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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Description
Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital
Professional - Nonclinical
Req #: 78202
Summary:
The Development Coordinator role is a dynamic, hands-on opportunity to grow in nonprofit fundraising, event production, and communications. The coordinator will work hand in hand with the Barbara Bush Children’s care team to help share the inspiring, life-changing work happening every day, as well as the meaningful impact of funds raised to support our patients, families, and care team.
The Coordinator will play a central part in planning, coordinating, and executing a wide range of fundraising events, from logistics and vendor coordination to on-site support and post-event follow-up. Additionally, the Coordinator will also support day-to-day operations, donor and volunteer engagement, and build relationships with community partners, including businesses and organizations across Maine.
This position is ideal for someone who is organized, creative, people-oriented, and eager to build skills in event coordination, communications, digital storytelling, and nonprofit development while making a meaningful difference for children and families.
Required Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)
- Education: Bachelor’s Degree in a related field or equivalent experience required.
- License/Certifications: N/A
- Experience: One year of experience working fundraising events in addition to experience planning events, coordinating volunteers and donor relations required. Philanthropy experience preferred.
- Additional Skills/Requirements Required: N/A
- Additional Skills/Requirements Preferred: Understanding of volunteer/donor stewardship. Comprehensive knowledge of Microsoft Office.
Hiring Scam Alert
MaineHealth will never request financial information during the interview or pre-hiring process. All legitimate communications will come from an email address ending in @mainehealth.org. If you suspect fraudulent activity, please report it immediately to mhcareers@mainehealth.org.
Additional Information
With a career at any of the MaineHealth locations across Maine and New Hampshire, you’ll be working with health care professionals that truly value the people around them – both within the walls of the organization and the communities that surround it.
We offer benefits that support an individual's needs for today and flexibility to plan for tomorrow – programs such as paid parental leave, a flexible work policy, student loan assistance, training and education, along with well-being resources for you and your family.
MaineHealth remains focused on investing in our care team and developing an inclusive environment where you can thrive and feel supported to realize your full potential. If you’re looking to build a career in a place where people help one another deliver best-in-class care, apply today.
If you have questions about this role, please contact lauren.robare@mainehealth.org.
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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.