Vice President of J-1 Visa Programs

Strategic Leadership & Growth :

• Develop and execute a long-term vision for all sponsors’ J-1 visa programs. 
• Identify and expand new opportunities for program growth in industries such as hospitality, education, and STEM. 
• Build partnerships with employers, government agencies, and international organizations. 
• Oversee marketing, outreach, and brand positioning to attract quality participants and host organizations. 
• Drive revenue growth through program expansion, pricing strategies, and operational efficiencies. 
• Lead and manage the J division, developing strategies for program growth, optimization, and client satisfaction. 
• Foster a cross-departmental flow of information and efficiencies. 
• Serve as a key point of contact for departmental managers and directors and advise on strategies for visa processing, client services and sales development. 
• Assist in identifying and recruiting key leadership talent to support departmental needs.   

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Regulatory Compliance & Governance:

• Ensure full compliance with U.S. Department of State regulations governing J-1 visa programs. 
• Collaborate with legal teams to identify and mitigate risks, while maintaining robust compliance protocols. 
• Implement policies that align with best practices in cultural exchange, ethical recruitment, and participant support. 
• Serve as the primary liaison with the U.S. Department of State and other regulatory bodies. 
• Oversee internal audits, program monitoring, and reporting requirements. 
• Stay ahead of policy changes and advocate for the company’s interests with regulators. 

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Business Development & Financial Oversight:

• Drive revenue growth and diversification of funding sources to ensure financial sustainability. 
• Encourage enterprises’ cross selling opportunities including H-2B, TN, H-1B and E-B3 visa programs. 
• Ensure that DS-2019 allocations are fully utilized each year, achieving maximum ROI and compliance. 
• Oversee contract negotiations with employers, sponsors, and international agencies. 
• Manage budgeting, financial forecasting, and performance metrics. 
• Identify new program models, expansion opportunities, and market trends. 
• Drive profitability while ensuring ethical recruitment and high program standards. 
• Report to the CEO and Board on performance, growth opportunities, and regulatory developments. 
• Explore potential acquisitions, partnerships, or new visa-related business lines.

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Operational & Team Leadership:

• Lead and develop a high-performing team responsible for program administration, compliance, business development, and participant support. 
• Foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and mission-driven leadership. 
• Improve operational efficiencies to enhance the overall participant and employer experience. 
• Monitor and evaluate program impact, using data-driven insights to optimize performance. 
• Implement scalable processes and technology solutions to improve efficiency and service delivery. 
• Set key performance indicators (KPIs) and ensure the company meets service and regulatory benchmarks. 
• Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and exceptional customer service. 

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Client and Partner Relationship Management:

• Strengthen relationships with host employers to ensure positive experiences and repeat participation. 
• Oversee participant support services to enhance program outcomes and satisfaction. 
• Negotiate and structure contracts that align with the company’s business objectives. 

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Process Management:

Program Workflow Optimization :

• Design, implement, and continuously refine J-1 visa program workflows from application intake to program completion. 
• Develop standardized operating procedures (SOPs) for visa processing, participant support, and employer engagement. 
• Identify and eliminate inefficiencies, leveraging technology and automation where applicable. 

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Compliance & Regulatory Adherence:

• Ensure all visa sponsorship processes align with U.S. Department of State regulations. 
• Oversee document collection, verification, and record-keeping for compliance audits. 
• Manage internal audits and reporting to regulatory bodies to mitigate risks. 

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Employer & Participant Onboarding :

• Develop structured onboarding processes for host employers, ensuring they understand program requirements and responsibilities. 
• Streamline participant onboarding, including pre-arrival orientation, SEVIS registration, and cultural integration. 
• Implement tracking systems to monitor participant progress and address issues proactively. 

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Cross-Departmental Coordination :

• Work closely with legal, compliance, HR, and business development teams to align processes with company goals. 
• Facilitate clear communication between recruitment partners, employer clients, and internal teams. 
• Establish service-level agreements (SLAs) for timely processing and response times. 

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Technology & Data Management:

• Oversee the use of CRM and case management systems to track applications, employer contracts, and compliance data. 
• Utilize data analytics to identify trends, improve placement outcomes, and enhance program efficiency. 
• Ensure that proper cybersecurity measures are in place for handling sensitive participant and employer information.

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Issue Resolution & Continuous Improvement :

• Work closely with legal, compliance, HR, and business development teams to align processes with company goals. 
• Facilitate clear communication between recruitment partners, employer clients, and internal teams. 
• Establish service-level agreements (SLAs) for timely processing and response times. 

Cross-Departmental Coordination :

• Develop escalation procedures for efficiently handling participant or employer concerns. 
• Implement feedback loops from participants, employers, and internal stakeholders to refine processes. 
• Stay updated on industry trends, regulatory changes, and best practices to ensure the program remains competitive and compliant. 

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Reporting & Performance Metrics:

• Deliver regular reports to the BDV Board and Executive Team on program performance, visa processing status, risks and opportunities in the marketplace, and other critical issues. 
• Contribute to the development of reports for the BDV Board of Directors.  

• Experience leading a designated J-1 visa sponsor organization. 
• Familiarity with other U.S. visa categories (H-2B, EB-3, etc.) and workforce mobility programs. 
• Strong network within the cultural exchange, education, or immigration policy sectors. 
• Multilingual abilities and cross-cultural experience. 
• Familiarity with other employment-based visa programs (e.g., EB-3 Skilled, H2B, TN, H1B) is a plus. 
• Knowledge of SEVIS  
• Expertise in sales principles and practices to drive successful sales cycles.  
• Ability to establish and maintain strong customer relationships to build loyalty and repeat business. 
  
• Greenville, Atlanta, or DC and relocation is an option

Preferred locations:

• Greenville, Atlanta, or DC and relocation is an option

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business, International Relations, Law, or a related field. 
• 10+ years of leadership experience in cultural exchange, international education, or visa sponsorship. 
• Strong knowledge of U.S. Department of State regulations for J-1 visa programs. 
• Proven track record of business development, strategic growth, and stakeholder engagement. 
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and negotiation skills. 
• Experience managing regulatory compliance in an international or government-regulated sector. 
• Willingness to travel internationally and domestically as required.