Head Of People Jobs for OPT Students
Head of People roles sit at the intersection of HR strategy, talent acquisition, and organizational design, making them a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in human resources, organizational behavior, or business administration. Most positions qualify as specialty occupations, supporting H-1B sponsorship after your OPT period ends.
See All Head Of People JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 78+ Head Of People jobs
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
See all 78+ Head Of People jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Head Of People roles.
Get Access To All JobsAbout Checkr
Checkr is building the data platform to power safe and fair decisions. Established in 2014, Checkr’s innovative technology and robust data platform help customers assess risk and ensure safety and compliance to build trusted workplaces and communities. Checkr has over 100,000 customers including DoorDash, Coinbase, Lyft, Instacart, and Airtable. We’re a team that thrives on solving complex problems with innovative solutions that advance our mission. Checkr is recognized on Forbes Cloud 100 2025 List and is a Y Combinator 2024 Breakthrough Company. Checkr is looking for a Head of Internal Communications as we prepare for an exciting next phase of growth. We seek a leader who understands the technology industry, thrives in a high growth environment, and can easily toggle between being a strategic leader and a doer. As the Head of Internal Communications you will report directly to the Chief Operating Officer and work closely with other C-Suite members as well as our broader leadership team. You will help Checkr teammates understand our vision, goals, projects and executive updates by leading strategic internal and executive communications programs. The ideal candidate will be a skilled storyteller with a knack for interpersonal skills and a passion for creating experiences. The role will build a strong culture of collaboration to create experiences that engage, connect and inspire the community of employees!
Responsibilities:
- Develop and execute a strategic internal and executive communications plan: You will align messaging with the company’s vision, mission, and product positioning.
- Work cross-functionally: You will partner with Human Resources, Marketing, Product, R&D and Leadership to execute communication initiatives from concept to delivery.
- Produce employee communications delivered across a variety of channels.
- Manage the company’s internal communications: maintain the editorial calendar, write stories, shoot videos, and contribute to the intranet.
- Support leadership and company meetings: You will help craft the messaging and program through agenda, speaker selection and logistics.
- Develop the strategic narrative and thought leadership strategy (leveraging executive leaders, customers, our mission partners, proprietary research etc.)
- Work cross-functionally with Product Marketing, Demand Generation & Brand Studio teams to ensure that our narrative is effectively and consistently represented across all channels
- Partner with our C-Suite on thought leadership and brand evangelism
What you bring:
- Experience: 10+ years of experience writing in a corporate environment. You’ve managed a variety of corporate communications channels
- Strong executive communications experience: You can write and tailor content for specific audiences that demonstrates a deep understanding of messaging, positioning and stakeholder needs. You are comfortable working with executives at all levels.
- Fearless when embracing technology: You are a sophisticated user of AI and other technology solutions to scale your impact and enhance company-wide communication.
- Organized and creative: You can adapt and change directions in an instant. You’re comfortable working at a fast pace and can meet tight deadlines.
- An A-player mindset with a strong bias for action: you raise the bar, move with urgency, stay resilient through ambiguity, and take ownership to deliver meaningful outcomes.
What you get:
- A fast-paced and collaborative environment
- Learning and development allowance
- Competitive compensation and opportunity for advancement
- 100% medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Up to 25K reimbursement for fertility, adoption, and parental planning services
- Flexible PTO policy
- Monthly wellness stipend
Pay Transparency Disclosure
One of Checkr’s core values is Transparency. To live by that value, we’ve made the decision to disclose salary ranges in all of our job postings. We use geographic cost of labor as an input to develop ranges for our roles and as such, each location where we hire may have a different range. If this role is remote, we have listed the top to the bottom of the possible range, but we will specify the target range for an exact location when you are selected for a recruiting discussion. For more information on our compensation philosophy, see our website.
On-target Earnings OR Base Salary range (San Francisco, CA) $246,000—$289,000 USD
At Checkr, we believe a hybrid work environment strengthens collaboration, drives innovation, and encourages connection. Our hub locations are Denver, CO, San Francisco, CA, Nashville, TN, and Santiago, Chile. Individuals are expected to work from the office 3 days a week. In-office perks are provided, such as lunch five times a week, a commuter stipend, and an abundance of snacks and beverages. A relocation stipend may be available for those willing to relocate to a Checkr hub location.
