Director of Continuous Improvement Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Director of Continuous Improvement roles qualify as H-1B visa specialty occupations when tied to an engineering, operations management, or industrial engineering degree. Employers file a Labor Condition Application before sponsorship begins, and the annual H-1B cap and lottery apply. Lean and Six Sigma leadership at this level draws consistent LCA filings across manufacturing, healthcare, and tech.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Be a Tar Heel! A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn. One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community. University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.
Position Summary
The Director of Continuous Improvement & Transformation provides strategic project leadership and organizational improvement expertise to strengthen the operations and services that support the Adams School of Dentistry’s education of future oral health professionals, advancement of research and discovery, and delivery of exceptional patient care. The position leads complex, high-priority initiatives designed to transform and improve ASOD operations, organizational effectiveness, service delivery, and the experience of faculty, staff, students, patients, and other stakeholders.
Working collaboratively with ASOD leadership and stakeholders across the School and University, the Director of Continuous Improvement & Transformation identifies organizational and operational challenges and opportunities for improvement; defines, scopes, and prioritizes projects; analyzes current-state processes and organizational needs; and facilitates the development of solutions aligned with ASOD priorities. The position serves as a strategic thought partner to leadership and applies project management, change management, analytical, and continuous improvement approaches to complex issues that may cross multiple departments, programs, and functional areas.
The Director of Continuous Improvement & Transformation leads initiatives through the full project lifecycle, including project definition and planning, analysis and solution design, implementation, change management, evaluation, and continuous improvement. Responsibilities include establishing project goals, deliverables, measures of success, and implementation strategies; coordinating work among subject matter experts and stakeholders; monitoring progress and outcomes; identifying and resolving barriers; and supporting the adoption and sustainability of improvements.
Projects vary in size, complexity, duration, and organizational impact. Depending on the scope and complexity of assigned initiatives, the position may lead a single large-scale project or manage multiple concurrent projects. The role works across organizational boundaries and relies on collaboration, facilitation, strategic influence, and effective stakeholder engagement to advance initiatives and achieve measurable improvements in support of ASOD priorities.
MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Master’s or Bachelor’s and 0-2 years’ experience; or will accept a combination of related education and experience in substitution.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, COMPETENCIES, AND EXPERIENCE
- Demonstrated knowledge of project management, change management, organizational improvement, and problem-solving principles, with the ability to apply these concepts to complex, cross-functional initiatives.
-
Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills, including the ability to assess organizational and operational challenges, evaluate potential solutions, develop actionable recommendations, and use qualitative and quantitative information to support decision-making and continuous improvement.
-
Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with leaders and stakeholders across multiple functional areas and organizational levels and to facilitate change and influence outcomes without direct supervisory authority.
-
Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, including the ability to facilitate meetings and discussions, present information and recommendations, and communicate complex concepts clearly to diverse audiences.
-
Strong organizational and project coordination skills, with the ability to independently manage multiple priorities, exercise sound judgment, navigate ambiguity, monitor progress and outcomes, and adapt to changing organizational needs.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS, COMPETENCIES, AND EXPERIENCE
- Experience leading complex, cross-functional or organization-wide projects, strategic initiatives, operational reviews, or organizational improvement efforts.
-
Demonstrated experience applying project management and change management methodologies to the planning and implementation of complex initiatives.
-
Project Management Professional (PMP) certification preferred. Formal training or certification in organizational change management methodologies, such as Prosci Change Management Certification or an equivalent program, is highly desirable.
-
Experience facilitating collaborative problem-solving and solution-design activities with senior leaders, subject matter experts, and stakeholders across multiple functional areas.
-
Experience developing performance measures, analyzing outcomes, and using data and metrics to evaluate effectiveness and support continuous improvement.
-
Demonstrated ability to synthesize complex information and develop clear recommendations, presentations, and other communications for senior leadership and diverse stakeholder groups.
-
Experience working within a complex organization, preferably in higher education, academic health care, or a similarly decentralized environment.
-
Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint and experience using project management, collaboration, data visualization, or related business tools.
CAMPUS SECURITY AUTHORITY RESPONSIBILITIES
This position is designated as a Campus Security Authority in accordance with the Clery Act. This position will be required to report Clery crimes to the Clery Compliance Manager and complete annual training about reporting responsibilities.
