OPT Data Manager Jobs
Data Manager jobs on OPT are widely available at companies that regularly file H-1B visa petitions for data roles. Most positions require a degree in information systems, computer science, or a related field, and STEM OPT extensions of up to 24 months apply when the role falls under a qualifying CIP code.
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Get Access To All JobsABOUT THE ROLE
The Academic Records and Data Manager is a critical leadership role responsible for the lifecycle of the student record and the integrity of institutional data. This position balances high-level compliance—serving as the primary coordinator for federal and accreditation reporting (IPEDS, HLC)—with the management of complex enrollment actions, including university-wide withdrawals, directed studies, internships, and more. The successful candidate will ensure that data management practices are both operationally efficient and compliant with all regulatory standards.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
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Specialized Academic Operations: Oversee the end-to-end processing of complex enrollment changes: course drops, swaps, and university withdrawals. Coordinate with the Financial Aid office to ensure withdrawal dates and data points are accurately synchronized for Title IV compliance. Manage the approval and administrative workflow for Directed Study and Internship proposals, ensuring all institutional requirements and credit-hour standards are met.
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Data Governance & Institutional Compliance: Serve as the lead coordinator for mandatory institutional reporting, including IPEDS, NC-SARA, HLC, and state-level data requests. Collaborate with stakeholders across the university (Financial Aid, Admissions, IT, and Provost’s Office) to ensure data consistency and accuracy for external audits. Perform regular data audits to safeguard the integrity of the Student Information System (SIS).
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Strategic Records Management: Act as a subject matter expert on FERPA and university policy regarding student records. Maintain and update the technical configuration of the academic catalog and registration modules within the SIS. Perform degree audit checks as needed. Maintain and update program-specific degree audit information in the SIS. Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) for enrollment workflows to increase intradepartmental efficiency and transparency.
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Department and Faculty Support & Problem Solving: Provide high-level technical and policy guidance to faculty and department heads regarding enrollment exceptions.
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Student Support & Problem Solving: Resolve complex student record issues with a focus on accuracy, empathy, and adherence to university policy.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required:
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Education: Bachelor’s degree in data management, Information Science, Business Administration, or a related analytical field.
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Technical Experience: 1+ years of experience in a Registrar’s office or a highly regulated data environment.
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Ability to bridge the gap between technical data requirements and academic policy for diverse university stakeholders.
Preferred:
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Master’s Degree: Especially in Higher Education Administration or Data Analytics.
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Regulatory Knowledge: Demonstrated understanding of FERPA, IPEDS, and higher education accreditation standards (e.g., HLC).
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Software Proficiency: Advanced skills in Excel (Pivot Tables, data cleaning) and direct experience with Student Information Systems (SIS).
ABOUT THE ROLE
The Academic Records and Data Manager is a critical leadership role responsible for the lifecycle of the student record and the integrity of institutional data. This position balances high-level compliance—serving as the primary coordinator for federal and accreditation reporting (IPEDS, HLC)—with the management of complex enrollment actions, including university-wide withdrawals, directed studies, internships, and more. The successful candidate will ensure that data management practices are both operationally efficient and compliant with all regulatory standards.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
-
Specialized Academic Operations: Oversee the end-to-end processing of complex enrollment changes: course drops, swaps, and university withdrawals. Coordinate with the Financial Aid office to ensure withdrawal dates and data points are accurately synchronized for Title IV compliance. Manage the approval and administrative workflow for Directed Study and Internship proposals, ensuring all institutional requirements and credit-hour standards are met.
-
Data Governance & Institutional Compliance: Serve as the lead coordinator for mandatory institutional reporting, including IPEDS, NC-SARA, HLC, and state-level data requests. Collaborate with stakeholders across the university (Financial Aid, Admissions, IT, and Provost’s Office) to ensure data consistency and accuracy for external audits. Perform regular data audits to safeguard the integrity of the Student Information System (SIS).
