OPT Design Project Manager Jobs
Design Project Manager jobs on OPT sit at the intersection of creative direction and operational execution. Most roles require a degree in design, architecture, or a related field, and your 12-month OPT window (or 24-month STEM extension if your program qualifies) gives you real runway to demonstrate cross-functional leadership before pursuing H-1B visa sponsorship.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Residential & Hospitality Services (RHS) is hiring a Construction Manager with interior design expertise to serve as the liaison between RHS departments and the Planning & Projects Office (PPO). This role coordinates and oversees small-to-medium PPO projects, IPF minor project needs, and day-to-day facilities and infrastructure projects, with a strong emphasis on furniture and signage.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Key Responsibilities:
- Manage small-to-medium sized interior design and construction projects, including new construction and alterations, from programming through final completion and punch-out phases.
- Work with teams to develop and implement programmatic needs for new initiatives, including the creation of 3D renderings and floor plans.
- Develop standards for signage, fabrics, and interior/exterior finishes.
- Oversee the design process, project budgets, installation, construction, and closeout.
- Manages interns/students and perform additional project and job-related tasks as assigned as needed.
All positions in RHS are designated as critical status. In the event of a university closure, modification, or suspension of operations due to snow or other emergency conditions, you will be expected to make all reasonable attempts to report to work as scheduled for the duration of the closure/suspension. If you have an approved remote work agreement to work a portion of your normally scheduled work hours remotely, you may be called upon to work on-site to serve the MSU community. If you have a permanent, ongoing, and/or pervasive condition that may impede your ability to work on-site, please contact the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities (RCPD) at rcpd.msu.edu/get-started.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
- Knowledge normally acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Construction Management, Interior Design, or a related field
- Three to five years of related and progressively more responsible work experience in construction, industrial design, supervision, interior design, or project management.
- An equivalent combination of education and experience.
- A valid vehicle operator's license is required at the time of hire.
- Ability to exert moderate physical effort and visit various interior and exterior work sites.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Three to five years of experience using AutoCAD for interior design applications, including 3D design.
- Extensive knowledge of interior design practices, materials, and textiles.
- Proficiency in project management practices, including schedule and budget development, analysis, and management.
- Knowledge of MSU policies, facility operations, and LEED standards or accreditation.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
- Familiarity with PlanOn (work order management) and EBS (Enterprise Business Systems).
- Excellent customer service and communication skills for engaging with a diverse population.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to work independently, multitask, and follow through.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS
Cover letter, resume, three (3) professional references.
WORK HOURS
Mon-Fri 7:30AM-4:30PM with occasional evenings and weekends based on business need
SUMMARY OF PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The duties for the position will require lifting, pushing, and pulling 50 lbs. or more and frequent lifting and carrying objects that weigh 25 lbs. or more.
SUMMARY OF HEALTH RISKS
- Driving a university vehicle that does not require a commercial license.
- Working in a noisy environment (at or above 85 decibels).
LOCATION
East Lansing, Michigan, United States
CLOSING DATE
Bidding eligibility ends May 12, 2026 at 11:55 P.M.
SALARY
Salary Commensurate: $70,000.00 - $75,000.00
INTRODUCTION
Residential & Hospitality Services (RHS) is hiring a Construction Manager with interior design expertise to serve as the liaison between RHS departments and the Planning & Projects Office (PPO). This role coordinates and oversees small-to-medium PPO projects, IPF minor project needs, and day-to-day facilities and infrastructure projects, with a strong emphasis on furniture and signage.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Key Responsibilities:
- Manage small-to-medium sized interior design and construction projects, including new construction and alterations, from programming through final completion and punch-out phases.
- Work with teams to develop and implement programmatic needs for new initiatives, including the creation of 3D renderings and floor plans.
- Develop standards for signage, fabrics, and interior/exterior finishes.
- Oversee the design process, project budgets, installation, construction, and closeout.
- Manages interns/students and perform additional project and job-related tasks as assigned as needed.
All positions in RHS are designated as critical status. In the event of a university closure, modification, or suspension of operations due to snow or other emergency conditions, you will be expected to make all reasonable attempts to report to work as scheduled for the duration of the closure/suspension. If you have an approved remote work agreement to work a portion of your normally scheduled work hours remotely, you may be called upon to work on-site to serve the MSU community. If you have a permanent, ongoing, and/or pervasive condition that may impede your ability to work on-site, please contact the Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities (RCPD) at rcpd.msu.edu/get-started.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
- Knowledge normally acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Construction Management, Interior Design, or a related field
- Three to five years of related and progressively more responsible work experience in construction, industrial design, supervision, interior design, or project management.
- An equivalent combination of education and experience.
