Director of Student Services Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Director of Student Services positions at universities and colleges frequently sponsor H-1B visa and O-1 visas for qualified international candidates. These roles typically require a master's degree in education, student affairs, or related field, plus several years of progressive experience in higher education administration. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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INTRODUCTION
At the University of California, Berkeley, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty and staff.
As a world-leading institution, Berkeley is known for its academic and research excellence, public mission, diverse student body, and commitment to equity and social justice. Since our founding in 1868, we have driven innovation, creating global intellectual, economic and social value.
We are looking for applicants who reflect California's diversity and want to be part of an inclusive, equity-focused community that views education as a matter of social justice. Please consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, Principles of Community, and Strategic Plan.
At UC Berkeley, we believe that learning is a fundamental part of working, and provide space for supportive colleague communities via numerous employee resource groups (staff organizations). Our goal is for everyone on the Berkeley campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support this by providing all of our full-time staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year to engage in professional development activities. Find out more about how you can grow your career at UC Berkeley.
DEPARTMENTAL OVERVIEW
The Blum Center for Developing Economies is a multidisciplinary research and education unit reporting to the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research. The Center leverages the talent, enthusiasm, and energy of the University of California, Berkeley community to address problems in low-resource areas. Our interdisciplinary problem-solving approach draws on students and faculty dedicated to facing this challenge through innovative initiatives, education, and research.
The Blum Center houses an undergraduate minor in Global Poverty & Practice (GPP); a PhD Designated Emphasis in Development Engineering; the Big Ideas Contest, the University of California's premier social entrepreneurship catalyst; and a Master of Development Engineering (MDevEng), UC Berkeley's first professional degree committed to solving complex global challenges across the corporate, nonprofit, and government sectors.
Supporting roughly 60 graduate and 100 undergraduate students each year, this position manages a comprehensive range of student services duties. This role is vital in providing a highly supportive, personalized experience for students from their initial recruitment all the way through to graduation.
APPLICATION REVIEW DATE
The First Review Date for this job is: June 19, 2026 - Open until filled
Responsibilities
30% Program Management:
Applying professional student services concepts, provides the full range of student services to the student population served by the organization. Supports program management for the Development Engineering Designated Emphasis, MDevEng program, and GPP Minor, including day-to-day activities and events throughout the duration of the year.
Plans, implements, and manages student events, such as new student orientations and workshops. Coordinates with staff and faculty, communicates with Building Services as necessary, invites attendees, and arranges catering. Requires occasional evenings and weekends.
In collaboration with the DevEng Program Director, coordinates the MDevEng student capstone project administration, including facilitating communication and alignment of capstone expectations, assisting in addressing student and faculty questions, and organizing the end-of-semester capstone oral exam and presentation event.
Provide strategic support and thought leadership to improve infrastructure, systems, and processes for all programs.
30% Academic Advising:
Advises DevEng and GPP Minor students on program requirements, course selection, and academic progress.
Guides GPP Minor students on the identification of suitable volunteer and internship experiences.
Ensure students are on track with their academic plans, identify students with progression problems, and recommend interventions.
Coordinates with the DevEng faculty advising committee to set up faculty advising times. Shares relevant resources, events, and opportunities with students.
20% Outreach, Recruitment, and Admissions:
Coordinate with the Blum Center communications team to support outreach to increase visibility of the GPP Minor and DevEng across campus and beyond.
Identify compelling student stories for the Blum Center communications team to share with a broad audience.
In collaboration with the Program Director and Outreach Manager, participate in external outreach for the MDevEng program, including travel to 1-2 recruiting events per year, and support coordination of yield strategies for admitted students.
Advises prospective DevEng applicants on necessary academic preparation and alignment with program goals.
10% Supervise 1-2 student assistants and co-supervise 6-8 student Peer Advisors.
5% Support Director of Student Programs and DevEng Program Director with managing and maintaining student and alumni records on the campus's Student Information System (SIS) and internal Salesforce database.
5% Support occasional other initiatives at the Blum Center.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Working knowledge of advising and counseling techniques.
- Solid verbal and written communication skills.
- Knowledge and experience working with University-specific computer application programs such as Campus Solutions and/or other course management systems (e.g., Canvas, Google Suite, etc.). Knowledge of University and departmental principles and procedures involved in risk assessment and evaluating risks as to likelihood and consequences.
