OPT Development Director Jobs
Development Director roles sit at the intersection of fundraising strategy, donor relations, and organizational leadership, making them a strong fit for OPT students with nonprofit management, communications, or business backgrounds. Most employers treat these as specialty occupations eligible for H-1B visa sponsorship, and STEM OPT extensions may apply for data-driven fundraising roles.
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Since our founding in 1924, we've cut cardiovascular disease deaths in half, but there is still so much more to do. To overcome today’s biggest health challenges and accelerate this progress, we need passionate individuals like you. Join our movement, be part of the progress, and help ensure a healthier future for all. You matter, and so does the impact you can make with us.
We are currently hiring a Development Director in our Oregon & Southwest Washington market. The Director will generate revenue for our Leaders of Impact, Woman of Impact, and Teen of Impact fundraising campaigns.
This field-based role will involve travel throughout the greater Portland and Vancouver area.
We have a fast-paced sales type of environment with the main responsibility of driving revenue in support of our mission. We offer a base salary with the potential to earn an incentive up to 25% of your base pay. The potential incentive is based on achieving certain revenue targets and triggers.
The Association offers many resources to help you maintain work-life harmonization through your changing needs and life situations. To help you be successful, you will have access to Heart U, our award-winning corporate university, as well as additional training and support, locally.
TheAHALife is more than a company culture; it is our way of life. It embodies our commitment to work-life harmonization and is guided by our core values where our employees can thrive both personally and professionally. Discover why you will Be Seen. Be Heard. Be Valued at the American Heart Association by following us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, X, and at heart.jobs.
Responsibilities
- Directly drive peer-to-peer fundraising strategies to achieve overall revenue goals. Secure financial contributions by conducting exploratory meetings and revenue generation-focused sales calls. Appropriately document scheduled appointments and results.
- Recruit, engage and recognize high-level volunteers for participation in local, competitive fundraising campaigns. Provide effective orientation, training, and ongoing coaching for recruited volunteers to maximize revenue and volunteer experience.
- Identify and network with key donors and volunteers. Work collaboratively with volunteers and donors as well as internal staff to broaden the volunteer network and increase mission impact and campaign income. Develop and manage year-round cultivation plans ensuring superior donor relations.
- Organize local donor cultivation events and prospect high-impact donors and volunteers. Manage event logistics - digitally and in-person.
- Collaborate with partners across the Division, Region and Association-wide team to ensure full alignment with vision and goals and provide consistent support in all aspects of fundraising and other assigned organizational initiatives. Proactively communicates information for effective account management and customer service.
- Ensure full compliance with appropriate operational and financial requirements and practices and within the financial capacity available. Operates in accordance with the American Heart Association's Fiscal Standard policies and all applicable laws, regulations, policies and standards.
- Manage customer and campaign information utilizing American Heart Association systems accurately, timely and completely in accordance with established guidelines.
Qualifications
- 3 years of relevant experience in fundraising, sales, or other related experience
- University/College degree or equivalent experience
- Ability to do daily local travel up to 75% and some overnight trips as needed; requires access to reliable transportation at all times on an immediate basis
- Ability to lift and/or move large objects (such as boxes) with the expectation that heavier items would be broken down into smaller components or requesting additional assistance may be required before lifting and/or moving
- Must have at least basic knowledge and skill/proficiency with Microsoft Office
Here are some of the preferred experience and skills we are seeking:
- Experience managing and cultivating high-level leaders at the C-Suite level
- Knowledge of corporate and community networks
Compensation & Benefits
The American Heart Association invests in its people. Here are the main components of our total rewards package. Visit Rewards & Benefits to see more details.
- Compensation – Our goal is to ensure you have a competitive base salary. That’s why we regularly review the market value of jobs and make adjustments, as needed.
- Performance and Recognition – You are rewarded for achieving success through annual salary planning and incentive programs; this position is incentive eligible based on achieving certain targets.
- Benefits – We offer a wide array of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance, along with a robust retirement program that includes an employer match and automatic contribution. As a mark of our commitment to employee well-being, we also offer an employee assistance program, employee wellness program and telemedicine, and medical consultation.
- Professional Development – You can join one of our many Employee Resource Groups (ERG) or be a mentor/mentee in our professional mentoring program. Heart U is the Association’s national online university, with more than 100,000 resources designed to meet your needs and busy schedule.
- Work-Life Harmonization – The Association offers Paid Time Off (PTO) at a minimum of 16 days per year for new employees. The number of days will increase based on seniority level. You will also have a total of 12 paid holidays off each year, which includes several days off at the end of the year.
- Tuition Assistance – We support the career development of all employees. This program provides financial assistance to employees who wish to further their education and career in relation to their current duties and responsibilities, or for potential future positions in the organization.
