OPT IT Director Jobs
IT Director jobs are available to F-1 OPT students with STEM-designated degrees in computer science, information systems, or engineering. Most roles qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Employers typically require 8-plus years of experience, so OPT students entering this path often target deputy or associate director roles first.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
The New Mexico Department of Health works in many ways to promote, preserve and protect our health. ITASD supports many programs within DOH, all of which provide some of the most requested and important services we provide to our customers.
ABOUT THE ROLE
The purpose of this position within the ADSB team in the Information Technology Services Division will be to serve as the Senior IT Application Developer and Rhapsody Administrator for the New Mexico Department of Health.
This position will be responsible for operations, maintenance, support, planning, programming, and troubleshooting of our Rhapsody 5 and Rhapsody 6 servers, a custom PowerShell script based fax solution that uses Rhapsody as a scheduler, a custom PowerShell based file processing solution that operates within Rhapsody and transforms externally uploaded csv files into HL7 files, and custom HL7, Java, JavaScript, PowerShell, C# .NET, SQL, and Python programming solutions within and outside of Rhapsody.
The applicant will need to create, maintain, monitor, and customize Rhapsody Comm Points and Rhapsody Routes, maintain permissions, perform server and software maintenance, ensure viable backups, plan and perform Route and Comm Point migrations from Rhapsody 5 to Rhapsody 6, troubleshoot issues, and provide long term planning and guidance. This position performs highly complex assignments that frequently require the development of new or enhanced applications, processes, and technical solutions. The incumbent will contribute to all phases of the system development life cycle, including requirements gathering, systems analysis, solution design, development, testing, implementation, and ongoing support.
This position will work directly with, and will need to communicate effectively with, DOH Program partners, external Program partners, ITSD staff and Leadership, DOH management, and other technical staff at the Department of Information Technology (DoIT). This position requires the ability to perform and accomplish job requirements with minimal direction and/or supervision; the ability to work successfully in a team environment; and the ability to apply industry best practices.
CUSTOMERS
This position supports all of DOH.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Management Information Systems (MIS), Information Technology, Engineering, or similar technical degree and three (3) years of experience in software programming. 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 and must complete a Defensive Driving Course.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Office setting, exposure to Visual/Video Display terminal (VDT) and extensive personal computer and telephone usage with extended periods of sitting. Must be able to lift 25lbs.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
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Agency Contact Information: Naombael Frostad, (505) 469-9870 or email: Email
For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.
This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
INTRODUCTION
The New Mexico Department of Health works in many ways to promote, preserve and protect our health. ITASD supports many programs within DOH, all of which provide some of the most requested and important services we provide to our customers.
ABOUT THE ROLE
The purpose of this position within the ADSB team in the Information Technology Services Division will be to serve as the Senior IT Application Developer and Rhapsody Administrator for the New Mexico Department of Health.
This position will be responsible for operations, maintenance, support, planning, programming, and troubleshooting of our Rhapsody 5 and Rhapsody 6 servers, a custom PowerShell script based fax solution that uses Rhapsody as a scheduler, a custom PowerShell based file processing solution that operates within Rhapsody and transforms externally uploaded csv files into HL7 files, and custom HL7, Java, JavaScript, PowerShell, C# .NET, SQL, and Python programming solutions within and outside of Rhapsody.
The applicant will need to create, maintain, monitor, and customize Rhapsody Comm Points and Rhapsody Routes, maintain permissions, perform server and software maintenance, ensure viable backups, plan and perform Route and Comm Point migrations from Rhapsody 5 to Rhapsody 6, troubleshoot issues, and provide long term planning and guidance. This position performs highly complex assignments that frequently require the development of new or enhanced applications, processes, and technical solutions. The incumbent will contribute to all phases of the system development life cycle, including requirements gathering, systems analysis, solution design, development, testing, implementation, and ongoing support.
