OPT Center Manager Jobs
Center Manager jobs on OPT require employers willing to sponsor or extend work authorization, since operational leadership roles often qualify as specialty occupations under H-1B visa. Most OPT periods last 12 months, with a 24-month STEM extension available for qualifying degrees in fields like business analytics or operations management.
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$59,675.20 - $77,563.20 Annually
Location
206 S. Main Street (City Hall) - Greenville, SC
Job Type
Full Time
Job Number
01578
Department
PARKS, RECREATION & TOURISM (PRT)
Division
RECREATION & COMMUNITY CENTERS
Opening Date
09/14/2026
FLSA
Non-Exempt
Brief Description
Job Summary
Under general direction and in compliance with standard operating procedures and policies, oversees and coordinates recreation community center activities and operations. Manages the day-to-day operations of a community center, including developing, planning, organizing, and executing recreation/education programs that meet the needs of the community. Supervises and schedules full-time, part-time, seasonal, and temporary personnel and volunteers. Coordinates assigned activities in collaboration with other divisions, outside agencies and the public. Transports participants to various sites throughout the City to participate in recreation activities. Oversees the maintenance of the community center and facility grounds. Responds to and resolves customer issues and needs. Interacts frequently with neighborhood associations, local businesses, and the public to determine recreation interests and needs for all ages and provide program opportunities. Manages program participation and facility rental revenue, maintains activity, and budget reports. Purchases program and facility supplies and materials, manages resource allocation to facility and activities, and submits budget proposals to supervisor.
Job Duties
Essential Functions
Essential Functions % of Time
-
Plan, Organize, and Direct Recreation Programs: Plan, organize, and implement recreation programs, including but not limited to, summer and holiday day camp programs, afterschool programs, arts programs, senior adult programs, teen programs, and special events. Adapt recreation programs to meet needs of the department and the community. Conduct research to identify programs of value and interest to the community; evaluates program effectiveness and viability. Make recommendations on new programs or modifications of existing programs to meet community needs. Serve as a liaison and resource for community agencies and other organizations. Perform community outreach to promote recreational programs and stimulate interest in center offerings. Determine site-specific program rules, guidelines and responsibilities for staff and program participants. Manage disciplinary issues of program participants/facility users. Communicate with participants and family members, other participants, and public. Submit program and site information to be included in monthly newsletters. Collaborate with management or supervisor to purchase equipment and services from outside vendors.
40% -
Supervise Community Center Staff and Volunteers: Supervise full-time, part-time, seasonal, and temporary community center personnel and volunteers. Set performance expectations and standards; prioritize and assign program and facility responsibilities; schedule, manage, approve and communicate staff work hours; approve timesheets; and monitor performance. Provide coaching, training, and development opportunities. Maintain a safe work environment. In coordination with management or supervisor, participate in the hiring and selection of staff; and ensure the timely documentation and discipline of employees consistent with Human Resources policies. Write and conduct performance evaluations.
25% -
Maintain Facility: Oversee the maintenance and upkeep of the community center and facility grounds. Work with the Recreation Facilities Supervisor to complete inspection reports and maintain facility equipment and make minor repairs. Oversee the duties of the facility custodial staff, ensuring overall safety, cleanliness, and appearance of the community center and its campus. Coordinate with the Recreation Facilities Supervisor and Parks and Grounds division to make repairs, address facility concerns or issues, and complete monthly inspection reports in work order software.
15% -
Perform Administrative Tasks: Monitor and evaluate the quality, responsiveness, efficiency, and effectiveness of assigned City service programs, service delivery methods and procedures. Recommend and implement goals and objectives for providing effective community center services. Keep records to include daily drop-in participants, program participants, rentals, revenues, expenses and outcomes, and prepare the information for monthly, quarterly, and yearly reports. Utilize registration software to assist the public, input registration information on program participants and run necessary reports as needed. Monitor daily expenditures. Prepare revenue and expense reports for all programs. Purchase supplies for facility operations. Participate in the development and administration of assigned program budget. Participate on a variety of staff and community committees and coalitions.
