OPT Business Development Director Jobs
Business Development Director roles on OPT require employers to sponsor H-1B visa or other work visas once your OPT period ends. Most hiring companies are established firms with active sponsorship histories. Your 12-month OPT window, or 24-month STEM extension if applicable, gives you time to prove impact before the sponsorship conversation.
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Overview
Since our founding in 1924, we've cut cardiovascular disease deaths in half, but there is still so much more to do. To overcome today’s biggest health challenges and accelerate this progress, we need passionate individuals like you. Join our movement, be part of the progress, and help ensure a healthier future for all. You matter, and so does the impact you can make with us.
We are currently hiring a Development Director, Youth Engagement. This is a full time, field-based position that requires extensive travel across South Central and Southeast Minnesota and four counties in Northeast Iowa. Flexibility in working hours, including early mornings and evenings, is essential to accommodate the needs of schools and events.
In this fast-paced fundraising/sales position, you will engage K-12 students with the Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge, working with hundreds of schools to promote physical activity and learning. The role also involves extensive data management, continuously updating account information in our customer relationship management (CRM) databases and Microsoft Office products.
Combine your love for fundraising and sales with your passion for kids' health! The American Heart Association's Kids Heart Challenge is all about equipping kids with ways to keep their hearts and brains healthy and raising funds for the health of all hearts. Meet one of our heart heroes here and learn more!
The Association offers many resources to help you maintain work-life harmonization through your changing needs and life situations. To help you be successful, you will have access to Heart U, our award-winning corporate university, as well as additional training and support, locally.
TheAHALife is more than a company culture; it is our way of life. It embodies our commitment to work-life harmonization and is guided by our core values where our employees can thrive both personally and professionally. Discover why you will Be Seen. Be Heard. Be Valued at the American Heart Association by following us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, X, and at heart.jobs.
Responsibilities
This position is directly responsible for meeting an overall fundraising goal of $300,000+ (participant income and corporate sponsorship) through exceptional volunteer recruitment and engagement, customer service and account management - all while motivating kids to take their health to heart.
- Recruit and engage students and their families through schools and districts in life-saving initiatives including Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge programs.
- Implement strategies and initiatives to fully engage students through classroom challenges, activities and student assemblies (in-person and digital experiences).
- Develop and cultivate relationships on an ongoing basis with teachers, principals, district superintendents, and survivor families.
- Establish and maintain outstanding customer service with volunteers and other collaborators. This includes detailed planning and kick-off meetings to set schools up for success.
- Manage and continuously update account information within our customer relationship management (CRM) databases and Microsoft products.
- High volume account management that regularly involves working with 5-10 schools each day - in-person where possible or online/by phone.
Qualifications
- 3 years of relevant experience in fundraising, sales, or other related experience.
- Ability to do daily local travel; requires access to reliable transportation at all times on an immediate basis.
- University/College degree or equivalent experience.
- Ability to work productively and efficiently from a home office and in the field consistent with the Association's flexible work arrangements policy.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and communicate proactively.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, "we can do this" environment.
- This position demands extensive data management, requiring the continuous updating of account information within our CRM databases; Proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to efficiently manage and report on data using CRMs are essential.
- Ability to lift and/or move large objects (such as boxes) with the expectation that heavier items would be broken down into smaller components or requesting additional assistance may be required before lifting and/or moving.
- Candidates must be willing to work flexible hours, including early mornings and evenings, to effectively engage with schools and manage events.
Here are some of the preferred skills we are looking for:
- Experience managing and cultivating volunteer relationships.
- Knowledge of corporate and community networks.
Compensation & Benefits
The American Heart Association invests in its people. Here are the main components of our total rewards package. Visit Rewards & Benefits to see more details.
- Compensation – Expected pay range will be $64,575 to $82,700. Pay is commensurate with experience; geographic differentials to the pay range may apply. The American Heart Association reserves the right to pay more or less than the posted range. Our goal is to ensure you have a competitive base salary. That’s why we regularly review the market value of jobs and make adjustments, as needed.
- Performance and Recognition – You are rewarded for achieving success through annual salary planning and incentive programs; this position is incentive eligible based on achieving certain targets.
- Benefits – We offer a wide array of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance, along with a robust retirement program that includes an employer match and automatic contribution. As a mark of our commitment to employee well-being, we also offer an employee assistance program, employee wellness program and telemedicine, and medical consultation.
