CPT Program Specialist Jobs
Program Specialist roles in government agencies, nonprofits, and research organizations offer F-1 students on CPT hands-on experience coordinating programs, analyzing policy, and managing stakeholder relationships. Your DSO must authorize CPT before you start, and the work must directly integrate with your enrolled curriculum.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Northeastern offers a rewarding working environment for our students and employees. Our faculty and staff are smart, dedicated people who work to create an excellent urban university experience for bright and motivated students.
Job Summary
This position is designed to provide comprehensive support to the College of Business and Technology (CBT) community. The role focuses on fostering partnership with employers and facilitating career development programs. The position is integral in guiding students throughout their academic journey, helping them secure internships, and ultimately achieving in-field employment upon graduation. The incumbent will lead all CBT employer relations while also advising students on career planning, networking and job search strategies. The Program Specialist reports to the Associate Dean of the college.
Job Description
Student Career Advising and Support:
- Provide individualized career coaching to CBT students on job search strategies, resume and cover letter development, interview preparation appropriate to their field of study, and networking.
- Conduct mock interviews, resume reviews, and career development workshops tailored to careers in Business (including General Management, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Data Analytics, Finance, Accounting) and Technology (including Computer Science, Cyber Security, Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence).
- Provide guidance on career opportunities, progression paths, job search strategies and salary negotiations.
- Develop and implement outreach strategies to increase student engagement in Career Bridge events and services, including job fairs, employer panels, and business and technology specific networking sessions.
Program Development And Implementation
- Collaborate with faculty and staff to identify and support student career development needs including classroom presentation or workshops on career development topics.
- Assist with and facilitate teaching professional development as modules within seminar, and any future seminars to be created focusing on professional development skills. May provide input on developing curriculum for these seminars.
- Partner with other stakeholders to develop career programs that increase employment opportunities for all students, including underserved populations and graduate students.
- Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of career events both on and off-campus, such as tech meetups, hackathons, and industry conferences.
- Oversee communication and logistics between campus departments and program participants to ensure successful event execution.
Data Management And Reporting
- Maintain and manage a database of full-time, part-time, and internship opportunities, ensuring weekly updates through a variety of channels including Handshake.
- Collect, review, and track graduate employment outcomes and provide update to the college; provide continuous feedback and support to students based on service needs and employment status.
- Track and report metrics related to the delivery of career services, employer engagement, and employment outcomes to evaluate the effectiveness of career programs and recruitment efforts via Handshake.
Employer Relations
- Develop, implement, and evaluate a structured recruitment plan to create internship and employment opportunities for CBT students and graduates, including on-campus career fairs, networking events, and career-related workshops.
- Network with employers, university administration, faculty, staff, students, and alumni to promote career development programs and foster collaborative relationships.
- Attend relevant networking functions and industry events to build employer contacts and promote CBT’s programs and initiatives.
Market Trends And Employer Feedback
- Stay informed about market conditions, competitive information, and industry trends and share relevant insights with stakeholders.
- Use sound judgment to determine which external information should be communicated internally to optimize program alignment with market needs.
MINIMAL QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred in Technology, Business, or related field.
- At least three years of experience in higher education career services, employer relations, or within human resources, recruiting, or workforce development, preferably with a focus on business and technology sectors.
- General knowledge with tools and platforms such as LinkedIn, Handshake, MS Office Suite, including Excel and PowerPoint and AI.
- General knowledge of relationship management databases and experience using data analytics for career planning and program evaluation.
- Familiarity and up-to-date understanding of business and tech industry trends, emerging job roles, and skills in demand, such as Certified Public Accountant, Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), SHRM-CP, PMP, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Canvas, Google Analytics, project management tools, coding languages (Python, Java), cloud platforms (AWS, Azure), cybersecurity frameworks, data science technique and others.
- Strong networking, relationship management, and communication skills.
- Proved ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including students, employers, faculty, and administration.
- Results focused within established timelines. Prioritizes tasks and manages time to ensure that deadlines are met.
- Ability to work occasionally in the day, evening, on weekends as required.
This position requires a background check.
Salary Range
$55,000 - $60,000
Benefits
University employees may be eligible for a variety of State of Illinois benefits. These benefits are administered through the Illinois Department of Central Management Service (CMS). Please visit our Employee Benefits page to learn more about our comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision benefits, sick and vacation days, and participation in the State Universities Retirement System.
Northeastern Illinois University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and invites applications from Women, Minorities, Veterans and Persons with Disabilities, as well as other qualified individuals. Northeastern Illinois University's positions are contingent upon the University's receipt of its State of Illinois appropriation.
INTRODUCTION
Northeastern offers a rewarding working environment for our students and employees. Our faculty and staff are smart, dedicated people who work to create an excellent urban university experience for bright and motivated students.
Job Summary
This position is designed to provide comprehensive support to the College of Business and Technology (CBT) community. The role focuses on fostering partnership with employers and facilitating career development programs. The position is integral in guiding students throughout their academic journey, helping them secure internships, and ultimately achieving in-field employment upon graduation. The incumbent will lead all CBT employer relations while also advising students on career planning, networking and job search strategies. The Program Specialist reports to the Associate Dean of the college.
Job Description
Student Career Advising and Support:
- Provide individualized career coaching to CBT students on job search strategies, resume and cover letter development, interview preparation appropriate to their field of study, and networking.