15% -
Promote Community Center Programs: Develop, promote, and market community center programs. Foster strong community engagement and collaborative programming by developing contacts and maintaining relationships with local stakeholders including civic associations, school parent teacher associations (PTAs), and neighboring businesses/organizations.
5%
Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Job Requirements
-
Associate degree in sports management, parks and recreation management, or a related field.
-
Over four (4) years of experience in the field of recreation or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience, which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job, may be substituted for evaluation at the discretion of City management.
-
Must have or obtain CPR & First Aid certifications within six (6) months of hire.
Preferred Qualifications
-
Bachelor’s degree in recreation, or a related field.
-
Prior supervisory experience.
-
Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP) certification.
Driver's License Requirements
- Valid South Carolina Class D Driver's License.
Performance Requirements
Knowledge of:
-
Recreation programming and facility management.
-
Principles and techniques for fostering effective work groups, inter-departmental relations, and community partnerships while providing high level of customer service.
-
Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications.
-
General facility maintenance and safety.
Ability to:
-
Plan and administer a comprehensive and diversified recreation program for all ages, abilities, and interests.
-
Provide supervision, leadership, training, and direction for assigned staff.
-
Maintain order and safety in a crowded and noisy environment.
-
Respond appropriately to changing situations.
-
Maintain facilities and equipment in a clean, safe, and secure environment.
-
Identify and analyze community needs and promote interest in assigned program areas.
-
Develop program budgets and monitor revenue and expenses with accurate financial records and reports.
-
Independently organize work, set priorities, meet deadlines, and follow up on assignments.
-
Demonstrate strong customer service skills and establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships.
-
Respond to and resolve difficult citizen inquiries and complaints, and advise the public on policies, procedures & regulations as it relates to the community centers and recreation programming.
-
Develop and foster relationships with local community stakeholders, civic organizations, and community members.
-
Work independently and exercise effective judgement and professional thinking.
-
Communicate information positively, clearly, accurately, and effectively for a variety of audiences.
-
Learn and effectively use City recreation programming software.
-
Read, comprehend, and apply knowledge of rules, regulations, and procedures as they relate to the City recreation programs.
-
Make mathematical calculations and draw logical conclusions; work with fractions, percentages, ratios/proportions and measurements.
-
Write reports, prepare business letters, summarize meeting minutes, and compose emails in a clear and professional manner.
-
Work evenings and weekends as required.
-
Drive a City vehicle including a 15-passenger minibus to various locations for recreational programming.
-
Use, operate, and maintain a variety of operational equipment and audio-visual equipment.
-
Operate general office equipment to include scanner, printer, copier, calculator, telephone, and computer with Microsoft Office Suite.
-
Utilize specialized software and systems to include registration software.
Other Information
Working Conditions
Primary Work Location: Community Center building. Protective Equipment Required: None. Environmental/Health and Safety Factors:
Occasional exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards with outside work required. Weekly exposure to extreme temperature and wetness and/or humidity.
Physical Demands:
Constantly requires hearing, vision, talking, carrying, pushing/pulling, sitting, standing, and walking/running. Frequently requires fine dexterity, handling/grasping, lifting, reaching, twisting, bending, crouching and stooping, kneeling, and foot controls. Occasionally requires climbing. Medium strength demands include exerting up to 10 pounds constantly, exerting up to 10-20 pounds frequently, and exerting 20-50 pounds occasionally.
Mental Demands:
Constantly requires working closely with others as part of a team. Frequently frequent change of tasks and working in noisy/distracting environment. Occasionally requires time pressures, performing multiple tasks simultaneously, tedious or exacting work, emergency situations, and irregular schedule/overtime.
Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance
The City of Greenville is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. Prospective and current employees should contact Human Resources to request an ADA accommodation.
Disclaimer
The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.
HEALTH INSURANCE
The City offers the following health insurance options to eligible employees:
- Medical
- Dental
- Vision
- Basic Term Life
- Employee Supplemental Life
- Spouse Term Life
- Child Term Life
- Short Term Disability (STD)
- Long Term Disability (LTD)
- Voluntary Benefits (Critical Illness, Accident, Hospital Care, etc.)
All health insurance coverage is effective the first of the month following the employee’s hire date except for LTD which is effective the 91st day following date of hire.
