OPT Data Strategy Lead Jobs
Data Strategy Lead roles sit at the intersection of business intelligence and organizational decision-making, making them strong candidates for OPT authorization under CIP codes tied to data science, information systems, or statistics. Most roles qualify as specialty occupations, which supports both STEM OPT extension and H-1B visa sponsorship down the line.
Find OPT Data Strategy Lead JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 13+ Data Strategy Lead jobs
See all Data Strategy Lead Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Data Strategy Lead roles.
Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
The MassHealth Office of Long Term Services and Supports (OLTSS) is responsible for managing a robust system of supports for members of all ages who need services to enable them to live with independence and dignity in their daily lives, participate in their communities, and increase their overall quality of life. These services and supports may be provided in the home; in residential, day, and other community-based settings; or in certain facility-based settings. OLTSS is responsible for ensuring that services are member-focused, accessible, of the highest quality, and delivered in a cost-effective manner. This position will focus on four key OLTSS programs: Day Habilitation (DH), Adult Day Health (ADH), Adult Foster Care (AFC), and Group Adult Foster Care (GAFC). These programs provide critical home and community-based services that help MassHealth members remain in their communities.
The Senior Manager, Strategic Initiatives, Policy, and Data leads high-priority projects for the DH, ADH, AFC, and GAFC programs. Projects may include policy and regulatory changes, federal initiatives and compliance, operational improvements, and data and systems work. The Senior Manager develops and manages project plans, coordinates across OLTSS, MassHealth, and external partners, and drives projects from planning through implementation. This role analyzes complex issues, develops recommendations for leadership, addresses project risks and challenges, and works in close partnership with program leadership and staff to translate policy decisions into program operations. Selected applicants for this role will have exceptional problem-solving, communication, and analytical skills.
Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all-inclusive):
- Lead the planning and implementation of complex, high-priority projects; identify project scope, develop work plans, and lead day-to-day efforts of staff in developing policy and/or operational recommendations through successful implementation.
- Conduct analysis on prior authorization data, claims data, provider cost reports, and other sources to identify and prioritize opportunities for improvement and/or guide implementation of strategic initiatives.
- Engage members, advocates, providers, and other stakeholders to gather feedback and inform policy and program changes.
- Develop, prepare, and present policy, operational, and strategic recommendations to MassHealth and OLTSS leadership.
- Lead responses to emerging legislative, regulatory, federal compliance, and other urgent program priorities.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Strong analytical, organizational, interpersonal and communications skills.
- Ability to work with high level officials and executives.
- Effective Excel, PowerPoint, and other Microsoft office applications skills.
- Ability to prioritize numerous tasks, and to work under high pressure and tight time constraints.
- Comfort with ambiguity and providing structure to ambiguous problems.
- Ability to take ownership of workstreams with high-level direction and guidance.
- Ability to provide structure and process management to the projects.
- Experience with projects and processes in an analytic and strategic capacity.
- Passion for public service.
To Apply:
Please upload both Resume and Cover Letter for this position when applying. First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.
About MassHealth:
The mission of MassHealth is to improve the health outcomes of our diverse members, their families, and their communities by providing access to integrated health care services that sustainably promote health, well-being, independence, and quality of life.
Pre-Offer Process:
A criminal and tax history background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori
Education, licensure, and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines.
Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website.
ADA Reasonable Accommodation:
If you require a reasonable accommodation with the application/interview process, please contact us at: EOHHS Candidate ADA Requests
For questions, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 and select option #4.
MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Applicants must have at least (A) five (5) years of full-time or, equivalent part-time, professional, administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience in business administration, business management, public administration, public management, clinical administration or clinical management of which (B) at least one (1) year must have been in a project management, supervisory or managerial capacity or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and substitutions below.
Substitutions:
I. A certificate in a relevant or related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required (A) experience.
II. A Bachelor's degree in a related field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required (A) experience.
III. A Graduate degree in a related field may be substituted for three (3) years of the required (A) experience.
IV. A Doctorate degree in a related field may be substituted for four (4) years of the required (A) experience.
Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate’s years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.
Comprehensive Benefits
When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.
Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!
An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.