- Conduct mock interviews, resume reviews, and career development workshops tailored to careers in Business (including General Management, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Data Analytics, Finance, Accounting) and Technology (including Computer Science, Cyber Security, Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence).
- Provide guidance on career opportunities, progression paths, job search strategies and salary negotiations.
- Develop and implement outreach strategies to increase student engagement in Career Bridge events and services, including job fairs, employer panels, and business and technology specific networking sessions.
Program Development And Implementation
- Collaborate with faculty and staff to identify and support student career development needs including classroom presentation or workshops on career development topics.
- Assist with and facilitate teaching professional development as modules within seminar, and any future seminars to be created focusing on professional development skills. May provide input on developing curriculum for these seminars.
- Partner with other stakeholders to develop career programs that increase employment opportunities for all students, including underserved populations and graduate students.
- Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of career events both on and off-campus, such as tech meetups, hackathons, and industry conferences.
- Oversee communication and logistics between campus departments and program participants to ensure successful event execution.
Data Management And Reporting
- Maintain and manage a database of full-time, part-time, and internship opportunities, ensuring weekly updates through a variety of channels including Handshake.
- Collect, review, and track graduate employment outcomes and provide update to the college; provide continuous feedback and support to students based on service needs and employment status.
- Track and report metrics related to the delivery of career services, employer engagement, and employment outcomes to evaluate the effectiveness of career programs and recruitment efforts via Handshake.
Employer Relations
- Develop, implement, and evaluate a structured recruitment plan to create internship and employment opportunities for CBT students and graduates, including on-campus career fairs, networking events, and career-related workshops.
- Network with employers, university administration, faculty, staff, students, and alumni to promote career development programs and foster collaborative relationships.
- Attend relevant networking functions and industry events to build employer contacts and promote CBT’s programs and initiatives.
Market Trends And Employer Feedback
- Stay informed about market conditions, competitive information, and industry trends and share relevant insights with stakeholders.
- Use sound judgment to determine which external information should be communicated internally to optimize program alignment with market needs.
MINIMAL QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred in Technology, Business, or related field.
- At least three years of experience in higher education career services, employer relations, or within human resources, recruiting, or workforce development, preferably with a focus on business and technology sectors.
- General knowledge with tools and platforms such as LinkedIn, Handshake, MS Office Suite, including Excel and PowerPoint and AI.
- General knowledge of relationship management databases and experience using data analytics for career planning and program evaluation.
- Familiarity and up-to-date understanding of business and tech industry trends, emerging job roles, and skills in demand, such as Certified Public Accountant, Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), SHRM-CP, PMP, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Canvas, Google Analytics, project management tools, coding languages (Python, Java), cloud platforms (AWS, Azure), cybersecurity frameworks, data science technique and others.
- Strong networking, relationship management, and communication skills.
- Proved ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including students, employers, faculty, and administration.
- Results focused within established timelines. Prioritizes tasks and manages time to ensure that deadlines are met.
- Ability to work occasionally in the day, evening, on weekends as required.
This position requires a background check.
Salary Range
$55,000 - $60,000
Benefits
University employees may be eligible for a variety of State of Illinois benefits. These benefits are administered through the Illinois Department of Central Management Service (CMS). Please visit our Employee Benefits page to learn more about our comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision benefits, sick and vacation days, and participation in the State Universities Retirement System.
Northeastern Illinois University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and invites applications from Women, Minorities, Veterans and Persons with Disabilities, as well as other qualified individuals. Northeastern Illinois University's positions are contingent upon the University's receipt of its State of Illinois appropriation.
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Get Access To All JobsProgram Specialist CPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Program Specialist role qualify as a valid CPT position?
Yes, if the work is directly tied to your enrolled program of study. A Program Specialist role involving policy research, grant administration, or stakeholder coordination typically integrates with public policy, international affairs, business administration, or social science curricula. Your DSO makes the final determination based on how well your specific job duties align with your declared major and coursework.
How do I find Program Specialist positions that accept F-1 CPT students?
Search Migrate Mate to identify employers who have filed Labor Condition Applications for Program Specialist roles. LCA filing history signals that an organization has navigated work authorization paperwork before and is more likely to understand CPT. Government agencies, research institutes, and federally funded nonprofits are common sources of these positions.
Can I work full-time as a Program Specialist on CPT?
You can, but full-time CPT lasting 12 or more cumulative months eliminates your post-completion OPT eligibility entirely. Many Program Specialist internships at government contractors or nonprofits run 40 hours per week. Confirm the weekly hour commitment before accepting the offer and discuss the tradeoff with your DSO if you're weighing a long-term full-time placement against preserving OPT.
What documents does my employer need to onboard me under CPT?
Your employer needs your I-20 with the CPT authorization page showing the specific employer name, work location, and authorization dates. They'll also complete Form I-9 using your CPT-endorsed I-20 and unexpired foreign passport as identity and work authorization documents. If the employer uses E-Verify, your CPT details must exactly match the I-20 to avoid a tentative nonconfirmation.
What happens if my CPT end date falls before my project wraps up?
You must stop working once your CPT authorization expires. Continuing without a valid authorization violates your F-1 status. If the project extends, return to your DSO before the end date to request an extension. Your employer will need to provide updated employment dates in writing, and your school may require proof that the extended work still satisfies the academic requirement.