OPT Area Director Jobs
Area Director roles sit at the intersection of operations leadership and regional strategy, making them a strong fit for OPT students with backgrounds in business administration, management, or operations. Most positions qualify as specialty occupations for H-1B visa transition. Your 12-month OPT window, extendable to 36 months with a STEM extension, gives you meaningful time to prove your value at scale.
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Get Access To All JobsSalary Range: $80,000 - $85,000 annually
Job Close Date: December 6, 2026 or until filled
Urban Farmer Steakhouse is a chef-driven seasonal steakhouse in lower-downtown Denver that emphasizes sustainable practices, locally-sourced ingredients, and ethically raised meats. Urban Farmer is a family of restaurants with locations in Portland, Cleveland and Philadelphia, with its newest addition in Denver. The Urban Farmer backdrop is warm and elegant, yet quaint and rustic, visually telling the life-story of the hardworking, country farmer who marries the cosmopolitan art collector. Urban Farmer Denver is described as "rural chic", and prides itself in taking a re-imagined and modern approach to a typical white-tablecloth New York steakhouse for the more casual Denver demographic.
Born the day after Prohibition ended in 1933, The Cruise Room is Denver’s longest-running bar—an iconic cocktail destination where history, design, and craft converge. Inspired by the elegance of the RMS Queen Mary, our Art Deco space offers an immersive, late-night atmosphere rooted in ritual, detail, and timeless style.
At Mercantile, every plate is a testament to the land, the season, and the artisans who bring it to life. Located in the heart of LoDo, we blend culinary innovation with genuine hospitality, creating a space where locals feel like celebrities and every guest is treated like family. By day, our café hums with energy, offering curated two-course lunches and a welcoming atmosphere. By night, Mercantile evolves into an elevated dining experience—where flavors unfold in layers, conversation flows, and every meal is an invitation to connect. Under the visionary leadership of James Beard Award-winning Chef Alex Seidel, we celebrate Colorado’s finest growers and producers, ensuring that every dish is as intentional as it is unforgettable. Make your mark at these quintessential spots in Denver, true landmark locations. We are loaded with benefits, a team-centric culture, and opportunities to grow your career. Work where you belong.
A Rewarding Experience:
- Complementary RTD EcoPass
- Medical, dental, & vision insurance
- Health savings and flexible spending accounts
- Basic Life and AD&D insurance
- Paid time off for vacation, sick time, and holidays
- Eligible to participate in the Company’s 401(k) program with employer matching
- Employee Assistance Program
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Great discounts on Hotels, Restaurants, and much more
- Eligible to participate in the Employee Referral Bonus Program. Up to $1,000 per referral.
Job Overview:
The Marketing Manager is a brand ambassador for Urban Farmer, The Cruise Room, and Mercantile who will work with a variety of constituency, both with internal teams and external partners and clients. This individual will be an adept digital marketer and possess a high level of graphic design skill. This position requires excellent organization, project management, and prioritization capabilities, as well as highly developed verbal and written communication skills.
Responsibilities:
Digital Marketing and Social Media:
- Help ideate, write, design, and deploy revenue generating email campaigns for Urban Farmer and The Cruise Room (located inside The Oxford Hotel) as well as Mercantile restaurant.
- Maintain digital footprints for each location through regular website management, which will include packages and promotions, calendar of events, landing pages, and additional content surrounding new initiatives. Ensure ADA compliance and fulfill any additional changes/requests.
- Maintain location listings on platforms such as Open Table, Google and TripAdvisor.
- Develop and implement social media strategy including content generation for all social media platforms for all restaurants and outlets.
- Oversee photo database and ongoing content needs for digital and social platforms.
- Possess a refined eye for lifestyle and still life photography to capture and create high-performing social content.
- Develop KPIs, and provide regular reports to Area Director of Marketing.
- Stay abreast of social trends and engage innovative methods to capitalize on new marketing opportunities.
Branding and Graphic Design:
- Synthesize creative direction of leadership to design visual identity branding materials for Urban Farmer, The Cruise Room and Mercantile.
- Design projects will include digital and print ads, brochures, vouchers, menus, sales materials, collateral, email campaigns, and signage.
- Possess a strong visual and branding aesthetic with a refined taste level.
- An innovative, creative thinker who understands the power of compelling brand storytelling—in written copy, images, video, and beyond.
Strategic Partnerships, Events, and Public Relations:
- Brainstorm and develop unique, meaningful packages and experiential offerings that engage community partners and align with sales, revenue, and PR goals.
- Partner with leadership on the development, promotion, execution, and management of Urban Farmer, The Cruise Room and Mercantile activations, pop-ups, and events.
- Create and curate engaging activations throughout the year to keep our properties top-of-mind.
- Communicate events internally; ensure all team members are aware of events and activations through standard operating procedures (SOPs).
