Program Associate Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Program Associate roles are actively sponsored under the H-1B visa, with employers in nonprofits, international development, and public health filing petitions for candidates with relevant bachelor's degrees. Competition is real, but sponsorship is a standard part of hiring in this field. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Get Access To All JobsJob # 042861
Department Code 21405-2604
Department Institute for Sustainable Engagement
Job Title Program Associate
Location Syracuse, NY
Campus Remote
Commitment to On-Campus Experience
Syracuse University is committed to delivering an exceptional student experience through vibrant, engaged campus communities. This position is based at the above campus location and requires regular in-person presence to support our students, collaborate with colleagues, and contribute to our thriving academic environment. Syracuse University values the collaboration, mentorship, and spontaneous connections that happen when our community works together on campus. Remote work arrangements are limited in accordance with University policy.
Pay Range $62,400
Pay Determination
Pay rates at Syracuse University are based on a combination of factors including, but not limited to, the job responsibilities; the candidate’s education, training, work experience and key competencies; the university’s strategic priorities; internal peer equity; applicable federal, state, local laws, grant funding and contractual requisites; and external market analyses.
Staff Level S4
FLSA Status Exempt
Hours
Standard University business hours
8:30am – 5:00pm (academic year)
8:00am – 4:30pm (summer)
Hours may vary based on operational needs.
Job Type Full-time
Unionized Position Code UA
Job Description
The Institute for Sustainability Engagement (ISE) seeks a skilled and dynamic Program Associate to support the implementation of sponsored programs (i.e., grants) funded by the Center for Sustainable Materials Management at SUNY-ESF, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and others. Grant focuses include sustainable materials management (i.e., waste reduction, reuse, and recycling), natural resources management, environmental sustainability, climate change, and environmental finance. The Program Associate will lead efforts for NYS communities and Native Nations to help advance the adoption of SMM solutions, especially those related to recycling stream contamination reduction, waste reduction and reuse, and outreach and education. Tasks will include but are not limited to providing technical assistance, developing tools and resources, facilitating professional and community groups, conducting outreach and engagement, and grant writing. This is a 40-hour per week, year-round position. This is a remote position and periodic travel throughout NYS will be required. The Program Associate will report to the Institute’s Program Manager.
This position is anticipated to be filled on a fully remote basis if the identified candidate is not currently located in the Syracuse, NY area (within 50 miles). Not all geographical areas within the United States are eligible. Employment offers at Syracuse University are based on a combination of factors including, but not limited to, the job responsibilities; the candidate’s education, training, work experience and key competencies; the university’s strategic priorities; internal peer equity; applicable federal, state, local laws, grant funding and contractual requisites; and external market analyses.
This position is part of a bargaining unit and is represented by the union SEIU, Local 200United.
Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in environmental studies, natural resources management, sustainability, or closely related focus, and at least two years of experience working in the field(s) of waste reduction, sustainable materials management, natural resources management, environmental education, sustainable development, and/or environmental consulting.
Skills and Knowledge
Required skills:
- Meeting planning and facilitation
- Written communication
- Outreach and engagement
- Interpersonal communication
- Time/task management
- Systems thinking
- Survey methods
- Grant writing
Required knowledge:
- Sustainable materials management concepts (e.g., waste reduction, reuse, and recycling)
- Recycling stream contamination reduction
- Organics recycling (e.g., composting) systems
- Recycling system infrastructure
- Sustainable community development strategies
- Environmental communication best practices
Responsibilities
- Co-lead outreach for programs, projects, activities, and tasks related to environmental/community sustainability and sustainable materials management (SMM).
- Manage initiatives of communications team, including student design interns, to develop content for communications such as websites, social media accounts, press releases, informational flyers, e-newsletters, and annual reports.
- Develop, facilitate, and promote technical assistance and training opportunities for key stakeholders in rural and urban communities to advance SMM throughout NY and PR.
- Promote SMM-related resources, tools, educational materials, and other critical outputs and deliverables.
- Facilitate statewide stakeholder groups including scheduling meetings, facilitating communications and reminders, taking meeting notes, and managing group-related documents (e.g., Recycle Right NY Stakeholders Group).
- Co-lead the coordination of events and meetings related to SMM including planning, logistics, promotion, facilitation, and follow-up.
