OPT Design Lead Jobs
Design Lead roles are among the more accessible senior positions for F-1 OPT students, as many companies hiring for portfolio-driven leadership don't require H-1B visa sponsorship upfront. Your 12-month OPT window (or 24-month STEM extension if your degree qualifies) gives you real runway to land a role and build toward long-term sponsorship.
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The AI Learning Design Lead plays a critical role in designing, developing, and delivering strategic learning experiences that support the organization’s AI initiatives. This role operates with a high degree of independence and collaborates across teams to ensure alignment between business goals and learning outcomes.
Program Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement:
- Serves as the primary point of contact for all AI Learning Program stakeholders, including executives, HR, and external partners.
- Partners with the Associate Director to represent the program in executive forums, to define and provide updates on roadmap, measurement rubrics, learning prioritization, and scaling strategies.
- Partners with the appropriate communications personnel to deliver program-related communication(s) to the relevant stakeholders.
- Develop program timelines including milestones and KPIs to regularly report progress to stakeholders.
Instructional Design and Development:
- Design and develop learning programs that build foundational AI literacy as well as advanced capabilities across the workforce.
- Create learning pathways that help employees effectively integrate AI tools into their daily work.
- Partner across the organization to support skilling initiatives.
Operations & Vendor Management:
- Manage vendor relationships to ensure our program has what it needs to succeed.
- Respond to inquiries from the AI learning mailbox, ensuring timely and professional communication.
Budget & Reporting:
- Own the full lifecycle of the AI Learning program budget, from creation to tracking and burn management.
- Lead all reporting efforts, including project plans, OKRs, executive dashboards, ECCs, and Steering Committee updates.
Event Management:
- Oversee the planning and execution of all AI Learning events, ensuring high-quality experiences that reflect the program's values.
- Coordinate with supporting teams while maintaining accountability for successful delivery.
Documentation and Governance:
- Maintain strong documentation practices to ensure transparency, continuity, and informed decision-making.
- Develop and manage program governance materials, including committee operating guidance and program documentation.
- Coordinate with supporting people and teams while maintaining accountability for successful delivery.
Use your skills to make an impact
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in instructional design, learning design or similar (or equivalent work experience).
- 2+ years of experience developing corporate learning programs related to AI, digital transformation, or emerging technologies.
- 5+ years of experience designing and leading large-scale enterprise-wide learning or skilling initiatives.
- Strong stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration skills with executive visibility.
- Experience owning and managing program budgets, including forecasting and tracking spend.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage with, present to, and influence executive stakeholders.
- Experience leading communications across multiple stakeholder groups, including HR, leadership, and external vendors.
- Proven ability to plan and execute high-impact events with attention to detail and participant experience.
- Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Demonstrated excellence in documentation practices, including maintaining clear, consistent, and accessible program records.
- Proficiency in creating and managing reports for diverse audiences (e.g., OKRs, project plans, executive summaries, and steering committee updates).
- Proficiency with productivity and collaboration tools (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, SharePoint, Teams).
Preferred Qualifications:
- Program management (PgMP) or project management (CAPM, PMP) Certifications.
- Certification in instructional design tools or methodologies (e.g., ATD, CPTD, Kirkpatrick).
- Experience in IT, health care, or insurance environments.
- Familiarity with project management tools (e.g., Planner, JIRA Align, MS Project or similar platforms) is a plus.
Additional Information:
Qualified candidates are required to live within commutable distance for a hybrid work arrangement.
Locations are:
- Washington, D.C. metropolitan area
- Louisville, KY metropolitan area
- Dallas, TX metropolitan area
- Ft. Lauderdale, FL metropolitan area
- Charlotte, North Carolina
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Tampa, FL
- Boston, MA
- New York City, NY
- Nashville, TN
As part of our hiring process for this opportunity, we will be using an interviewing technology called HireVue to enhance our hiring and decision-making ability. HireVue allows us to quickly connect and gain valuable information from you pertaining to your relevant skills and experience at a time that is best for your schedule.
To ensure Home or Hybrid Home/Office employees' ability to work effectively, the self-provided internet service of Home or Hybrid Home/Office employees must meet the following criteria:
At minimum, a download speed of 25 Mbps and an upload speed of 10 Mbps is required; wireless, wired cable or DSL connection is suggested.
Satellite, cellular and microwave connection can be used only if approved by leadership.
Employees who live and work from Home in the state of California, Illinois, Montana, or South Dakota will be provided a bi-weekly payment for their internet expense.
Humana will provide Home or Hybrid Home/Office employees with telephone equipment appropriate to meet the business requirements for their position/job.
Work from a dedicated space lacking ongoing interruptions to protect member PHI / HIPAA information.
Scheduled Weekly Hours
40
Pay Range
The compensation range below reflects a good faith estimate of starting base pay for full time (40 hours per week) employment at the time of posting. The pay range may be higher or lower based on geographic location and individual pay will vary based on demonstrated job related skills, knowledge, experience, education, certifications, etc.
$94,900 - $130,500 per year
This job is eligible for a bonus incentive plan. This incentive opportunity is based upon company and/or individual performance.
