OPT Administrative Assistant Jobs
Administrative Assistant jobs are among the more accessible OPT roles because employers across nearly every industry need them, and the position's core functions, scheduling, correspondence, and office coordination, align with the kind of organized, detail-oriented work F-1 students often excel at. Most roles qualify under CIP codes tied to business administration, making OPT authorization straightforward.
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FSU Collegiate School | Panama City
The Collegiate School at FSU Panama City is a developmental research laboratory charter school associated with the College of Education, Health and Human Sciences (Anne’s College) at Florida State University. In this capacity, TCS serves as a center for innovative instructional programming, research and program evaluation, and professional development solutions for the educational community. TCS will begin its fourth year of operation in August 2026, with grades 9-12.
The mission of The Collegiate School at Florida State University, Panama City, is to provide rigorous academic studies and career development for students who aspire to meet the ever-changing and complex workplace demands of the 21st century. Resources and expertise available through Florida State University and the local community will prepare students to thrive in the competitive global market as they identify and pursue career goals through academic and career training.
Responsibilities
- Assists the Business Manager with reconciliations. Monitors information maintained in the internal accounting system for accuracy and compliance. Serve as the primary contact for procurement, purchasing, and contract management.
- Oversees revenue collection, deposits, and accounts receivable activities. Assists the Business Manager with data collection and reporting for TCS School Board Financial meetings and annual financial audit.
- Serves as P-card proxy and Procurement Representative to ensure the propriety of the payments, compliance with prompt payment and other applicable laws, policies, and procedures of the State of Florida and FSU. Creates ePRFs when applicable for vendor payments.
- Serves as the school HR and Payroll Representative, ensuring proper approval of and payment of personnel in accordance with university, state, and federal requirements.
Qualifications
A Bachelor's degree and two years of experience; or a high school diploma or equivalent and six years of experience. (Note: a combination of post high school education and experience equal to six years.)
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with managing budgets, procurement, contracts, or office operations.
- Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
- Familiarity with university policies, Foundation operations, or event coordination.
- Proficiency with content management systems and/or Adobe Creative Suite.
Helpful
The Collegiate School at Florida State University, Panama City (TCS) seeks a compelling, innovative, engaging, and enthusiastic Administrative Specialist. We invite applications for this full-time position, starting this fall. This Administrative Specialist will join The Collegiate School at FSU Panama City, in its fourth year of operation, with the mission of providing collegiate studies and career readiness to students in the Bay County area.
Contact Info
Debbi Whitaker, Director - The Collegiate School at FSU Panama City
University Information
One of the nation's elite research universities, Florida State University preserves, expands, and disseminates knowledge in the sciences, technology, arts, humanities, and professions, while embracing a philosophy of learning strongly rooted in the traditions of the liberal arts and critical thinking. Founded in 1851, Florida State University is the oldest continuous site of higher education in Florida. FSU is a community steeped in tradition that fosters research and encourages creativity. At FSU, there’s the excitement of being part of a vibrant academic and professional community, surrounded by people whose ideas are shaping tomorrow’s news!
Learn more about Florida State University and our campuses.
Anticipated Salary Range
Starting at $40,910, commensurate with education and experience.
FSU Total Rewards
FSU offers a robust Total Rewards package. Visit our FSU Total Rewards website to learn more about our Compensation, Benefits, Wellness, Recognition, and Employee Development programs.
Use our FSU Total Compensation Calculator to calculate Total Compensation options based on potential salary, benefits and retirement contributions, earned leave, and other employment-related perks.
How To Apply
If qualified and interested in a specific job opening as advertised, apply through the FSU Careers site (jobs.fsu.edu). If you are a current FSU employee, apply through myFSU Self Service.
Applicants are required to complete the online application with all applicable information. Applications must include all work history up to ten years, and education details even if attaching a resume.
Considerations
This is an A&P position.
This position requires successful completion of a criminal history background check, including a fingerprint-based screening via AHCA’s Clearinghouse pursuant to Section 1012, Florida Statutes, for positions in a FSU Developmental Research School or Section 409.175, Florida Statutes, for positions in a Childcare or Summer Camp position. Visit the AHCA Clearinghouse Screenings webpage for more information.
The position will begin in Fall 2026.
This position will be on campus at FSU Panama City in Panama City, Florida.
Equal Employment Opportunity
FSU is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
Department
FSU Collegiate School | Panama City
The Collegiate School at FSU Panama City is a developmental research laboratory charter school associated with the College of Education, Health and Human Sciences (Anne’s College) at Florida State University. In this capacity, TCS serves as a center for innovative instructional programming, research and program evaluation, and professional development solutions for the educational community. TCS will begin its fourth year of operation in August 2026, with grades 9-12.
The mission of The Collegiate School at Florida State University, Panama City, is to provide rigorous academic studies and career development for students who aspire to meet the ever-changing and complex workplace demands of the 21st century. Resources and expertise available through Florida State University and the local community will prepare students to thrive in the competitive global market as they identify and pursue career goals through academic and career training.
Responsibilities
- Assists the Business Manager with reconciliations. Monitors information maintained in the internal accounting system for accuracy and compliance. Serve as the primary contact for procurement, purchasing, and contract management.
- Oversees revenue collection, deposits, and accounts receivable activities. Assists the Business Manager with data collection and reporting for TCS School Board Financial meetings and annual financial audit.
- Serves as P-card proxy and Procurement Representative to ensure the propriety of the payments, compliance with prompt payment and other applicable laws, policies, and procedures of the State of Florida and FSU. Creates ePRFs when applicable for vendor payments.
- Serves as the school HR and Payroll Representative, ensuring proper approval of and payment of personnel in accordance with university, state, and federal requirements.
