OPT Engagement Lead Jobs
Engagement Lead jobs on OPT sit comfortably within specialty occupation territory, making H-1B visa sponsorship a realistic next step for strong performers. Most roles require a degree in communications, marketing, or a related field, and your 12-month standard OPT window, extendable to 36 months with a STEM extension, gives you time to prove your value.
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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, Youth Engagement. This is a full time, field-based position that requires extensive travel across South Central and Southeast Minnesota and four counties in Northeast Iowa. Flexibility in working hours, including early mornings and evenings, is essential to accommodate the needs of schools and events.
In this fast-paced fundraising/sales position, you will engage K-12 students with the Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge, working with hundreds of schools to promote physical activity and learning. The role also involves extensive data management, continuously updating account information in our customer relationship management (CRM) databases and Microsoft Office products.
Combine your love for fundraising and sales with your passion for kids' health! The American Heart Association's Kids Heart Challenge is all about equipping kids with ways to keep their hearts and brains healthy and raising funds for the health of all hearts. Meet one of our heart heroes here and learn more!
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
This position is directly responsible for meeting an overall fundraising goal of $300,000+ (participant income and corporate sponsorship) through exceptional volunteer recruitment and engagement, customer service and account management - all while motivating kids to take their health to heart.
- Recruit and engage students and their families through schools and districts in life-saving initiatives including Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge programs.
- Implement strategies and initiatives to fully engage students through classroom challenges, activities and student assemblies (in-person and digital experiences).
- Develop and cultivate relationships on an ongoing basis with teachers, principals, district superintendents, and survivor families.
- Establish and maintain outstanding customer service with volunteers and other collaborators. This includes detailed planning and kick-off meetings to set schools up for success.
- Manage and continuously update account information within our customer relationship management (CRM) databases and Microsoft products.
- High volume account management that regularly involves working with 5-10 schools each day - in-person where possible or online/by phone.
Qualifications
- 3 years of relevant experience in fundraising, sales, or other related experience.
- Ability to do daily local travel; requires access to reliable transportation at all times on an immediate basis.
- University/College degree or equivalent experience.
- Ability to work productively and efficiently from a home office and in the field consistent with the Association's flexible work arrangements policy.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and communicate proactively.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, "we can do this" environment.
- This position demands extensive data management, requiring the continuous updating of account information within our CRM databases; Proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to efficiently manage and report on data using CRMs are essential.
- 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.
- Candidates must be willing to work flexible hours, including early mornings and evenings, to effectively engage with schools and manage events.
Here are some of the preferred skills we are looking for:
- Experience managing and cultivating volunteer relationships.
- 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 – Expected pay range will be $64,575 to $82,700. Pay is commensurate with experience; geographic differentials to the pay range may apply. The American Heart Association reserves the right to pay more or less than the posted range. 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
AHAIND1, #LI-Hybrid
Join our Talent Community!
Join our Talent Community to receive updates on new opportunities and future events.
Location: Location: US-MN-Mankato
Posted Date 3 months ago (7/29/2026 1:50 PM)
Requisition ID 2026-17960
Job Category Field Campaigns
Position Type Full Time
American Heart Association Offers
- Health Benefits
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans
- Disability & Insurance
- Well onTarget – Wellness Program
- Holidays & Paid Time Off
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
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, Youth Engagement. This is a full time, field-based position that requires extensive travel across South Central and Southeast Minnesota and four counties in Northeast Iowa. Flexibility in working hours, including early mornings and evenings, is essential to accommodate the needs of schools and events.
In this fast-paced fundraising/sales position, you will engage K-12 students with the Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge, working with hundreds of schools to promote physical activity and learning. The role also involves extensive data management, continuously updating account information in our customer relationship management (CRM) databases and Microsoft Office products.
Combine your love for fundraising and sales with your passion for kids' health! The American Heart Association's Kids Heart Challenge is all about equipping kids with ways to keep their hearts and brains healthy and raising funds for the health of all hearts. Meet one of our heart heroes here and learn more!
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
This position is directly responsible for meeting an overall fundraising goal of $300,000+ (participant income and corporate sponsorship) through exceptional volunteer recruitment and engagement, customer service and account management - all while motivating kids to take their health to heart.
- Recruit and engage students and their families through schools and districts in life-saving initiatives including Kids Heart Challenge and American Heart Challenge programs.
- Implement strategies and initiatives to fully engage students through classroom challenges, activities and student assemblies (in-person and digital experiences).
- Develop and cultivate relationships on an ongoing basis with teachers, principals, district superintendents, and survivor families.
- Establish and maintain outstanding customer service with volunteers and other collaborators. This includes detailed planning and kick-off meetings to set schools up for success.
