OPT Database Administrator Jobs
Database Administrator jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in computer science, information systems, or a related field. Most DBA roles qualify as STEM OPT extensions, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization. Employers regularly sponsor H-1B visas for experienced DBAs due to consistent demand for database expertise.
Find OPT Database Administrator JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 52+ Database Administrator jobs
See all 52+ Database Administrator Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Database Administrator roles.
Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
The Shepherd School of Music at Rice University is seeking a highly motivated and customer-focused individual to support the school’s ticketing and box office operations, including management of the Tessitura database. The position oversees all patron services activities in coordination with the Senior Director of Marketing and Communications, with the goal of building long-term, sustainable patron relationships and revenue.
The Shepherd School of Music hosts more than 400 performances each academic year and implemented its first ticketing software, Tessitura v16, in August 2023. The school’s 2026–2027 season includes approximately 25 ticketed performances, including reserved-seating and general-admission events. Pricing models range from free admission to standard single-ticket sales. Subscription packages and fundraising efforts are not currently managed through Tessitura.
The ideal candidate has exceptional ticketing setup and database-management expertise, particularly within a Tessitura environment. This individual should be a self-starter who enjoys both engaging with concertgoers and managing the daily operations of a small-scale box office. A positive, patient, friendly, organized, and detail-oriented professional will excel in this position.
Special Instructions to Applicants: All interested applicants should attach a cover letter and a resume, preferably in PDF format to avoid any formatting issues.
Please include detailed information about your experience with Tessitura and box office operations in your resume.
Workplace Requirements
This position is exclusively on-site, requiring all duties to be performed in person at the Shepherd School of Music. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change. This position requires evening and weekend hours, especially during the academic year, to manage box office operations during ticketed performances and events.
- Ability to sit or stand at a workstation for up to four hours at a time
Hiring Range
This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position, and the proposed salary is $70,647.48 - $80,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor's degree
- In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience above and beyond what is required may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis
- 3+ years of experience using the Tessitura database in a ticketing management, box office, and patron services role.
- Required Tessitura knowledge includes: constituent record management, data hygiene, system tables, security, facility builds, price zones, production elements and performances, pricing, modes of sale, offer setup, TNEW, and advanced ticket-order processing.
Skills:
- Strong knowledge of Tessitura, primarily in ticketing and database management
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
- Demonstrated ability to make sound decisions that reinforce and strengthen patron relationships, often requiring a combination of sound business judgment and creative problem-solving
- Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines
- Strong attention to detail and the ability to review one's own work for accuracy
- Excellent planning, organizational, and analytical skills
- Demonstrated ability to manage financial, organizational, and staff resources
PREFERENCES
- At least five years of experience in ticket sales and customer service
- A passion for the performing arts
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Patron Services & Box Office Management
- Oversees all patron services and box office activities in coordination with the Senior Director of Marketing and Communications, with the goal of building long-term, sustainable patron relationships and revenue
- Develops and implements ticketing policies, procedures, and programs that encourage patron retention and loyalty at the Shepherd School
- Manages on-site box office operations for all Shepherd School performances
- Provides exceptional customer service for ticket buyers by professionally managing ticket ordering, processing, fulfillment, phone inquiries, email inquiries, and voicemail systems
- Recommends solutions and resolves patron issues while maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction in a prompt and courteous manner
- Works closely with Shepherd School leadership to manage donor and VIP ticket requests and departmental seat holds
- Serves as a collaborative partner in reviewing patron communications related to Shepherd School performances
- Prepares and reviews ticket-sales reports, ensuring accuracy and efficiency
Tessitura Database Management
- Independently manages all aspects of Tessitura administration, including season, event, pricing, and offer setup
- Serves as a resource to all Tessitura users by onboarding and training Shepherd School staff
- Creates and maintains processes and procedures that ensure data integrity
- Facilitates a bimonthly custom data import/export process between Tessitura and OwlConnect/Blackbaud, Rice University’s fundraising software
- Oversees compliance with applicable policies and regulations, including ADA-compliant ticketing practices and PCI compliance requirements
- Remains current on all Tessitura updates and enhancements, identifying opportunities to improve patron engagement and administrative efficiency
- Performs system and database upgrades and manages related Tessitura equipment, including ticket scanners, BOCA ticket printers, and EMV credit card devices
ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS
- Provides Tessitura expertise to support users in developing and executing lists, segmentations, output sets, and analytical dashboards
- Monitors sales activity and makes recommendations to the Senior Director of Marketing and Communications regarding revenue opportunities and inventory-management practices
- Manages complimentary-ticket processes for Shepherd School faculty, staff, and students, including communications and activity tracking
- Partners with the Marketing and Communications team to streamline and test the TNEW ticket-purchase process
- Assists the Marketing and Communications team in promoting Shepherd School performances and activities
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. If an applicant requires a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact Rice University’s Human Resources Office via email at facstaffada@rice.edu for support.
