Director Of Strategic Initiatives Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Director of Strategic Initiatives roles attract H-1B visa, O-1 visa, and EB-1C sponsorship from large employers running enterprise transformation programs. Most openings require a graduate degree and 10-plus years of cross-functional leadership, making specialty occupation approval straightforward for qualified candidates. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
Find Director Of Strategic Initiatives JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 686+ Director Of Strategic Initiatives jobs
See all 686+ Director Of Strategic Initiatives Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Director Of Strategic Initiatives roles.
Get Access To All JobsPosition Summary
The Associate Director, Operations & Strategic Initiatives provides operational leadership, project management, and strategic coordination for Erikson's Fussy Baby Network (FBN) and the FAN (Facilitating Attuned Interactions) National Network. Reporting to Director of Training and Dissemination and working closely with the Executive Director, this position manages the implementation of national initiatives, training operations, collaborative partnerships, network engagement, evaluation activities, and organizational systems that support the continued growth and impact of FAN.
This role serves as a central leader in advancing FAN's mission by developing efficient systems and processes, managing complex projects, supporting strategic partnerships, coordinating national network activities, and ensuring high-quality, equitable, and responsive operations that support professionals serving young children and families. This position owns operational execution, logistics, scheduling, systems, communications, and implementation support.
This is a full-time, externally funded position.
Essential Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Partnership Development
- Manage strategic initiatives that advance FAN's mission, including project planning, implementation, partnership development, and organizational growth opportunities.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with training contractors throughout the lifecycle of a FAN Training contract.
- Support leadership through project coordination, proposal development, reports, presentations, and operational oversight of assigned staff, consultants, or project teams.
Training & Network Operations
- Partner with the Director of FAN Training and Dissemination to cultivate, track, and develop an implementation plan, including a budget, for new FAN Training contracts.
- Collaborate with Erikson's Finance, Office of Special Projects, and Legal departments to support seamless project contracting and planning.
- Partner with the Executive Director, Director of FAN Training and Dissemination, and Erikson's Finance Department to develop and monitor budgets.
- Conduct operational planning, logistics, database tracking, scheduling, and implementation support for FAN trainings under the strategic direction of the Director of Training and Dissemination.
- Facilitate collaboration and engagement across trainers, network partners, advisory groups, committees, and participating sites to strengthen shared learning and impact.
- Provide operational coordination and engagement support for National Network activities under the strategic leadership of the Director and Executive Director, including International Network Meetings and other network convenings.
Evaluation, Learning & Resource Development
- Partner with evaluator(s) and project teams to implement data collection, quality improvement, and evaluation activities that support program effectiveness and strategic decision-making.
- Analyze and communicate findings through reports, dashboards, surveys, and other tools that promote organizational learning and continuous improvement.
- Partner with the FAN Team to coordinate the development, maintenance, and dissemination of curriculum, educational materials, and resources while monitoring consistency in content, branding, and accessibility.
Organizational Collaboration
- Foster effective communication and collaboration across Erikson departments, consultants, evaluators, and external partners.
- Serve as a key liaison to support cross-functional initiatives, team coordination, and organizational priorities.
Required Qualifications
- Master's degree in organizational leadership, human services, or a related field.
- Five+ years of progressively responsible experience in program management, operations, project management, or organizational leadership.
- Demonstrated success managing complex projects involving multiple stakeholders using a relational approach.
- Experience coordinating training, professional development, or educational initiatives.
- Strong organizational, planning, and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Experience developing systems and processes that improve organizational effectiveness.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
- Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive practice.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, database management systems, and project management tools.
- Willingness to travel periodically, including occasional overnight travel.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience implementing evidence-informed or evidence-based models.
- Knowledge of reflective practice, adult learning principles, and workforce development.
- Experience in curriculum development or instructional design.
- Spanish-language proficiency preferred.
- Experience working with national networks, collaborative partnerships, or multi-site initiatives.
- Supervisory or team leadership experience.
- Familiarity with evaluation methods, quality improvement, and data-informed decision-making.
- Experience working with professionals serving young children, families, and communities.
Reporting Relationship
This position reports to the Director of FAN Training and Dissemination.
Erikson is open to individual candidates from all backgrounds and experiences. Candidates should apply whether or not they feel that they meet all the requirements or qualifications for the position. We are looking forward to having exciting conversations with engaging candidates and will welcome your application.