This position will work directly with, and will need to communicate effectively with, DOH Program partners, external Program partners, ITSD staff and Leadership, DOH management, and other technical staff at the Department of Information Technology (DoIT). This position requires the ability to perform and accomplish job requirements with minimal direction and/or supervision; the ability to work successfully in a team environment; and the ability to apply industry best practices.
CUSTOMERS
This position supports all of DOH.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Management Information Systems (MIS), Information Technology, Engineering, or similar technical degree and three (3) years of experience in software programming. 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 and must complete a Defensive Driving Course.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Office setting, exposure to Visual/Video Display terminal (VDT) and extensive personal computer and telephone usage with extended periods of sitting. Must be able to lift 25lbs.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Do you know what Total Compensation is? Click here
Agency Contact Information: Naombael Frostad, (505) 469-9870 or email: Email
For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.
This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in IT Director
Lead with your technical depth, not just management experience
IT Directors are hired to make high-stakes technical decisions. Highlight hands-on expertise in infrastructure, cloud architecture, or cybersecurity alongside any leadership experience. Employers want to see you can own the technical strategy, not just manage a team.
Target companies already familiar with OPT authorization
Mid-size technology companies, healthcare systems, and financial firms with established HR processes are more likely to understand OPT work authorization than early-stage startups. Search Migrate Mate to find IT Director roles at employers with a track record of sponsoring international candidates.
Frame your OPT timeline around the project cycle
IT Directors are hired to deliver multi-year infrastructure or transformation projects. Emphasize your STEM OPT extension eligibility upfront, giving employers confidence you can see a two-to-three year initiative through without an immediate visa transition disrupting the project.
Quantify the scale of systems and teams you have managed
Vague leadership claims do not move hiring managers at the director level. Include specific numbers: team size, budget managed, uptime percentages improved, or the number of users supported. Concrete metrics demonstrate executive-level impact and separate you from generic applicants.
Address H-1B sponsorship proactively but professionally
Most IT Director candidates on OPT will eventually need H-1B visa sponsorship. Raise it after demonstrating your value, not in the first conversation. Frame it as standard practice for high-value technical hires, which it is at most companies operating at this level.
Pursue internal promotions within OPT-friendly organizations
Moving from a senior manager or principal engineer role to IT Director within the same organization is one of the most reliable paths. The company already understands your authorization status and has invested in you, making the sponsorship conversation significantly less complicated.
IT Director OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can F-1 OPT students legally work as an IT Director in the United States?
Yes. F-1 OPT authorizes full-time employment in any role directly related to your degree field. IT Director roles typically qualify under computer science, information systems, management information systems, or engineering degrees. If your degree carries a STEM designation, you may also be eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you up to three years of total work authorization.
Does an IT Director role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
In most cases, yes. IT Director roles involve managing technical infrastructure, overseeing engineering teams, and driving technology strategy, all of which align with STEM-designated degree fields. Your employer must also be E-Verify enrolled to support a STEM OPT extension. Confirm your degree's STEM designation with your Designated School Official before applying, as approval depends on both the role and the degree.
Where can F-1 OPT students find IT Director jobs that offer visa sponsorship?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for international students and filters job listings by sponsorship availability, making it far more efficient than searching general job boards. IT Director roles that actively welcome OPT candidates and offer H-1B sponsorship are listed there, saving you from applying to positions where your work authorization will be a disqualifier.
How competitive is the IT Director job market for OPT candidates compared to permanent residents?
IT Director is a senior role, and most candidates have 10-plus years of experience, so the competition is already narrow. OPT candidates face an additional layer of scrutiny around long-term work authorization. Demonstrating STEM OPT extension eligibility and a clear H-1B pathway reduces employer hesitation. Targeting organizations with prior experience hiring international professionals substantially improves your odds.
What happens to my IT Director employment 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 STEM OPT extension in place, you may be able to continue working under a cap-gap provision while the petition is pending. Timing is critical. Work closely with your employer's immigration counsel and your DSO to ensure there is no gap in your work authorization between OPT expiration and H-1B approval.