OPT Community Engagement Coordinator Jobs
Community Engagement Coordinator jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with backgrounds in communications, public policy, sociology, or nonprofit management. Most roles qualify as specialty occupations under OPT work authorization. Your 12-month OPT window can extend to 36 months with a STEM OPT extension if your degree qualifies.
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Center for Music Leadership and Community Engagement - College of Music
Responsibilities
The Community Engagement Manager at the College of Music leads and supports strategic community engagement initiatives for the College of Music.
This position cultivates partnerships with local arts organizations and institutions to create meaningful experiential opportunities for students and faculty and collaborates across areas to promote best practices in community engagement and arts administration, secure and implement external funding, and amplify the college’s regional impact.
Responsibilities of this position focused on Community Engagement include:
- Assisting in the management and administrative direction of the Center for Music Leadership and Community Engagement at the College of Music (CMLCE).
- In conjunction with the Director of the CMCLE, develops and implements collaborative projects between the FSU College of Music and external music and arts organizations throughout the community including but not limited to: Tallahassee Youth Orchestra, Resident Community Partners Program, Monday Night Music at Westminster Oaks, COCA, internships, and other experiential opportunities for students.
- Guides faculty, staff, and students in community engagement best practices.
- Connects faculty, staff, and students with appropriate community opportunities as they become available.
- Assists in monitoring and evaluating Community Engagement programs.
- Collaborates with the college's communications and outreach areas to share internal updates, community news, and opportunities related to community music.
Additionally, this position:
- Advises graduate students in the MA in Arts Administration Program regarding course selection, internships, experiential learning opportunities, and other relevant matters.
- Connects music students with appropriate community opportunities as they become available. Monitors and evaluates student work with community organizations.
- Assists in the scheduling and supervision of FSU students engaged with music organizations including all legal documentation, scholarships, OPS, or grant funds involved.
- Mentors and advises Arts Administration Graduate Assistant in the CMCLE to include short and long-term goals setting, holding one-on-one check-ins, and participation in team meetings.
- Supports the Director in preparation and submission of grant proposals. Works directly with the Associate Dean for Faculty Development & Research and Assistant Dean for Finance & Administration to manage grants processes, recommend policies, protocols and guidelines, ensure compliance, plan and track project progress, resolve errors/issues, and facilitate all sponsored project-related administrative responsibilities.
- Maintains a working knowledge of federal, state, private, and regional sources of contracts and grants funding.
- Works with the Office of Research and in particular the designated Research Development Coordinator for Arts & Humanities to support increased research and creative activity at the CoM to include assisting in the identification of funding opportunities and conducting research to best advise principal investigators and most effectively interpret technical information.
- Actively investigates grant prospects to identify programs and organizations aligned with the visions and initiatives of the College of Music and its faculty and staff. Provides in-depth support to proposal development processes and written elements of grant applications to include formatting, revisions, and ensuring the accuracy, relevance, and significance of submissions.
- Facilitates Affiliation Agreements with external partners for internships, practica, and other educational opportunities and/or services as needed via FSU Contract Module. Facilitates pre- and post-award processes in the Research Administration Management Portal.
Qualifications
A Bachelor's degree and four years of experience; or a high school diploma or equivalent and eight years of experience. (Note: a combination of post high school education and experience equal to eight years.)
Preferred Qualifications
Preferred candidates will demonstrate:
- A dedication to community music and its power to uplift all people
- Experience administrating community music programming
- Leadership experience in higher education and/or community arts organizations
- Experience with websites, social media, and use of AV elements in presentations
- Skillful negotiation practices
- Ability to utilize problem solving skills with sensitivity and effectiveness
- Creative, out-of-the-box thinking to include assessment of unique environments and ability to proceed appropriately, with or without pre-existing models
- Knowledge of and the ability to apply the principles and practices to strategically align tasks and people with organizational goals and objectives.
- Strong ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing
- Knowledge of and ability to interpret and apply related federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, rules and regulations, in particular those related to non-profit business models and legal requirements
- Knowledge of and the ability to interpret and apply related University policies, procedures, principles, and practices.
- Knowledge of federal, state, and private sources for contract and grant funds
We are especially interested in candidates holding a graduate and/or undergraduate degree in Music or a related field. A graduate degree in a field strongly related to music, arts administration, or entrepreneurship is preferred.
University Information
One of the nation's elite research universities, Florida State University preserves, expands, and disseminates knowledge in the sciences, technology, arts, humanities, and professions, while embracing a philosophy of learning strongly rooted in the traditions of the liberal arts and critical thinking. Founded in 1851, Florida State University is the oldest continuous site of higher education in Florida. FSU is a community steeped in tradition that fosters research and encourages creativity. At FSU, there’s the excitement of being part of a vibrant academic and professional community, surrounded by people whose ideas are shaping tomorrow’s news!