About Erikson Institute
We are the premier early childhood development organization committed to ensuring that all children have equitable opportunities to realize their potential.
Erikson Institute’s graduate school uniquely prepares child development, education, and social work leaders to improve the lives of young children and their families. Our impact and influence are further amplified through our innovative academic programs, applied research, direct services in the community, advocacy, policy and leadership.
Erikson Institute is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, veteran status, family responsibilities, or any other classes protected by federal, state, or local laws. In addition, Erikson Institute provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state and local laws (including during the application or hiring process).
Position Summary
The Associate Director, Operations & Strategic Initiatives provides operational leadership, project management, and strategic coordination for Erikson's Fussy Baby Network (FBN) and the FAN (Facilitating Attuned Interactions) National Network. Reporting to Director of Training and Dissemination and working closely with the Executive Director, this position manages the implementation of national initiatives, training operations, collaborative partnerships, network engagement, evaluation activities, and organizational systems that support the continued growth and impact of FAN.
This role serves as a central leader in advancing FAN's mission by developing efficient systems and processes, managing complex projects, supporting strategic partnerships, coordinating national network activities, and ensuring high-quality, equitable, and responsive operations that support professionals serving young children and families. This position owns operational execution, logistics, scheduling, systems, communications, and implementation support.
This is a full-time, externally funded position.
Essential Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Partnership Development
- Manage strategic initiatives that advance FAN's mission, including project planning, implementation, partnership development, and organizational growth opportunities.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with training contractors throughout the lifecycle of a FAN Training contract.
- Support leadership through project coordination, proposal development, reports, presentations, and operational oversight of assigned staff, consultants, or project teams.
Training & Network Operations
- Partner with the Director of FAN Training and Dissemination to cultivate, track, and develop an implementation plan, including a budget, for new FAN Training contracts.
- Collaborate with Erikson's Finance, Office of Special Projects, and Legal departments to support seamless project contracting and planning.
- Partner with the Executive Director, Director of FAN Training and Dissemination, and Erikson's Finance Department to develop and monitor budgets.
- Conduct operational planning, logistics, database tracking, scheduling, and implementation support for FAN trainings under the strategic direction of the Director of Training and Dissemination.
- Facilitate collaboration and engagement across trainers, network partners, advisory groups, committees, and participating sites to strengthen shared learning and impact.
- Provide operational coordination and engagement support for National Network activities under the strategic leadership of the Director and Executive Director, including International Network Meetings and other network convenings.
Evaluation, Learning & Resource Development
- Partner with evaluator(s) and project teams to implement data collection, quality improvement, and evaluation activities that support program effectiveness and strategic decision-making.
- Analyze and communicate findings through reports, dashboards, surveys, and other tools that promote organizational learning and continuous improvement.
- Partner with the FAN Team to coordinate the development, maintenance, and dissemination of curriculum, educational materials, and resources while monitoring consistency in content, branding, and accessibility.
Organizational Collaboration
- Foster effective communication and collaboration across Erikson departments, consultants, evaluators, and external partners.
- Serve as a key liaison to support cross-functional initiatives, team coordination, and organizational priorities.
Required Qualifications
- Master's degree in organizational leadership, human services, or a related field.
- Five+ years of progressively responsible experience in program management, operations, project management, or organizational leadership.
- Demonstrated success managing complex projects involving multiple stakeholders using a relational approach.
- Experience coordinating training, professional development, or educational initiatives.
- Strong organizational, planning, and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Experience developing systems and processes that improve organizational effectiveness.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
- Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and culturally responsive practice.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, database management systems, and project management tools.
- Willingness to travel periodically, including occasional overnight travel.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience implementing evidence-informed or evidence-based models.
- Knowledge of reflective practice, adult learning principles, and workforce development.
- Experience in curriculum development or instructional design.
- Spanish-language proficiency preferred.
- Experience working with national networks, collaborative partnerships, or multi-site initiatives.
- Supervisory or team leadership experience.
- Familiarity with evaluation methods, quality improvement, and data-informed decision-making.
- Experience working with professionals serving young children, families, and communities.
Reporting Relationship
This position reports to the Director of FAN Training and Dissemination.
Erikson is open to individual candidates from all backgrounds and experiences. Candidates should apply whether or not they feel that they meet all the requirements or qualifications for the position. We are looking forward to having exciting conversations with engaging candidates and will welcome your application.