- Partner with Marketing Director and PR Agency on media alerts and garnering press coverage of events and major initiatives.
Cross-Functional Collaboration:
- Support of Denver Union Station’s marketing to be assigned on an as-needed basis, primarily for station-wide event and activation support.
Position Qualifications:
Strategic Skills:
- Proficient in position required job skills and knowledge. Intelligent in grasping and integrating new information. Is an active learner with a strong sense of curiosity. Has natural instincts and insight for finding the best solution to unclear situations, issues, and problems. Considers multiples resources and methods for analyzing problems. Makes great decisions.
Operating Skills:
- Is effective in prioritizing work; consistently manages time and processes to create maximum efficiency with minimum disruption or redundancy. Has excellent attention to detail and writing skills. Is time sensitive, understands how work and processes fit in with other departmental or business priorities and objectives. Is able to adjust work to accommodate expected and unexpected changes. Is able to gauge progress with respect to overall impact and results.
Courage:
- Can think and act independently with confidence. Has personal fortitude and integrity when faced with challenges.
Energy & Drive:
- Energetic and takes initiative. Is proactive and persistent in pursuing and completing tasks. Strives to exceed expectations and goals.
Personal & Interpersonal Skills:
- Welcoming and warm personality. Able to engage easily and actively connect with others. Is genuinely caring and compassionate; visibly demonstrates desire to understand others. Creates confidence and trust with others, is socially aware of self and others and is known for communicating the right message at the right time. Utilizes a variety of approaches and communication techniques tailored to each situation. Is comfortable in conversing with individuals from a variety of backgrounds and at all organizational levels. Is direct yet tactful and considerate of audience. Positively accepts and provides feedback.
Qualifications
Education/Formal Training:
- A four year college degree or equivalent education/experience.
Experience:
- Required to have a minimum of 2-4 years of work experience in marketing, public relations, design, business, communication, journalism, or a related field. Graphic design skills a must. Previous event management experience a plus.
Requirements
- Graphic design experience; proficient in Adobe suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator).
- A highly motivated self-starter; a willing learner.
- Strong project management skills including prioritization and ability to meet tight deadlines.
- Willing and able to work nontraditional hours including evenings and weekends when necessary, including some holidays.
- Willing and able to work events, which include several hours on feet and the ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds.
Valued Traits:
- Loves to innovate and solve problems.
- Obsessive over the details while also being able to see the big picture.
- Excellent social skills, poise, warmth, tact, and diplomacy.
- Compelling storyteller with exceptional writing ability.
- Superior analytical and critical thinking abilities; uses data and human insights to make decisions.
- Adaptable, generous, and collaborative.
- Invests in and cares about teammates and partners.
- Holds themselves to a high standard of excellence.
- Passion for photography and the visual arts.
Knowledge/Skills:
- Strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
- Excellent comprehension and literacy required to read manager's letters, help prepare contracts and proposals.
- Ability to negotiate effectively.
- Excellent attention to detail and multi-tasking skills.
- Professional appearance and manner.
- Computer literacy, specifically MS Word for Windows.
- Communication at all levels; multi-tasking; time management.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Occasional prolonged standing.
- Occasional carrying and lifting of files and office items up to 30 lbs.
Environment:
- 95% indoor office environment
Salary: USD $80,000.00 - USD $85,000.00 /Yr.
Salary Range: $80,000 - $85,000 annually
Job Close Date: December 6, 2026 or until filled
Urban Farmer Steakhouse is a chef-driven seasonal steakhouse in lower-downtown Denver that emphasizes sustainable practices, locally-sourced ingredients, and ethically raised meats. Urban Farmer is a family of restaurants with locations in Portland, Cleveland and Philadelphia, with its newest addition in Denver. The Urban Farmer backdrop is warm and elegant, yet quaint and rustic, visually telling the life-story of the hardworking, country farmer who marries the cosmopolitan art collector. Urban Farmer Denver is described as "rural chic", and prides itself in taking a re-imagined and modern approach to a typical white-tablecloth New York steakhouse for the more casual Denver demographic.
Born the day after Prohibition ended in 1933, The Cruise Room is Denver’s longest-running bar—an iconic cocktail destination where history, design, and craft converge. Inspired by the elegance of the RMS Queen Mary, our Art Deco space offers an immersive, late-night atmosphere rooted in ritual, detail, and timeless style.
At Mercantile, every plate is a testament to the land, the season, and the artisans who bring it to life. Located in the heart of LoDo, we blend culinary innovation with genuine hospitality, creating a space where locals feel like celebrities and every guest is treated like family. By day, our café hums with energy, offering curated two-course lunches and a welcoming atmosphere. By night, Mercantile evolves into an elevated dining experience—where flavors unfold in layers, conversation flows, and every meal is an invitation to connect. Under the visionary leadership of James Beard Award-winning Chef Alex Seidel, we celebrate Colorado’s finest growers and producers, ensuring that every dish is as intentional as it is unforgettable. Make your mark at these quintessential spots in Denver, true landmark locations. We are loaded with benefits, a team-centric culture, and opportunities to grow your career. Work where you belong.