- Manage and continuously update account information within our customer relationship management (CRM) databases and Microsoft products.
- High volume account management that regularly involves working with 5-10 schools each day - in-person where possible or online/by phone.
Qualifications
- 3 years of relevant experience in fundraising, sales, or other related experience.
- Ability to do daily local travel; requires access to reliable transportation at all times on an immediate basis.
- University/College degree or equivalent experience.
- Ability to work productively and efficiently from a home office and in the field consistent with the Association's flexible work arrangements policy.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and communicate proactively.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, "we can do this" environment.
- This position demands extensive data management, requiring the continuous updating of account information within our CRM databases; Proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to efficiently manage and report on data using CRMs are essential.
- 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.
- Candidates must be willing to work flexible hours, including early mornings and evenings, to effectively engage with schools and manage events.
Here are some of the preferred skills we are looking for:
- Experience managing and cultivating volunteer relationships.
- 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 – Expected pay range will be $64,575 to $82,700. Pay is commensurate with experience; geographic differentials to the pay range may apply. The American Heart Association reserves the right to pay more or less than the posted range. 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
AHAIND1, #LI-Hybrid
Join our Talent Community!
Join our Talent Community to receive updates on new opportunities and future events.
Location: Location: US-MN-Mankato
Posted Date 3 months ago (7/29/2026 1:50 PM)
Requisition ID 2026-17960
Job Category Field Campaigns
Position Type Full Time
American Heart Association Offers
- Health Benefits
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans
- Disability & Insurance
- Well onTarget – Wellness Program
- Holidays & Paid Time Off
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
See all 268+ OPT Engagement Lead Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Engagement Lead Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Engagement Lead
Position your degree as a specialty occupation match
Engagement Lead roles typically require a degree in communications, marketing, or public relations. Frame your academic background explicitly in your resume and interviews to help employers understand you meet specialty occupation standards for OPT and H-1B eligibility.
Apply before your OPT expires, not after
H-1B petitions must be filed while you hold valid work authorization. Start your job search at least six months before your OPT end date to leave enough time for employer review, sponsorship decisions, and USCIS filing deadlines.
Pursue STEM OPT extension if your degree qualifies
If you hold a STEM-designated degree, apply for the 24-month extension before your initial OPT expires. That extra runway gives employers more time to sponsor you without urgency, which often makes them more willing to commit.
Clarify your authorization timeline early in conversations
When discussing your background with hiring managers, explain your OPT end date and H-1B cap-gap protection clearly. Removing ambiguity about your work authorization timeline reduces hesitation and moves sponsorship conversations forward faster.
Build a track record of measurable engagement outcomes
Employers sponsor candidates who are hard to replace. Document specific metrics from your work, such as engagement rate improvements, audience growth, or campaign performance. Concrete results make the sponsorship investment easier for companies to justify.
Engagement Lead OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does an Engagement Lead role qualify as a specialty occupation for OPT and H-1B purposes?
Engagement Lead positions generally qualify as specialty occupations because they require a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific field such as communications, marketing, or public relations. The key factor is that the job requires theoretical and practical application of specialized knowledge. If your offer letter specifies a degree requirement in a relevant field, the role is well-positioned for both OPT employment and future H-1B sponsorship.
Can I work as an Engagement Lead on STEM OPT extension?
Yes, if your underlying degree carries a STEM designation, you can work in an Engagement Lead role on a 24-month STEM OPT extension, provided the position is directly related to your field of study. Degrees in data-driven marketing programs or communications programs with a technology focus are increasingly receiving STEM classification. Confirm your program's CIP code with your DSO before applying for the extension.
How do I find Engagement Lead jobs that explicitly support OPT students?
Migrate Mate lists Engagement Lead and related roles from employers who are open to sponsoring international candidates. Filtering by visa sponsorship readiness on Migrate Mate saves time compared to applying broadly and discovering late in the process that a company won't sponsor. Focus on companies with ten or more employees and prior H-1B filings in communications or marketing job categories.
What happens to my Engagement Lead job if my OPT expires before H-1B approval?
If your employer files an H-1B petition before your OPT expires and you have a valid cap-gap, you're protected to continue working through September 30 of that fiscal year, or until USCIS makes a decision, whichever comes later. You cannot work during any gap between OPT expiration and a pending petition if cap-gap protection doesn't apply, so timing your application correctly is critical.
Do Engagement Lead employers typically sponsor H-1B visas for OPT students?
Sponsorship rates vary by industry and company size. Technology companies, consulting firms, and large nonprofits with established HR infrastructure are more likely to have the resources and precedent for H-1B sponsorship in communications roles. Smaller agencies and startups may be willing but lack experience navigating the process. Researching an employer's prior USCIS filings before applying gives you a meaningful signal of their sponsorship likelihood.