University of California, Santa Barbara OPT Eligible Jobs USA
University of California, Santa Barbara hires OPT students across research, administrative, and technical roles, making it a strong option for F-1 graduates in education-adjacent fields. UCSB's academic environment supports the OPT-to-H-1B visa transition, particularly for those in STEM disciplines seeking long-term U.S. careers.
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Position Number: 41160741
Payroll Title: PUBL EDUC SPEC 3 (004168)
Job Code: 004168
Job Open Date: 5/6/26
Application Review Begins: 5/21/26
Department Code (Name): UNEX (Professional and Continuing Education)
Percentage of Time: 100
Union Code (Name): 99
Employee Class (Appointment Type): Staff: Career
FLSA Status: Exempt
Classified Indicator Description (Personnel Program): PSS
Salary Grade: Grade 19
Pay Rate/Range: The budgeted salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $60,300 to $85,000/year. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience; the budget for the position; and the application of fair, equitable, and consistent pay practices at the University. The full salary range for this position is $60,300 to $103,900/year.
Work Location: Kerr Hall - 2160
Working Days and Hours: M-F; 8am-5pm
Benefits Eligibility: Full Benefits
Type of Remote or Hybrid Work Arrangement, if applicable: In person during the probationary period; eligible for hybrid upon successful completion of probationary period
Special Instructions:
For full consideration, please include a resume and a cover letter as part of your application.
Department Marketing Statement:
UC Santa Barbara Professional and Continuing Education, previously known as UCSB Extension, is an agile, self-supported UCSB Department offering professional courses and certificate programs to over 3000 students per year. We provide coursework on essential skills and expertise to compete in today's job market to all local and non-local students and professionals, corporate training and executive education. Our Open University program provides a gateway to the wealth of UCSB courses to all community members. Our International Programs enable visiting scholars and professionals from all over the world to experience the outstanding research and instruction at our top-rated University.
Benefits of Belonging
Working at UC means being part of this vibrant institution that shines a light on what is possible. People make UC great, and UC recognizes your contributions by making this a great place to work. Excellent retirement and health are just one of the rewards. Learn more about the benefits of working at UC.
Brief Summary of Job Duties:
UCSB Professional and Continuing Education (PaCE) seeks a dynamic Program Manager to shape the future of its Engineering and Technology training portfolio. The Program Manager leads the development of innovative training programs by researching industry trends, building partnerships with technology companies, and designing workshops, courses, and certificates that meet real-world demand. They collaborate with advisory boards, instructors, and instructional designers to create courses with measurable outcomes, while overseeing budgets, setting enrollment fees, and ensuring programs are both financially sustainable and academically rigorous.
In addition, the Program Manager partners with marketing teams to promote PaCE’s technology programs, strengthen enrollment, and enhance student retention. They recruit and support instructors, manage contracts, and serve as the primary liaison with UCSB departments to ensure smooth course logistics and student services. The role also involves monitoring competitor programs, assessing return on investment, and providing leadership with enrollment and budget projections.
This position offers the opportunity for a strategic, entrepreneurial professional to bridge education and industry, and to make a direct impact on the growth and success of UCSB PaCE’s Technology programs.
