporate-wide plans and programs
- Excellent skills to work collaboratively and act persuasively in sensitive situations; skills in conflict management techniques
- Excellent interpersonal skills to effectively lead, motivate and influence others and to develop and maintain high standards of customer service
- Thorough knowledge of common organization-specific and other computer application programs
- Experience in building productive, collaborative relationships
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree preferred or equivalent level of education and experience
- Success with leading large-scale change initiatives in a complex organization
- Knowledge of student due process policies and procedures, conflict resolution strategies, and skill in mediating disputes
- Knowledge of university policies and procedures in all functional areas: sponsored research, finance and accounting, and academic and staff personnel
- Demonstrated experience in successful crisis management
About UCSF
The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is a leading university dedicated to promoting health worldwide through advanced biomedical research, graduate-level education in the life sciences and health professions, and excellence in patient care. It is the only campus in the 10-campus UC system dedicated exclusively to the health sciences. We bring together the world’s leading experts in nearly every area of health. We are home to five Nobel laureates who have advanced the understanding of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, aging and stem cells.
Pride Values
UCSF is a diverse community made of people with many skills and talents. We seek candidates whose work experience or community service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to professionalism, respect, integrity, diversity and excellence – also known as our PRIDE values. In addition to our PRIDE values, UCSF is committed to equity – both in how we deliver care as well as our workforce. We are committed to building a broadly diverse community, nurturing a culture that is welcoming and supportive, and engaging diverse ideas for the provision of culturally competent education, discovery, and patient care. Additional information about UCSF is available at diversity.ucsf.edu Join us to find a rewarding career contributing to improving healthcare worldwide.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
Organization
Campus
Job Code and Payroll Title
000548 ADMIN MGR 2
Job Category
Executive, Professional and Managerial, Supervisory / Management
Bargaining Unit
99 - Policy-Covered (No Bargaining Unit)
Employee Class
Career
Percentage
100%
Location
San Francisco, CA
Campus
Parnassus Heights (SF)
Work Style
Fully On-Site
Shift
Days
Shift Length
8 Hours
Additional Shift Details
Monday – Friday; 8am – 5pm PST
Job Summary
The Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost (EVCP) Organization seeks a candidate who will serve in the role of the Chief Administrative Officer/Chief of Staff for the Office of Education and Student Affairs (OESA). The incumbent is the in-unit resource and is responsible for the human resource management, budget, technology and space management of the units within the office. This includes oversight of centralized student affairs services of 65 staff, which provide support to approximately 3,100 students across all UCSF professional schools, and management of a $31M budget. This role reports to the Associate Vice Chancellor, Organization Development and Transformation and is responsible for implementing programmatic vision and strategic plans of the Vice Chancellor of Education and Student Affairs. They also serve as primary senior advisors to the Vice Chancellor of Education and Student Affairs to determine, prioritize, articulate, and execute the mission, vision, and strategies of the organization. The incumbent coordinates the activities and initiatives in the operational and programmatic areas of the organization. Additionally, they serve as a core member of the EVCP’s administrative leadership team, contributing knowledge and expertise to guide the oversight of all academic missions, including research, education, faculty and student affairs and other support units. The final salary and offer components are subject to additional approvals based on UC policy. Your placement within the salary range is dependent on a number of factors including your work experience and internal equity within this position classification at UCSF. For positions that are represented by a labor union, placement within the salary range will be guided by the rules in the collective bargaining agreement. The salary range for this position is $183,800 - $275,700 (Annual Rate). To learn more about the benefits of working at UCSF, including total compensation, please visit: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/index.html
Department Description
The Office of Education and Student Affairs (OESA) at UCSF provides 3,100 students with services and resources they need to be successful at UCSF and to enter their desired careers when they leave UCSF. It also offers a wide range of vital services to support our faculty in creating the optimal environment for learning and professional development. OESA has six units that collaborate to provide academic and professional development resources from financial aid to mental health counseling to classroom learning resources and career planning workshops.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in related areas and/or equivalent experience/training
- Minimum 8 Years of Directly related experience (in addition to degree)
- Management experience (minimum 5 years) in an academic research environment or equivalent experience
- Direct financial management experience for a large, complex academic operation
- Demonstrated success in developing and managing large budgets in a resource-constrained environment
- Excellent ability to establish metrics for department and employee goals
- Thorough knowledge of financial analysis and reporting techniques; human resources and risk management planning; accounting and payroll
- Excellent project management skills, including the capability of managing capital projects
- Very strong ability to quickly evaluate complex issues and identify multiple options for resolution
- Demonstrated record of accomplishment in advocating and incorporating the policy and program needs of a complex, multi-unit organization into the broader organization-wide/corporate-wide plans and programs
- Excellent skills to work collaboratively and act persuasively in sensitive situations; skills in conflict management techniques
- Excellent interpersonal skills to effectively lead, motivate and influence others and to develop and maintain high standards of customer service
- Thorough knowledge of common organization-specific and other computer application programs
- Experience in building productive, collaborative relationships
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree preferred or equivalent level of education and experience
- Success with leading large-scale change initiatives in a complex organization
- Knowledge of student due process policies and procedures, conflict resolution strategies, and skill in mediating disputes
- Knowledge of university policies and procedures in all functional areas: sponsored research, finance and accounting, and academic and staff personnel
- Demonstrated experience in successful crisis management
About UCSF
The University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) is a leading university dedicated to promoting health worldwide through advanced biomedical research, graduate-level education in the life sciences and health professions, and excellence in patient care. It is the only campus in the 10-campus UC system dedicated exclusively to the health sciences. We bring together the world’s leading experts in nearly every area of health. We are home to five Nobel laureates who have advanced the understanding of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, aging and stem cells.