Learn more about Florida State University and our campuses.
FSU Total Rewards
FSU offers a robust Total Rewards package. Visit our FSU Total Rewards website to learn more about our Compensation, Benefits, Wellness, Recognition, and Employee Development programs.
Use our FSU Total Compensation Calculator to calculate Total Compensation options based on potential salary, benefits and retirement contributions, earned leave, and other employment-related perks.
How To Apply
If qualified and interested in a specific job opening as advertised, apply through the FSU Careers site (jobs.fsu.edu). If you are a current FSU employee, apply through myFSU Self Service.
Applicants are required to complete the online application with all applicable information. Applications must include all work history up to ten years, and education details even if attaching a resume.
Considerations
This is an A&P position.
This position requires successful completion of a criminal history background check.
This position attends community and college events requiring availability outside of 8am-5pm M-F.
Equal Employment Opportunity
FSU is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
Department
Center for Music Leadership and Community Engagement - College of Music
Responsibilities
The Community Engagement Manager at the College of Music leads and supports strategic community engagement initiatives for the College of Music.
This position cultivates partnerships with local arts organizations and institutions to create meaningful experiential opportunities for students and faculty and collaborates across areas to promote best practices in community engagement and arts administration, secure and implement external funding, and amplify the college’s regional impact.
Responsibilities of this position focused on Community Engagement include:
- Assisting in the management and administrative direction of the Center for Music Leadership and Community Engagement at the College of Music (CMLCE).
- In conjunction with the Director of the CMCLE, develops and implements collaborative projects between the FSU College of Music and external music and arts organizations throughout the community including but not limited to: Tallahassee Youth Orchestra, Resident Community Partners Program, Monday Night Music at Westminster Oaks, COCA, internships, and other experiential opportunities for students.
- Guides faculty, staff, and students in community engagement best practices.
- Connects faculty, staff, and students with appropriate community opportunities as they become available.
- Assists in monitoring and evaluating Community Engagement programs.
- Collaborates with the college's communications and outreach areas to share internal updates, community news, and opportunities related to community music.
Additionally, this position:
- Advises graduate students in the MA in Arts Administration Program regarding course selection, internships, experiential learning opportunities, and other relevant matters.
- Connects music students with appropriate community opportunities as they become available. Monitors and evaluates student work with community organizations.
- Assists in the scheduling and supervision of FSU students engaged with music organizations including all legal documentation, scholarships, OPS, or grant funds involved.
- Mentors and advises Arts Administration Graduate Assistant in the CMCLE to include short and long-term goals setting, holding one-on-one check-ins, and participation in team meetings.
- Supports the Director in preparation and submission of grant proposals. Works directly with the Associate Dean for Faculty Development & Research and Assistant Dean for Finance & Administration to manage grants processes, recommend policies, protocols and guidelines, ensure compliance, plan and track project progress, resolve errors/issues, and facilitate all sponsored project-related administrative responsibilities.
- Maintains a working knowledge of federal, state, private, and regional sources of contracts and grants funding.
- Works with the Office of Research and in particular the designated Research Development Coordinator for Arts & Humanities to support increased research and creative activity at the CoM to include assisting in the identification of funding opportunities and conducting research to best advise principal investigators and most effectively interpret technical information.
- Actively investigates grant prospects to identify programs and organizations aligned with the visions and initiatives of the College of Music and its faculty and staff. Provides in-depth support to proposal development processes and written elements of grant applications to include formatting, revisions, and ensuring the accuracy, relevance, and significance of submissions.
- Facilitates Affiliation Agreements with external partners for internships, practica, and other educational opportunities and/or services as needed via FSU Contract Module. Facilitates pre- and post-award processes in the Research Administration Management Portal.
Qualifications
A Bachelor's degree and four years of experience; or a high school diploma or equivalent and eight years of experience. (Note: a combination of post high school education and experience equal to eight years.)
Preferred Qualifications
Preferred candidates will demonstrate:
- A dedication to community music and its power to uplift all people
- Experience administrating community music programming
- Leadership experience in higher education and/or community arts organizations
- Experience with websites, social media, and use of AV elements in presentations
- Skillful negotiation practices
- Ability to utilize problem solving skills with sensitivity and effectiveness
- Creative, out-of-the-box thinking to include assessment of unique environments and ability to proceed appropriately, with or without pre-existing models
- Knowledge of and the ability to apply the principles and practices to strategically align tasks and people with organizational goals and objectives.
- Strong ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing
- Knowledge of and ability to interpret and apply related federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, rules and regulations, in particular those related to non-profit business models and legal requirements
- Knowledge of and the ability to interpret and apply related University policies, procedures, principles, and practices.
