Virginia Tech OPT Eligible Jobs USA
Virginia Tech hires OPT students across research, engineering, IT, and administrative roles, making it a practical target for F-1 graduates seeking employment in higher education. Its E-Verify enrollment supports STEM OPT extensions, and many departments actively recruit recent graduates already authorized to work.
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Join a team that values creativity, collaboration, and design that makes a difference.
We’re currently searching for a Graphic Designer to join the Dean of Students portfolio within Student Affairs in Blacksburg, VA to help support communications and design needs across several student-focused departments.
At Virginia Tech, Student Affairs is guiding, nurturing, and supporting students as they learn and grow into the leaders and world-changers of today and tomorrow.
HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE ROLE:
1) You’ll support campus partners across the Dean of Students portfolio, including New Student and Family Programs, Services for Students with Disabilities, Student Conduct, First-Generation Student Success, Interfaith Initiative, the CARES Program, and the Women’s Community Center.
2) You’ll be reporting directly to the Assistant Director for Marketing and Communications, in a 1500-hour hourly wage/part-time appointment.
3) You’ll design promotional materials. Create signage, brochures, fliers, and other materials using various design software, platforms, and tools.
4) You’ll execute creative projects from concept to completion. Develop designs, illustrations, and signage both independently and collaboratively, bringing creative ideas to life across print and digital platforms.
5) You’ll work independently under tight deadlines, manage multiple projects, and ensure all designs meet brand and quality standards while helping shape the visual experience for new students and families as they begin their Virginia Tech journey.
6) You’ll be working independently and collaboratively with key university stakeholders where exceptional interpersonal/communication skills are imperative.
7) You’ll assist with the management and professional development of student wage employees by providing mentorship, feedback on design work, and guidance on project execution.
8) You’ll be offered an hourly rate of $20.00 - $25.00 per hour.
HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY:
1) THE UNIVERSITY: Virginia Tech as an employer is committed to developing well-rounded employees who are active members of the university community as well as the community at-large. From comprehensive insurance plans to tuition assistance, Virginia Tech offers employees a variety of benefits and perks to help team members build a fuller and more balanced life.
2) THE DIVISION: For our students and ourselves, the Division of Student Affairs believes that changing the world requires courageous leadership and commitment to curiosity, integrity, civility, and service to others. Our culture is defined by a commitment to our Aspirations for Student Learning.
3) THE TEAM: The team in New Student and Family Programs holds a deep passion for working with people, taking initiative (and following through), and we are genuinely excited to continuously learn and grow our knowledge of the college transition experience.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in art, graphic design, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education, training, and professional experience in graphic design or visual communications.
- Professional or applied experience producing design materials using graphic design software such as Adobe Creative Cloud, Canva, or similar tools.
- Demonstrated experience designing communications materials for both print and digital applications.
- Portfolio demonstrating creativity and adherence to standard principles of design. Portfolio should include examples of print and/or digital communications materials such as signage, marketing collateral, social media graphics, or promotional campaigns.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working with branding/style guidelines or toolkits.
- Experience with social media management, including content creation and strategy.
- Experience with event photography and/or videography.
- Experience editing video for web and social media platforms.
- Demonstrated writing skills through published or professional communications (e.g., web content, marketing copy, newsletters, or reports).
- Experience working in a higher education environment.
- Experience using project management software.
- Experience supervising, mentoring, advising, or leading students, staff, or teams.
Pay Band
3
Overtime Status
Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime
Appointment Type
Regular
Salary Information
$20.00/hr - $25.00/hr
Hours per week
Average 30 hours per week (limited to 1500 hr./year)
Review Date
05/18/2026
Additional Information
The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.
About Virginia Tech
Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.
Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.
Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.
For inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies, contact the Office for Civil Rights Compliance and Prevention Education at 540-231-2010 or Virginia Tech, 220 Gilbert Street, Suite 5200, Blacksburg, VA 24061.
If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Kassi Schulz at kmh09@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
Job Description
Join a team that values creativity, collaboration, and design that makes a difference.
We’re currently searching for a Graphic Designer to join the Dean of Students portfolio within Student Affairs in Blacksburg, VA to help support communications and design needs across several student-focused departments.
At Virginia Tech, Student Affairs is guiding, nurturing, and supporting students as they learn and grow into the leaders and world-changers of today and tomorrow.
HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE ROLE:
1) You’ll support campus partners across the Dean of Students portfolio, including New Student and Family Programs, Services for Students with Disabilities, Student Conduct, First-Generation Student Success, Interfaith Initiative, the CARES Program, and the Women’s Community Center.
2) You’ll be reporting directly to the Assistant Director for Marketing and Communications, in a 1500-hour hourly wage/part-time appointment.
3) You’ll design promotional materials. Create signage, brochures, fliers, and other materials using various design software, platforms, and tools.
4) You’ll execute creative projects from concept to completion. Develop designs, illustrations, and signage both independently and collaboratively, bringing creative ideas to life across print and digital platforms.
5) You’ll work independently under tight deadlines, manage multiple projects, and ensure all designs meet brand and quality standards while helping shape the visual experience for new students and families as they begin their Virginia Tech journey.
6) You’ll be working independently and collaboratively with key university stakeholders where exceptional interpersonal/communication skills are imperative.
7) You’ll assist with the management and professional development of student wage employees by providing mentorship, feedback on design work, and guidance on project execution.
8) You’ll be offered an hourly rate of $20.00 - $25.00 per hour.
HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY:
1) THE UNIVERSITY: Virginia Tech as an employer is committed to developing well-rounded employees who are active members of the university community as well as the community at-large. From comprehensive insurance plans to tuition assistance, Virginia Tech offers employees a variety of benefits and perks to help team members build a fuller and more balanced life.
2) THE DIVISION: For our students and ourselves, the Division of Student Affairs believes that changing the world requires courageous leadership and commitment to curiosity, integrity, civility, and service to others. Our culture is defined by a commitment to our Aspirations for Student Learning.
3) THE TEAM: The team in New Student and Family Programs holds a deep passion for working with people, taking initiative (and following through), and we are genuinely excited to continuously learn and grow our knowledge of the college transition experience.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in art, graphic design, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education, training, and professional experience in graphic design or visual communications.
- Professional or applied experience producing design materials using graphic design software such as Adobe Creative Cloud, Canva, or similar tools.
- Demonstrated experience designing communications materials for both print and digital applications.
- Portfolio demonstrating creativity and adherence to standard principles of design. Portfolio should include examples of print and/or digital communications materials such as signage, marketing collateral, social media graphics, or promotional campaigns.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working with branding/style guidelines or toolkits.
- Experience with social media management, including content creation and strategy.
- Experience with event photography and/or videography.
- Experience editing video for web and social media platforms.
- Demonstrated writing skills through published or professional communications (e.g., web content, marketing copy, newsletters, or reports).
- Experience working in a higher education environment.
- Experience using project management software.
- Experience supervising, mentoring, advising, or leading students, staff, or teams.
Pay Band
3
Overtime Status
Non-Exempt: Eligible for overtime
Appointment Type
Regular
Salary Information
$20.00/hr - $25.00/hr
Hours per week
Average 30 hours per week (limited to 1500 hr./year)
Review Date
05/18/2026
Additional Information
The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.
About Virginia Tech
Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.
Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance. These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.
Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.
For inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies, contact the Office for Civil Rights Compliance and Prevention Education at 540-231-2010 or Virginia Tech, 220 Gilbert Street, Suite 5200, Blacksburg, VA 24061.
If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Kassi Schulz at kmh09@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.
Job Roles at Virginia Tech
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Virginia Tech OPT Eligible Jobs USA
Target research and lab roles directly
Virginia Tech's research departments and sponsored labs hire OPT students more consistently than central administrative units. Search postings tied to funded grants or faculty research groups, where hiring managers are accustomed to working with international students on time-limited work authorization.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting
For your 24-month STEM OPT extension, Virginia Tech must be enrolled in E-Verify at the specific worksite where you'll be employed. Verify enrollment with HR before signing an offer letter, since a non-enrolled site disqualifies you from the extension regardless of your degree field.
Align your OPT start date with hiring cycles
Virginia Tech follows an academic hiring calendar. Budget positions often open in spring for fall starts. Timing your OPT activation to match these cycles reduces the risk of your 12-month clock running while you search, which is a common mistake among graduates who activate too early.
Use Migrate Mate to find OPT-ready openings
Filter Virginia Tech job listings by employer history and visa type on Migrate Mate to identify roles where international hiring is already established. This saves time by surfacing departments with a track record of supporting OPT students rather than cold-applying across all open positions.
Document your specialty occupation clearly
If you plan to transition from OPT to H-1B, your job title and duties must support a specialty occupation claim from day one. Review your role against O*NET to confirm the position aligns with a field requiring at least a bachelor's degree in a specific discipline before you accept the offer.
Ask HR about H-1B sponsorship policy upfront
Virginia Tech sponsors H-1B visas for certain staff positions, but sponsorship decisions vary by department and funding source. Ask directly during the offer stage whether the role qualifies for H-1B support, so you can plan around your OPT expiration without assuming sponsorship will follow automatically.
Virginia Tech OPT Eligibility: Frequently Asked Questions
Does Virginia Tech sponsor OPT visas?
Virginia Tech doesn't sponsor OPT itself. OPT is work authorization USCIS grants directly to F-1 students, not something an employer files for. What Virginia Tech does is hire students who already hold an OPT EAD. Its E-Verify enrollment also makes it eligible to support the 24-month STEM OPT extension for qualifying graduates.
Which departments at Virginia Tech typically hire OPT students?
Research institutes, engineering departments, IT services, and grant-funded labs at Virginia Tech tend to hire OPT students most regularly. These units are familiar with F-1 work authorization timelines and are more likely to have established processes for onboarding international employees compared to some administrative or auxiliary service departments.
How do I find OPT-eligible jobs at Virginia Tech?
Search Virginia Tech's official careers portal and filter for staff and research positions in your field. For a faster path, use Migrate Mate to identify roles at Virginia Tech where international hiring has historically occurred, helping you prioritize applications to departments already comfortable working with OPT students.
How do I time my OPT application for a Virginia Tech role?
You can file your OPT application with USCIS up to 90 days before your program end date, and it should be submitted no later than 60 days after graduation. Virginia Tech's academic hiring calendar peaks in spring for fall positions, so coordinating your OPT activation with an accepted offer reduces time spent on the 12-month clock without employment.
Does Virginia Tech sponsor H-1B visas for OPT employees?
Virginia Tech does sponsor H-1B visas for eligible staff positions, but sponsorship is not automatic and varies by department, role type, and funding. If you're on OPT and hoping to convert to H-1B, confirm the sponsorship policy directly with the hiring department early in the process, well before your OPT authorization expires.
How does Virginia Tech hire OPT students?
OPT is work authorization granted directly to F-1 students after graduation — no employer petition is required. Virginia Tech 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 Virginia Tech's individual postings on Migrate Mate to confirm OPT acceptance per role.