LOCATION
Location: North Carolina, US
COMPENSATION
Hiring Range: Dependent on qualifications
WORKING HOURS
Hours per week: 40
POSITION TYPE
Position Type: Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)
APPLICATION INFORMATION
Posting Open Date: 11/04/2026
Application Deadline: 11/18/2026
Open Until Filled: No
Appointment Type: EHRA Non-Faculty
Position Number: 20079309
Vacancy ID: NF0010168
Full Time/Part Time: Full-Time Permanent
FTE: 1
Proposed Start Date: 12/14/2026
INTRODUCTION
Be a Tar Heel! A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn. One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community. University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.
Position Summary
The Director of Continuous Improvement & Transformation provides strategic project leadership and organizational improvement expertise to strengthen the operations and services that support the Adams School of Dentistry’s education of future oral health professionals, advancement of research and discovery, and delivery of exceptional patient care. The position leads complex, high-priority initiatives designed to transform and improve ASOD operations, organizational effectiveness, service delivery, and the experience of faculty, staff, students, patients, and other stakeholders.
Working collaboratively with ASOD leadership and stakeholders across the School and University, the Director of Continuous Improvement & Transformation identifies organizational and operational challenges and opportunities for improvement; defines, scopes, and prioritizes projects; analyzes current-state processes and organizational needs; and facilitates the development of solutions aligned with ASOD priorities. The position serves as a strategic thought partner to leadership and applies project management, change management, analytical, and continuous improvement approaches to complex issues that may cross multiple departments, programs, and functional areas.
The Director of Continuous Improvement & Transformation leads initiatives through the full project lifecycle, including project definition and planning, analysis and solution design, implementation, change management, evaluation, and continuous improvement. Responsibilities include establishing project goals, deliverables, measures of success, and implementation strategies; coordinating work among subject matter experts and stakeholders; monitoring progress and outcomes; identifying and resolving barriers; and supporting the adoption and sustainability of improvements.
Projects vary in size, complexity, duration, and organizational impact. Depending on the scope and complexity of assigned initiatives, the position may lead a single large-scale project or manage multiple concurrent projects. The role works across organizational boundaries and relies on collaboration, facilitation, strategic influence, and effective stakeholder engagement to advance initiatives and achieve measurable improvements in support of ASOD priorities.
MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Master’s or Bachelor’s and 0-2 years’ experience; or will accept a combination of related education and experience in substitution.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, COMPETENCIES, AND EXPERIENCE
- Demonstrated knowledge of project management, change management, organizational improvement, and problem-solving principles, with the ability to apply these concepts to complex, cross-functional initiatives.
-
Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills, including the ability to assess organizational and operational challenges, evaluate potential solutions, develop actionable recommendations, and use qualitative and quantitative information to support decision-making and continuous improvement.
-
Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with leaders and stakeholders across multiple functional areas and organizational levels and to facilitate change and influence outcomes without direct supervisory authority.
-
Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, including the ability to facilitate meetings and discussions, present information and recommendations, and communicate complex concepts clearly to diverse audiences.
-
Strong organizational and project coordination skills, with the ability to independently manage multiple priorities, exercise sound judgment, navigate ambiguity, monitor progress and outcomes, and adapt to changing organizational needs.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS, COMPETENCIES, AND EXPERIENCE
- Experience leading complex, cross-functional or organization-wide projects, strategic initiatives, operational reviews, or organizational improvement efforts.
-
Demonstrated experience applying project management and change management methodologies to the planning and implementation of complex initiatives.
-
Project Management Professional (PMP) certification preferred. Formal training or certification in organizational change management methodologies, such as Prosci Change Management Certification or an equivalent program, is highly desirable.
-
Experience facilitating collaborative problem-solving and solution-design activities with senior leaders, subject matter experts, and stakeholders across multiple functional areas.
-
Experience developing performance measures, analyzing outcomes, and using data and metrics to evaluate effectiveness and support continuous improvement.
-
Demonstrated ability to synthesize complex information and develop clear recommendations, presentations, and other communications for senior leadership and diverse stakeholder groups.
-
Experience working within a complex organization, preferably in higher education, academic health care, or a similarly decentralized environment.