- Demonstrated excellent interpersonal skills with faculty, staff, students, and colleagues.
- Multicultural competencies: ability to work with diverse populations.
- Ability in problem identification and reasoning; ability to develop original ideas to solve problems.
- Skills in judgment and decision-making, problem-solving, and identifying measures of the system performance and the actions to improve performance.
- Demonstrated capacity to manage and address student concerns with empathy and professionalism.
- Bachelor's degree in a related area and/or equivalent experience/training.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Knowledge of complex U.S. visa and immigration procedures, compliance issues, and employment eligibility/authorization for international students and scholars.
- Experience with Adobe Creative Suite (including Adobe InDesign and Photoshop).
- Master's degree in related areas and/or equivalent experience/training.
- Experience using Salesforce and email marketing systems (e.g., Constant Contact, Mailchimp).
SALARY & BENEFITS
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.
Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.
The budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $65,000 - $90,000.
OTHER INFORMATION
This position is covered by the collective bargaining agreement between UAW (United Auto Workers) and the University of California Regents for RP or SV.
CONVICTION HISTORY BACKGROUND
This is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check due to the nature of the job responsibilities. Berkeley does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.
MISCONDUCT DISCLOSURE
As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.
"Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:
- UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
- UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
- Abusive Conduct in the Workplace
- 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.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Director of Student Services Jobs
Target institutions with international student populations
Universities with large international enrollments are more experienced with visa sponsorship processes and have dedicated immigration support staff to handle H-1B filings efficiently.
Emphasize multilingual capabilities and cultural competency
Highlight language skills and cross-cultural experience in your application, as these directly support international student success and justify the specialized knowledge requirement for H-1B approval.
Research institutional visa sponsorship history
Check LCA disclosure data to identify universities that have previously sponsored H-1B visas for student services roles, indicating established sponsorship policies and budget allocation.
Position experience with diverse student populations
Frame your background working with international students, underrepresented groups, or complex cases as specialized knowledge that qualifies for visa sponsorship under specialty occupation criteria.
Connect role to institutional strategic priorities
Demonstrate how your expertise in student retention, crisis intervention, or program development aligns with the institution's diversity goals and international enrollment targets.
Consider both public and private institution pathways
Private universities often have more flexible sponsorship budgets, while public institutions may offer cap-exempt H-1B opportunities that avoid the annual lottery entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions
What degree is required for Director of Student Services H-1B sponsorship?
Most positions require a master's degree in student affairs, higher education administration, counseling, or a related field. Some employers may accept a bachelor's degree plus extensive relevant experience, but the master's requirement is standard for director-level roles and strengthens the H-1B visa specialty occupation argument significantly.
How to find Director of Student Services jobs with visa sponsorship?
To find Director of Student Services positions with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate, which specializes in connecting international candidates with sponsoring employers. Focus your search on universities, community colleges, international schools, and educational consulting firms. These organizations commonly sponsor H-1B, O-1, and other work visas for experienced student services professionals with advanced degrees and relevant leadership experience.
Do universities commonly sponsor visas for Director of Student Services roles?
Yes, universities regularly sponsor H-1B visas for student services director positions, especially those serving international student populations. Many higher education institutions are cap-exempt, meaning they can file H-1B petitions year-round without competing in the annual lottery, making sponsorship more accessible than private sector roles.
What experience qualifies for visa sponsorship in student services?
Qualifying experience includes academic advising, international student services, residence life, counseling center work, or student conduct administration. Employers particularly value experience with crisis intervention, program development, student retention initiatives, and working with diverse populations including international students and underrepresented groups.
Can O-1 visa be used for Director of Student Services positions?
O-1 visas are possible but uncommon for student services roles unless you have extraordinary achievements like published research, national speaking engagements, or awards in higher education. Most candidates pursue H-1B sponsorship as it better fits the typical career trajectory for student affairs professionals.
How does working at cap-exempt institutions affect visa sponsorship?
Cap-exempt institutions like universities can file H-1B petitions any time of year without lottery restrictions, making sponsorship more predictable. This includes both initial applications and transfers from cap-subject employers. Public universities, nonprofit research institutions, and university-affiliated organizations typically qualify for cap-exempt status.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Director of Student Services 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.