Description of Benefits
Humana, Inc. and its affiliated subsidiaries (collectively, “Humana”) offers competitive benefits that support whole-person well-being. Associate benefits are designed to encourage personal wellness and smart healthcare decisions for you and your family while also knowing your life extends outside of work. Among our benefits, Humana provides medical, dental and vision benefits, 401(k) retirement savings plan, time off (including paid time off, company and personal holidays, volunteer time off, paid parental and caregiver leave), short-term and long-term disability, life insurance and many other opportunities.
About Us
About Humana: Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM) is a leading U.S. healthcare company. Through our Humana insurance services and our CenterWell healthcare services, we make it easier for the millions of people we serve to achieve their best health – delivering the care and service they need, when they need it. These efforts are leading to a better quality of life for people with Medicare and Medicaid, families, individuals, military service personnel, and communities at large. Learn more about what we offer at Humana.com and at CenterWell.com.
Equal Opportunity Employer
It is the policy of Humana not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status. It is also the policy of Humana to take affirmative action, in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and VEVRAA, to employ and to advance in employment individuals with disability or protected veteran status, and to base all employment decisions only on valid job requirements. This policy shall apply to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, upgrading, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, recall, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation and selection for training, including apprenticeship, at all levels of employment.
Become a part of our caring community
The AI Learning Design Lead plays a critical role in designing, developing, and delivering strategic learning experiences that support the organization’s AI initiatives. This role operates with a high degree of independence and collaborates across teams to ensure alignment between business goals and learning outcomes.
Program Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement:
- Serves as the primary point of contact for all AI Learning Program stakeholders, including executives, HR, and external partners.
- Partners with the Associate Director to represent the program in executive forums, to define and provide updates on roadmap, measurement rubrics, learning prioritization, and scaling strategies.
- Partners with the appropriate communications personnel to deliver program-related communication(s) to the relevant stakeholders.
- Develop program timelines including milestones and KPIs to regularly report progress to stakeholders.
Instructional Design and Development:
- Design and develop learning programs that build foundational AI literacy as well as advanced capabilities across the workforce.
- Create learning pathways that help employees effectively integrate AI tools into their daily work.
- Partner across the organization to support skilling initiatives.
Operations & Vendor Management:
- Manage vendor relationships to ensure our program has what it needs to succeed.
- Respond to inquiries from the AI learning mailbox, ensuring timely and professional communication.
Budget & Reporting:
- Own the full lifecycle of the AI Learning program budget, from creation to tracking and burn management.
- Lead all reporting efforts, including project plans, OKRs, executive dashboards, ECCs, and Steering Committee updates.
Event Management:
- Oversee the planning and execution of all AI Learning events, ensuring high-quality experiences that reflect the program's values.
- Coordinate with supporting teams while maintaining accountability for successful delivery.
Documentation and Governance:
- Maintain strong documentation practices to ensure transparency, continuity, and informed decision-making.
- Develop and manage program governance materials, including committee operating guidance and program documentation.
- Coordinate with supporting people and teams while maintaining accountability for successful delivery.
Use your skills to make an impact
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in instructional design, learning design or similar (or equivalent work experience).
- 2+ years of experience developing corporate learning programs related to AI, digital transformation, or emerging technologies.
- 5+ years of experience designing and leading large-scale enterprise-wide learning or skilling initiatives.
- Strong stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration skills with executive visibility.
- Experience owning and managing program budgets, including forecasting and tracking spend.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage with, present to, and influence executive stakeholders.
- Experience leading communications across multiple stakeholder groups, including HR, leadership, and external vendors.
- Proven ability to plan and execute high-impact events with attention to detail and participant experience.
- Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Demonstrated excellence in documentation practices, including maintaining clear, consistent, and accessible program records.
- Proficiency in creating and managing reports for diverse audiences (e.g., OKRs, project plans, executive summaries, and steering committee updates).
- Proficiency with productivity and collaboration tools (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, SharePoint, Teams).
Preferred Qualifications:
- Program management (PgMP) or project management (CAPM, PMP) Certifications.
- Certification in instructional design tools or methodologies (e.g., ATD, CPTD, Kirkpatrick).
- Experience in IT, health care, or insurance environments.
- Familiarity with project management tools (e.g., Planner, JIRA Align, MS Project or similar platforms) is a plus.
Additional Information:
Qualified candidates are required to live within commutable distance for a hybrid work arrangement.
Locations are:
- Washington, D.C. metropolitan area
- Louisville, KY metropolitan area
- Dallas, TX metropolitan area
- Ft. Lauderdale, FL metropolitan area
- Charlotte, North Carolina
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Tampa, FL
- Boston, MA
- New York City, NY
- Nashville, TN
As part of our hiring process for this opportunity, we will be using an interviewing technology called HireVue to enhance our hiring and decision-making ability. HireVue allows us to quickly connect and gain valuable information from you pertaining to your relevant skills and experience at a time that is best for your schedule.
To ensure Home or Hybrid Home/Office employees' ability to work effectively, the self-provided internet service of Home or Hybrid Home/Office employees must meet the following criteria:
At minimum, a download speed of 25 Mbps and an upload speed of 10 Mbps is required; wireless, wired cable or DSL connection is suggested.