-
Strategic Records Management: Act as a subject matter expert on FERPA and university policy regarding student records. Maintain and update the technical configuration of the academic catalog and registration modules within the SIS. Perform degree audit checks as needed. Maintain and update program-specific degree audit information in the SIS. Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) for enrollment workflows to increase intradepartmental efficiency and transparency.
-
Department and Faculty Support & Problem Solving: Provide high-level technical and policy guidance to faculty and department heads regarding enrollment exceptions.
-
Student Support & Problem Solving: Resolve complex student record issues with a focus on accuracy, empathy, and adherence to university policy.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required:
-
Education: Bachelor’s degree in data management, Information Science, Business Administration, or a related analytical field.
-
Technical Experience: 1+ years of experience in a Registrar’s office or a highly regulated data environment.
-
Ability to bridge the gap between technical data requirements and academic policy for diverse university stakeholders.
Preferred:
-
Master’s Degree: Especially in Higher Education Administration or Data Analytics.
-
Regulatory Knowledge: Demonstrated understanding of FERPA, IPEDS, and higher education accreditation standards (e.g., HLC).
-
Software Proficiency: Advanced skills in Excel (Pivot Tables, data cleaning) and direct experience with Student Information Systems (SIS).
See all 546+ OPT Data Manager Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Data Manager
Target STEM-designated programs
Confirm your degree program has a STEM CIP code before applying. Data Manager roles typically qualify under Computer and Information Sciences, which supports the 24-month STEM OPT extension and makes you a stronger candidate for employers thinking long-term.
Focus on companies with H-1B filing history
Prioritize employers who have sponsored data professionals on H-1B visas before. Past sponsorship behavior is the strongest signal that a company has the legal infrastructure and willingness to support your post-OPT transition when the time comes.
Show technical and compliance overlap
Data Managers who demonstrate familiarity with data governance frameworks, GDPR, or HIPAA compliance stand out. Regulated industries like healthcare and finance hire heavily in this role and tend to have dedicated immigration counsel already in place.
Quantify the data infrastructure you have managed
Be specific about the scale of data you have managed, databases you have administered, and teams you have coordinated. Concrete metrics make it easier for hiring managers to justify sponsorship by demonstrating clear, measurable business value you bring.
Address OPT status directly and early
Raise your work authorization status before the final interview stage. Explain that you are authorized to work now and clarify the timeline. Employers who hesitate often do so because they misunderstand the process, not because they are unwilling.
Build relationships inside data teams
Networking with data engineers, analysts, and IT directors increases your chances of internal referrals. Employees who vouch for candidates often help move sponsorship conversations forward by reducing perceived hiring risk for the recruiting team.
Data Manager OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Data Manager on OPT without additional authorization?
Yes. If your degree is in a qualifying field such as computer science, information systems, or data science, you can work as a Data Manager during your standard 12-month OPT period. If your program carries a STEM designation, you may also be eligible for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you up to 36 months of authorized work in total.
Does a Data Manager role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree's CIP code, not the job title itself. If your degree falls under a STEM-designated CIP code, such as Computer and Information Sciences or Management Information Systems, and the Data Manager role is directly related to that field of study, it qualifies. Your DSO confirms eligibility based on your specific degree program.
How do I find Data Manager jobs that sponsor OPT and H-1B?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically for OPT-friendly employers who have a history of sponsoring work visas. Searching there saves significant time compared to applying broadly and discovering late in the process that a company does not sponsor. Look for employers in healthcare, finance, and enterprise technology, where data management roles are common and sponsorship infrastructure is already in place.
What happens to my OPT authorization if I switch from a Data Manager role to a different position?
Your OPT authorization is tied to employment that is directly related to your degree, not to a specific job title. Switching to a different role is permitted as long as the new position still relates to your field of study. You must report the change to your DSO within 10 days and update your record in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System.
Do employers typically require a specific degree for Data Manager roles on OPT?
Most Data Manager positions require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information systems, data science, or a related technical field. Some roles, particularly in regulated industries, prefer a master's degree. Your degree must have a clear connection to the job for it to count as qualifying OPT employment under USCIS guidelines.