Equal Employment Opportunities at Checkr
Checkr is committed to building the best product and company, which requires hiring talented and qualified individuals with a diverse set of perspectives and lived experiences. Checkr believes in hiring people of all backgrounds, including those whose histories are impacted by the justice system in accordance with local, state, and/or federal laws, including the San Francisco’s Fair Chance Ordinance.
Applicant Privacy Policy
If you are a California resident or are located in Alberta or British Columbia, our Applicant Privacy Policy applies to our collection and processing of your personal information when you apply for a role with us or otherwise participate in our recruitment process.
Legitimate Checkr emails will always include our official domain name after the @ symbol (e.g., name@checkr.com or name@ext.checkr.com).
About Checkr
Checkr is building the data platform to power safe and fair decisions. Established in 2014, Checkr’s innovative technology and robust data platform help customers assess risk and ensure safety and compliance to build trusted workplaces and communities. Checkr has over 100,000 customers including DoorDash, Coinbase, Lyft, Instacart, and Airtable. We’re a team that thrives on solving complex problems with innovative solutions that advance our mission. Checkr is recognized on Forbes Cloud 100 2025 List and is a Y Combinator 2024 Breakthrough Company. Checkr is looking for a Head of Internal Communications as we prepare for an exciting next phase of growth. We seek a leader who understands the technology industry, thrives in a high growth environment, and can easily toggle between being a strategic leader and a doer. As the Head of Internal Communications you will report directly to the Chief Operating Officer and work closely with other C-Suite members as well as our broader leadership team. You will help Checkr teammates understand our vision, goals, projects and executive updates by leading strategic internal and executive communications programs. The ideal candidate will be a skilled storyteller with a knack for interpersonal skills and a passion for creating experiences. The role will build a strong culture of collaboration to create experiences that engage, connect and inspire the community of employees!
Responsibilities:
- Develop and execute a strategic internal and executive communications plan: You will align messaging with the company’s vision, mission, and product positioning.
- Work cross-functionally: You will partner with Human Resources, Marketing, Product, R&D and Leadership to execute communication initiatives from concept to delivery.
- Produce employee communications delivered across a variety of channels.
- Manage the company’s internal communications: maintain the editorial calendar, write stories, shoot videos, and contribute to the intranet.
- Support leadership and company meetings: You will help craft the messaging and program through agenda, speaker selection and logistics.
- Develop the strategic narrative and thought leadership strategy (leveraging executive leaders, customers, our mission partners, proprietary research etc.)
- Work cross-functionally with Product Marketing, Demand Generation & Brand Studio teams to ensure that our narrative is effectively and consistently represented across all channels
- Partner with our C-Suite on thought leadership and brand evangelism
What you bring:
- Experience: 10+ years of experience writing in a corporate environment. You’ve managed a variety of corporate communications channels
- Strong executive communications experience: You can write and tailor content for specific audiences that demonstrates a deep understanding of messaging, positioning and stakeholder needs. You are comfortable working with executives at all levels.
- Fearless when embracing technology: You are a sophisticated user of AI and other technology solutions to scale your impact and enhance company-wide communication.
- Organized and creative: You can adapt and change directions in an instant. You’re comfortable working at a fast pace and can meet tight deadlines.
- An A-player mindset with a strong bias for action: you raise the bar, move with urgency, stay resilient through ambiguity, and take ownership to deliver meaningful outcomes.
What you get:
- A fast-paced and collaborative environment
- Learning and development allowance
- Competitive compensation and opportunity for advancement
- 100% medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Up to 25K reimbursement for fertility, adoption, and parental planning services
- Flexible PTO policy
- Monthly wellness stipend
Pay Transparency Disclosure
One of Checkr’s core values is Transparency. To live by that value, we’ve made the decision to disclose salary ranges in all of our job postings. We use geographic cost of labor as an input to develop ranges for our roles and as such, each location where we hire may have a different range. If this role is remote, we have listed the top to the bottom of the possible range, but we will specify the target range for an exact location when you are selected for a recruiting discussion. For more information on our compensation philosophy, see our website.
