OPT Development Coordinator Jobs

Development Coordinator roles are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with backgrounds in nonprofit management, communications, public administration, or social work. Most positions qualify as specialty occupations for OPT authorization. STEM OPT extensions are less common but possible for data-focused or program evaluation roles.

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Overview

Open Jobs788+
Top Visa TypeF-1 OPT
Work Type89% On-site
Median Salary$43K
Top LocationNew York, NY
Most JobsVirginia Commonwealth University

Showing 5 of 788+ Development Coordinator jobs

MaineHealth
Development Coordinator
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MaineHealth
New 21h ago
Development Coordinator
MaineHealth
Portland, Maine
Events & Tourism
Content & Communications
Event Planning
Communications
On-Site
1+ yr exp.
Bachelor's
10,000+

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Wharton-Smith, Inc
Business Development Coordinator
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Wharton-Smith, Inc
Added 2d ago
Business Development Coordinator
Wharton-Smith, Inc
Sanford, Florida
Partnerships & Business Development
Administrative & Office Support
Project & Program Management
Business Development
Project Management
On-Site
2+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's
501-1,000

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University of Alabama, Birmingham
Development Coordinator
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University of Alabama, Birmingham
Added 3d ago
Development Coordinator
University of Alabama, Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama
Administrative & Office Support
Customer Service & Support
Events & Tourism
Event Planning
$19/hr - $24/hr
On-Site
2+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's
10,000+

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WEOKIE Federal Credit Union
Learning & Development Coordinator
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WEOKIE Federal Credit Union
Added 4d ago
Learning & Development Coordinator
WEOKIE Federal Credit Union
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Corporate Training & Learning Development
Learning & Development
Corporate Training
Instructional Design
On-Site
2+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's

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MORRISON & FOERSTER
Senior Business Development Coordinator
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MORRISON & FOERSTER
Added 4d ago
Senior Business Development Coordinator
MORRISON & FOERSTER
San Francisco, California
Partnerships & Business Development
Marketing
Project & Program Management
Customer Service & Support
Business Development
$67,000/yr - $99,000/yr
On-Site
3+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's
1,001-5,000

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Tips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Development Coordinator

Target nonprofits and universities with established OPT hiring

Nonprofits and higher education institutions hire Development Coordinators regularly and often have HR teams familiar with OPT work authorization. These organizations are less likely to screen out international candidates early in the process.

Frame your degree as a direct match for the role

Development Coordinator positions typically require a bachelor's degree in communications, nonprofit management, public administration, or a related field. Lead with your specific degree title when applying so employers immediately see the specialty occupation connection.

Address your OPT status early and confidently

Bring up your OPT authorization proactively rather than waiting for employers to ask. Explain that you're authorized to work without employer sponsorship for up to 12 months, which removes the immediate cost and complexity concern for smaller organizations.

Highlight grant writing and donor database skills

Development Coordinators who can manage donor databases like Salesforce Nonprofit or write grant proposals are significantly more hireable. These technical skills also help establish that the role requires specialized knowledge, which strengthens your OPT specialty occupation case.

Research the organization's funding model before applying

Understanding whether an employer is grant-funded, donor-funded, or membership-based helps you tailor your application. It also signals genuine interest, which matters at mission-driven organizations where cultural fit often weighs heavily in hiring decisions.

Start your H-1B conversation early with development-friendly employers

Some nonprofits are cap-exempt for H-1B visa purposes, meaning they can file year-round without entering the lottery. If you're targeting long-term sponsorship, identifying cap-exempt employers during your OPT job search gives you a meaningful advantage.

Development Coordinator OPT: Frequently Asked Questions

Does a Development Coordinator role qualify as a specialty occupation for OPT?

Yes, in most cases. Development Coordinator positions typically require a bachelor's degree in a specific field such as communications, nonprofit management, public administration, or social work. That degree requirement is what makes it a specialty occupation under OPT rules. If a job posting lists any bachelor's degree as acceptable regardless of field, the specialty occupation case is weaker and worth evaluating carefully before applying.

Can I get a STEM OPT extension as a Development Coordinator?

It depends on your degree and the specific role. Standard Development Coordinator positions do not qualify for STEM OPT extension. However, if your role is heavily focused on data analysis, program evaluation, or research methods, and your degree is in a STEM-designated field, there may be a case to make. Review the official DHS STEM designated degree program list and confirm with your DSO before assuming extension eligibility.

Do nonprofits typically sponsor H-1B visas for Development Coordinators?

Many do, and some have a meaningful advantage. Nonprofits affiliated with universities, research institutions, or government entities are often cap-exempt for H-1B purposes. This means they can file year-round without entering the annual lottery. If long-term sponsorship matters to you, ask about H-1B filing history during the interview process. You can browse Development Coordinator roles at sponsorship-friendly organizations directly on Migrate Mate.

What should I do if my OPT expires before I secure an H-1B as a Development Coordinator?

First, check whether you qualify for STEM OPT extension through your DSO. If not, consider whether your employer qualifies as cap-exempt for H-1B, which removes the lottery risk entirely. Other options include transitioning to a J-1 visa exchange visitor program if your role qualifies, or exploring O-1A if you have documented achievements in fundraising or program development. Speak with an immigration attorney before your OPT end date to map out options.

What types of employers hire Development Coordinators who are on OPT?

Nonprofits, foundations, hospitals, museums, universities, and advocacy organizations are the most active employers for this role. These organizations frequently hire for development functions and tend to have HR teams familiar with OPT work authorization. Government agencies and large social service organizations also hire at this level. Migrate Mate lists Development Coordinator openings filtered specifically for OPT-eligible candidates, so you can focus your search on employers who are open to your status.