- Knowledge of federal, state, and private sources for contract and grant funds
We are especially interested in candidates holding a graduate and/or undergraduate degree in Music or a related field. A graduate degree in a field strongly related to music, arts administration, or entrepreneurship is preferred.
University Information
One of the nation's elite research universities, Florida State University preserves, expands, and disseminates knowledge in the sciences, technology, arts, humanities, and professions, while embracing a philosophy of learning strongly rooted in the traditions of the liberal arts and critical thinking. Founded in 1851, Florida State University is the oldest continuous site of higher education in Florida. FSU is a community steeped in tradition that fosters research and encourages creativity. At FSU, there’s the excitement of being part of a vibrant academic and professional community, surrounded by people whose ideas are shaping tomorrow’s news!
Learn more about Florida State University and our campuses.
FSU Total Rewards
FSU offers a robust Total Rewards package. Visit our FSU Total Rewards website to learn more about our Compensation, Benefits, Wellness, Recognition, and Employee Development programs.
Use our FSU Total Compensation Calculator to calculate Total Compensation options based on potential salary, benefits and retirement contributions, earned leave, and other employment-related perks.
How To Apply
If qualified and interested in a specific job opening as advertised, apply through the FSU Careers site (jobs.fsu.edu). If you are a current FSU employee, apply through myFSU Self Service.
Applicants are required to complete the online application with all applicable information. Applications must include all work history up to ten years, and education details even if attaching a resume.
Considerations
This is an A&P position.
This position requires successful completion of a criminal history background check.
This position attends community and college events requiring availability outside of 8am-5pm M-F.
Equal Employment Opportunity
FSU is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
See all 43+ OPT Community Engagement Coordinator Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Community Engagement Coordinator Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Community Engagement Coordinator
Target mission-driven organizations early
Nonprofits, universities, and government agencies hire Community Engagement Coordinators regularly and are often more experienced with OPT work authorization than private startups. Prioritize employers with established HR teams who understand the documentation process.
Frame your international background as an asset
Community engagement roles require cultural competency and multilingual communication skills. Emphasize your ability to connect with diverse populations in your cover letter and interviews. This is a genuine differentiator, not just a talking point.
Get your EAD card details ready before applying
Employers will ask about your work authorization status early in the process. Know your OPT start date, EAD expiration date, and STEM extension eligibility before your first conversation so you can answer confidently without hesitation.
Apply before your OPT clock starts running
Hiring timelines for coordinator roles can run four to eight weeks. If you wait until after graduation to start applying, you risk losing weeks of your authorized period. Begin applications during your final semester to protect your authorized window.
Confirm your degree field supports a specialty occupation claim
OPT requires your job to be directly related to your degree. A communications or public policy degree supporting a Community Engagement Coordinator role is a clear match. Document this connection explicitly if your employer asks during onboarding.
Ask about H-1B sponsorship during the offer stage
OPT is temporary. Raising the H-1B visa question after you have an offer, not during early interviews, gives you more leverage. Ask whether the organization has sponsored visas before and whether it participates in H-1B cap-exempt filings if applicable.
Community Engagement Coordinator OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Community Engagement Coordinator role qualify for OPT work authorization?
Yes, in most cases. OPT requires your job to be directly related to your degree field. Community Engagement Coordinator positions typically require a bachelor's degree in communications, public policy, sociology, social work, or a related field, which makes the degree-to-job connection straightforward to establish with your DSO and employer.
Can I use my STEM OPT extension for a Community Engagement Coordinator job?
Only if your degree is in a STEM-designated field such as data science, information systems, or public health informatics. Traditional humanities or social science degrees, including general communications or sociology, are not STEM-designated. Check the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List to confirm whether your specific CIP code qualifies before assuming you have 36 months of work authorization.
Where can I find Community Engagement Coordinator jobs that are open to OPT students?
Migrate Mate is the best place to start. The platform is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters roles by visa sponsorship willingness, so you are not wasting applications on employers who will not consider OPT candidates. Nonprofits, city governments, and public health organizations are among the most active hirers in this category.
What happens to my OPT status if my Community Engagement Coordinator contract ends early?
You enter a 60-day grace period when authorized employment ends before your OPT expiration date. During that window you can find a new qualifying job, apply to change status, or prepare to depart the United States. You cannot work during the grace period. Report any employment change to your DSO within 10 days to keep your SEVIS record current.
Do Community Engagement Coordinator employers typically sponsor H-1B visas?
It varies significantly by organization type. Large nonprofits, hospitals, and universities with established HR departments are more likely to have sponsored H-1B petitions before. Smaller community organizations and local government agencies may lack the infrastructure or budget. Research an employer's H-1B filing history through public DOL disclosure data before investing significant time in the application process.