This is a Hybrid position that allows the flexibility to work from home but requires weekly presence on the UCSB campus.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor's Degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training
- Continuing education in a related field
- 4-6 years Experience in producing and delivering training programs in collaboration with industry partners
- 1-3 years Experience with curriculum design, collaborating with instructors, and managing academic programs
- 1-3 years Experience in management, marketing, sales, and business processes
- 1-3 years Experience in sales and customer relationship management software such as Salesforce
- Working knowledge of online training platforms, technology and best practices
- Excellent analytical skills to understand how student needs can be addressed through the design and delivery of training programs
- Demonstrated, excellent interpersonal and writing skills for collegial and professional exchanges with diverse audiences in university as well as business settings
- Thorough knowledge of and skill in delivering programs
- Solid knowledge of MS Office Suite, Google Suite, Zoom software
Preferred Qualifications:
- 1-3 years Experience in conducting customer needs assessment
- 1-3 years Experience in customizing systems and tools to support operations
- Solid knowledge of Destiny One student lifecycle management software
Special Conditions of Employment:
- Satisfactory criminal history background check
- UCSB is a Tobacco-Free environment
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement:
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 allegation 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
Job Functions and Percentages of Time:
60% New Program Development
Under the general supervision of the Associate Dean of Professional and Continuing Education (PaCE), the incumbent:
- Conducts market research to assess new training programs' potential market and financial viability
- Tracks and analyzes changing trends relevant to the Technology training portfolio, particularly in continuing and professional education, to provide strategic insights. Advise PaCE Dean and Assistant Dean on market needs and opportunities for growth
- Establishes and cultivates collaborations with Technology companies in the UCSB service area, leveraging industry relationships to implement tech-training initiatives and expand offerings that drive revenue growth for PaCE
- Identifies and manages Advisory Board members who will actively participate in the co-designed curriculum of new programs by providing guidance and feedback
- Designs curricula, create course titles, prepares course descriptions, defines learning objectives, develops course syllabi, including recommended assessments to measure learning outcomes, and obtains all the necessary course and instructor approvals
- Works with the instructional Designer, auditing course content, managing requirements, and description
- Develops and implements new, sustainable, fee-supported programs, certificates, courses, and workshops in Technology. Manages program and course budgets, setting course fees to ensure profitability while adhering to PaCE and campus policies and procedures
- Coordinates with regional, national, and international organizations to ensure PaCE’s certificates and programs meet requirements and other continuing education standards, and works with these organizations on co-sponsorship arrangements
- Works with PaCE Marketing staff to suggest marketing strategies for promoting new programs, certificates, and other academic programs that target and reach new audiences
- Performs outreach and maintains relations with professional associations, as well as local, regional, national, and international companies, to attract exceptional students to PaCE international programs
- Monitors other private and public schools and universities for similar or competitive programs that could directly affect the market base or present new or complementary opportunities
40% Program Management
- Oversees existing technology training programs at PaCE
- Manages the annual budget of the programs
- Recruits and hires instructors as needed
- Works with PaCE Finance staff to issue and enforce contracts that adhere to PaCE and university policies and procedures
- Interfaces and coordinates with UCSB partner departments and administrative services to prevent and resolve logistical and student service problems and issues
- Acquires and maintains functional knowledge of the PaCE Student Information System (SIS) operation, with particular emphasis on:
- Reporting
- Revising/confirming contract details
- Creating new instructor accounts
- Checking instructors’ contact information
- Monitoring course enrollments
- Course and section creation
- Works with Customer Success and Outreach (CSO) to respond to all escalated student requests and issues, requesting classrooms, staying up to date on all instructional spaces, requirements, and teaching technology
- In collaboration with the Program Support Coordinator:
- Manages Course Logistics: organizes quarterly course schedules, secures locations, and manages audiovisual needs while ensuring instructors have the necessary materials and support
- Manages Instructor Relations & Contracts: handles instructor communications, negotiates contracts and compensation, and collaborates with Program Support to facilitate approvals for new courses and instructors
- Oversees instructor performance, checking course and instructor evaluations and addressing areas needing improvement, working with the Instructional Developer and the Program Support Coordinator to perform instructor training as required
- Works with the Associate Dean in collaboration with other Program Managers and Program Support regarding hiring strategy and quality control
- Works with Marketing to promote existing programs; is responsible for marketing actions to boost enrollments and retain students as needed. Collaborates with original content and revisions to campaigns and drip marketing strategies
- Work with the web team to maintain the web presence of all programs under their domain, ensuring accurate and timely information is accessible
- Provides PaCE Leadership with enrollment projection figures, helps with budget projections, and yearly reassessment of program portfolio performance and ROI
UC Vaccination Programs Policy:
As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccinations Programs.
As a condition of Physical Presence at a Location or in a University Program, all Covered Individuals must participate in any applicable Vaccination Program by providing proof that they are Up-to-Date with any required Vaccines or submitting a request for Exception in a Mandate Program or properly declining vaccination in an Opt-Out Program no later than the Compliance Date (Capitalized terms in this paragraph are defined in the policy). Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.
For more information, please visit:
- UC Santa Barbara COVID-19 Information
- University of California Policy on Vaccinations – https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/5000695/VaccinationProgramsPolicy
Covered Individuals: A Covered Individual includes anyone designated as Personnel or Students under this Policy who physically access a University Facility or Program in connection with their employment, appointment, or education/training. A person accessing a Healthcare Location as a patient, or an art, athletics, entertainment, or other publicly accessible venue at a Location as a member of the public, is not a Covered Individual.
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.
Reasonable Accommodations:
The University of California endeavors to make jobs.ucsb.edu accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Katherine Abad in Human Resources at 805-893-4664 or email katherine.abad@hr.ucsb.edu. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.
