IT Program Manager Jobs for OPT Students
IT Program Manager jobs on OPT require employers to sponsor H-1B or extend your OPT period, and most openings sit in tech, defense, and consulting sectors where multi-year programs demand certified PMs. STEM OPT extensions apply if your degree is in computer science, information systems, or a related field, giving you up to three years of work authorization.
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INTRODUCTION
Current UC employees must apply internally via SuccessFactors.
Next Lives at the University of Cincinnati
Founded in 1819, the University of Cincinnati ranks among the nation’s best urban public research universities. Home to more than 53,600 students, 12,000 faculty and staff, and over 360,000 living alumni, UC, a Carnegie 1 institution, combines research prowess with a physical setting The New York Times has called “the most ambitious campus design program in the country." UC's momentum has never been stronger as the anchor of the Cincinnati Innovation District, the oldest cooperative education (co-op) program in the country with students earning $94 million annually through paid experiences, an academic health system, and as a member of the Big 12 Conference. The university contributes $10.6 billion in economic impact to the city and $22.7 billion to the state of Ohio. At UC, next is all of us. Learn more at uc.edu.
UC is a mission-driven organization where we are committed to student success and positively transforming the community through scholarship and service. We thrive on innovation, making an impact, and fostering an environment where staff and faculty are key contributors to UC’s success.
ABOUT THE SCHOOL OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
The School of Information Technology (SoIT) is a national leader in studying solutions and needs that connect people, information, and the technology of the time. The SoIT is home to Ohio's first Master of Science, and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Information Technology. In addition, it is home to Ohio's first ABET accredited Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity. The SoIT has been growing at 15% annually and currently serves more than 1,550 students with 33 full-time faculty members, 38 full-time staff, and 39 adjunct faculty. The SoIT is home to several centers including an NSA/DHS Center for Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense, the Information Technology Solutions Center, the Ohio Cyber Range Institute, Applied Machine Learning and Intelligence Center, the Justice, Law, and Information Technology Institute, and the Civic Technology Center. In 2017, the SoIT launched the Early IT as a collaborative ecosystem among educational institutions and industry to significantly advance the readiness of the state’s information technology talent.
The SoIT is an interdisciplinary, team-oriented, mission-driven, dynamic, and entrepreneurial environment. It empowers individuals to become passionate, solution-minded Information Technology professionals by fostering continuous innovation, research, leadership development, interdisciplinary problem solving, and real-world experience. More information about the SoIT can be found at http://cech.uc.edu/it.
The Early IT ecosystem is a collaborative partnership with K12 districts, community colleges, education service centers, and the industry with the goal of removing barriers to college education and career success for all. The SoIT collaborates with its partners to create pathways for learners to advance their degrees, create success experiences to enable learners to achieve their goals, and create practical experiences to equip the learners with advanced hands-on technical skills, problem solving skills, and communication skills. More information on the Early IT ecosystem can be found at: https://www.cech.uc.edu/schools/it/early-it.html
JOB OVERVIEW
The SoIT is seeking a program manager to support the Early IT ecosystem. This includes managing relationships with the various academic and industry partners, collaborating with the Early IT team to problem solve, increase efficiency, innovate to ensure success, and managing the life cycle of projects and activities with the various partners. The program manager will report to the Associate Director for Early IT.
This position is 100% on-site but may offer flexibility for a hybrid work option once training is complete. Hybrid work arrangements are at the discretion of the supervisor and are subject to change in accordance with the School of Information Technology telework policy and university policies.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Manage, design, develop, modify and present programs. Perform program needs assessment and make recommendations.
- Implement policies and procedures.
- Act as a liaison to internal departments, external entities, and community organizations.
- May prepare and edit reports and/or newsletters and develop publication materials.
- Perform related duties based on departmental needs. This job description can be changed at any time.
- Assist with managing the operation of the SoIT Early College program.
- Assist with organizing events, workshops and other related activities such as Early IT Roundtable and Teacher Fellowship.
- Assist with developing and implementing marketing strategies to recruit students and program participants.
- Assist with managing relationships with current school partners.
- Coordinate with faculty and staff in support of the program.
- Assist with meeting grant requirements and development of new grant proposals.
REQUIRED EDUCATION
Bachelor's Degree.
Seven (7) years of relevant work experience and/or other specialized training can be used in lieu of education requirement.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE
Three (3) years of relevant experience.
ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATION CONSIDERED
- Experience with the Early IT ecosystem is preferred.
- Experience working in a school-based setting; high school experience preferred.
- Experience working with school districts, especially in implementation of new programs.
- Experience working with multiple organizations such as regional consortiums.
