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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Main Work Location: Redwood City
Schedule: Hybrid (at least 2 days per week on site)
Budgeted Salary Range: The expected pay range for this position is $35.08 to $41.31 per hour.
Stanford University is one of the world’s premier academic and research institutions, devoting tremendous intellectual and physical resources toward the betterment of humanity. As a major Bay Area employer, Stanford seeks people committed to excellence and to improving our world. In turn, the university is committed to supporting its employees as they develop their careers and enrich their lives.
The Office of Development (OOD) advances Stanford’s mission by raising philanthropic support from alumni, parents, families, friends, and institutional funders. Working in concert with volunteers and academic leaders, OOD staff members strive to accelerate Stanford’s purposeful impact in the world. Stanford is committed to a donor-centric approach to development. Every member of the Office of Development staff plays a role in providing the university’s donors with the service and attention that ensures an exceptionally positive and fulfilling philanthropic experience.
Stanford Medicine is a world-class academic medical institution comprised of Stanford University School of Medicine, a research-intensive medical school, and Stanford Health Care, a regional hospital system that is nationally recognized for quality patient care and leading-edge technology. Stanford’s top-ranking Medical Center Development (MCD) team supports the goals and purposes of Stanford Medicine, including a significant focus on securing resources to realize the aspirations of the medical enterprise in alignment with the Stanford University-wide strategic vision.
Position Summary:
Reporting to the Associate Director on the Cancer Initiatives Major Gifts team at MCD, the Development Coordinator provides critical administrative and operational support to the Assistant Vice President and Director of the Cancer Initiatives Team within Medical Center Development (MCD). This role is ideal for individuals who enjoy working as part of a highly collaborative team. Candidates who thrive in a fast-paced environment and enjoy finding creative solutions will enjoy the way the role challenges them. In this role, you will have the opportunity to work with frontline fundraising staff, development officers, internal partner teams, donors, volunteers, and other university staff to assist in establishing and maintaining relationships with all university constituencies. By exhibiting patience, flexibility, sharp attention to detail, a high level of professionalism, a strong sense of priorities, and a superb level of tact and discretion, you will aid gift officers in their fundraising work.
Core Duties:
- Plan and schedule calendar(s) for assigned gift officers or team members with limited consultation, resolve calendaring conflicts, and arrange travel in compliance with unit, university, and sponsor policies.
- Oversee and/or perform duties associated with scheduling, organizing, and execution of volunteer meetings and events, including arranging with vendors for services, overseeing the production and distribution of materials, administering logistics, and managing events within budget.
- Assist in the design, publication and production of fundraising materials.
- Build a network of relevant contacts and stay informed on current university initiatives and activities.
- Review and track funds and report on use of gifts, as assigned.
- Retrieve information about prospects and donors, update records, and generate simple reports using the university external relations database.
- Track budget(s), and process reimbursements for department.
Minimum Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree and one year of relevant experience or combination of education and relevant experience.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Demonstrated ability with Microsoft Office suite.
- Knowledge of database systems, such as Microsoft Access.
- Ability to work efficiently, juggle tasks simultaneously, meet deadlines, and achieve goals.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to interact with a wide range of people.
- Outstanding communication skills and exceptional attention to detail and follow-through.
- Demonstrate a commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace culture where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered.
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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.