OPT Director Of Projects Jobs
Director of Projects roles on OPT require strong project lifecycle ownership, cross-functional leadership, and stakeholder management. Most positions qualify as specialty occupations under F-1 OPT work authorization. With a 24-month STEM extension available for qualifying degree holders, you have real runway to build credibility at the senior level.
Find OPT Director Of Projects JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 47+ Director Of Projects jobs










See all 47+ Director Of Projects Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Director Of Projects roles.
Get Access To All Jobs
INTRODUCTION
Interviews are anticipated to be conducted within two weeks of closing date.
This job posting may be used to fill multiple vacancies.
The Health Care Authority (HCA) participates in E-Verify and will verify employment eligibility upon hire.
Our Vision
Every New Mexican has access to affordable health care coverage through a coordinated and seamless health care system.
Our Mission
We ensure that New Mexicans attain their highest level of health by providing whole-person, cost-effective, accessible, and high-quality health care and safety-net services.
Our Goals
- Leverage purchasing power and partnerships to create innovative policies and models of comprehensive health care coverage that improve the health and well-being of New Mexicans and the workforce.
- Achieve health equity by addressing poverty, discrimination, and lack of resources, building a New Mexico where everyone thrives.
- Implement innovative technology and data-driven decision-making to provide unparalleled, convenient access to services and information.
- Build the best team in state government by supporting employees continuous growth and wellness.
WHY DOES THE JOB EXIST?
The Deputy Bureau Chief Contracts and Projects, Managed Care Oversight Bureau will:
- Oversee a minimum of five (5) contract managers who work with Medicaid Managed Care Organizations (MCO) to ensure timely and accurate communication between the MCO and Health Care Authority (HCA).
- Oversee MCO implementation of certain projects to comply with the managed care service agreements, federal policies and state legislative actions.
HOW DOES IT GET DONE?
The Deputy Bureau Chief Contracts and Projects, Managed Care Oversight Bureau is responsible for:
- Training and supervising contract managers;
- Building and maintaining an effective team;
- Leading various work groups including Health Care Authority (HCA) and Managed Care Organizations (MCO);
- Leading monthly meetings with Managed Care Organizations (MCO);
- Project management of managed care initiatives ensuring successful implementation;
- Facilitating managed care contract amendments;
- Collaborating with the Managed Care Compliance team on MCO reporting.
WHO ARE THE CUSTOMERS?
Medicaid recipients, Managed Care Organizations and Medical Assistance Division (MAD) staff.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION
Associate degree in Business Administration, Healthcare Administration, Statistics, Finance, or a related field and five (5) years of experience with a public assistance program, medical, healthcare, educational, or state facility working with policies and procedures, conducting analysis/research, providing or requesting information from the general public, working with communities, working on health or social service related matters, social work/case management, behavioral health, and/or health care. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling seven (7) years may substitute for the required education and experience.
EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS
- Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License.
- Must obtain a Defensive Driving certification.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is performed in an office setting with exposure to Visual/Video Display Terminal (VDT), extensive personal computer and phone usage.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Do you know what Total Compensation is? Click here
Agency Contact Information: Jolene Jaffa, (505) 690-9920. Email
For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.
Bargaining Unit Position
This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
See all 47+ OPT Director Of Projects Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Director Of Projects Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Director Of Projects
Lead with delivery metrics, not job descriptions
Hiring committees for director-level roles want evidence of outcomes. Quantify scope: budgets managed, timelines compressed, teams led. Concrete numbers make your OPT candidacy harder to dismiss than a candidate without a proven track record.
Address your OPT timeline proactively in interviews
Senior roles involve long planning horizons, so interviewers will think about your authorization runway. Name your OPT end date, explain H-1B visa sponsorship, and frame it as a solvable logistics question rather than waiting for them to raise it.
Target employers with active immigration infrastructure
Mid-to-large companies with dedicated HR and legal teams handle OPT-to-H-1B transitions routinely. Smaller firms without immigration counsel often stall at the offer stage. Prioritize organizations that have sponsored international hires at the director level before.
Highlight PMP or equivalent credentials prominently
A Project Management Professional certification or equivalent signals domain credibility independent of your visa status. For OPT candidates competing against established professionals, recognized credentials reduce perceived hiring risk at the director level significantly.
Use STEM OPT if your degree field qualifies
Degrees in engineering, computer science, information systems, or related STEM fields may qualify you for a 24-month OPT extension. That extended timeline makes H-1B sponsorship planning far more manageable and increases your attractiveness to employers weighing the commitment.
Position yourself for internal promotion paths
Joining a company at a senior project manager level with a clear path to director keeps you inside an organization already familiar with your work authorization. Internal candidates face less scrutiny during promotion than external director-level hires requiring immediate sponsorship.
Director Of Projects OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Director of Projects on F-1 OPT?
Yes. Director of Projects roles typically qualify as specialty occupations because they require at least a bachelor's degree in project management, business, engineering, or a related field. Your OPT work authorization covers full-time employment with any sponsoring employer, so the role itself is not a barrier, provided your degree aligns with the position requirements.
How does my OPT timeline affect hiring decisions at the director level?
At the director level, employers think in multi-year planning cycles, so your OPT end date will come up. Standard post-completion OPT gives you 12 months. If your degree qualifies for STEM extension, you get an additional 24 months, which covers two H-1B lottery cycles. Being transparent about your timeline and H-1B eligibility early in the process helps employers plan rather than hesitate.
Do Director of Projects roles typically come with H-1B sponsorship?
It varies by employer. Larger companies with established immigration programs routinely sponsor H-1B visas for director-level roles, viewing it as a retention investment. Smaller organizations or those without dedicated legal counsel are less consistent. Browsing Director of Projects listings on Migrate Mate lets you filter for employers who have sponsored international workers, so you're not guessing at sponsorship likelihood.
Does my work as a Director of Projects on OPT need to be directly related to my degree?
Yes. USCIS requires that OPT employment be directly related to your major field of study. For a director-level project management role, your degree should be in project management, business administration, engineering, information systems, or a closely related discipline. If your degree is in an adjacent field, be prepared to explain the connection to your DSO and document it clearly.
What industries hire Directors of Projects who are on OPT?
Technology, construction, healthcare, consulting, and financial services are the most active sectors. Tech and consulting firms tend to have the strongest immigration infrastructure and the most experience sponsoring international talent at senior levels. The right industry for you depends on your degree background and prior project experience, since OPT requires the work to align with your field of study.