OPT Business Development Assistant Jobs
Business Development Assistant jobs are among the more accessible OPT-eligible roles for international students, with employers regularly filing H-1B visa and other sponsorship petitions for graduates who prove their value during the OPT period. Most roles sit at the intersection of sales, strategy, and client relationships, making them well-suited for students with business, marketing, or communications degrees.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
This position is located on WCU’s main campus in Cullowhee, North Carolina.
The School of Stage & Screen at Western Carolina University invites applications for one semester, fixed-term Visiting Assistant Professor of Musical Theatre. We seek an energetic, collaborative, and student-centered artist-educator with expertise in music direction and musicianship who is excited to contribute to the continued growth and national visibility of our BFA Musical Theatre program. The anticipated start date is January 2027.
The successful candidate will join an engaged community of working artists and educators committed to preparing versatile, thoughtful, and resilient musical theatre professionals. We welcome candidates who bring an active professional practice, a passion for undergraduate teaching, and an interest in helping shape the evolving future of musical theatre training.
The expected workload for this position is 60% teaching and production activity, 20% service, and 20% creative scholarship, research, or publication. The standard teaching assignment is nine credit hours per semester, with course releases provided for assigned production responsibilities such as music direction. Specific teaching and production assignments will be determined by program needs and the successful candidate’s areas of expertise.
The BFA Musical Theatre program is guided by four core values: Authentic Curiosity, Daring Experimentation, Joyful Contribution, and Radical Critical Thought. Through our shared commitment to these values, we cultivate a compassionate and inclusive artistic community that honors its members, encourages meaningful risk-taking, and holds space for growth, inspiration, belonging, and excellence.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION
- Demonstrated ability to teach undergraduate musical theatre courses, which may include musicianship, song study, acting the song, audition preparation, vocal coaching, and musical theatre ensembles.
- Ability to sight read and accompany musical theatre performers in class, auditions and performance on piano.
- Broad knowledge of musical theatre repertoire, styles, and performance practices, including contemporary commercial music.
- Demonstrated skill in music directing theatrical productions and preparing students for professional rehearsal and performance expectations.
- Ability to develop students’ musicianship, sight-reading, score preparation, musical interpretation, and stylistic versatility across a range of prior training and experience.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with directors, choreographers, designers, accompanists, production personnel, faculty, guest artists, and student artists.
- Ability to advise and mentor students in their academic, artistic, and professional development.
- Ability to contribute collaboratively to curriculum development, assessment, recruitment, retention, shared governance, and the broader work of the School of Stage & Screen.
- Commitment to supporting students from a broad range of backgrounds, identities, experiences, and levels of prior access to musical training.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Candidates must possess one of the following:
- A terminal degree in Musical Theatre, Music Direction, Music, Theatre, Vocal Performance, Music Education, or a closely related field, completed by the anticipated start date;
OR
- A Master’s degree in an appropriate field combined with significant professional experience in musical theatre and/or substantial teaching experience at the university or professional level;
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Professional experience as a music director, conductor, vocal coach, vocal director, arranger, and/or composer.
- Experience teaching or coaching healthy, sustainable vocal production across varied musical theatre styles.
- A record of excellence in undergraduate teaching and the successful engagement of students in creative or professional activities.
- Experience with curriculum development, program assessment, or academic program growth.
POSITION TYPE
Permanent Full-Time
NUMBER OF HOURS PER WEEK
40
NUMBER OF MONTHS PER YEAR
9
POSTING TEXT
Open Date 09/22/2026
Close Date
Open Until Filled Yes
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS
Application materials must be submitted online. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a candidate has been selected for hire.
Please include the following:
- A letter of application addressing their qualifications for the position, teaching philosophy, professional or creative practice, and interest in joining WCU’s Musical Theatre community
- A curriculum vitae or professional résumé
- Unofficial transcripts from the institution awarding the applicant’s highest degree
- A statement describing the applicant’s approach to supporting students with varied backgrounds, identities, experiences, and levels of prior musical training
- A list of three professional references, including full contact information
- Links to conducting, accompaniment, coaching, teaching, or production-work samples
For questions or additional information please contact Tory Depew at vdepew@wcu.edu
All applicants are required to submit an unofficial transcript of their highest attained degree, showing all completed coursework and the date the degree was conferred. The transcript must state Degree Awarded, Degree Conferred or a similar phrase. For candidates who are ABD, please submit your most recent doctoral program transcript along with your master’s degree transcript, if you hold such a degree. The master’s degree transcript must have a notation such as Degree Awarded, Degree Conferred or similar phrase, to verify it as your highest completed degree.