On-target Earnings OR Base Salary range (San Francisco, CA) $246,000—$289,000 USD
At Checkr, we believe a hybrid work environment strengthens collaboration, drives innovation, and encourages connection. Our hub locations are Denver, CO, San Francisco, CA, Nashville, TN, and Santiago, Chile. Individuals are expected to work from the office 3 days a week. In-office perks are provided, such as lunch five times a week, a commuter stipend, and an abundance of snacks and beverages. A relocation stipend may be available for those willing to relocate to a Checkr hub location.
Equal Employment Opportunities at Checkr
Checkr is committed to building the best product and company, which requires hiring talented and qualified individuals with a diverse set of perspectives and lived experiences. Checkr believes in hiring people of all backgrounds, including those whose histories are impacted by the justice system in accordance with local, state, and/or federal laws, including the San Francisco’s Fair Chance Ordinance.
Applicant Privacy Policy
If you are a California resident or are located in Alberta or British Columbia, our Applicant Privacy Policy applies to our collection and processing of your personal information when you apply for a role with us or otherwise participate in our recruitment process.
Legitimate Checkr emails will always include our official domain name after the @ symbol (e.g., name@checkr.com or name@ext.checkr.com).
How to Get Visa Sponsorship in Head Of People
Target companies with established HR functions
Mid-size and enterprise companies with dedicated HR departments are far more likely to sponsor work visas than early-stage startups. Look for organizations with a legal or immigration team already in place, which signals a history of sponsoring international employees.
Frame your degree as directly relevant
Consular officers and USCIS need to see a clear link between your field of study and the role. Explicitly connect your HR, organizational behavior, or business degree to your Head of People responsibilities in every application and interview conversation.
Lead with measurable people outcomes
Hiring managers at the Head of People level want evidence you can move metrics. Quantify your impact: retention rates improved, time-to-hire reduced, engagement scores increased. Specific numbers make your experience credible and differentiate you from other candidates.
Understand your OPT end date before applying
Head of People hiring timelines often run eight to twelve weeks. If your OPT expires within that window, apply only to roles where sponsorship can begin before your authorization lapses. Timing mismatches are a common reason international candidates get screened out.
Pursue STEM OPT extension if your degree qualifies
If your HR or business degree falls under a STEM-designated CIP code, you may qualify for a 24-month STEM OPT extension. This gives employers a longer runway before H-1B sponsorship is needed, which meaningfully reduces their perceived risk of hiring you.
Head Of People jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Head Of People JobsSee all 78+ Head Of People jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Head Of People roles.
Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Can F-1 OPT students work as Head of People without additional visa sponsorship?
Yes. F-1 OPT authorizes you to work in the U.S. in a role directly related to your field of study for up to 12 months, or up to 36 months with a STEM extension. Head of People roles typically qualify if your degree is in human resources, business administration, or organizational behavior. You do not need employer sponsorship during your OPT period.
Does a Head of People role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B sponsorship?
In most cases, yes. USCIS evaluates specialty occupation status case by case, but HR leadership roles that require a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific field, such as human resources or business management, generally meet the threshold. Employers with experienced immigration counsel are better positioned to build a strong H-1B petition for this title.
How do I find Head of People jobs that sponsor OPT and H-1B?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for international students on F-1 OPT and filters for employers with a demonstrated history of visa sponsorship. Browsing Head of People roles on Migrate Mate saves time by surfacing companies already open to sponsoring international candidates, rather than applying broadly and discovering sponsorship limitations late in the process.
What degree backgrounds are most competitive for Head of People roles on OPT?
Degrees in human resources management, industrial-organizational psychology, organizational behavior, or business administration are the most directly relevant. Some employers also consider degrees in labor relations or public administration. The closer your academic background maps to the core functions of the role, the stronger your OPT eligibility argument and your overall candidacy.
Can I start a Head of People role before my OPT is officially approved?
No. You must have your Employment Authorization Document in hand before your first day of work. OPT processing at USCIS currently takes three to five months, so apply well in advance of your intended start date. Starting work without an approved EAD violates your F-1 status and can jeopardize future visa sponsorship opportunities.
See which Head Of People employers are hiring and sponsoring visas right now.
Search Head Of People Jobs