-
Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint and experience using project management, collaboration, data visualization, or related business tools.
CAMPUS SECURITY AUTHORITY RESPONSIBILITIES
This position is designated as a Campus Security Authority in accordance with the Clery Act. This position will be required to report Clery crimes to the Clery Compliance Manager and complete annual training about reporting responsibilities.
LOCATION
Location: North Carolina, US
COMPENSATION
Hiring Range: Dependent on qualifications
WORKING HOURS
Hours per week: 40
POSITION TYPE
Position Type: Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)
APPLICATION INFORMATION
Posting Open Date: 11/04/2026
Application Deadline: 11/18/2026
Open Until Filled: No
Appointment Type: EHRA Non-Faculty
Position Number: 20079309
Vacancy ID: NF0010168
Full Time/Part Time: Full-Time Permanent
FTE: 1
Proposed Start Date: 12/14/2026
See all Director of Continuous Improvement Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Director of Continuous Improvement Jobs
Frame your credentials around specialty occupation
USCIS requires that your degree field directly relates to the role. An MBA or industrial engineering degree maps cleanly to continuous improvement; a general business degree may trigger an RFE. Gather transcripts and any professional certifications like Six Sigma Black Belt before applying.
Search LCA filings by job title
Use Migrate Mate to find employers with verified LCA filing history for Director of Continuous Improvement roles, filtered by city and industry. This shows which companies have already navigated sponsorship for this title rather than those just open to it in theory.
Target industries with repeat filing patterns
Manufacturing, healthcare systems, and large-scale logistics operations file LCAs for this role most consistently. These sectors run structured Lean or Six Sigma programs that require dedicated director-level leadership, making sponsorship a recurring operational need rather than a one-off exception.
Verify prevailing wage tier before negotiating
Your employer's LCA must certify wages at or above the DOL prevailing wage for your location and experience level. Use the OFLC Wage Search to check Level III or Level IV rates for your metro area before you receive an offer, so you can negotiate from an informed position.
Clarify employer PERM readiness early
If you're on OPT or need a green card pathway, ask during the offer stage whether the company has run PERM labor certifications before. Employers without prior PERM experience often underestimate the timeline and documentation burden for a director-level role with specific degree requirements.
Use O*NET to anchor your specialty occupation case
The O*NET profile for this occupation lists engineering and management knowledge as core requirements. Reference that profile when preparing your job description documentation for USCIS, particularly if your employer needs to demonstrate why a bachelor's in a specific field is the minimum for the role.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Director of Continuous Improvement role qualify as an H-1B specialty occupation?
Yes, in most cases. USCIS looks for a direct relationship between the role and a specific bachelor's degree field. For this title, industrial engineering, operations management, or manufacturing engineering typically satisfy the requirement. Roles framed around general management without a technical degree requirement can face scrutiny, so the job description language matters significantly.
Which visa types realistically cover this role for foreign nationals?
The H-1B is the primary path. TN visa status under USMCA covers industrial engineers for Canadian and Mexican nationals, and this role can qualify if the employer frames it within that profession. E-3 visa applies to Australian nationals in specialty occupations. Each option requires the employer to verify the degree requirement and prevailing wage through DOL before filing.
How do I find employers actively sponsoring this role?
Migrate Mate lists employers with verified sponsorship history for Director of Continuous Improvement positions, searchable by location and industry. This lets you focus outreach on companies that have already filed for this title rather than those that may not have considered sponsorship before.
Does a Six Sigma certification strengthen a sponsorship case if my degree field is borderline?
It helps contextualize the role's technical requirements, but USCIS focuses primarily on the academic degree, not professional certifications. A Black Belt or Master Black Belt credential can support the employer's argument that the position requires highly specialized knowledge, particularly when paired with a degree in a related technical field like industrial or systems engineering.
Can an employer use PERM for this role, and what makes it complex at the director level?
Yes, PERM is the standard labor certification route for EB-2 and EB-3 green cards. At the director level, complexity arises because PERM requires the employer to prove no qualified U.S. worker was available. For this title, employers must specify the degree requirement precisely in recruitment materials, and any candidate who meets the minimum qualifications could technically disqualify the PERM application.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Director of Continuous Improvement 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.