- Understanding the administrative functions, academic programs, and requirements of a university.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT
Office environment/no specific unusual physical or environmental demands.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Review of the applications will start as soon as possible until the position is filled. Applicants must submit:
- Cover Letter
- CV/Resume
- At least three references
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
UC offers an exceptional benefits package designed to support your well-being, financial security, and work-life balance. Eligibility varies by position and FTE. Highlights include:
- Salary/Hourly Pay Rate Information: $50,000-$55,000
Comprehensive Tuition Remission
UC provides tuition remission for you and your eligible dependents, covering tuition costs for nearly all undergraduate and graduate programs offered by the university.
Robust Retirement Plans
As a UC employee, you won’t contribute to Social Security (except Medicare). Instead, you’ll choose between state pension plans (OPERS, STRS) or an Alternative Retirement Plan (ARP), with UC contributing 14–18% of your salary based on position.
Real Work-Life Balance
UC prioritizes work-life balance with a generous time-off policy, including:
- Vacation and sick time
- 11 paid holidays and additional end-of-year paid time off (Winter Season Days)
- 6 weeks of paid parental leave for new parents
Additional Benefits Include:
- Competitive salary range of $50,000 - $55,000 based on experience
- Comprehensive health coverage (medical, dental, vision, prescription)
- Flexible spending accounts & wellness programs
- Professional development & mentorship opportunities
For questions about the UC recruiting process or to request accommodations with the application, please contact Human Resources at jobs@uc.edu.
Equal Opportunity Employer. Building a workplace where all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment, including Individuals with Disabilities and Protected Veterans.
REQ: 100830

INTRODUCTION
Current UC employees must apply internally via SuccessFactors.
Next Lives at the University of Cincinnati
Founded in 1819, the University of Cincinnati ranks among the nation’s best urban public research universities. Home to more than 53,600 students, 12,000 faculty and staff, and over 360,000 living alumni, UC, a Carnegie 1 institution, combines research prowess with a physical setting The New York Times has called “the most ambitious campus design program in the country." UC's momentum has never been stronger as the anchor of the Cincinnati Innovation District, the oldest cooperative education (co-op) program in the country with students earning $94 million annually through paid experiences, an academic health system, and as a member of the Big 12 Conference. The university contributes $10.6 billion in economic impact to the city and $22.7 billion to the state of Ohio. At UC, next is all of us. Learn more at uc.edu.
UC is a mission-driven organization where we are committed to student success and positively transforming the community through scholarship and service. We thrive on innovation, making an impact, and fostering an environment where staff and faculty are key contributors to UC’s success.
ABOUT THE SCHOOL OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
The School of Information Technology (SoIT) is a national leader in studying solutions and needs that connect people, information, and the technology of the time. The SoIT is home to Ohio's first Master of Science, and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Information Technology. In addition, it is home to Ohio's first ABET accredited Bachelor of Science in Information Technology and a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity. The SoIT has been growing at 15% annually and currently serves more than 1,550 students with 33 full-time faculty members, 38 full-time staff, and 39 adjunct faculty. The SoIT is home to several centers including an NSA/DHS Center for Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense, the Information Technology Solutions Center, the Ohio Cyber Range Institute, Applied Machine Learning and Intelligence Center, the Justice, Law, and Information Technology Institute, and the Civic Technology Center. In 2017, the SoIT launched the Early IT as a collaborative ecosystem among educational institutions and industry to significantly advance the readiness of the state’s information technology talent.
The SoIT is an interdisciplinary, team-oriented, mission-driven, dynamic, and entrepreneurial environment. It empowers individuals to become passionate, solution-minded Information Technology professionals by fostering continuous innovation, research, leadership development, interdisciplinary problem solving, and real-world experience. More information about the SoIT can be found at http://cech.uc.edu/it.
The Early IT ecosystem is a collaborative partnership with K12 districts, community colleges, education service centers, and the industry with the goal of removing barriers to college education and career success for all. The SoIT collaborates with its partners to create pathways for learners to advance their degrees, create success experiences to enable learners to achieve their goals, and create practical experiences to equip the learners with advanced hands-on technical skills, problem solving skills, and communication skills. More information on the Early IT ecosystem can be found at: https://www.cech.uc.edu/schools/it/early-it.html
JOB OVERVIEW
The SoIT is seeking a program manager to support the Early IT ecosystem. This includes managing relationships with the various academic and industry partners, collaborating with the Early IT team to problem solve, increase efficiency, innovate to ensure success, and managing the life cycle of projects and activities with the various partners. The program manager will report to the Associate Director for Early IT.
This position is 100% on-site but may offer flexibility for a hybrid work option once training is complete. Hybrid work arrangements are at the discretion of the supervisor and are subject to change in accordance with the School of Information Technology telework policy and university policies.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Manage, design, develop, modify and present programs. Perform program needs assessment and make recommendations.
- Implement policies and procedures.
- Act as a liaison to internal departments, external entities, and community organizations.