- Incorporate experiential knowledge, current scientific research, and up-to-date industry best practices into SMM activities, outputs, products, and deliverables.
- Advance the mission and vision of ISE, the Institute, by leading grant-funded environmental and community focused projects throughout U.S. EPA Region 2 (i.e., New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and eight native nations).
- Incorporate approaches to all Institute-related work that strive for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
- Collaborate with Institute’s Program Managers and Directors with assessing and continually improving the environmental, social, and economic services it provides to NY and PR communities and beyond.
- Foster the development of professional skills, expertise and knowledge, and career goals of the Institute’s project assistants and student interns through mentorship and by cultivating an inclusive and supportive work environment.
- Support and strengthen synergistic relationships in NY that enhance the Institute’s capacity and programming and that benefit its partners and stakeholders and their communities.
- Develop and implement feedback mechanisms for project partners, stakeholders, and audiences served by Institute projects and programs.
- Utilize program evaluation methods and metrics to assess successes, impacts, and opportunities for improvement for Institute projects and programs.
- Identify new funding opportunities for NYS programming related to environmental/community sustainability, SMM, and sustainable organics management.
- Conceptualize innovative and effective projects related to SMM and sustainable organics management and integrate them by writing grant proposal applications for future funding opportunities.
- Develop quarterly reports for grant-funded projects and activities including work conducted, grant deliverables completed, and qualitative and quantitative impacts.
- Other duties and tasks as determined and assigned.
Physical Requirements
Not Applicable
Tools/Equipment
Not Applicable
Application Instructions
In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume and cover letter.
About Syracuse University
Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience.
The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the University’s 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.syracuse.edu.
About the Syracuse area
Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.
EEO Statement
Syracuse University is an equal-opportunity institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities.
Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans
Syracuse University has a long history of engaging veterans and the military-connected community through its educational programs, community outreach, and employment programs. After World War II, Syracuse University welcomed more than 10,000 returning veterans to our campus, and those veterans literally transformed Syracuse University into the national research institution it is today. The University’s contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy, and extends to both class-leading initiatives focused on making an SU degree accessible and affordable to the post-9/11 generation of veterans, and also programs designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and military family members.
Commitment to a Respectful and Welcoming Community
Syracuse University fosters a welcoming learning environment where students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all aspects of campus life reflect a broad range of perspectives and experiences. The University community values the many similarities and differences among individuals and groups. At Syracuse, we are committed to preparing students to engage with and appreciate the richness of backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences that shape our society. To achieve this, we strive to cultivate a community that respects and encourages open dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect.
Job # 042861
Department Code 21405-2604
Department Institute for Sustainable Engagement
Job Title Program Associate
Location Syracuse, NY
Campus Remote
Commitment to On-Campus Experience
Syracuse University is committed to delivering an exceptional student experience through vibrant, engaged campus communities. This position is based at the above campus location and requires regular in-person presence to support our students, collaborate with colleagues, and contribute to our thriving academic environment. Syracuse University values the collaboration, mentorship, and spontaneous connections that happen when our community works together on campus. Remote work arrangements are limited in accordance with University policy.
Pay Range $62,400
Pay Determination
Pay rates at Syracuse University are based on a combination of factors including, but not limited to, the job responsibilities; the candidate’s education, training, work experience and key competencies; the university’s strategic priorities; internal peer equity; applicable federal, state, local laws, grant funding and contractual requisites; and external market analyses.
Staff Level S4
FLSA Status Exempt
Hours
Standard University business hours
8:30am – 5:00pm (academic year)
8:00am – 4:30pm (summer)
Hours may vary based on operational needs.
Job Type Full-time
Unionized Position Code UA
Job Description
The Institute for Sustainability Engagement (ISE) seeks a skilled and dynamic Program Associate to support the implementation of sponsored programs (i.e., grants) funded by the Center for Sustainable Materials Management at SUNY-ESF, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and others. Grant focuses include sustainable materials management (i.e., waste reduction, reuse, and recycling), natural resources management, environmental sustainability, climate change, and environmental finance. The Program Associate will lead efforts for NYS communities and Native Nations to help advance the adoption of SMM solutions, especially those related to recycling stream contamination reduction, waste reduction and reuse, and outreach and education. Tasks will include but are not limited to providing technical assistance, developing tools and resources, facilitating professional and community groups, conducting outreach and engagement, and grant writing. This is a 40-hour per week, year-round position. This is a remote position and periodic travel throughout NYS will be required. The Program Associate will report to the Institute’s Program Manager.
