OPT Head Of People Operations Jobs
Head of People Operations roles require strong HR leadership experience, making them a solid fit for OPT students with degrees in human resources, organizational psychology, or business administration. Most employers expect familiarity with U.S. labor law, HRIS platforms, and workforce planning, so highlight relevant coursework and internship experience prominently.
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Department ITS - Educational Technologies-606000
Career Area Information Technology
Posting Open Date 10/28/2026
Application Deadline 11/16/2026
Open Until Filled No
Position Type Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)
Working Title Head of Educational Technology Learning Spaces
Appointment Type EHRA Non-Faculty
Position Number 00051453
Vacancy ID NF0010145
Full Time/Part Time Full-Time Permanent
FTE 1
Hours per week 40
Position Location North Carolina, US
Hiring Range $110,000 - $124,016
Proposed Start Date 11/30/2026
Be a Tar Heel!
A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn. One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community. University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.
Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit
ITS Educational Technologies (EdTech) provides instructional technology applications and integration to support the University’s academic mission. The division includes: Classroom Support & Learning Space Design, Educational Technologies Systems & Services, and Liaison to the Center for Faculty Excellence.
Position Summary
This position provides leadership and operational oversight for the unit’s primary service areas: Classroom Hotline, Learning Space Design, and Carolina Print Hub. The Classroom Hotline provides audio-visual design, maintenance, lifecycle management, and support for faculty teaching in 200+ general purpose classrooms scheduled by the University Registrar. Learning Space Design services provide consultations, planning, design, and coordinating services for audio-visual renovations in other campus locations. Carolina Print Hub provides student-fee funded printing services through a distributed network of more than 70 campus printing locations.
The position is responsible for strategic planning, service delivery, staff supervision, budget management, vendor coordination, and the development of operational standards that ensure reliable, accessible, and innovative technology services. Working collaboratively across the University, the position advances teaching and learning by overseeing the deployment, maintenance, and support of audio-visual classroom technologies that enable faculty to effectively deliver instruction in general-purpose learning spaces.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
Master’s and 1-2 years’ experience; or Bachelors and 2-4 years’ experience; or will accept a combination of related education and experience in substitution.
Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
- Demonstrated knowledge of project management principles, practices, and methodologies.
- Strong interpersonal skills, planning, organizing, communication skills, and attention to detail.
- Demonstrated experience managing technical support, audiovisual, classroom technology, or IT service operations, including responsibility for service delivery, operational planning, and customer support.
- Knowledge of audiovisual technologies, learning spaces, and classroom technology ecosystems, including classroom presentation systems, conferencing, digital displays, and related technologies.
- Ability to balance strategic initiatives with day-to-day operational responsibilities, demonstrating sound judgment, problem-solving skills, and organizational effectiveness.
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
- Experience supporting classroom technology, learning spaces, or audiovisual services in a higher education environment.
- Experience working with facilities professionals, vendors, or construction teams on technology planning, design, and implementation projects.
- Experience managing technology lifecycle and replacement programs, including budgeting, procurement, inventory management, and long-term planning.
Special Physical/Mental Requirements
The position requires the ability to lift and maneuver audio/video components, ascend ladders, situational awareness and the ability to perform technical tasks under time pressure, while collaborating with multiple units across campus.
Campus Security Authority Responsibilities
Not Applicable.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Head Of People Operations
Frame your degree as directly relevant
Employers hiring for senior HR roles want clear alignment between your academic background and the job. Explicitly connect your HR, organizational behavior, or business degree to the people operations responsibilities listed in each job posting.
Demonstrate U.S. labor law familiarity
Head of People Operations roles require working knowledge of U.S. employment law, including FLSA, FMLA, and ADA compliance. Highlight any coursework, case studies, or internship projects that gave you hands-on exposure to these regulatory frameworks.
Lead with measurable HR impact
Senior people operations roles are outcome-driven. Quantify achievements from past internships or projects, such as reducing onboarding time, improving retention rates, or implementing a new HRIS system, to show you can deliver results at scale.
Address your OPT timeline proactively
Employers sometimes hesitate over work authorization timelines. Be upfront that your OPT is authorized immediately and explain how STEM OPT extension, if applicable, gives you up to three additional years before any transition to sponsored status is needed.
Target companies with established HR infrastructure
Mid-size and enterprise companies with dedicated HR or legal teams are more experienced navigating OPT and future visa sponsorship. Startups without in-house HR counsel often lack the capacity to manage work authorization transitions for senior hires.
Prepare to discuss long-term workforce strategy
Interviews for this role often test strategic thinking, not just HR execution. Come prepared to discuss how you would approach talent acquisition, organizational design, or culture building in a way that reflects the company's growth stage and industry context.
Head Of People Operations OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can F-1 OPT students work as Head of People Operations?
Yes. F-1 OPT work authorization covers full-time employment in any role directly related to your field of study. A Head of People Operations position qualifies if your degree is in human resources, business administration, organizational psychology, or a closely related field. Your OPT Employment Authorization Document serves as proof of work authorization for the employer.
Do employers typically sponsor Head of People Operations roles for H-1B visas after OPT?
Many do, particularly at mid-size and large companies with established HR or legal teams. Senior people operations roles are generally recognized as specialty occupations under H-1B visa standards because they require a specific bachelor's degree or higher. Companies with prior experience hiring international employees tend to be the most willing to sponsor. Migrate Mate lists roles filtered for sponsorship history to help narrow your search.
Does a STEM OPT extension apply to people operations roles?
It depends on your degree. If your undergraduate or graduate degree falls under a STEM-designated field, such as industrial-organizational psychology, management information systems, or certain business analytics programs, you may qualify for a 24-month STEM OPT extension. Human resources management degrees are generally not STEM-designated, so confirm your specific CIP code with your DSO before assuming eligibility.
What does a Head of People Operations role typically involve, and does it qualify as OPT-eligible work?
This role typically covers talent acquisition, employee relations, performance management, compensation strategy, HR compliance, and organizational development. For OPT purposes, the work must be directly related to your major field of study. If your degree is in HR, business, or organizational behavior, this role clearly qualifies. Keep documentation showing the connection between your degree curriculum and your job duties in case your DSO or employer requests it.
How should I track my OPT employment requirements while working in this role?
USCIS requires OPT students to work at least 20 hours per week in a role related to their field of study. In a Head of People Operations position, you must also report any changes in employment to your DSO within 10 days, including employer name, address, or job title changes. Keep a personal record of your employment dates, job description, and supervisor contact information throughout your OPT period.