LEAVE & HOLIDAY BENEFITS
General Leave is earned/accrued biweekly by all regular, full-time and permanent part-time employees as a percentage of normal work hours.
The City of Greenville observes 11 paid holidays.
RETIREMENT BENEFITS
The City is a member of the South Carolina State (SCRS) and Police Officers (PORS) defined benefit Retirement Systems.
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
Employee Recognition & Awards Program (ER&A)
- Employee Service Awards
- Longevity Bonus
OTHER BENEFITS & OPPORTUNITIES
- Worker's Compensation
- Deferred Compensation
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Salary
$59,675.20 - $77,563.20 Annually
Location
206 S. Main Street (City Hall) - Greenville, SC
Job Type
Full Time
Job Number
01578
Department
PARKS, RECREATION & TOURISM (PRT)
Division
RECREATION & COMMUNITY CENTERS
Opening Date
09/14/2026
FLSA
Non-Exempt
Brief Description
Job Summary
Under general direction and in compliance with standard operating procedures and policies, oversees and coordinates recreation community center activities and operations. Manages the day-to-day operations of a community center, including developing, planning, organizing, and executing recreation/education programs that meet the needs of the community. Supervises and schedules full-time, part-time, seasonal, and temporary personnel and volunteers. Coordinates assigned activities in collaboration with other divisions, outside agencies and the public. Transports participants to various sites throughout the City to participate in recreation activities. Oversees the maintenance of the community center and facility grounds. Responds to and resolves customer issues and needs. Interacts frequently with neighborhood associations, local businesses, and the public to determine recreation interests and needs for all ages and provide program opportunities. Manages program participation and facility rental revenue, maintains activity, and budget reports. Purchases program and facility supplies and materials, manages resource allocation to facility and activities, and submits budget proposals to supervisor.
Job Duties
Essential Functions
Essential Functions % of Time
-
Plan, Organize, and Direct Recreation Programs: Plan, organize, and implement recreation programs, including but not limited to, summer and holiday day camp programs, afterschool programs, arts programs, senior adult programs, teen programs, and special events. Adapt recreation programs to meet needs of the department and the community. Conduct research to identify programs of value and interest to the community; evaluates program effectiveness and viability. Make recommendations on new programs or modifications of existing programs to meet community needs. Serve as a liaison and resource for community agencies and other organizations. Perform community outreach to promote recreational programs and stimulate interest in center offerings. Determine site-specific program rules, guidelines and responsibilities for staff and program participants. Manage disciplinary issues of program participants/facility users. Communicate with participants and family members, other participants, and public. Submit program and site information to be included in monthly newsletters. Collaborate with management or supervisor to purchase equipment and services from outside vendors.
40% -
Supervise Community Center Staff and Volunteers: Supervise full-time, part-time, seasonal, and temporary community center personnel and volunteers. Set performance expectations and standards; prioritize and assign program and facility responsibilities; schedule, manage, approve and communicate staff work hours; approve timesheets; and monitor performance. Provide coaching, training, and development opportunities. Maintain a safe work environment. In coordination with management or supervisor, participate in the hiring and selection of staff; and ensure the timely documentation and discipline of employees consistent with Human Resources policies. Write and conduct performance evaluations.
25% -
Maintain Facility: Oversee the maintenance and upkeep of the community center and facility grounds. Work with the Recreation Facilities Supervisor to complete inspection reports and maintain facility equipment and make minor repairs. Oversee the duties of the facility custodial staff, ensuring overall safety, cleanliness, and appearance of the community center and its campus. Coordinate with the Recreation Facilities Supervisor and Parks and Grounds division to make repairs, address facility concerns or issues, and complete monthly inspection reports in work order software.
15% -
Perform Administrative Tasks: Monitor and evaluate the quality, responsiveness, efficiency, and effectiveness of assigned City service programs, service delivery methods and procedures. Recommend and implement goals and objectives for providing effective community center services. Keep records to include daily drop-in participants, program participants, rentals, revenues, expenses and outcomes, and prepare the information for monthly, quarterly, and yearly reports. Utilize registration software to assist the public, input registration information on program participants and run necessary reports as needed. Monitor daily expenditures. Prepare revenue and expense reports for all programs. Purchase supplies for facility operations. Participate in the development and administration of assigned program budget. Participate on a variety of staff and community committees and coalitions.