Privacy Notification Statement
Privacy Notification Statement and Notice of Availability of the UCSB Annual Security and Fire Safety Report Disclosures
Application Status:
If you would like to check the status of your application, please log into the Candidate Gateway where you applied and click on 'my activities'.
Job Posting Details
Position Number: 41160741
Payroll Title: PUBL EDUC SPEC 3 (004168)
Job Code: 004168
Job Open Date: 5/6/26
Application Review Begins: 5/21/26
Department Code (Name): UNEX (Professional and Continuing Education)
Percentage of Time: 100
Union Code (Name): 99
Employee Class (Appointment Type): Staff: Career
FLSA Status: Exempt
Classified Indicator Description (Personnel Program): PSS
Salary Grade: Grade 19
Pay Rate/Range: The budgeted salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $60,300 to $85,000/year. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience; the budget for the position; and the application of fair, equitable, and consistent pay practices at the University. The full salary range for this position is $60,300 to $103,900/year.
Work Location: Kerr Hall - 2160
Working Days and Hours: M-F; 8am-5pm
Benefits Eligibility: Full Benefits
Type of Remote or Hybrid Work Arrangement, if applicable: In person during the probationary period; eligible for hybrid upon successful completion of probationary period
Special Instructions:
For full consideration, please include a resume and a cover letter as part of your application.
Department Marketing Statement:
UC Santa Barbara Professional and Continuing Education, previously known as UCSB Extension, is an agile, self-supported UCSB Department offering professional courses and certificate programs to over 3000 students per year. We provide coursework on essential skills and expertise to compete in today's job market to all local and non-local students and professionals, corporate training and executive education. Our Open University program provides a gateway to the wealth of UCSB courses to all community members. Our International Programs enable visiting scholars and professionals from all over the world to experience the outstanding research and instruction at our top-rated University.
Benefits of Belonging
Working at UC means being part of this vibrant institution that shines a light on what is possible. People make UC great, and UC recognizes your contributions by making this a great place to work. Excellent retirement and health are just one of the rewards. Learn more about the benefits of working at UC.
Brief Summary of Job Duties:
UCSB Professional and Continuing Education (PaCE) seeks a dynamic Program Manager to shape the future of its Engineering and Technology training portfolio. The Program Manager leads the development of innovative training programs by researching industry trends, building partnerships with technology companies, and designing workshops, courses, and certificates that meet real-world demand. They collaborate with advisory boards, instructors, and instructional designers to create courses with measurable outcomes, while overseeing budgets, setting enrollment fees, and ensuring programs are both financially sustainable and academically rigorous.
In addition, the Program Manager partners with marketing teams to promote PaCE’s technology programs, strengthen enrollment, and enhance student retention. They recruit and support instructors, manage contracts, and serve as the primary liaison with UCSB departments to ensure smooth course logistics and student services. The role also involves monitoring competitor programs, assessing return on investment, and providing leadership with enrollment and budget projections.
This position offers the opportunity for a strategic, entrepreneurial professional to bridge education and industry, and to make a direct impact on the growth and success of UCSB PaCE’s Technology programs.