A Rewarding Experience:
- Complementary RTD EcoPass
- Medical, dental, & vision insurance
- Health savings and flexible spending accounts
- Basic Life and AD&D insurance
- Paid time off for vacation, sick time, and holidays
- Eligible to participate in the Company’s 401(k) program with employer matching
- Employee Assistance Program
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Great discounts on Hotels, Restaurants, and much more
- Eligible to participate in the Employee Referral Bonus Program. Up to $1,000 per referral.
Job Overview:
The Marketing Manager is a brand ambassador for Urban Farmer, The Cruise Room, and Mercantile who will work with a variety of constituency, both with internal teams and external partners and clients. This individual will be an adept digital marketer and possess a high level of graphic design skill. This position requires excellent organization, project management, and prioritization capabilities, as well as highly developed verbal and written communication skills.
Responsibilities:
Digital Marketing and Social Media:
- Help ideate, write, design, and deploy revenue generating email campaigns for Urban Farmer and The Cruise Room (located inside The Oxford Hotel) as well as Mercantile restaurant.
- Maintain digital footprints for each location through regular website management, which will include packages and promotions, calendar of events, landing pages, and additional content surrounding new initiatives. Ensure ADA compliance and fulfill any additional changes/requests.
- Maintain location listings on platforms such as Open Table, Google and TripAdvisor.
- Develop and implement social media strategy including content generation for all social media platforms for all restaurants and outlets.
- Oversee photo database and ongoing content needs for digital and social platforms.
- Possess a refined eye for lifestyle and still life photography to capture and create high-performing social content.
- Develop KPIs, and provide regular reports to Area Director of Marketing.
- Stay abreast of social trends and engage innovative methods to capitalize on new marketing opportunities.
Branding and Graphic Design:
- Synthesize creative direction of leadership to design visual identity branding materials for Urban Farmer, The Cruise Room and Mercantile.
- Design projects will include digital and print ads, brochures, vouchers, menus, sales materials, collateral, email campaigns, and signage.
- Possess a strong visual and branding aesthetic with a refined taste level.
- An innovative, creative thinker who understands the power of compelling brand storytelling—in written copy, images, video, and beyond.
Strategic Partnerships, Events, and Public Relations:
- Brainstorm and develop unique, meaningful packages and experiential offerings that engage community partners and align with sales, revenue, and PR goals.
- Partner with leadership on the development, promotion, execution, and management of Urban Farmer, The Cruise Room and Mercantile activations, pop-ups, and events.
- Create and curate engaging activations throughout the year to keep our properties top-of-mind.
- Communicate events internally; ensure all team members are aware of events and activations through standard operating procedures (SOPs).
- Partner with Marketing Director and PR Agency on media alerts and garnering press coverage of events and major initiatives.
Cross-Functional Collaboration:
- Support of Denver Union Station’s marketing to be assigned on an as-needed basis, primarily for station-wide event and activation support.
Position Qualifications:
Strategic Skills:
- Proficient in position required job skills and knowledge. Intelligent in grasping and integrating new information. Is an active learner with a strong sense of curiosity. Has natural instincts and insight for finding the best solution to unclear situations, issues, and problems. Considers multiples resources and methods for analyzing problems. Makes great decisions.
Operating Skills:
- Is effective in prioritizing work; consistently manages time and processes to create maximum efficiency with minimum disruption or redundancy. Has excellent attention to detail and writing skills. Is time sensitive, understands how work and processes fit in with other departmental or business priorities and objectives. Is able to adjust work to accommodate expected and unexpected changes. Is able to gauge progress with respect to overall impact and results.
Courage:
- Can think and act independently with confidence. Has personal fortitude and integrity when faced with challenges.
Energy & Drive:
- Energetic and takes initiative. Is proactive and persistent in pursuing and completing tasks. Strives to exceed expectations and goals.
Personal & Interpersonal Skills:
- Welcoming and warm personality. Able to engage easily and actively connect with others. Is genuinely caring and compassionate; visibly demonstrates desire to understand others. Creates confidence and trust with others, is socially aware of self and others and is known for communicating the right message at the right time. Utilizes a variety of approaches and communication techniques tailored to each situation. Is comfortable in conversing with individuals from a variety of backgrounds and at all organizational levels. Is direct yet tactful and considerate of audience. Positively accepts and provides feedback.
Qualifications
Education/Formal Training:
- A four year college degree or equivalent education/experience.
Experience:
- Required to have a minimum of 2-4 years of work experience in marketing, public relations, design, business, communication, journalism, or a related field. Graphic design skills a must. Previous event management experience a plus.