The American Heart Association’s 2028 Goal: Building on over 100 years of trusted leadership in cardiovascular and brain health, by 2028 the Association will drive breakthroughs and implement proven solutions in science, policy, and care for healthier people and communities. The greatest discoveries in health must reach everyone where they are.
At American Heart Association | American Stroke Association, our mission is to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, religion, age, language, sexual orientation, national origin and physical or cognitive abilities.
This position not a match with your skills? Click here to see other opportunities.
In accordance with local and state laws where applicable, qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment.
EOE/Protected Veterans/Persons with Disabilities
LI-Hybrid
Join our Talent Community!
Join our Talent Community to receive updates on new opportunities and future events.
Location: US-OR-Portland
Posted Date 12 hours ago (5/8/2026 5:51 PM)
Requisition ID 2026-17560
Job Category Field Campaigns
Position Type Full Time
Overview
Since our founding in 1924, we've cut cardiovascular disease deaths in half, but there is still so much more to do. To overcome today’s biggest health challenges and accelerate this progress, we need passionate individuals like you. Join our movement, be part of the progress, and help ensure a healthier future for all. You matter, and so does the impact you can make with us.
We are currently hiring a Development Director in our Oregon & Southwest Washington market. The Director will generate revenue for our Leaders of Impact, Woman of Impact, and Teen of Impact fundraising campaigns.
This field-based role will involve travel throughout the greater Portland and Vancouver area.
We have a fast-paced sales type of environment with the main responsibility of driving revenue in support of our mission. We offer a base salary with the potential to earn an incentive up to 25% of your base pay. The potential incentive is based on achieving certain revenue targets and triggers.
The Association offers many resources to help you maintain work-life harmonization through your changing needs and life situations. To help you be successful, you will have access to Heart U, our award-winning corporate university, as well as additional training and support, locally.
TheAHALife is more than a company culture; it is our way of life. It embodies our commitment to work-life harmonization and is guided by our core values where our employees can thrive both personally and professionally. Discover why you will Be Seen. Be Heard. Be Valued at the American Heart Association by following us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, X, and at heart.jobs.
Responsibilities
- Directly drive peer-to-peer fundraising strategies to achieve overall revenue goals. Secure financial contributions by conducting exploratory meetings and revenue generation-focused sales calls. Appropriately document scheduled appointments and results.
- Recruit, engage and recognize high-level volunteers for participation in local, competitive fundraising campaigns. Provide effective orientation, training, and ongoing coaching for recruited volunteers to maximize revenue and volunteer experience.
- Identify and network with key donors and volunteers. Work collaboratively with volunteers and donors as well as internal staff to broaden the volunteer network and increase mission impact and campaign income. Develop and manage year-round cultivation plans ensuring superior donor relations.
- Organize local donor cultivation events and prospect high-impact donors and volunteers. Manage event logistics - digitally and in-person.
- Collaborate with partners across the Division, Region and Association-wide team to ensure full alignment with vision and goals and provide consistent support in all aspects of fundraising and other assigned organizational initiatives. Proactively communicates information for effective account management and customer service.
- Ensure full compliance with appropriate operational and financial requirements and practices and within the financial capacity available. Operates in accordance with the American Heart Association's Fiscal Standard policies and all applicable laws, regulations, policies and standards.
- Manage customer and campaign information utilizing American Heart Association systems accurately, timely and completely in accordance with established guidelines.
Qualifications
- 3 years of relevant experience in fundraising, sales, or other related experience
- University/College degree or equivalent experience
- Ability to do daily local travel up to 75% and some overnight trips as needed; requires access to reliable transportation at all times on an immediate basis
- Ability to lift and/or move large objects (such as boxes) with the expectation that heavier items would be broken down into smaller components or requesting additional assistance may be required before lifting and/or moving
- Must have at least basic knowledge and skill/proficiency with Microsoft Office
Here are some of the preferred experience and skills we are seeking:
- Experience managing and cultivating high-level leaders at the C-Suite level
- Knowledge of corporate and community networks
Compensation & Benefits
The American Heart Association invests in its people. Here are the main components of our total rewards package. Visit Rewards & Benefits to see more details.
- Compensation – Our goal is to ensure you have a competitive base salary. That’s why we regularly review the market value of jobs and make adjustments, as needed.
- Performance and Recognition – You are rewarded for achieving success through annual salary planning and incentive programs; this position is incentive eligible based on achieving certain targets.
- Benefits – We offer a wide array of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance, along with a robust retirement program that includes an employer match and automatic contribution. As a mark of our commitment to employee well-being, we also offer an employee assistance program, employee wellness program and telemedicine, and medical consultation.
- Professional Development – You can join one of our many Employee Resource Groups (ERG) or be a mentor/mentee in our professional mentoring program. Heart U is the Association’s national online university, with more than 100,000 resources designed to meet your needs and busy schedule.