If you have any additional questions, please email us at jobs@rice.edu. Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.
INTRODUCTION
The Shepherd School of Music at Rice University is seeking a highly motivated and customer-focused individual to support the school’s ticketing and box office operations, including management of the Tessitura database. The position oversees all patron services activities in coordination with the Senior Director of Marketing and Communications, with the goal of building long-term, sustainable patron relationships and revenue.
The Shepherd School of Music hosts more than 400 performances each academic year and implemented its first ticketing software, Tessitura v16, in August 2023. The school’s 2026–2027 season includes approximately 25 ticketed performances, including reserved-seating and general-admission events. Pricing models range from free admission to standard single-ticket sales. Subscription packages and fundraising efforts are not currently managed through Tessitura.
The ideal candidate has exceptional ticketing setup and database-management expertise, particularly within a Tessitura environment. This individual should be a self-starter who enjoys both engaging with concertgoers and managing the daily operations of a small-scale box office. A positive, patient, friendly, organized, and detail-oriented professional will excel in this position.
Special Instructions to Applicants: All interested applicants should attach a cover letter and a resume, preferably in PDF format to avoid any formatting issues.
Please include detailed information about your experience with Tessitura and box office operations in your resume.
Workplace Requirements
This position is exclusively on-site, requiring all duties to be performed in person at the Shepherd School of Music. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change. This position requires evening and weekend hours, especially during the academic year, to manage box office operations during ticketed performances and events.
- Ability to sit or stand at a workstation for up to four hours at a time
Hiring Range
This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position, and the proposed salary is $70,647.48 - $80,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Exempt (salaried) positions under FLSA are not eligible for overtime.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor's degree
- In lieu of the education requirement, additional related experience above and beyond what is required may be substituted on an equivalent year-for-year basis
- 3+ years of experience using the Tessitura database in a ticketing management, box office, and patron services role.
- Required Tessitura knowledge includes: constituent record management, data hygiene, system tables, security, facility builds, price zones, production elements and performances, pricing, modes of sale, offer setup, TNEW, and advanced ticket-order processing.
Skills:
- Strong knowledge of Tessitura, primarily in ticketing and database management
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
- Demonstrated ability to make sound decisions that reinforce and strengthen patron relationships, often requiring a combination of sound business judgment and creative problem-solving
- Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines
- Strong attention to detail and the ability to review one's own work for accuracy
- Excellent planning, organizational, and analytical skills
- Demonstrated ability to manage financial, organizational, and staff resources
PREFERENCES
- At least five years of experience in ticket sales and customer service
- A passion for the performing arts
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Patron Services & Box Office Management
- Oversees all patron services and box office activities in coordination with the Senior Director of Marketing and Communications, with the goal of building long-term, sustainable patron relationships and revenue
- Develops and implements ticketing policies, procedures, and programs that encourage patron retention and loyalty at the Shepherd School
- Manages on-site box office operations for all Shepherd School performances
- Provides exceptional customer service for ticket buyers by professionally managing ticket ordering, processing, fulfillment, phone inquiries, email inquiries, and voicemail systems
- Recommends solutions and resolves patron issues while maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction in a prompt and courteous manner
- Works closely with Shepherd School leadership to manage donor and VIP ticket requests and departmental seat holds
- Serves as a collaborative partner in reviewing patron communications related to Shepherd School performances
- Prepares and reviews ticket-sales reports, ensuring accuracy and efficiency
Tessitura Database Management
- Independently manages all aspects of Tessitura administration, including season, event, pricing, and offer setup
- Serves as a resource to all Tessitura users by onboarding and training Shepherd School staff
- Creates and maintains processes and procedures that ensure data integrity
- Facilitates a bimonthly custom data import/export process between Tessitura and OwlConnect/Blackbaud, Rice University’s fundraising software
- Oversees compliance with applicable policies and regulations, including ADA-compliant ticketing practices and PCI compliance requirements
- Remains current on all Tessitura updates and enhancements, identifying opportunities to improve patron engagement and administrative efficiency
- Performs system and database upgrades and manages related Tessitura equipment, including ticket scanners, BOCA ticket printers, and EMV credit card devices
ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS
- Provides Tessitura expertise to support users in developing and executing lists, segmentations, output sets, and analytical dashboards
- Monitors sales activity and makes recommendations to the Senior Director of Marketing and Communications regarding revenue opportunities and inventory-management practices
- Manages complimentary-ticket processes for Shepherd School faculty, staff, and students, including communications and activity tracking
- Partners with the Marketing and Communications team to streamline and test the TNEW ticket-purchase process
- Assists the Marketing and Communications team in promoting Shepherd School performances and activities
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. If an applicant requires a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please contact Rice University’s Human Resources Office via email at facstaffada@rice.edu for support.
