OPT Database Engineer Jobs
Database Engineer jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in computer science, information systems, or data engineering. Most roles qualify as STEM OPT extensions, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization. Employers in this field regularly sponsor H-1B visas for high-performing database professionals.
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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.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Database Engineer
Target companies with active STEM OPT hiring patterns
Financial services firms, healthcare systems, and enterprise software companies consistently hire database engineers on OPT. These industries rely on structured data infrastructure and are accustomed to sponsoring international talent through OPT and beyond.
Emphasize your STEM OPT extension eligibility upfront
Many hiring managers confuse standard 12-month OPT with the 36-month STEM extension. Clarify early that your degree qualifies for the extension, which gives employers a longer runway before needing to sponsor an H-1B.
Align your degree field with the job description
Database engineer roles typically require a degree in computer science, information systems, or a related STEM field. Confirm your degree classification matches before applying, as mismatches can create OPT eligibility complications with your DSO.
Highlight cloud database certifications on your resume
Certifications in AWS, Google Cloud, or Azure database services signal employer-ready skills and reduce training costs. Hiring managers at companies with H-1B sponsorship programs view certified OPT candidates as lower-risk, higher-value hires worth sponsoring.
Confirm your employer is E-Verify enrolled before accepting an offer
STEM OPT extensions require your employer to be enrolled in E-Verify. Ask HR to confirm enrollment status during negotiations, not after you sign. An employer that is not enrolled cannot legally employ you on a STEM extension.
Apply early relative to your OPT start date
Database engineer roles often involve multi-round technical interviews spanning three to six weeks. Starting your search at least three months before your OPT begins ensures you have authorization in hand when an offer comes through.
Database Engineer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do database engineer roles qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Most database engineer positions qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension if your degree is in computer science, information systems, computer engineering, or a closely related field. The role itself must also be directly related to your degree. Confirm your CIP code with your DSO before applying, as classification varies by university and degree program.
How do I find database engineer jobs that sponsor OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters database engineer roles by sponsorship willingness, so you are not wasting applications on employers who will not hire international students. Searching through a general job board makes it difficult to identify OPT-friendly employers, whereas Migrate Mate surfaces those opportunities directly.
What happens to my OPT status if my database engineer contract ends early?
If your employment ends before your OPT authorization expires, you have a 60-day grace period to find new employment, transfer to a different visa status, or depart the United States. You should report the change to your DSO immediately. Unauthorized unemployment beyond 90 cumulative days on post-completion OPT violates your status and can affect future visa applications.
Can I work as a database engineer for multiple employers simultaneously on OPT?
Yes, OPT allows concurrent employment with multiple employers as long as each position is directly related to your degree field and each employer is E-Verify enrolled if you are on a STEM extension. You must work a minimum of 20 hours per week in total across all positions. Report all employers to your DSO to keep your SEVIS record accurate.
Do database engineer roles at startups typically sponsor H-1B visas after OPT?
Sponsorship at startups varies significantly. Early-stage companies often lack the legal infrastructure or budget for H-1B petitions, while Series B and later-stage startups frequently have established immigration programs. When evaluating an offer, ask directly whether the company has sponsored H-1B visas before and whether they have an immigration attorney on retainer or under contract.