15% -
Promote Community Center Programs: Develop, promote, and market community center programs. Foster strong community engagement and collaborative programming by developing contacts and maintaining relationships with local stakeholders including civic associations, school parent teacher associations (PTAs), and neighboring businesses/organizations.
5%
Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Job Requirements
-
Associate degree in sports management, parks and recreation management, or a related field.
-
Over four (4) years of experience in the field of recreation or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience, which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job, may be substituted for evaluation at the discretion of City management.
-
Must have or obtain CPR & First Aid certifications within six (6) months of hire.
Preferred Qualifications
-
Bachelor’s degree in recreation, or a related field.
-
Prior supervisory experience.
-
Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP) certification.
Driver's License Requirements
- Valid South Carolina Class D Driver's License.
Performance Requirements
Knowledge of:
-
Recreation programming and facility management.
-
Principles and techniques for fostering effective work groups, inter-departmental relations, and community partnerships while providing high level of customer service.
-
Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment and applications.
-
General facility maintenance and safety.
Ability to:
-
Plan and administer a comprehensive and diversified recreation program for all ages, abilities, and interests.
-
Provide supervision, leadership, training, and direction for assigned staff.
-
Maintain order and safety in a crowded and noisy environment.
-
Respond appropriately to changing situations.
-
Maintain facilities and equipment in a clean, safe, and secure environment.
-
Identify and analyze community needs and promote interest in assigned program areas.
-
Develop program budgets and monitor revenue and expenses with accurate financial records and reports.
-
Independently organize work, set priorities, meet deadlines, and follow up on assignments.
-
Demonstrate strong customer service skills and establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships.
-
Respond to and resolve difficult citizen inquiries and complaints, and advise the public on policies, procedures & regulations as it relates to the community centers and recreation programming.
-
Develop and foster relationships with local community stakeholders, civic organizations, and community members.
-
Work independently and exercise effective judgement and professional thinking.
-
Communicate information positively, clearly, accurately, and effectively for a variety of audiences.
-
Learn and effectively use City recreation programming software.
-
Read, comprehend, and apply knowledge of rules, regulations, and procedures as they relate to the City recreation programs.
-
Make mathematical calculations and draw logical conclusions; work with fractions, percentages, ratios/proportions and measurements.
-
Write reports, prepare business letters, summarize meeting minutes, and compose emails in a clear and professional manner.
-
Work evenings and weekends as required.
-
Drive a City vehicle including a 15-passenger minibus to various locations for recreational programming.
-
Use, operate, and maintain a variety of operational equipment and audio-visual equipment.
-
Operate general office equipment to include scanner, printer, copier, calculator, telephone, and computer with Microsoft Office Suite.
-
Utilize specialized software and systems to include registration software.
Other Information
Working Conditions
Primary Work Location: Community Center building. Protective Equipment Required: None. Environmental/Health and Safety Factors:
Occasional exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards with outside work required. Weekly exposure to extreme temperature and wetness and/or humidity.
Physical Demands:
Constantly requires hearing, vision, talking, carrying, pushing/pulling, sitting, standing, and walking/running. Frequently requires fine dexterity, handling/grasping, lifting, reaching, twisting, bending, crouching and stooping, kneeling, and foot controls. Occasionally requires climbing. Medium strength demands include exerting up to 10 pounds constantly, exerting up to 10-20 pounds frequently, and exerting 20-50 pounds occasionally.
Mental Demands:
Constantly requires working closely with others as part of a team. Frequently frequent change of tasks and working in noisy/distracting environment. Occasionally requires time pressures, performing multiple tasks simultaneously, tedious or exacting work, emergency situations, and irregular schedule/overtime.
Americans with Disabilities Act Compliance
The City of Greenville is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. Prospective and current employees should contact Human Resources to request an ADA accommodation.
Disclaimer
The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.