If you have any additional questions, please email us at jobs@rice.edu. Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.
See all 52+ OPT Database Administrator Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Database Administrator Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Database Administrator
Target companies with active database infrastructure
Large enterprises in finance, healthcare, and tech maintain complex database environments and hire DBAs regularly. These organizations are more likely to have established H-1B sponsorship processes and familiarity with OPT work authorization requirements.
Highlight your STEM OPT eligibility upfront
DBA roles under CIP codes for computer science and information systems qualify for the 24-month STEM extension. Mentioning your 36-month total OPT window early in outreach reassures employers who worry about short authorization timelines.
Get certified in employer-preferred database platforms
Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, and AWS certifications signal job-ready skills to hiring managers. Certifications reduce employer hesitation around sponsorship by demonstrating technical depth that justifies the investment in your work authorization.
Emphasize performance tuning and security experience
Generic database skills are easy to find. Specific experience with query optimization, disaster recovery, and access control makes you harder to replace and strengthens the employer's case that your role qualifies as a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes.
Apply early relative to your OPT start date
Hiring timelines for DBA roles can run six to ten weeks. Starting your search at least three months before your OPT authorization begins ensures you have time to complete interviews, receive an offer, and coordinate your employer's OPT reporting obligations.
Use Migrate Mate to find OPT-friendly DBA openings
Migrate Mate surfaces Database Administrator roles from employers with a verified history of sponsoring international candidates. Filtering by sponsorship likelihood saves time and focuses your applications on companies already open to OPT and H-1B candidates.
Database Administrator OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Database Administrator jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes. Database Administrator roles typically fall under STEM-designated CIP codes in computer science or information systems, making them eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Combined with your initial 12-month OPT period, you can work in this role for up to 36 months without an H-1B visa, provided your employer meets the E-Verify requirement.
How often do employers sponsor H-1B visas for DBAs?
Database Administrators are among the consistently sponsored roles in the H-1B program. DOL disclosure data shows regular LCA filings for DBA positions across finance, healthcare, consulting, and enterprise technology. Employers in data-heavy industries treat skilled DBAs as specialty occupation hires, which supports the H-1B petition. Browsing Migrate Mate lets you identify employers with active sponsorship track records in this field.
Can I work as a Database Administrator on OPT if my degree is in information systems rather than computer science?
Yes. Information systems is a STEM-designated field, and DBA roles align closely with that curriculum. USCIS evaluates whether the job and degree field are related, and database administration has a clear connection to information systems coursework covering data management, systems architecture, and database design. Your I-20 should reflect a STEM-eligible major for the extension to apply.
What should I do if a DBA job listing says 'U.S. citizens and permanent residents only'?
Many employers add this language by default rather than as a firm policy. It is worth applying anyway or reaching out to the recruiter directly to clarify whether OPT candidates are considered. Some listings use that language to exclude candidates requiring immediate H-1B sponsorship, but they may still hire OPT students who already have work authorization for the next two to three years.
Does the type of database specialization affect my sponsorship prospects?
It can. Specializations in cloud-based databases such as AWS RDS, Azure SQL, or Google Cloud Spanner are in higher demand and attract more employers willing to sponsor. On-premise Oracle and SQL Server experience remains valuable in regulated industries like banking and healthcare. The more specialized and current your skill set, the stronger the employer's justification for filing an H-1B petition on your behalf.