OPT Area Manager Jobs
Area Manager roles on OPT typically fall under operations or business management, fields that qualify as specialty occupations for work authorization purposes. Most positions require a bachelor's degree in business, supply chain, or a related field. Your 12-month OPT window, or 24-month STEM extension if eligible, gives you meaningful runway to build the track record employers want.
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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 483+ OPT Area Manager Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Area Manager Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as an Area Manager
Target employers with established OPT hiring pipelines
Large retail, logistics, and distribution companies like Amazon, Target, and Walmart regularly hire Area Managers on OPT. Larger employers have HR infrastructure to handle work authorization paperwork, making the process smoother for both sides.
Clarify your STEM extension eligibility before applying
Area Manager roles tied to operations analytics, supply chain technology, or data-driven logistics may qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Confirm with your DSO whether your degree CIP code makes you eligible before starting your job search.
Frame your authorization window around their management training timeline
Most Area Manager programs run 6 to 12 months of structured training before full deployment. Your OPT timeline aligns well with this, so address it proactively in interviews to show you've thought through the transition to H-1B visa sponsorship.
Report your employer to your DSO within 10 days of starting
OPT requires you to report your employer name, address, and job title to your DSO promptly after starting. Area Manager roles that span multiple sites or regions should use your primary work location as the reporting address.
Maintain full-time employment to stay in valid OPT status
OPT requires at least 20 hours per week of employment in a role related to your degree. Area Manager positions are typically full-time, but if your hours change during a training rotation, confirm you still meet the minimum threshold with your DSO.
Build your H-1B case from day one on the job
Document your management responsibilities, team size, and operational scope from your first week. Strong evidence of a specialty occupation is critical for H-1B petitions, and Area Manager roles sometimes face scrutiny, so contemporaneous records matter.
Area Manager OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does an Area Manager role qualify as a specialty occupation for OPT?
Yes, in most cases. Area Manager positions typically require a bachelor's degree in business administration, supply chain management, operations, or a related field, which meets the specialty occupation standard. Roles that emphasize general supervision without a specific degree requirement can face challenges, so confirm the job posting lists a required degree in a relevant field before applying.
Can I work as an Area Manager on OPT if my degree is in engineering or a STEM field?
Yes, provided the role relates to your degree field. Operations and supply chain management positions often have a direct connection to engineering or industrial technology degrees. A STEM-related degree also opens eligibility for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you significantly more time before needing H-1B sponsorship. Confirm the degree-to-role connection with your DSO.
How do I find Area Manager jobs that are open to OPT students?
Migrate Mate is the recommended platform for F-1 OPT students searching for Area Manager roles. It filters jobs specifically for candidates who need work authorization, so you're not wasting applications on employers who won't consider OPT. Searching through general job boards often buries visa requirements in fine print, which costs time you may not have.
What happens to my OPT status if my Area Manager role involves traveling between multiple sites?
Multi-site Area Manager roles are common in retail and logistics, and they don't automatically affect your OPT status. You should report your primary worksite address to your DSO and update your SEVIS record if your primary work location changes significantly. Short-term travel between sites within the same employer doesn't require separate reporting.
Will employers sponsor an H-1B for an Area Manager position after my OPT ends?
Some do, particularly large employers in retail, logistics, and manufacturing who have established H-1B sponsorship programs. The key variable is whether the company has sponsored H-1Bs for management roles before. Roles that can be clearly defined around a specific degree requirement are stronger H-1B candidates. Ask about sponsorship policies directly during the offer stage, not after you've started.