Satellite, cellular and microwave connection can be used only if approved by leadership.
Employees who live and work from Home in the state of California, Illinois, Montana, or South Dakota will be provided a bi-weekly payment for their internet expense.
Humana will provide Home or Hybrid Home/Office employees with telephone equipment appropriate to meet the business requirements for their position/job.
Work from a dedicated space lacking ongoing interruptions to protect member PHI / HIPAA information.
Scheduled Weekly Hours
40
Pay Range
The compensation range below reflects a good faith estimate of starting base pay for full time (40 hours per week) employment at the time of posting. The pay range may be higher or lower based on geographic location and individual pay will vary based on demonstrated job related skills, knowledge, experience, education, certifications, etc.
$94,900 - $130,500 per year
This job is eligible for a bonus incentive plan. This incentive opportunity is based upon company and/or individual performance.
Description of Benefits
Humana, Inc. and its affiliated subsidiaries (collectively, “Humana”) offers competitive benefits that support whole-person well-being. Associate benefits are designed to encourage personal wellness and smart healthcare decisions for you and your family while also knowing your life extends outside of work. Among our benefits, Humana provides medical, dental and vision benefits, 401(k) retirement savings plan, time off (including paid time off, company and personal holidays, volunteer time off, paid parental and caregiver leave), short-term and long-term disability, life insurance and many other opportunities.
About Us
About Humana: Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM) is a leading U.S. healthcare company. Through our Humana insurance services and our CenterWell healthcare services, we make it easier for the millions of people we serve to achieve their best health – delivering the care and service they need, when they need it. These efforts are leading to a better quality of life for people with Medicare and Medicaid, families, individuals, military service personnel, and communities at large. Learn more about what we offer at Humana.com and at CenterWell.com.
Equal Opportunity Employer
It is the policy of Humana not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status. It is also the policy of Humana to take affirmative action, in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and VEVRAA, to employ and to advance in employment individuals with disability or protected veteran status, and to base all employment decisions only on valid job requirements. This policy shall apply to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, upgrading, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, recall, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation and selection for training, including apprenticeship, at all levels of employment.
See all 99+ OPT Design Lead Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Design Lead Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Design Lead
Lead with your portfolio, not your visa status
Design Lead hiring is portfolio-first. Get the decision-maker invested in your work before authorization comes up. A compelling body of work reframes you as a high-value candidate worth the sponsorship conversation, not a compliance headache.
Target mid-size companies with active design teams
Companies with four to fifteen person design functions are more likely to sponsor than early-stage startups. They have HR infrastructure, budget for headcount, and enough design work to justify a lead-level hire on OPT.
Frame your OPT timeline as a low-risk trial
Employers unfamiliar with OPT often assume it means immediate H-1B visa paperwork. Clarify that OPT lets you start working now with no employer petition required, giving them a full year to evaluate sponsorship before committing.
Highlight cross-functional leadership experience explicitly
Design Lead roles require more than craft. Emphasize experience running design sprints, managing junior designers, or aligning stakeholders. Employers sponsoring a lead-level hire want proof you can operate beyond individual contribution.
Identify whether your degree qualifies for STEM OPT extension
Degrees in HCI, interaction design, or computer science often qualify for the 24-month STEM extension, giving you 36 months total. This significantly improves your sponsorship prospects by covering multiple H-1B lottery cycles for the employer.
Time your job search around your OPT start date strategically
You can apply for OPT up to 90 days before your program end date. Aligning your job search so an offer lands within that window avoids gaps, keeps your status clean, and gives employers a clear, immediate start timeline.
Design Lead OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Design Lead on F-1 OPT without employer sponsorship?
Yes. During your OPT period, your work authorization comes from USCIS through your DSO and school, not from the employer. You can accept any Design Lead offer without the employer filing any petition. Sponsorship only becomes relevant when your OPT period ends and you need to transition to an H-1B or other long-term visa.
Does a Design Lead role qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not the job title. If your degree is in a STEM-designated field such as human-computer interaction, computer science, or information systems, you likely qualify for the extension. The role itself must also be directly related to that degree. Many Design Lead positions at tech companies satisfy this requirement, but confirm with your DSO before assuming eligibility.
How do I find Design Lead jobs where employers are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for this. The platform filters for employers who have sponsored work visas before, which is the strongest proxy for OPT-friendliness at the Design Lead level. Searching broadly without that filter wastes time on companies that will pull offers the moment you mention your visa status.
Will working as a Design Lead affect my chances of H-1B sponsorship later?
Positively. Design Lead is a senior specialty occupation with a clear degree-to-role connection, which makes H-1B petitions more straightforward to support than generalist or ambiguously scoped roles. Employers sponsoring a lead-level hire have also already made a meaningful investment in you, making them more motivated to follow through with the petition.
What happens to my OPT authorization if I'm laid off from a Design Lead role?
F-1 OPT students have a 60-day unemployment buffer after losing a job. During this period, you must actively pursue new employment to remain in valid status. The clock starts from your last day of employment, not when you receive notice. If you find a new Design Lead role within the window, your OPT authorization continues without interruption.