- Work-Life Harmonization – The Association offers Paid Time Off (PTO) at a minimum of 16 days per year for new employees. The number of days will increase based on seniority level. You will also have a total of 12 paid holidays off each year, which includes several days off at the end of the year.
- Tuition Assistance – We support the career development of all employees. This program provides financial assistance to employees who wish to further their education and career in relation to their current duties and responsibilities, or for potential future positions in the organization.
The American Heart Association’s 2028 Goal: Building on over 100 years of trusted leadership in cardiovascular and brain health, by 2028 the Association will drive breakthroughs and implement proven solutions in science, policy, and care for healthier people and communities. The greatest discoveries in health must reach everyone where they are.
At American Heart Association | American Stroke Association, our mission is to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, religion, age, language, sexual orientation, national origin and physical or cognitive abilities.
This position not a match with your skills? Click here to see other opportunities.
In accordance with local and state laws where applicable, qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment.
EOE/Protected Veterans/Persons with Disabilities
LI-Hybrid
Join our Talent Community!
Join our Talent Community to receive updates on new opportunities and future events.
Location: US-OR-Portland
Posted Date 12 hours ago (5/8/2026 5:51 PM)
Requisition ID 2026-17560
Job Category Field Campaigns
Position Type Full Time
See all 856+ OPT Development Director Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Development Director Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Development Director
Target nonprofits with established HR infrastructure
Large nonprofits and foundations with dedicated HR teams are far more likely to have sponsored visas before. Smaller organizations may be willing but lack the legal resources to navigate the process without guidance from you upfront.
Lead with your fundraising track record early
Hiring managers for Development Director roles prioritize revenue impact over immigration logistics. Quantify donor retention rates, campaign results, and portfolio growth in your resume before the sponsorship conversation comes up during interviews.
Clarify your OPT timeline before accepting interviews
Know exactly how many months remain on your OPT authorization. Development Director searches often run three to six months, so aligning your timeline with the hiring cycle prevents last-minute complications around your work authorization expiration date.
Frame H-1B sponsorship as a straightforward process
Many nonprofit hiring managers assume sponsorship is prohibitively complex. Explain that your role likely qualifies as a specialty occupation, that employer costs are manageable, and that you can connect them with immigration counsel if needed.
Pursue organizations already filing LCAs for similar roles
Employers who have previously filed Labor Condition Applications for development or fundraising leadership positions understand the process. This prior experience significantly reduces friction when you raise the sponsorship topic during offer negotiations.
Use your OPT period to demonstrate executive-level ownership
Development Directors are evaluated on strategic judgment, not just execution. Use your current OPT employment to lead a campaign, manage a major donor portfolio, or build a fundraising system you can speak to directly in interviews.
Development Director OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can F-1 OPT students work as Development Directors in the United States?
Yes. Development Director is generally recognized as a specialty occupation requiring a bachelor's degree or higher in a related field such as nonprofit management, communications, business administration, or a related discipline. That classification makes the role eligible for OPT work authorization. Your OPT EAD card serves as your work authorization document for the duration of your authorized period.
Do Development Director jobs typically come with H-1B visa sponsorship?
Sponsorship availability varies by employer. Large nonprofits, foundations, universities, and healthcare systems with established legal departments are the most consistent sponsors for Development Director roles. Smaller organizations sponsor less frequently, though they are sometimes open to it when the right candidate is involved. Migrate Mate filters job listings by sponsorship willingness, making it easier to identify which employers are worth pursuing.
Does a STEM OPT extension apply to Development Director positions?
It depends on your degree field and how the role is classified. Development Directors working in data-heavy fundraising environments, such as those using predictive analytics or CRM systems in a quantitative capacity, may qualify if their degree is in a STEM-designated field. The STEM extension is tied to your degree, not the job title itself, so consult your DSO to confirm eligibility before assuming the extension applies.
How should I address my OPT authorization when applying for Development Director roles?
Be straightforward and proactive. Nonprofit and higher education employers in particular appreciate candidates who explain their timeline clearly and demonstrate that they have already researched the sponsorship process. Raising the topic after you have established your value in the interview process, rather than in the initial application, tends to produce better outcomes. Come prepared with basic information about specialty occupation requirements and H-1B visa filing timelines.
What degree backgrounds qualify F-1 students for Development Director roles on OPT?
Nonprofit management, public administration, business administration, communications, and social work are the most common qualifying backgrounds. Some employers also accept degrees in marketing, psychology, or public policy depending on the organization's focus. The key is demonstrating that your degree directly supports the strategic fundraising and leadership responsibilities of the role, which strengthens both your candidacy and any future specialty occupation determination for H-1B purposes.