OPT Chief Of Staff Jobs
Chief of Staff roles sit at the intersection of strategy and execution, making them a strong fit for OPT students with analytical and leadership backgrounds. Most require a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Your 12-month OPT window, or 24-month STEM extension if eligible, gives you meaningful time to secure sponsorship from a growth-stage or enterprise employer.
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INTRODUCTION
Interviews are anticipated to be conducted within two weeks of closing date.
This job posting may be used to fill multiple vacancies.
The Health Care Authority (HCA) participates in E-Verify and will verify employment eligibility upon hire.
Our Vision
Every New Mexican has access to affordable health care coverage through a coordinated and seamless health care system.
Our Mission
We ensure that New Mexicans attain their highest level of health by providing whole-person, cost-effective, accessible, and high-quality health care and safety-net services.
Our Goals
- Leverage purchasing power and partnerships to create innovative policies and models of comprehensive health care coverage that improve the health and well-being of New Mexicans and the workforce.
- Achieve health equity by addressing poverty, discrimination, and lack of resources, building a New Mexico where everyone thrives.
- Implement innovative technology and data-driven decision-making to provide unparalleled, convenient access to services and information.
- Build the best team in state government by supporting employees continuous growth and wellness.
WHY DOES THE JOB EXIST?
The Deputy Bureau Chief Contracts and Projects, Managed Care Oversight Bureau will:
- Oversee a minimum of five (5) contract managers who work with Medicaid Managed Care Organizations (MCO) to ensure timely and accurate communication between the MCO and Health Care Authority (HCA).
- Oversee MCO implementation of certain projects to comply with the managed care service agreements, federal policies and state legislative actions.
HOW DOES IT GET DONE?
The Deputy Bureau Chief Contracts and Projects, Managed Care Oversight Bureau is responsible for:
- Training and supervising contract managers;
- Building and maintaining an effective team;
- Leading various work groups including Health Care Authority (HCA) and Managed Care Organizations (MCO);
- Leading monthly meetings with Managed Care Organizations (MCO);
- Project management of managed care initiatives ensuring successful implementation;
- Facilitating managed care contract amendments;
- Collaborating with the Managed Care Compliance team on MCO reporting.
WHO ARE THE CUSTOMERS?
Medicaid recipients, Managed Care Organizations and Medical Assistance Division (MAD) staff.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION
Associate degree in Business Administration, Healthcare Administration, Statistics, Finance, or a related field and five (5) years of experience with a public assistance program, medical, healthcare, educational, or state facility working with policies and procedures, conducting analysis/research, providing or requesting information from the general public, working with communities, working on health or social service related matters, social work/case management, behavioral health, and/or health care. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling seven (7) years may substitute for the required education and experience.
EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS
- Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License.
- Must obtain a Defensive Driving certification.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is performed in an office setting with exposure to Visual/Video Display Terminal (VDT), extensive personal computer and phone usage.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
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Agency Contact Information: Jolene Jaffa, (505) 690-9920. Email
For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.
Bargaining Unit Position
This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Chief Of Staff
Target companies with dedicated People or Ops functions
Companies large enough to have a Chief of Staff typically have structured HR and legal teams, which makes visa sponsorship far more feasible. Look for Series B and beyond startups or established enterprises with formal hiring processes rather than early-stage teams.
Lead with your OPT authorization upfront
Chief of Staff roles move quickly through interviews. Clarify your work authorization status early so employers can assess sponsorship feasibility before investing significant time, avoiding surprises late in a process that often involves executive-level stakeholders.
Frame your degree as directly relevant to the role
H-1B visa sponsorship requires your job to qualify as a specialty occupation. Degrees in business administration, public policy, economics, or computer science all map clearly to Chief of Staff responsibilities. Be explicit about this connection in your resume and cover letter.
Prioritize founders and executives who have sponsored before
Many executives have personally navigated work visas or hired international talent. A hiring manager with that experience is more likely to champion your sponsorship internally. Ask thoughtful questions during interviews to surface their familiarity with the process.
Use your OPT period to demonstrate strategic impact quickly
Chief of Staff sponsorship decisions often hinge on whether you're seen as indispensable. Document the initiatives you drive, the decisions you enable, and the efficiency gains you create. Concrete outcomes make the sponsorship conversation significantly easier to have.
Engage immigration counsel as early as possible
Chief of Staff is a cross-functional role, so the specialty occupation case may need careful construction. Early involvement from an immigration attorney helps your employer build the strongest possible H-1B petition before your OPT authorization approaches its end date.
Chief Of Staff OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can F-1 OPT students work as a Chief of Staff in the United States?
Yes. F-1 OPT authorization permits full-time employment in roles directly related to your field of study, and Chief of Staff positions typically qualify when your degree is in business, public policy, economics, or a related discipline. You can work for up to 12 months on standard OPT, or up to 36 months total if your degree qualifies for the STEM extension.
Does a Chief of Staff role qualify for H-1B sponsorship?
In most cases, yes. USCIS evaluates whether the position qualifies as a specialty occupation requiring at least a bachelor's degree in a specific field. Chief of Staff roles at growth-stage companies or large enterprises generally meet that standard, particularly when the position involves strategic planning, financial analysis, or operations work tied to a relevant degree. Your employer's immigration attorney will build the specific case.
How much time do I realistically have on OPT to find a Chief of Staff role and secure sponsorship?
On standard OPT you have 12 months, but USCIS requires H-1B petitions to be filed months before your authorization expires. If you qualify for the 24-month STEM extension, your total window extends to 36 months, which gives you substantially more runway. Plan to begin sponsorship conversations at least six to nine months before your current authorization ends.
Where can I find Chief of Staff jobs that offer OPT and visa sponsorship?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for international students and visa holders, so every listing on the platform is filtered for sponsorship-friendly employers. Searching through Migrate Mate saves you time by removing roles where sponsorship is explicitly ruled out, which is a persistent problem on general job boards that do not filter for work authorization requirements.
What happens to my OPT status if I leave a Chief of Staff role before finding a new one?
OPT permits up to 90 days of cumulative unemployment for standard OPT holders, and up to 150 days for those on the STEM extension. If you exceed that threshold, you fall out of valid F-1 status. Contact your Designated School Official as soon as possible if your employment ends unexpectedly, and prioritize finding your next role before that window closes.