Pride Values
UCSF is a diverse community made of people with many skills and talents. We seek candidates whose work experience or community service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to professionalism, respect, integrity, diversity and excellence – also known as our PRIDE values. In addition to our PRIDE values, UCSF is committed to equity – both in how we deliver care as well as our workforce. We are committed to building a broadly diverse community, nurturing a culture that is welcoming and supportive, and engaging diverse ideas for the provision of culturally competent education, discovery, and patient care. Additional information about UCSF is available at diversity.ucsf.edu Join us to find a rewarding career contributing to improving healthcare worldwide.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
Organization
Campus
Job Code and Payroll Title
000548 ADMIN MGR 2
Job Category
Executive, Professional and Managerial, Supervisory / Management
Bargaining Unit
99 - Policy-Covered (No Bargaining Unit)
Employee Class
Career
Percentage
100%
Location
San Francisco, CA
Campus
Parnassus Heights (SF)
Work Style
Fully On-Site
Shift
Days
Shift Length
8 Hours
Additional Shift Details
Monday – Friday; 8am – 5pm PST
How to Get Visa Sponsorship in Chief Administrative Officer
Target multinationals and large institutions
Corporations with established immigration programs, major hospital networks, and research universities are the most consistent CAO sponsors. These organizations have legal infrastructure to process H-1B and intracompany transfer petitions without treating sponsorship as an exception.
Position yourself for the EB-1C green card path
CAOs who have managed teams of managers abroad can qualify for the EB-1C immigrant visa, which bypasses PERM labor certification entirely. Document your managerial hierarchy clearly, as USCIS scrutinizes whether direct reports held genuine management functions.
Emphasize cross-functional oversight in your resume
Employers and USCIS both evaluate whether your role meets the specialty occupation standard. Highlighting oversight of finance, HR, legal, and operations functions reinforces the specialized executive nature of the role and strengthens the H-1B petition narrative.
Secure a master's degree or document equivalent experience
Most CAO positions require at least a master's in business administration, public administration, or a related field. If your highest degree is a bachelor's, document progressive senior leadership experience carefully, as equivalency arguments require thorough supporting evidence for approval.
Negotiate sponsorship terms before accepting an offer
CAO-level candidates have negotiating leverage. Clarify whether the employer will cover H-1B filing fees, premium processing, and future green card costs before signing. Larger employers often have standard sponsorship packages, while smaller organizations may need direct negotiation.
Maintain thorough documentation of organizational impact
For both H-1B renewals and green card petitions, USCIS reviewers look for evidence of strategic decision-making authority. Retention of board presentations, budget approval records, and reorganization plans strengthens your petition and accelerates renewal approvals down the line.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Can a Chief Administrative Officer role qualify for H-1B sponsorship?
Yes, CAO roles generally qualify as specialty occupations because they require at minimum a bachelor's degree in a specific field such as business administration, public administration, or management. USCIS will look at whether the position genuinely requires that theoretical and practical application of specialized knowledge, so the employer's job description and organizational structure matter significantly. Vague executive job descriptions without clear degree requirements can invite an RFE.
What visa options exist for a sponsored Chief Administrative Officer beyond the H-1B?
The L-1A intracompany transfer is the most common alternative, available to CAOs moving from a foreign affiliate, subsidiary, or parent company to a U.S. entity. It doesn't require a degree, only one year of qualifying managerial employment abroad in the past three years. The O-1A applies if you have extraordinary ability in business. The EB-1C green card is the natural long-term pathway for CAOs already on L-1A status. Browse open sponsored CAO roles on Migrate Mate to see which visa types employers are actively filing.
How does USCIS evaluate whether a CAO role meets the specialty occupation standard?
USCIS applies a four-part test, but the most relevant factor for senior executive roles is whether a bachelor's degree in a specific field is a normal minimum requirement for the position in the industry. CAO roles at large, complex organizations generally satisfy this. Roles at smaller companies with generic duties and no clear degree requirement are more vulnerable to denial. The employer's written job description and the DOL's Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for the role both factor into the analysis.
Does the H-1B lottery create a barrier to CAO sponsorship?
It can, but several alternatives reduce or eliminate lottery exposure. CAOs hired by universities, nonprofit research institutions, or government-related entities are cap-exempt and avoid the lottery entirely. CAOs transferring within a multinational through the L-1A also bypass the cap. If H-1B is the only option and lottery registration fails, the employer must wait until the next fiscal year cycle unless the candidate already holds H-1B status from a prior employer, in which case a transfer is possible without re-entering the lottery.
What degree field matters most when sponsoring a Chief Administrative Officer?
Business administration and public administration are the most commonly accepted fields, but healthcare administration, organizational management, and finance are also recognized for CAO roles in their respective industries. What matters to USCIS is the connection between the degree field and the specific duties of the role. A CAO at a hospital system, for instance, would benefit from a healthcare administration credential. Employers should document why the specific field is necessary, not just that a graduate degree is required.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Chief Administrative Officer jobs?
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.
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