About Erikson Institute
We are the premier early childhood development organization committed to ensuring that all children have equitable opportunities to realize their potential.
Erikson Institute’s graduate school uniquely prepares child development, education, and social work leaders to improve the lives of young children and their families. Our impact and influence are further amplified through our innovative academic programs, applied research, direct services in the community, advocacy, policy and leadership.
Erikson Institute is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, veteran status, family responsibilities, or any other classes protected by federal, state, or local laws. In addition, Erikson Institute provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state and local laws (including during the application or hiring process).
See all 686+ Director Of Strategic Initiatives Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Director Of Strategic Initiatives roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Director Of Strategic Initiatives Jobs
Target large employers with established immigration programs
Fortune 500 companies, consulting firms, and healthcare systems sponsor Director-level roles most consistently. They have dedicated HR and legal teams that handle H-1B petitions regularly, making the process faster and less likely to face internal resistance from hiring managers.
Frame your role around specialized expertise, not general management
USCIS scrutinizes Director titles for specialty occupation eligibility. Emphasize the specific domain expertise your role requires, such as enterprise transformation, M&A integration, or digital strategy, rather than broad organizational oversight, to strengthen the H-1B petition significantly.
An MBA or master's degree in a relevant field strengthens your petition
Directors of Strategic Initiatives typically need a degree in business, finance, economics, or a related field. A graduate degree tied directly to your strategic function makes the specialty occupation argument cleaner and reduces the risk of a USCIS Request for Evidence.
O-1A is a viable alternative if you have a strong professional track record
If you've led high-profile initiatives, received industry recognition, or commanded significantly above-average compensation, the O-1A extraordinary ability visa bypasses the H-1B lottery entirely. Directors with measurable enterprise impact are well-positioned to meet multiple O-1A evidentiary criteria.
EB-1C is your fastest green card path if you move between related companies
The EB-1C multinational manager and executive category suits Directors moving from a foreign affiliate or subsidiary to a U.S. parent company. It skips PERM labor certification entirely, making it the most efficient permanent residence pathway for senior strategic leaders.
Document your scope of authority and cross-functional impact in writing
USCIS wants evidence that your role involves specialized judgment, not just coordination. Offer letters, org charts, board presentations, and documented initiative outcomes all support your petition. Employers should work with immigration counsel to build a strong supporting evidence package.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Director of Strategic Initiatives role eligible for H-1B sponsorship?
Yes, but the petition requires careful framing. USCIS must be convinced the role constitutes a specialty occupation requiring at least a bachelor's degree in a specific field. Directors whose work centers on a defined discipline, such as corporate strategy, financial planning, or operational transformation, have a stronger case than those framed as general administrators. An experienced immigration attorney should draft the job description and support letter.
What degree does a Director of Strategic Initiatives typically need for visa sponsorship?
Most employers require a bachelor's degree at minimum, with a master's degree in business administration, finance, economics, or public policy being common at the Director level. USCIS evaluates whether the degree field aligns with the specific strategic function of the role. A generic management degree may require supplemental evidence, while a specialized master's degree makes the specialty occupation argument considerably stronger.
How can I find Director of Strategic Initiatives roles that offer visa sponsorship?
Migrate Mate is the best place to start. It aggregates sponsorship-friendly job listings and filters specifically for employers willing to support work visa candidates, saving you from sorting through hundreds of postings from companies that won't sponsor. Directors in strategic planning, enterprise transformation, and corporate development will find the most relevant openings there.
Can a Director of Strategic Initiatives qualify for an O-1A visa instead of H-1B?
Yes, and for strong candidates it's often the better option because it bypasses the H-1B lottery. The O-1A requires evidence of extraordinary ability across criteria such as high compensation relative to peers, critical role at distinguished organizations, or original contributions of major significance to the field. Directors who have led visible enterprise-wide programs, published thought leadership, or held board advisory roles are well-positioned to qualify.
What is the H-1B approval rate for Director-level strategic roles, and what causes denials?
USCIS doesn't publish approval rates by job title, but Director-level petitions face elevated scrutiny because the title can imply general management rather than specialized expertise. The most common denial reason is failure to establish specialty occupation, particularly when the job description emphasizes leadership and coordination over domain-specific analytical or strategic skills. Petitions with detailed duty descriptions tied to a specific professional discipline and supported by industry standards evidence perform best.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Director Of Strategic Initiatives 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.