OPT Instructional Design Specialist Jobs
Instructional Design Specialist roles are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with backgrounds in education technology, curriculum development, or learning sciences. Your 12-month OPT window (up to 36 months on STEM OPT) gives you time to build a portfolio and secure an employer willing to sponsor long-term.
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PAY GRADE: J
FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt
POSITION OBJECTIVE:
This is the highest level within the series. Incumbents tutor students in a variety of subjects and skills. Duties include: creating educational plans; documenting and monitoring student progress; meeting with parents, students, and other resource providers; and preparing lesson plans under direction of a certified teacher.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: (These duties are a representative sample; position assignments may vary.)
- Tutors students in assigned curricular areas before school, during lunch, and after school, focusing on specific concepts which are difficult or need reinforcement.
- Modifies classroom materials for individual student needs.
- Assists in preparing lesson plans in assigned area of responsibility that address student modifications and accommodations.
- Documents services provided to students in compliance with applicable guidelines and/or programs.
- Participates in the development of student goals and objectives.
- Documents and monitors student progress. Participates as a member of a multi-disciplinary team to review individual student needs.
- Participates in coordinating student testing and reassessments to determine current needs and/or progress. Maintains related records.
- Maintains a variety of student records and information in assigned area of responsibility.
- Facilitates in-services and instructs staff on educational techniques, integration, modifications, adaptations, and accommodations for classrooms and/or students for functional educational performance.
- Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE: (positions in this class typically require):
Associate’s Degree or Bachelor’s Degree, depending on assignment and one year of instructional or substitute teaching experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.
LICENSING REQUIREMENTS: (positions in this class typically require):
Licensing Requirements:
- Valid Department of Public Safety (DPS) Arizona IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card (FPCC)
- Substitute certification is preferred.
Some positions may require:
- State of Arizona Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners Licensure;
- National Certification in Occupational Therapy;
- First Aid and CPR Certifications;
- Training in Basic Life Support Certification;
- Heimlich Certification.
KNOWLEDGE: (position requirements at entry):
Knowledge of:
- Instructional strategies;
- Assigned subject matter;
- Principles and practices in assigned area of responsibility;
- Basic mathematical skills;
- Customer service principles;
- Computer operations;
- Knowledge of programs and procedures in assigned area of responsibility;
- Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, rules, regulations, and standards;
- Classroom operations and activities.
SKILLS: (position requirements at entry):
Skill in:
- Training employees on work methods and procedures;
- Tutoring students in applicable academic areas;
- Monitoring and assisting children with activities;
- Using office equipment;
- Dealing patiently with children;
- Maintaining order, discipline, and interest of children;
- Performing mathematical calculations;
- Providing customer service;
- Gathering and organizing data;
- Solving problems;
- Preparing lesson plans;
- Writing and creating written documents;
- Preparing and maintaining student records;
- Utilizing a computer and related software applications;
- Interpreting and applying applicable laws, rules, and regulations;
- Preparing memos, letters, and/or other related written correspondence;
- Reading and interpreting information from schedules, memos, and/or other written documentation;
- Communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction.
Physical Requirements:
Positions in this class typically require: stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, lifting, finger dexterity, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions.
Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
Incumbents may be subjected to odors, extreme temperatures, and intense noises.
NOTE:
The above job description is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the business needs of the department.
Return To Work Retirees will have an hourly rate approximately 9% lower than listed below without falling below minimum wage.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as an Instructional Design Specialist
Target employers with established L&D teams
Large corporations, universities, and healthcare systems typically have dedicated learning and development departments. These organizations hire instructional designers regularly and are more likely to have existing visa sponsorship infrastructure than small startups or solo consulting shops.
Lead with your e-learning tool expertise
Employers screening OPT candidates want proof you can contribute immediately. Highlighting hands-on experience with Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate, or Canvas LMS signals job-ready skills and reduces the hesitation some hiring managers feel about sponsorship timelines and onboarding investment.
Frame your degree field carefully on applications
STEM OPT eligibility depends on your degree classification. If your degree is in instructional technology, learning sciences, or educational technology, confirm it carries a STEM designation with your DSO before applying, as this significantly extends your authorized work period.
Apply to higher education institutions proactively
Colleges and universities are among the most OPT-friendly employers for instructional designers. They frequently hire for course development and faculty support roles, understand student visa timelines well, and often have in-house international HR processes that simplify the sponsorship conversation.
Build a public portfolio before reaching out
Sponsorship decisions often come down to demonstrable impact. A portfolio showing sample modules, storyboards, or completed courses gives hiring managers concrete evidence of your capabilities, making it easier to justify the investment in sponsoring your work authorization beyond OPT.
Browse OPT-friendly roles on Migrate Mate
Not all instructional design postings are open to OPT candidates. Migrate Mate filters jobs by sponsorship willingness, so you can focus your time on employers already prepared to work with F-1 students rather than discovering the limitation late in the interview process.
Instructional Design Specialist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does an Instructional Design Specialist role qualify for STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not the job title. If your degree is in instructional technology, educational technology, learning sciences, or a related STEM-designated field, you likely qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Degrees in general education or communications may not qualify. Confirm your CIP code with your DSO before applying to roles expecting a longer authorization window.
How hard is it to find instructional design employers willing to sponsor OPT?
It varies by sector. Large technology companies, healthcare systems, and universities sponsor instructional designers with reasonable frequency because they have recurring hiring needs and established HR processes. Smaller e-learning agencies and consulting firms are less predictable. Migrate Mate surfaces roles specifically filtered for OPT and sponsorship willingness, which cuts out a significant amount of guesswork during your job search.
Can I work as a freelance instructional designer on OPT?
Yes, self-employment is permitted on OPT as long as you are actively working in a role directly related to your degree field. You must be able to document the work and show it meets the employment reporting requirements your DSO tracks. Sporadic project work without a clear business structure can create compliance risk, so speak with your international student office before pursuing this path.
What visa options exist after OPT expires for instructional designers?
The H-1B visa is the most common path. Instructional Design Specialist roles can qualify as specialty occupations when the position requires a bachelor's degree in instructional design, educational technology, or a closely related field. Some candidates also explore the O-1A for individuals with demonstrated expertise. Employer sponsorship is required for both, so identifying a willing employer before your OPT ends is critical.
What should I include on my resume to stand out as an OPT candidate for this role?
Prioritize concrete deliverables over job duties. List specific tools you have used, including authoring platforms and LMS systems, alongside measurable outcomes like completion rates or learner feedback scores if available. Include your OPT authorization period and degree field clearly so employers can assess fit quickly. A link to a portfolio is strongly recommended, as it removes uncertainty about your skill level that a resume alone cannot resolve.