- A valid vehicle operator's license is required at the time of hire.
- Ability to exert moderate physical effort and visit various interior and exterior work sites.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Three to five years of experience using AutoCAD for interior design applications, including 3D design.
- Extensive knowledge of interior design practices, materials, and textiles.
- Proficiency in project management practices, including schedule and budget development, analysis, and management.
- Knowledge of MSU policies, facility operations, and LEED standards or accreditation.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
- Familiarity with PlanOn (work order management) and EBS (Enterprise Business Systems).
- Excellent customer service and communication skills for engaging with a diverse population.
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to work independently, multitask, and follow through.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.
REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS
Cover letter, resume, three (3) professional references.
WORK HOURS
Mon-Fri 7:30AM-4:30PM with occasional evenings and weekends based on business need
SUMMARY OF PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The duties for the position will require lifting, pushing, and pulling 50 lbs. or more and frequent lifting and carrying objects that weigh 25 lbs. or more.
SUMMARY OF HEALTH RISKS
- Driving a university vehicle that does not require a commercial license.
- Working in a noisy environment (at or above 85 decibels).
LOCATION
East Lansing, Michigan, United States
CLOSING DATE
Bidding eligibility ends May 12, 2026 at 11:55 P.M.
SALARY
Salary Commensurate: $70,000.00 - $75,000.00
See all 121+ OPT Design Project Manager Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Design Project Manager
Target firms with established design teams
Large architecture, product, and branding agencies hire Design Project Managers regularly and have HR infrastructure to support visa sponsorship. Smaller studios may want you but lack the legal resources to follow through. Prioritize organizations with 50 or more employees.
Frame your OPT timeline as a trial period
Employers hesitate on sponsorship when they don't know you yet. Position your OPT as a built-in evaluation window. If you perform well, sponsorship is a natural next step rather than an upfront commitment they're being asked to make.
Quantify your project management outcomes
Sponsorship conversations go better when you can point to results. Prepare specific examples: projects delivered on time and on budget, team size managed, stakeholder count, or scope complexity. Numbers give hiring managers something concrete to justify the sponsorship investment internally.
Get your STEM extension filed early if eligible
If your degree is in a STEM-designated field, apply for the 24-month OPT extension well before your initial OPT expires. The extended timeline significantly improves your odds of clearing the H-1B lottery while remaining continuously employed and authorized.
Clarify the specialty occupation case for your role
Design Project Manager roles can face H-1B scrutiny if the degree requirement isn't clearly established. Before accepting an offer, confirm the employer and their immigration attorney understand how to frame the role as a specialty occupation requiring a specific bachelor's-level field.
Build relationships with the hiring manager, not just HR
Sponsorship decisions often hinge on whether a direct manager advocates for you internally. HR follows policy. Hiring managers push exceptions. Invest in that relationship early, demonstrate your value clearly, and make it easy for them to make the case on your behalf.
Design Project Manager OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Design Project Manager role qualify for H-1B sponsorship?
Yes, but the role needs to meet the specialty occupation standard, meaning it requires a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific field like design, architecture, or a related discipline. Generalist project management roles can struggle with this framing, so the job description and degree alignment both matter. An experienced immigration attorney should evaluate the specific role before you rely on sponsorship as your path forward.
Does a design degree qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your specific program. Some design degrees, particularly those with a technology or engineering focus such as interaction design, computational design, or digital media, appear on the STEM Designated Degree Program list maintained by the Department of Homeland Security. A general graphic design or fine arts degree typically does not qualify. Check the official DHS STEM list against your CIP code, which your DSO can confirm.
Where can I find Design Project Manager jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters for employers who have a demonstrated history of visa sponsorship. Rather than cold-applying to every Design Project Manager posting and guessing at sponsorship willingness, you can browse roles on Migrate Mate where sponsorship openness is already factored into the listings, which saves significant time during a timeline-sensitive job search.
Can I work as a Design Project Manager on OPT if my degree is in a field like architecture or industrial design?
Yes. OPT requires that your employment be directly related to your degree field, and a Design Project Manager role typically satisfies that requirement for graduates in architecture, industrial design, graphic design, UX, or product design. Your DSO makes the final determination, so run the specific job description by them before accepting an offer if you have any doubt about the connection to your program of study.
What should I do if my OPT expires before my employer files for H-1B?
If your OPT end date falls before the next H-1B cap filing window, you have limited options: a timely STEM extension (if eligible) is the most common bridge, and it must be filed before your current OPT expires. If neither applies, you may need to consider a cap-exempt employer, a change of status to another visa category, or briefly departing the U.S. to consular process an H-1B once approved. Talk to an immigration attorney early.