Official Title: Administrator VI
Primary Location: United States-Massachusetts-Boston-1 Ashburton Place
Job: Administrative Services
Agency: Exec Office Of Health and Human Services
Schedule: Full-time
Shift: Day
Job Posting: Sep 16, 2026, 12:58:32 PM
Number of Openings: 1
Salary: 94,497.73 - 145,463.14 Yearly
If you have Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator: Natasha Lugo, Natasha.Lugo@mass.gov - 8572830119
Bargaining Unit: M99-Managers (EXE)
Confidential: No
Potentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule: Yes
INTRODUCTION
The MassHealth Office of Long Term Services and Supports (OLTSS) is responsible for managing a robust system of supports for members of all ages who need services to enable them to live with independence and dignity in their daily lives, participate in their communities, and increase their overall quality of life. These services and supports may be provided in the home; in residential, day, and other community-based settings; or in certain facility-based settings. OLTSS is responsible for ensuring that services are member-focused, accessible, of the highest quality, and delivered in a cost-effective manner. This position will focus on four key OLTSS programs: Day Habilitation (DH), Adult Day Health (ADH), Adult Foster Care (AFC), and Group Adult Foster Care (GAFC). These programs provide critical home and community-based services that help MassHealth members remain in their communities.
The Senior Manager, Strategic Initiatives, Policy, and Data leads high-priority projects for the DH, ADH, AFC, and GAFC programs. Projects may include policy and regulatory changes, federal initiatives and compliance, operational improvements, and data and systems work. The Senior Manager develops and manages project plans, coordinates across OLTSS, MassHealth, and external partners, and drives projects from planning through implementation. This role analyzes complex issues, develops recommendations for leadership, addresses project risks and challenges, and works in close partnership with program leadership and staff to translate policy decisions into program operations. Selected applicants for this role will have exceptional problem-solving, communication, and analytical skills.
Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all-inclusive):
- Lead the planning and implementation of complex, high-priority projects; identify project scope, develop work plans, and lead day-to-day efforts of staff in developing policy and/or operational recommendations through successful implementation.
- Conduct analysis on prior authorization data, claims data, provider cost reports, and other sources to identify and prioritize opportunities for improvement and/or guide implementation of strategic initiatives.
- Engage members, advocates, providers, and other stakeholders to gather feedback and inform policy and program changes.
- Develop, prepare, and present policy, operational, and strategic recommendations to MassHealth and OLTSS leadership.
- Lead responses to emerging legislative, regulatory, federal compliance, and other urgent program priorities.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Strong analytical, organizational, interpersonal and communications skills.
- Ability to work with high level officials and executives.
- Effective Excel, PowerPoint, and other Microsoft office applications skills.
- Ability to prioritize numerous tasks, and to work under high pressure and tight time constraints.
- Comfort with ambiguity and providing structure to ambiguous problems.
- Ability to take ownership of workstreams with high-level direction and guidance.
- Ability to provide structure and process management to the projects.
- Experience with projects and processes in an analytic and strategic capacity.
- Passion for public service.
To Apply:
Please upload both Resume and Cover Letter for this position when applying. First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.
About MassHealth:
The mission of MassHealth is to improve the health outcomes of our diverse members, their families, and their communities by providing access to integrated health care services that sustainably promote health, well-being, independence, and quality of life.
Pre-Offer Process:
A criminal and tax history background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori
Education, licensure, and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines.
Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website.
ADA Reasonable Accommodation:
If you require a reasonable accommodation with the application/interview process, please contact us at: EOHHS Candidate ADA Requests
For questions, please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 and select option #4.
MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Applicants must have at least (A) five (5) years of full-time or, equivalent part-time, professional, administrative, supervisory, or managerial experience in business administration, business management, public administration, public management, clinical administration or clinical management of which (B) at least one (1) year must have been in a project management, supervisory or managerial capacity or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and substitutions below.
Substitutions:
I. A certificate in a relevant or related field may be substituted for one (1) year of the required (A) experience.
II. A Bachelor's degree in a related field may be substituted for two (2) years of the required (A) experience.
III. A Graduate degree in a related field may be substituted for three (3) years of the required (A) experience.
IV. A Doctorate degree in a related field may be substituted for four (4) years of the required (A) experience.
Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate’s years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.