BACKGROUND/E-VERIFY
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks.
Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.
CREDENTIAL VERIFICATION
All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements.
EOE
Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ethnicity; religion; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at jobs@email.wcu.edu.
UNIVERSITY SAFETY
The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.
INTRODUCTION
This position is located on WCU’s main campus in Cullowhee, North Carolina.
The School of Stage & Screen at Western Carolina University invites applications for one semester, fixed-term Visiting Assistant Professor of Musical Theatre. We seek an energetic, collaborative, and student-centered artist-educator with expertise in music direction and musicianship who is excited to contribute to the continued growth and national visibility of our BFA Musical Theatre program. The anticipated start date is January 2027.
The successful candidate will join an engaged community of working artists and educators committed to preparing versatile, thoughtful, and resilient musical theatre professionals. We welcome candidates who bring an active professional practice, a passion for undergraduate teaching, and an interest in helping shape the evolving future of musical theatre training.
The expected workload for this position is 60% teaching and production activity, 20% service, and 20% creative scholarship, research, or publication. The standard teaching assignment is nine credit hours per semester, with course releases provided for assigned production responsibilities such as music direction. Specific teaching and production assignments will be determined by program needs and the successful candidate’s areas of expertise.
The BFA Musical Theatre program is guided by four core values: Authentic Curiosity, Daring Experimentation, Joyful Contribution, and Radical Critical Thought. Through our shared commitment to these values, we cultivate a compassionate and inclusive artistic community that honors its members, encourages meaningful risk-taking, and holds space for growth, inspiration, belonging, and excellence.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES REQUIRED FOR THIS POSITION
- Demonstrated ability to teach undergraduate musical theatre courses, which may include musicianship, song study, acting the song, audition preparation, vocal coaching, and musical theatre ensembles.
- Ability to sight read and accompany musical theatre performers in class, auditions and performance on piano.
- Broad knowledge of musical theatre repertoire, styles, and performance practices, including contemporary commercial music.
- Demonstrated skill in music directing theatrical productions and preparing students for professional rehearsal and performance expectations.
- Ability to develop students’ musicianship, sight-reading, score preparation, musical interpretation, and stylistic versatility across a range of prior training and experience.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with directors, choreographers, designers, accompanists, production personnel, faculty, guest artists, and student artists.
- Ability to advise and mentor students in their academic, artistic, and professional development.
- Ability to contribute collaboratively to curriculum development, assessment, recruitment, retention, shared governance, and the broader work of the School of Stage & Screen.
- Commitment to supporting students from a broad range of backgrounds, identities, experiences, and levels of prior access to musical training.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Candidates must possess one of the following:
- A terminal degree in Musical Theatre, Music Direction, Music, Theatre, Vocal Performance, Music Education, or a closely related field, completed by the anticipated start date;
OR
- A Master’s degree in an appropriate field combined with significant professional experience in musical theatre and/or substantial teaching experience at the university or professional level;
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Professional experience as a music director, conductor, vocal coach, vocal director, arranger, and/or composer.
- Experience teaching or coaching healthy, sustainable vocal production across varied musical theatre styles.
- A record of excellence in undergraduate teaching and the successful engagement of students in creative or professional activities.
- Experience with curriculum development, program assessment, or academic program growth.
POSITION TYPE
Permanent Full-Time
NUMBER OF HOURS PER WEEK
40
NUMBER OF MONTHS PER YEAR
9
POSTING TEXT
Open Date 09/22/2026
Close Date
Open Until Filled Yes
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS
Application materials must be submitted online. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a candidate has been selected for hire.