Qualifications
A Bachelor's degree and two years of experience; or a high school diploma or equivalent and six years of experience. (Note: a combination of post high school education and experience equal to six years.)
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with managing budgets, procurement, contracts, or office operations.
- Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
- Familiarity with university policies, Foundation operations, or event coordination.
- Proficiency with content management systems and/or Adobe Creative Suite.
Helpful
The Collegiate School at Florida State University, Panama City (TCS) seeks a compelling, innovative, engaging, and enthusiastic Administrative Specialist. We invite applications for this full-time position, starting this fall. This Administrative Specialist will join The Collegiate School at FSU Panama City, in its fourth year of operation, with the mission of providing collegiate studies and career readiness to students in the Bay County area.
Contact Info
Debbi Whitaker, Director - The Collegiate School at FSU Panama City
University Information
One of the nation's elite research universities, Florida State University preserves, expands, and disseminates knowledge in the sciences, technology, arts, humanities, and professions, while embracing a philosophy of learning strongly rooted in the traditions of the liberal arts and critical thinking. Founded in 1851, Florida State University is the oldest continuous site of higher education in Florida. FSU is a community steeped in tradition that fosters research and encourages creativity. At FSU, there’s the excitement of being part of a vibrant academic and professional community, surrounded by people whose ideas are shaping tomorrow’s news!
Learn more about Florida State University and our campuses.
Anticipated Salary Range
Starting at $40,910, commensurate with education and experience.
FSU Total Rewards
FSU offers a robust Total Rewards package. Visit our FSU Total Rewards website to learn more about our Compensation, Benefits, Wellness, Recognition, and Employee Development programs.
Use our FSU Total Compensation Calculator to calculate Total Compensation options based on potential salary, benefits and retirement contributions, earned leave, and other employment-related perks.
How To Apply
If qualified and interested in a specific job opening as advertised, apply through the FSU Careers site (jobs.fsu.edu). If you are a current FSU employee, apply through myFSU Self Service.
Applicants are required to complete the online application with all applicable information. Applications must include all work history up to ten years, and education details even if attaching a resume.
Considerations
This is an A&P position.
This position requires successful completion of a criminal history background check, including a fingerprint-based screening via AHCA’s Clearinghouse pursuant to Section 1012, Florida Statutes, for positions in a FSU Developmental Research School or Section 409.175, Florida Statutes, for positions in a Childcare or Summer Camp position. Visit the AHCA Clearinghouse Screenings webpage for more information.
The position will begin in Fall 2026.
This position will be on campus at FSU Panama City in Panama City, Florida.
Equal Employment Opportunity
FSU is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as an Administrative Assistant
Lead with your OPT timeline upfront
Mention your OPT authorization dates in your cover letter before employers ask. Administrative roles attract high application volumes, so removing ambiguity early signals professionalism and saves hiring managers time during screening.
Target employers with STEM-adjacent admin roles
Tech, research, and healthcare organizations often hire administrative staff under STEM departments. These roles may support OPT STEM extension eligibility, giving you up to three additional years of work authorization beyond standard OPT.
Highlight software proficiency prominently
Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and scheduling platforms like Calendly are baseline expectations. Listing specific tools you've used, along with proficiency level, helps your resume pass applicant tracking systems and stand out to office managers.
Frame internship experience as professional admin work
Academic internships involving scheduling, communications, or event coordination translate directly to administrative assistant duties. Reframe these experiences using industry language to close any perceived gap between student work and professional experience.
Focus on mid-sized companies over large enterprises
Mid-sized companies often have less bureaucratic hiring processes and more flexibility around OPT sponsorship decisions. A direct conversation with a hiring manager carries more weight than navigating a large company's rigid HR compliance structure.
Be ready to explain your 60-day grace period if applicable
If you're in the 60-day grace period between jobs, prepare a clear, factual explanation for recruiters. Demonstrating you understand your own status confidently reassures employers who are unfamiliar with OPT transition rules.
Administrative Assistant OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Administrative Assistant jobs qualify for OPT work authorization?
Yes, most Administrative Assistant roles qualify for OPT if your degree field relates to business administration, communications, or a relevant discipline. USCIS requires that the job be directly related to your major area of study. Roles under business operations or office management departments typically satisfy this requirement, though your DSO should confirm the specific CIP code alignment for your situation.
Can an Administrative Assistant role qualify for OPT STEM extension?
It depends on the employer and how the role is classified. If the position is housed within a STEM department, such as an administrative coordinator role at a technology or research company, and your underlying degree is in a STEM field, it may qualify. The employer must also be enrolled in E-Verify. This is worth discussing with your DSO before accepting an offer.
How do I find Administrative Assistant jobs that are open to OPT students?
Migrate Mate lists Administrative Assistant roles from employers who are open to hiring OPT students, so you're not spending time filtering out positions that won't consider your work authorization. Searching a general job board often means sifting through hundreds of listings with no visibility into sponsorship willingness, which wastes time you may not have if your OPT clock is running.
What happens to my OPT if I'm laid off from an Administrative Assistant job?
You enter a 60-day grace period from your last day of employment. During this window, you can search for a new qualifying position, but you cannot work. If you secure a new job, your employer reports the change through your DSO and SEVP portal. If you don't find employment within 60 days, you must depart the U.S. or transition to another valid visa status.
Do Administrative Assistant roles require employers to file anything with USCIS?
No. OPT is authorized by USCIS in advance and attached to your EAD card. Unlike H-1B visa, your employer doesn't need to file a petition or pay government fees to hire you on OPT. They simply verify your EAD as part of standard Form I-9 employment eligibility verification. This makes OPT hires administratively simple for employers, which is a genuine advantage when pitching yourself to hiring managers.