Comprehensive Benefits
When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.
Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!
An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.
Official Title: Administrator VI
Primary Location: United States-Massachusetts-Boston-1 Ashburton Place
Job: Administrative Services
Agency: Exec Office Of Health and Human Services
Schedule: Full-time
Shift: Day
Job Posting: Sep 16, 2026, 12:58:32 PM
Number of Openings: 1
Salary: 94,497.73 - 145,463.14 Yearly
If you have Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator: Natasha Lugo, Natasha.Lugo@mass.gov - 8572830119
Bargaining Unit: M99-Managers (EXE)
Confidential: No
Potentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule: Yes
See all OPT Data Strategy Lead Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Data Strategy Lead Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Data Strategy Lead
Target companies with established data organizations
Companies with dedicated data teams, chief data officers, or data governance programs are far more likely to sponsor OPT students. These organizations already understand the business case for data leadership and have HR processes set up for work authorization.
Frame your degree as a direct qualification
Data Strategy Lead roles typically require a degree in data science, information systems, business analytics, or statistics. Lead with that connection explicitly in your resume and cover letter so employers immediately see the specialty occupation alignment required for OPT authorization.
Emphasize cross-functional project experience
Hiring managers for strategy roles want evidence you can work across engineering, product, and business units. Quantify outcomes from past projects where your analysis directly shaped a business decision, product roadmap, or operational change.
Bring up OPT proactively and confidently
Waiting for employers to ask about authorization creates uncertainty. Briefly explain that you hold F-1 OPT work authorization, clarify how long you have remaining, and mention STEM extension eligibility if your degree qualifies. Confidence here removes the perceived hiring risk.
Prioritize employers with existing H-1B sponsorship history
Companies that have previously sponsored H-1B visas are significantly more likely to continue OPT through to full sponsorship. Check OFLC disclosure data to verify a company's track record before investing heavily in the application process.
Demonstrate strategic thinking beyond technical skills
Data Strategy Lead is a leadership role, not purely an analyst position. Employers want candidates who translate data capabilities into business outcomes. Prepare case examples where you influenced stakeholder decisions or built a data governance framework from the ground up.
Data Strategy Lead OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Data Strategy Lead role qualify for STEM OPT extension?
Most Data Strategy Lead positions qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension if your degree is in a STEM-designated field such as data science, information systems, statistics, or computer science. The role must involve applying scientific or technical knowledge directly to the work. Confirm your degree's CIP code against the official DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List before assuming eligibility.
Can I work as a Data Strategy Lead on standard 12-month OPT before applying for the STEM extension?
Yes. If your degree field qualifies, you start with 12 months of post-completion OPT and can apply for the 24-month STEM extension before that initial period expires. The extension application must be filed with USCIS before your current EAD runs out, so plan to submit at least 90 days early. Your employer must also be enrolled in E-Verify to sponsor the STEM extension.
What makes a Data Strategy Lead role a specialty occupation for H-1B sponsorship?
A role qualifies as a specialty occupation when it theoretically and practically requires at least a bachelor's degree in a specific field. Data Strategy Lead positions typically meet this standard because they require applied expertise in data architecture, analytics frameworks, or information systems, all of which correspond to degree programs. Employers should document the degree requirement explicitly in the job description to strengthen the H-1B petition.
How do I find Data Strategy Lead roles where employers are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically for OPT-friendly employers, so you can focus your search on companies with a history of sponsoring international candidates rather than applying broadly and hitting authorization walls. Filtering by visa sponsorship willingness up front saves significant time in a job search where your OPT clock is running.
What should I do if a Data Strategy Lead job listing says 'must be authorized to work without sponsorship'?
This language typically excludes candidates who need future H-1B sponsorship, but it does not necessarily exclude OPT holders, since OPT is independent work authorization that does not require the employer to petition USCIS immediately. However, if you plan to need sponsorship when your OPT expires, be transparent with the employer early. Some companies use that language loosely and are open to discussing OPT with qualified candidates.