Please include the following:
- A letter of application addressing their qualifications for the position, teaching philosophy, professional or creative practice, and interest in joining WCU’s Musical Theatre community
- A curriculum vitae or professional résumé
- Unofficial transcripts from the institution awarding the applicant’s highest degree
- A statement describing the applicant’s approach to supporting students with varied backgrounds, identities, experiences, and levels of prior musical training
- A list of three professional references, including full contact information
- Links to conducting, accompaniment, coaching, teaching, or production-work samples
For questions or additional information please contact Tory Depew at vdepew@wcu.edu
All applicants are required to submit an unofficial transcript of their highest attained degree, showing all completed coursework and the date the degree was conferred. The transcript must state Degree Awarded, Degree Conferred or a similar phrase. For candidates who are ABD, please submit your most recent doctoral program transcript along with your master’s degree transcript, if you hold such a degree. The master’s degree transcript must have a notation such as Degree Awarded, Degree Conferred or similar phrase, to verify it as your highest completed degree.
BACKGROUND/E-VERIFY
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks.
Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.
CREDENTIAL VERIFICATION
All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements.
EOE
Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ethnicity; religion; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at jobs@email.wcu.edu.
UNIVERSITY SAFETY
The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.
See all 9,769+ OPT Business Development Assistant Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Business Development Assistant
Target companies with a sponsorship track record
Before applying, check whether the employer has previously sponsored H-1B visa or other work visas. Companies that have done it before are far more likely to do it again than those with no sponsorship history.
Make your OPT authorization explicit in applications
State clearly in your cover letter or application that you're authorized to work on OPT and specify your end date. Ambiguity about work authorization status causes hesitation among hiring managers before interviews even start.
Quantify your pipeline or sales contributions
Business development is a results-oriented field. If you have experience generating leads, closing deals, or growing accounts, put numbers behind it. Concrete outcomes make you a more compelling candidate and justify future sponsorship investment.
Focus on startups and mid-size companies first
Larger corporations often have rigid HR processes that slow sponsorship decisions. Startups and growth-stage companies typically hire with more flexibility and are more willing to sponsor strong candidates who demonstrate direct business impact.
Use OPT STEM extension eligibility as leverage if applicable
If your degree is in a STEM field and the role involves data analysis or technical sales, you may qualify for a 24-month STEM OPT extension. This gives employers significantly more time to pursue sponsorship without urgency.
Prepare a clear answer to the sponsorship question
Employers will ask about your long-term authorization needs. Have a practiced, confident response that explains your OPT timeline, potential STEM extension, and H-1B eligibility. Uncertainty in this answer often derails otherwise strong candidates.
Business Development Assistant OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Business Development Assistant on OPT?
Yes, a Business Development Assistant role qualifies for OPT as long as the position is directly related to your field of study. Most business, marketing, communications, and economics degrees satisfy this requirement. Your DSO can confirm whether a specific role aligns with your major before you accept an offer.
How do I find Business Development Assistant jobs that sponsor OPT students?
Migrate Mate is the most direct way to find Business Development Assistant roles from employers open to sponsoring F-1 OPT students. General job boards surface thousands of listings with no filter for sponsorship willingness, which wastes time during a period when your OPT clock is already running.
Does a Business Development Assistant role qualify for STEM OPT extension?
It depends on both your degree and the specific job duties. If your degree is in a qualifying STEM field and the role involves data-driven tasks such as market analysis, CRM reporting, or sales forecasting, it may qualify. Roles focused purely on relationship management without analytical components are less likely to meet the STEM OPT standard. Confirm with your DSO.
What visa can a Business Development Assistant transition to after OPT?
The H-1B is the most common pathway. Business development roles generally qualify as specialty occupations when they require a bachelor's degree in a specific field such as business, marketing, or a related discipline. Some employers in qualifying industries may also consider O-1 visas for candidates with exceptional achievement or the TN visa for Canadian and Mexican nationals.
How early should I start applying for Business Development Assistant jobs on OPT?
Start applying at least three months before your program end date. OPT applications take up to 90 days to process, and you want your Employment Authorization Document in hand before your start date. Applying early also gives you time to negotiate start dates that align with your EAD receipt, which is important since you cannot legally begin work without it.