- May prepare and edit reports and/or newsletters and develop publication materials.
- Perform related duties based on departmental needs. This job description can be changed at any time.
- Assist with managing the operation of the SoIT Early College program.
- Assist with organizing events, workshops and other related activities such as Early IT Roundtable and Teacher Fellowship.
- Assist with developing and implementing marketing strategies to recruit students and program participants.
- Assist with managing relationships with current school partners.
- Coordinate with faculty and staff in support of the program.
- Assist with meeting grant requirements and development of new grant proposals.
REQUIRED EDUCATION
Bachelor's Degree.
Seven (7) years of relevant work experience and/or other specialized training can be used in lieu of education requirement.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE
Three (3) years of relevant experience.
ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATION CONSIDERED
- Experience with the Early IT ecosystem is preferred.
- Experience working in a school-based setting; high school experience preferred.
- Experience working with school districts, especially in implementation of new programs.
- Experience working with multiple organizations such as regional consortiums.
- Understanding the administrative functions, academic programs, and requirements of a university.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT
Office environment/no specific unusual physical or environmental demands.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Review of the applications will start as soon as possible until the position is filled. Applicants must submit:
- Cover Letter
- CV/Resume
- At least three references
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
UC offers an exceptional benefits package designed to support your well-being, financial security, and work-life balance. Eligibility varies by position and FTE. Highlights include:
- Salary/Hourly Pay Rate Information: $50,000-$55,000
Comprehensive Tuition Remission
UC provides tuition remission for you and your eligible dependents, covering tuition costs for nearly all undergraduate and graduate programs offered by the university.
Robust Retirement Plans
As a UC employee, you won’t contribute to Social Security (except Medicare). Instead, you’ll choose between state pension plans (OPERS, STRS) or an Alternative Retirement Plan (ARP), with UC contributing 14–18% of your salary based on position.
Real Work-Life Balance
UC prioritizes work-life balance with a generous time-off policy, including:
- Vacation and sick time
- 11 paid holidays and additional end-of-year paid time off (Winter Season Days)
- 6 weeks of paid parental leave for new parents
Additional Benefits Include:
- Competitive salary range of $50,000 - $55,000 based on experience
- Comprehensive health coverage (medical, dental, vision, prescription)
- Flexible spending accounts & wellness programs
- Professional development & mentorship opportunities
For questions about the UC recruiting process or to request accommodations with the application, please contact Human Resources at jobs@uc.edu.
Equal Opportunity Employer. Building a workplace where all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment, including Individuals with Disabilities and Protected Veterans.
REQ: 100830
How to Get Visa Sponsorship as an IT Program Manager
Connect your degree directly to the role
USCIS requires specialty occupations to demonstrate a direct relationship between the degree and the job. Prepare a clear narrative linking your computer science, MIS, or engineering degree to the technical scope of the program manager position.
Document your portfolio with measurable outcomes
Strong sponsorship cases rest on demonstrating specialized value. Quantify your program management experience with metrics like budget size, team headcount, delivery timelines, or cost savings to support both your hire and any future visa petition.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Does an IT Program Manager role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B sponsorship?
Yes, in most cases. USCIS evaluates whether the position normally requires a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific field. IT Program Manager roles tied to complex technical programs, large budgets, or cross-functional engineering teams generally meet the specialty occupation standard. Roles where any general business degree qualifies face more scrutiny, so the job description language matters significantly.
Can I work as an IT Program Manager on STEM OPT?
You can if your underlying degree field carries a STEM designation. Degrees in computer science, information systems, computer engineering, and management information systems are common qualifying fields. Confirm your program's CIP code with your DSO before applying. The 24-month STEM extension gives you up to three years total on OPT, which covers two full H-1B cap cycles if needed.
Where can I find IT Program Manager jobs where employers are open to OPT sponsorship?
Migrate Mate filters jobs specifically for candidates on OPT and other work visas, so you're not wasting time on roles that won't consider international candidates. IT Program Manager positions in defense contracting, healthcare IT, and enterprise consulting tend to have the highest sponsorship activity. Browse Migrate Mate to find verified opportunities in those sectors.
What documents does my employer need to support my OPT employment as an IT Program Manager?
Your employer needs a signed offer letter, and you'll need your EAD card, a valid passport, and your I-20 with OPT authorization. For STEM OPT, your employer must be E-Verify enrolled and sign a Form I-983 training plan. The I-983 should document how the IT Program Manager role relates to your degree field and outlines your learning objectives.
How early should I start the H-1B process if I'm currently working as an IT Program Manager on OPT?
Registration for the H-1B lottery opens in early March each year for an October 1 start date. If you're on standard OPT, you need to be selected and have a petition approved before your EAD expires. STEM OPT gives you more buffer, but you should still begin conversations with your employer's HR and immigration counsel at least six months before the March registration window opens.
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