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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INTRODUCTION
Dentons is seeking a Senior Coordinator, Business Development to support the firm’s business development efforts across practice areas and sectors. This role sits at the center of the firm’s day-to-day business development operations and strategic marketing initiatives, working closely with practice leaders, lawyers and the Business Development team to execute high-impact initiatives that strengthen client relationships, support new business opportunities and enhance the firm’s market profile.
This is a highly visible role requiring strong organization, attention to detail, intellectual curiosity and confidence communicating with senior-level stakeholders. The ideal candidate is a self-starter who proactively identifies opportunities and drives initiatives forward rather than simply responding to requests.
This is a hybrid position.
Responsibilities
Proposal development and management
Pitches, proposals and credentials
- Provide support to lawyers and the Business Development team in the creation, preparation and coordination of RFPs, proposals and pitches across practice areas, tailoring content to respond to client needs and ensuring accuracy, consistency and timely submission
- Draft and coordinate compelling content for proposals, presentations and related materials in alignment with firm branding and strategic priorities
- Collect and maintain matter data in the firm’s experience management system, including deal summaries, transaction experience, case outcomes and credentials for use in pitches, proposals, biographies, directory submissions, website content and internal reporting
- Maintain and update core pitch materials and marketing collateral, ensuring they accurately reflect recent experience, sector focus areas and relevant team members across the firm’s practice groups
Practice and partner support
- Support lawyers and BD leadership in client development efforts including target identification, pursuit strategy and follow-through, proactively surfacing opportunities and flagging concerns to leadership as appropriate
- Identify cross-practice connections and opportunities to increase internal visibility and drive collaboration across the firm’s practice areas and industry sectors
Business development strategy and research
- Conduct market, industry and competitive intelligence research to identify growth opportunities and support targeted outreach and relationship-building initiatives
- Monitor client, sector and geographic trends and prepare insight-driven research and briefing materials for partners, practice leaders and key stakeholders
- Support knowledge management projects, including document audits and naming convention cleanup, to enable readiness for AI adoption and operational efficiency across business development functions
Thought leadership, events and visibility
- Support the development and promotion of thought leadership initiatives, including practice group blogs, content strategy and posting
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to create, develop and distribute thought leadership, client alerts, post-event follow-up and other communications in compliance with firm policies and brand standards
- Collaborate with BD leadership and lawyers to develop and execute strategic business development and market visibility initiatives, including curated client programs, speaking engagements, CLEs, seminars and webinars, including preparation of presentations and related materials
Rankings, directories and profile-raising
- Draft and manage legal directory and award submissions, including but not limited to Chambers, Legal 500, league tables, regional and industry-focused publication awards and other such submissions
- Work with lawyers across the firm to identify and articulate key matters and credentials for submissions and rankings
- Manage the collection and submission of matter data to ranking agencies, ensuring accurate tracking and appropriate credit
Tools, technology and reporting
- Use CRM and marketing technology tools to support client targeting, tracking and information sharing
- Maintain tracking systems for business development initiatives and deal activity, ensuring data integrity and organized recordkeeping while proactively managing timelines and driving process improvements
- Track business development activity and contribute to reporting and analysis that demonstrate impact
- Update and maintain client and prospect mailing lists and CRM records to support coordinated outreach
Qualifications and experience
- 3–5 years of business development or marketing experience in a professional services environment; law firm experience preferred
- Bachelor’s degree; a combination of training, education and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position may be considered
- Strong writing and editing skills with the ability to translate complex legal concepts into clear, client-focused messaging
- Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail and strong communication, presentation and project management skills
- Demonstrated ability to prioritize, adapt and manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment, while working effectively and collaboratively as part of a cohesive team
- Strong professional presence and confidence interacting with senior-level lawyers and stakeholders
- A self-starter who is proactive and service-oriented with strong problem-solving skills and the initiative to drive projects independently
- Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook as well as CRM tools
- Familiarity with AI-driven tools, marketing technology, data platforms and marketing automation and analytical tools is a plus
- Available to manage demands outside of traditional business hours as needed
The salary range for this role is $75,000 to $95,000 DOE and location.
Dentons US LLP offers a competitive salary and benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401k, profit sharing, short-term/long-term disability, life insurance, tuition reimbursement, paid time off, paid holidays and discretionary bonuses.
Dentons US LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Disability/Vet. Pursuant to local ordinances, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
If you need any assistance seeking a job opportunity at Dentons US, LLP, or if you need reasonable accommodation with the application process, please call our Talent Acquisition Specialist at +1 314 259 5898 or contact us at dentonsusstaffrecruitment@dentons.com.
About Dentons
Redefining possibilities. Together, everywhere. For more information visit www.dentons.com
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Get Access To All JobsTips 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.