This is a Hybrid position that allows the flexibility to work from home but requires weekly presence on the UCSB campus.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor's Degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training
- Continuing education in a related field
- 4-6 years Experience in producing and delivering training programs in collaboration with industry partners
- 1-3 years Experience with curriculum design, collaborating with instructors, and managing academic programs
- 1-3 years Experience in management, marketing, sales, and business processes
- 1-3 years Experience in sales and customer relationship management software such as Salesforce
- Working knowledge of online training platforms, technology and best practices
- Excellent analytical skills to understand how student needs can be addressed through the design and delivery of training programs
- Demonstrated, excellent interpersonal and writing skills for collegial and professional exchanges with diverse audiences in university as well as business settings
- Thorough knowledge of and skill in delivering programs
- Solid knowledge of MS Office Suite, Google Suite, Zoom software
Preferred Qualifications:
- 1-3 years Experience in conducting customer needs assessment
- 1-3 years Experience in customizing systems and tools to support operations
- Solid knowledge of Destiny One student lifecycle management software
Special Conditions of Employment:
- Satisfactory criminal history background check
- UCSB is a Tobacco-Free environment
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement:
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 allegation 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
Job Functions and Percentages of Time:
60% New Program Development
Under the general supervision of the Associate Dean of Professional and Continuing Education (PaCE), the incumbent:
- Conducts market research to assess new training programs' potential market and financial viability
- Tracks and analyzes changing trends relevant to the Technology training portfolio, particularly in continuing and professional education, to provide strategic insights. Advise PaCE Dean and Assistant Dean on market needs and opportunities for growth
- Establishes and cultivates collaborations with Technology companies in the UCSB service area, leveraging industry relationships to implement tech-training initiatives and expand offerings that drive revenue growth for PaCE
- Identifies and manages Advisory Board members who will actively participate in the co-designed curriculum of new programs by providing guidance and feedback
- Designs curricula, create course titles, prepares course descriptions, defines learning objectives, develops course syllabi, including recommended assessments to measure learning outcomes, and obtains all the necessary course and instructor approvals
- Works with the instructional Designer, auditing course content, managing requirements, and description
- Develops and implements new, sustainable, fee-supported programs, certificates, courses, and workshops in Technology. Manages program and course budgets, setting course fees to ensure profitability while adhering to PaCE and campus policies and procedures
- Coordinates with regional, national, and international organizations to ensure PaCE’s certificates and programs meet requirements and other continuing education standards, and works with these organizations on co-sponsorship arrangements
- Works with PaCE Marketing staff to suggest marketing strategies for promoting new programs, certificates, and other academic programs that target and reach new audiences
- Performs outreach and maintains relations with professional associations, as well as local, regional, national, and international companies, to attract exceptional students to PaCE international programs
- Monitors other private and public schools and universities for similar or competitive programs that could directly affect the market base or present new or complementary opportunities
40% Program Management
- Oversees existing technology training programs at PaCE
- Manages the annual budget of the programs
- Recruits and hires instructors as needed
- Works with PaCE Finance staff to issue and enforce contracts that adhere to PaCE and university policies and procedures
- Interfaces and coordinates with UCSB partner departments and administrative services to prevent and resolve logistical and student service problems and issues
- Acquires and maintains functional knowledge of the PaCE Student Information System (SIS) operation, with particular emphasis on:
- Reporting
- Revising/confirming contract details
- Creating new instructor accounts
- Checking instructors’ contact information
- Monitoring course enrollments
- Course and section creation
- Works with Customer Success and Outreach (CSO) to respond to all escalated student requests and issues, requesting classrooms, staying up to date on all instructional spaces, requirements, and teaching technology
- In collaboration with the Program Support Coordinator:
- Manages Course Logistics: organizes quarterly course schedules, secures locations, and manages audiovisual needs while ensuring instructors have the necessary materials and support
- Manages Instructor Relations & Contracts: handles instructor communications, negotiates contracts and compensation, and collaborates with Program Support to facilitate approvals for new courses and instructors
- Oversees instructor performance, checking course and instructor evaluations and addressing areas needing improvement, working with the Instructional Developer and the Program Support Coordinator to perform instructor training as required
- Works with the Associate Dean in collaboration with other Program Managers and Program Support regarding hiring strategy and quality control
- Works with Marketing to promote existing programs; is responsible for marketing actions to boost enrollments and retain students as needed. Collaborates with original content and revisions to campaigns and drip marketing strategies
- Work with the web team to maintain the web presence of all programs under their domain, ensuring accurate and timely information is accessible
- Provides PaCE Leadership with enrollment projection figures, helps with budget projections, and yearly reassessment of program portfolio performance and ROI
UC Vaccination Programs Policy:
As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccinations Programs.
As a condition of Physical Presence at a Location or in a University Program, all Covered Individuals must participate in any applicable Vaccination Program by providing proof that they are Up-to-Date with any required Vaccines or submitting a request for Exception in a Mandate Program or properly declining vaccination in an Opt-Out Program no later than the Compliance Date (Capitalized terms in this paragraph are defined in the policy). Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.
For more information, please visit:
- UC Santa Barbara COVID-19 Information
- University of California Policy on Vaccinations – https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/5000695/VaccinationProgramsPolicy
Covered Individuals: A Covered Individual includes anyone designated as Personnel or Students under this Policy who physically access a University Facility or Program in connection with their employment, appointment, or education/training. A person accessing a Healthcare Location as a patient, or an art, athletics, entertainment, or other publicly accessible venue at a Location as a member of the public, is not a Covered Individual.
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.
Reasonable Accommodations:
The University of California endeavors to make jobs.ucsb.edu accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Katherine Abad in Human Resources at 805-893-4664 or email katherine.abad@hr.ucsb.edu. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.