This position is anticipated to be filled on a fully remote basis if the identified candidate is not currently located in the Syracuse, NY area (within 50 miles). Not all geographical areas within the United States are eligible. Employment offers at Syracuse University are based on a combination of factors including, but not limited to, the job responsibilities; the candidate’s education, training, work experience and key competencies; the university’s strategic priorities; internal peer equity; applicable federal, state, local laws, grant funding and contractual requisites; and external market analyses.
This position is part of a bargaining unit and is represented by the union SEIU, Local 200United.
Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in environmental studies, natural resources management, sustainability, or closely related focus, and at least two years of experience working in the field(s) of waste reduction, sustainable materials management, natural resources management, environmental education, sustainable development, and/or environmental consulting.
Skills and Knowledge
Required skills:
- Meeting planning and facilitation
- Written communication
- Outreach and engagement
- Interpersonal communication
- Time/task management
- Systems thinking
- Survey methods
- Grant writing
Required knowledge:
- Sustainable materials management concepts (e.g., waste reduction, reuse, and recycling)
- Recycling stream contamination reduction
- Organics recycling (e.g., composting) systems
- Recycling system infrastructure
- Sustainable community development strategies
- Environmental communication best practices
Responsibilities
- Co-lead outreach for programs, projects, activities, and tasks related to environmental/community sustainability and sustainable materials management (SMM).
- Manage initiatives of communications team, including student design interns, to develop content for communications such as websites, social media accounts, press releases, informational flyers, e-newsletters, and annual reports.
- Develop, facilitate, and promote technical assistance and training opportunities for key stakeholders in rural and urban communities to advance SMM throughout NY and PR.
- Promote SMM-related resources, tools, educational materials, and other critical outputs and deliverables.
- Facilitate statewide stakeholder groups including scheduling meetings, facilitating communications and reminders, taking meeting notes, and managing group-related documents (e.g., Recycle Right NY Stakeholders Group).
- Co-lead the coordination of events and meetings related to SMM including planning, logistics, promotion, facilitation, and follow-up.
- Incorporate experiential knowledge, current scientific research, and up-to-date industry best practices into SMM activities, outputs, products, and deliverables.
- Advance the mission and vision of ISE, the Institute, by leading grant-funded environmental and community focused projects throughout U.S. EPA Region 2 (i.e., New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and eight native nations).
- Incorporate approaches to all Institute-related work that strive for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
- Collaborate with Institute’s Program Managers and Directors with assessing and continually improving the environmental, social, and economic services it provides to NY and PR communities and beyond.
- Foster the development of professional skills, expertise and knowledge, and career goals of the Institute’s project assistants and student interns through mentorship and by cultivating an inclusive and supportive work environment.
- Support and strengthen synergistic relationships in NY that enhance the Institute’s capacity and programming and that benefit its partners and stakeholders and their communities.
- Develop and implement feedback mechanisms for project partners, stakeholders, and audiences served by Institute projects and programs.
- Utilize program evaluation methods and metrics to assess successes, impacts, and opportunities for improvement for Institute projects and programs.
- Identify new funding opportunities for NYS programming related to environmental/community sustainability, SMM, and sustainable organics management.
- Conceptualize innovative and effective projects related to SMM and sustainable organics management and integrate them by writing grant proposal applications for future funding opportunities.
- Develop quarterly reports for grant-funded projects and activities including work conducted, grant deliverables completed, and qualitative and quantitative impacts.
- Other duties and tasks as determined and assigned.
Physical Requirements
Not Applicable
Tools/Equipment
Not Applicable
Application Instructions
In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume and cover letter.
About Syracuse University
Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience.
The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the University’s 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.syracuse.edu.
About the Syracuse area
Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.
EEO Statement
Syracuse University is an equal-opportunity institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities.
Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans
Syracuse University has a long history of engaging veterans and the military-connected community through its educational programs, community outreach, and employment programs. After World War II, Syracuse University welcomed more than 10,000 returning veterans to our campus, and those veterans literally transformed Syracuse University into the national research institution it is today. The University’s contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy, and extends to both class-leading initiatives focused on making an SU degree accessible and affordable to the post-9/11 generation of veterans, and also programs designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and military family members.
Commitment to a Respectful and Welcoming Community
Syracuse University fosters a welcoming learning environment where students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all aspects of campus life reflect a broad range of perspectives and experiences. The University community values the many similarities and differences among individuals and groups. At Syracuse, we are committed to preparing students to engage with and appreciate the richness of backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences that shape our society. To achieve this, we strive to cultivate a community that respects and encourages open dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect.
See all 14,878+ Program Associate Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Program Associate roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as a Program Associate
Target mission-driven organizations with H-1B track records
Nonprofits, think tanks, and international development organizations regularly sponsor Program Associates. These employers are often cap-exempt, meaning they can file H-1B petitions year-round without entering the annual lottery, which speeds up your timeline considerably.
Frame your degree as directly tied to the program area
H-1B approval for Program Associate roles depends on showing your degree matches the program's subject matter. A public health role requires a relevant degree like public health or epidemiology, not just any bachelor's. Generic degrees raise scrutiny during USCIS adjudication.
Raise sponsorship early, not at the offer stage
Many Program Associate hiring managers at nonprofits and research institutions have sponsored before. Asking whether they've sponsored H-1B holders in similar roles before your final interview avoids surprises and signals that you've done your homework on the process.
Highlight program management experience, not just subject expertise
USCIS scrutinizes whether Program Associate duties require a specific degree. Emphasizing grant reporting, stakeholder coordination, and data analysis strengthens the specialty occupation argument, since these tasks map more directly to a defined academic discipline than general program support.
Understand the cap-exempt advantage if applying to universities or hospitals
Universities, affiliated research centers, and nonprofit hospitals are cap-exempt H-1B employers. If you're applying to Program Associate roles at these institutions, your employer can petition at any time of year without waiting for the April lottery window.
OPT STEM extensions don't apply to most Program Associate roles
Program Associate positions in policy, communications, or social sectors typically don't qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. If your OPT is running out, prioritize employers who can file an H-1B change of status petition before your authorized period ends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Program Associate jobs commonly come with visa sponsorship?
Yes, particularly at nonprofits, international NGOs, research institutions, and universities, which regularly sponsor H-1B visas for Program Associates. For-profit consulting firms also sponsor, though less consistently. The strongest sponsorship track records are at cap-exempt employers like universities and hospital-affiliated research centers, where there's no lottery and petitions can be filed any time. Browse current openings with confirmed sponsorship on Migrate Mate.
What visa category covers Program Associate roles?
H-1B is the primary work visa for Program Associate positions. To qualify, the role must be classified as a specialty occupation, meaning it requires a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific field directly related to the job. Roles in public health, international development, social policy, or research analysis typically satisfy this standard. Some positions at qualifying international organizations may also be eligible for G-4 or other organization-specific statuses.
Does my degree field need to match the program area to get sponsored?
For H-1B purposes, yes. USCIS requires that your degree is in a field directly related to the job's duties, not just any bachelor's degree. A Program Associate at a public health organization typically needs a degree in public health, epidemiology, or a closely related field. A degree in unrelated fields like fine arts or general business is unlikely to support the specialty occupation requirement for most program-focused roles.
Are Program Associate roles at nonprofits easier to get sponsored at than at for-profits?
In one specific way, yes. Nonprofits that qualify as cap-exempt employers, including universities, government research affiliates, and nonprofit hospitals, can file H-1B petitions outside the annual lottery cap. This means no waiting until April and no risk of not being selected. However, cap-exempt status depends on the organization's classification, not the job title itself. General nonprofits that don't meet the cap-exempt criteria still go through the standard lottery.
I'm on OPT and my Program Associate job offer just came through. What should happen next?
Your employer needs to file an H-1B petition before your OPT expires. If you're at a cap-subject employer, this typically means filing during the April registration window for an October 1 start date. If you're at a cap-exempt employer, they can file at any time and you can begin work once USCIS approves the petition. Make sure your employer starts the Labor Condition Application process at least 60 days before your OPT end date to avoid gaps in work authorization.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Program Associate 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.