HEALTH INSURANCE
The City offers the following health insurance options to eligible employees:
- Medical
- Dental
- Vision
- Basic Term Life
- Employee Supplemental Life
- Spouse Term Life
- Child Term Life
- Short Term Disability (STD)
- Long Term Disability (LTD)
- Voluntary Benefits (Critical Illness, Accident, Hospital Care, etc.)
All health insurance coverage is effective the first of the month following the employee’s hire date except for LTD which is effective the 91st day following date of hire.
LEAVE & HOLIDAY BENEFITS
General Leave is earned/accrued biweekly by all regular, full-time and permanent part-time employees as a percentage of normal work hours.
The City of Greenville observes 11 paid holidays.
RETIREMENT BENEFITS
The City is a member of the South Carolina State (SCRS) and Police Officers (PORS) defined benefit Retirement Systems.
AWARDS & RECOGNITION
Employee Recognition & Awards Program (ER&A)
- Employee Service Awards
- Longevity Bonus
OTHER BENEFITS & OPPORTUNITIES
- Worker's Compensation
- Deferred Compensation
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
See all 839+ OPT Center Manager Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Center Manager
Frame your degree as operationally essential
Center Manager roles qualify as specialty occupations when a specific bachelor's degree is required. Lead with your degree field in every application and connect it directly to the operational systems, data analysis, or logistics functions the role demands.
Target employers with a sponsorship track record
Healthcare networks, logistics companies, and large retail chains regularly sponsor Center Managers for H-1B visa. Focus your search on organizations with multiple locations, since they have established HR infrastructure and prior experience navigating work authorization processes.
Apply early relative to your OPT end date
H-1B cap-subject petitions are filed in April for an October 1 start. If your OPT expires before October, you need a timely filed petition to maintain status. Start conversations with employers at least eight months before your authorization expires.
Quantify your operational impact in your resume
Hiring managers evaluating candidates for sponsorship need confidence you'll add lasting value. Metrics like cost reductions, team retention rates, throughput improvements, or client satisfaction scores make a stronger case than vague descriptions of responsibilities.
Clarify OPT cap-gap protection with HR
If your OPT expires between April and September 30 and your H-1B petition is timely filed, cap-gap protection extends your work authorization. Many HR teams are unfamiliar with this rule, so be prepared to explain it clearly and direct them to USCIS guidance.
Consider STEM OPT extension if your degree qualifies
Degrees in management information systems, operations research, or business analytics may qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Confirm eligibility with your DSO early, since the extension application must be filed before your initial OPT period expires.
Center Manager OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can an F-1 OPT student work as a Center Manager?
Yes, F-1 OPT students can work as Center Managers as long as the role is directly related to their degree field. A degree in business administration, operations management, healthcare administration, or a related field typically supports this connection. Your employer does not need to sponsor you during OPT itself, but you must maintain a valid EAD and ensure the role aligns with your field of study.
Does a Center Manager role qualify for H-1B sponsorship after OPT?
It can, but it depends on how the role is defined. Center Manager positions qualify as specialty occupations when the employer requires a specific bachelor's degree in a field directly related to the job, such as healthcare administration, business management, or operations. Roles where any general degree is accepted are harder to support. The employer's job description and internal degree requirement are the key factors USCIS evaluates.
Which industries are most likely to sponsor Center Managers on OPT or H-1B?
Healthcare systems, logistics and supply chain companies, fitness and wellness chains, and educational service organizations are among the most active sponsors for Center Manager roles. These sectors rely on specialized operational knowledge tied to specific degree fields, which strengthens the specialty occupation argument. You can browse Center Manager roles from employers open to OPT candidates on Migrate Mate.
What happens if my OPT expires before my H-1B is approved?
If your employer files a cap-subject H-1B petition before your OPT expires, cap-gap protection automatically extends your work authorization through September 30 of that year. If your petition is selected in the lottery and approved, your status continues from October 1. If it is not selected, your work authorization ends and you will need to either leave the U.S., change status, or find an alternative visa option.
Does a Center Manager role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not the job title. If your degree is in a STEM-designated field such as operations research, management information systems, or industrial engineering, and the Center Manager role uses those skills, your DSO may approve the 24-month extension. Degrees in general business or communications typically do not qualify. Confirm your degree's CIP code against the official STEM OPT designated degree program list before applying.