Privacy Notification Statement
Privacy Notification Statement and Notice of Availability of the UCSB Annual Security and Fire Safety Report Disclosures
Application Status:
If you would like to check the status of your application, please log into the Candidate Gateway where you applied and click on 'my activities'.
Job Roles at University of California, Santa Barbara
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding University of California, Santa Barbara OPT Eligible Jobs USA
Align your degree to UCSB's research areas
UCSB hires OPT students for roles tied to its research institutes, from materials science to computational biology. Map your degree field to active research centers before applying, so hiring managers can immediately see the specialty occupation connection that supports your OPT employment.
Confirm UCSB's E-Verify enrollment early
STEM OPT's 24-month extension requires your employer to be enrolled in E-Verify. UCSB, as a federal contractor and large university, maintains E-Verify enrollment, but confirm this with HR before your OPT EAD expires to avoid gaps in your work authorization status.
Target departments with recurring H-1B filing history
UCSB has sponsored H-1B visas across academic and professional roles, signaling which departments understand the transition from OPT. Focus your applications on units like research administration, IT, and academic affairs, where the OPT-to-H-1B pathway is already established and familiar to hiring managers.
Use Migrate Mate to verify UCSB's sponsorship track record
Before accepting a role, search UCSB's H-1B Labor Condition Application history on Migrate Mate. You can filter by department and job title to see which roles have actually progressed to H-1B sponsorship, giving you concrete evidence to bring into compensation and sponsorship conversations with HR.
Submit your I-983 training plan before your OPT expires
For STEM OPT, you and UCSB must complete Form I-983 outlining your training objectives and evaluation criteria. Start this process at least 90 days before your standard OPT EAD expires, since your DSO needs time to update your SEVIS record before USCIS processes the extension.
Benchmark your salary against OFLC Wage Search data
When negotiating your OPT offer at UCSB, pull the prevailing wage for your occupation and location using OFLC Wage Search. Salaries at or above the Level II prevailing wage strengthen your future H-1B petition, since underpaid OPT roles can complicate the LCA filing when sponsorship begins.
University of California, Santa Barbara OPT Eligibility: Frequently Asked Questions
Does University of California, Santa Barbara sponsor OPT visas?
UCSB doesn't sponsor OPT directly, because OPT is work authorization that USCIS grants to F-1 students, not a visa petition employers file. What UCSB does is hire students who already hold an OPT EAD, and the university is enrolled in E-Verify, which is required if you plan to apply for the STEM OPT 24-month extension.
Which roles and departments at UCSB typically hire OPT students?
OPT students at UCSB most commonly find placements in research support, laboratory coordination, IT, data analysis, and academic administration. STEM graduates benefit most from UCSB's research institute structure, where positions in engineering, life sciences, and computing align well with both OPT eligibility requirements and the specialty occupation standard needed for eventual H-1B sponsorship.
How do I confirm UCSB will support my STEM OPT extension?
Ask UCSB's HR or your hiring department directly whether they are enrolled in E-Verify before you accept an offer if a STEM OPT extension matters to your plans. Also confirm your job title and duties qualify as a STEM role under your degree's CIP code, since USCIS evaluates the connection between your degree field and your actual position at UCSB.
How do I find open OPT positions at UCSB through Migrate Mate?
Migrate Mate filters job listings by employers with verified H-1B filing history, which helps you identify UCSB departments that have sponsored international employees before. Search by job title and filter for education sector employers to see UCSB roles where the OPT-to-H-1B transition is a realistic outcome, not just a possibility mentioned in an interview.
What timeline should I expect when transitioning from OPT to H-1B at UCSB?
H-1B petitions must be filed by April 1 each year to be eligible for the October 1 start date, so UCSB's HR and legal team need several months of lead time. Start the conversation about H-1B sponsorship at least six months before your OPT EAD expires, and confirm UCSB is willing to cover the employer-side filing fees required by USCIS.
How does University of California, Santa Barbara hire OPT students?
OPT is work authorization granted directly to F-1 students after graduation — no employer petition is required. University of California, Santa Barbara can hire OPT students as soon as their EAD card is approved. STEM degree holders can extend OPT by 24 months when their employer is enrolled in E-Verify. Most companies that hire OPT students also support the transition to H-1B when the student's OPT period is ending. Check University of California, Santa Barbara's individual postings on Migrate Mate to confirm OPT acceptance per role.