Requirements
- Graphic design experience; proficient in Adobe suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator).
- A highly motivated self-starter; a willing learner.
- Strong project management skills including prioritization and ability to meet tight deadlines.
- Willing and able to work nontraditional hours including evenings and weekends when necessary, including some holidays.
- Willing and able to work events, which include several hours on feet and the ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds.
Valued Traits:
- Loves to innovate and solve problems.
- Obsessive over the details while also being able to see the big picture.
- Excellent social skills, poise, warmth, tact, and diplomacy.
- Compelling storyteller with exceptional writing ability.
- Superior analytical and critical thinking abilities; uses data and human insights to make decisions.
- Adaptable, generous, and collaborative.
- Invests in and cares about teammates and partners.
- Holds themselves to a high standard of excellence.
- Passion for photography and the visual arts.
Knowledge/Skills:
- Strong interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
- Excellent comprehension and literacy required to read manager's letters, help prepare contracts and proposals.
- Ability to negotiate effectively.
- Excellent attention to detail and multi-tasking skills.
- Professional appearance and manner.
- Computer literacy, specifically MS Word for Windows.
- Communication at all levels; multi-tasking; time management.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Occasional prolonged standing.
- Occasional carrying and lifting of files and office items up to 30 lbs.
Environment:
- 95% indoor office environment
Salary: USD $80,000.00 - USD $85,000.00 /Yr.
See all 482+ OPT Area Director Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Area Director Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Area Director
Target multi-unit operators with established sponsorship history
Franchise groups and regional operators managing 10 or more locations routinely sponsor H-1B visas for Area Directors. These employers have immigration counsel on retainer and process sponsorship as a standard part of senior operations hiring, not an exception.
Frame your degree against the specialty occupation standard
USCIS requires Area Director roles to demand a specific bachelor's degree field, not just any degree. Business administration, hospitality management, or operations management degrees map cleanly to this role. Lead with that alignment in every cover letter and interview.
Start OPT early to build a sponsorship case through performance
Employers sponsor who they trust. Starting in an operations associate or district manager role during early OPT gives you 12 to 24 months to demonstrate regional impact before your employer needs to commit to H-1B filing in March.
Use P&L ownership as your sponsorship leverage
Area Directors who own regional budgets are harder to replace than those in oversight roles only. If your role includes direct P&L responsibility, make that explicit in sponsorship conversations. It strengthens the business necessity argument for retention and sponsorship.
Clarify your STEM extension eligibility before accepting offers
If your degree is in a STEM-designated field like business analytics, supply chain, or information systems, you may qualify for a 24-month OPT extension. That extension nearly doubles your runway and gives employers significantly more time before H-1B sponsorship is required.
Negotiate sponsorship intent into your offer conversation
Raise sponsorship before signing, not after your first year. Ask directly whether the company has sponsored Area Directors before and whether they would commit to filing when your OPT authorization approaches expiration. Ambiguity at this stage is a risk you can avoid.
Area Director OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can F-1 OPT students work as Area Directors in the United States?
Yes. Area Director roles generally qualify as specialty occupations because they require a bachelor's degree in a specific field such as business administration, operations management, or hospitality management. F-1 students with valid OPT authorization can work in these roles without any additional employer filing during the OPT period itself. You can browse OPT-eligible Area Director openings directly on Migrate Mate.
Do Area Director jobs typically lead to H-1B sponsorship?
Many do, particularly with mid-size to large employers managing regional operations across multiple states. Area Directors are senior enough that replacing them is costly, which creates genuine sponsorship motivation. The strongest cases involve demonstrated P&L ownership and documented regional growth outcomes. Employers with existing H-1B sponsorship programs are your highest-probability targets.
How does the STEM OPT extension apply to Area Director roles?
If your degree is in a STEM-designated field, such as business analytics, supply chain management, or management information systems, you may qualify for a 24-month extension beyond your initial 12 months of OPT. The extension requires your employer to be E-Verify enrolled and to submit a formal training plan. Not all business degrees are STEM-designated, so verify your specific program against the Department of Homeland Security STEM list.
What happens to my OPT authorization if I change employers or move to a different region within the same company?
OPT is not employer-specific, so changing employers or transferring regions does not automatically jeopardize your authorization. However, you must report any employer change to your DSO within 10 days, and you cannot have more than 90 days of unemployment during your OPT period. An internal transfer within the same company typically does not count as a break in employment.
Is an Area Director role likely to qualify as a specialty occupation for future H-1B sponsorship?
Generally yes, provided the job description specifies a degree requirement in a particular field rather than accepting any bachelor's degree. The distinction matters because USCIS looks for a direct relationship between the degree field and the job duties. Roles with vague educational requirements face higher scrutiny. When evaluating offers, confirm the job posting specifies a field-specific degree requirement, not just a preference.