- Professional Development – You can join one of our many Employee Resource Groups (ERG) or be a mentor/mentee in our professional mentoring program. Heart U is the Association’s national online university, with more than 100,000 resources designed to meet your needs and busy schedule.
- Work-Life Harmonization – The Association offers Paid Time Off (PTO) at a minimum of 16 days per year for new employees. The number of days will increase based on seniority level. You will also have a total of 12 paid holidays off each year, which includes several days off at the end of the year.
- Tuition Assistance – We support the career development of all employees. This program provides financial assistance to employees who wish to further their education and career in relation to their current duties and responsibilities, or for potential future positions in the organization.
The American Heart Association’s 2028 Goal: Building on over 100 years of trusted leadership in cardiovascular and brain health, by 2028 the Association will drive breakthroughs and implement proven solutions in science, policy, and care for healthier people and communities. The greatest discoveries in health must reach everyone where they are.
At American Heart Association | American Stroke Association, our mission is to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, religion, age, language, sexual orientation, national origin and physical or cognitive abilities.
This position not a match with your skills? Click here to see other opportunities.
In accordance with local and state laws where applicable, qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment.
EOE/Protected Veterans/Persons with Disabilities
AHAIND1, #LI-Hybrid
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Location: Location: US-MN-Mankato
Posted Date 3 months ago (7/29/2026 1:50 PM)
Requisition ID 2026-17960
Job Category Field Campaigns
Position Type Full Time
American Heart Association Offers
- Health Benefits
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans
- Disability & Insurance
- Well onTarget – Wellness Program
- Holidays & Paid Time Off
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
See all 3,623+ OPT Business Development Director Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Business Development Director
Target companies with H-1B sponsorship history
Companies that have sponsored H-1B visas before are far more likely to do it again. Filter your search to employers with established immigration programs rather than pitching the concept cold to companies with no prior experience.
Lead with revenue impact, not immigration need
Business development hiring decisions are driven by pipeline potential and deal experience. Build your case around revenue metrics, partnership outcomes, and market expansion results. Sponsorship becomes easier to approve when your business case is undeniable.
Address the OPT timeline proactively
Bring up your OPT authorization early in conversations with hiring managers. Frame it as a structured timeline with a known process, not an obstacle. Employers who understand the H-1B path are significantly more likely to move forward with confidence.
Pursue STEM OPT extension if your degree qualifies
If your undergraduate or graduate degree is in a STEM field, a 24-month extension may apply even in a business development role. This gives you significantly more time to demonstrate performance and negotiate long-term sponsorship arrangements with your employer.
Build relationships with immigration-experienced HR teams
Large enterprises and growth-stage tech companies often have in-house immigration counsel or established HR processes for sponsorship. Identifying and connecting with those teams early in your job search reduces friction and accelerates hiring decisions considerably.
Negotiate sponsorship commitment before accepting an offer
Confirm the employer's intent to sponsor your H-1B before signing anything. Get clarity on whether they use in-house legal or an outside firm, who covers filing costs, and their timeline expectations. Vague commitments become problems later.
Business Development Director OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Business Development Director on OPT?
Yes, F-1 students authorized for OPT can work as a Business Development Director as long as the role is directly related to your degree field. If your degree is in business, marketing, economics, or a related discipline, this role typically qualifies. Confirm the connection with your DSO before accepting an offer.
Do Business Development Director roles commonly offer visa sponsorship?
Sponsorship availability varies by employer size and industry. Large technology companies, enterprise software firms, and multinational corporations sponsor work visas for business development roles at a much higher rate than small or early-stage companies. Migrate Mate filters jobs by sponsorship willingness, so you can focus your search on employers who have done it before.
Does a Business Development Director role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
The role itself does not determine STEM OPT eligibility. What matters is your degree. If you hold a qualifying STEM degree, such as in computer science, engineering, or applied mathematics, and your employer meets the E-Verify requirement, you may qualify for the 24-month extension even in a business development position. Confirm with your DSO.
What visa options exist after OPT expires for this role?
The H-1B is the most common path for business development professionals after OPT. Business Development Director roles can qualify as specialty occupations when a specific degree is required. Other options include the O-1A for candidates with exceptional achievement, the L-1 visa if you've worked for a multinational abroad, and the E-3 visa for Australian citizens.
How do I find Business Development Director jobs that sponsor OPT students?
Searching broadly wastes time when most postings don't mention sponsorship at all. Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and surfaces Business Development Director roles from employers with verified sponsorship histories. You can filter by visa type, industry, and role level to find positions where your authorization is already expected.