OPT Market Development Specialist Jobs
Market Development Specialist jobs are well-suited for F-1 OPT students with backgrounds in marketing, business, or communications. Most roles qualify as specialty occupations for H-1B visa sponsorship. Your 12-month OPT window, or 24-month STEM extension if eligible, gives you real runway to prove your value and convert to long-term sponsorship.
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GENERAL FUNCTION:
The Commercial Middle Market Business Development Officer (BDO) is responsible for driving new client acquisition and revenue growth within the Middle Market segment through proactive prospecting, relationship development, and market engagement. This role is externally focused and partners closely with Commercial Relationship Managers, product specialists, and credit teams to deliver integrated financial solutions to prospective clients. Success is measured by new client wins, pipeline development, and contribution to long‑term franchise growth.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
New Client Acquisition & Growth:
Proactively identify, pursue, and secure new Middle Market commercial relationships through disciplined prospecting, networking, and referral development aligned to strategic growth priorities.
Pipeline Management & Sales Execution:
Build, maintain, and manage a robust pipeline of qualified prospects; execute against established sales rhythms, activity expectations, and production goals.
Market & Relationship Development:
Develop and maintain strong relationships with centers of influence (e.g., attorneys, accountants, private equity firms, and industry groups); represent the bank through active market and community engagement.
Client Solutions & Cross‑Functional Partnership:
Collaborate with Commercial Relationship Managers, Treasury Management, Commercial Payments, Capital Markets, and Wealth partners to structure comprehensive, client‑centric financial solutions.
Client Onboarding & Transition:
Coordinate internal resources to ensure a seamless onboarding experience for new clients, supporting a smooth transition into ongoing relationship management.
Market Intelligence & Strategy:
Maintain strong understanding of local market dynamics, industry trends, and competitive landscape to identify and act on new growth opportunities.
Revenue & Performance Accountability:
Meet or exceed assigned production goals related to new relationships, loans, deposits, and fee revenue.
Risk Management & Compliance:
Operate within the bank’s risk appetite, ensuring all prospecting, onboarding, and deal structures adhere to credit, compliance, and regulatory standards.
Reporting & Forecasting:
Maintain accurate pipeline tracking, activity reporting, and forecasting to support performance management and sales transparency.
Other Duties:
Performing other duties as assigned, adapting to new tasks or shifts in priorities as necessary to support your team’s and the company’s mission.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
No formal supervisory responsibilities.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, or a related field (or equivalent work experience).
- Demonstrated experience in commercial banking, business development, or relationship‑based sales.
- Proven ability to identify, qualify, and originate new commercial client relationships.
- Working knowledge of commercial lending, deposit products, and treasury management solutions.
- Strong communication, presentation, and relationship‑building skills.
REQUIRED SKILLS:
Qualified candidates will possess an intermediate to advanced degree of proficiency (typically from 5+ years of work or practical experience), in:
- Business Development & Prospecting: Ability to proactively source, qualify, and advance new client opportunities.
- Commercial Financial Solutions: Understanding of loans, deposits, treasury management, and fee‑based products.
- Relationship Management: Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to influence internal and external partners.
- Sales Discipline & Execution: Ability to manage pipelines, execute sales rhythms, and achieve performance goals.
- Communication & Presentation: Clear, concise communication with clients, partners, and leadership.
SKILLS FOR SUCCESS:
Qualified candidates will possess an advanced degree of proficiency (typically from 7+ years of work or practical experience), across a suite of skills including, but not limited to:
- Strategic Market Insight: Ability to assess market dynamics and identify high‑value growth opportunities.
- Consultative Selling: Ability to diagnose client needs and deliver tailored financial solutions.
- Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Effective partnership across relationship management, product, credit, and support teams.
- Results Orientation: Strong accountability for outcomes, revenue growth, and client acquisition.
- Risk Awareness: Sound judgment and commitment to operating within risk and compliance standards.
DOING THE RIGHT THING:
Our employees take pride in doing the right thing for customers and colleagues as well as being accountable for risk by openly exchanging ideas and opinions, elevating concerns, and following policies and procedures that protect all our valuable assets — including you.
Commercial Middle Market Business Development Officer
At Fifth Third, we understand the importance of recognizing our employees for the role they play in improving the lives of our customers, communities and each other. Our Total Rewards include comprehensive benefits and differentiated compensation offerings to give each employee the opportunity to be their best every day.
The base salary for this position is reflective of the range of salary levels for all roles within this pay grade across the U.S. Individual salaries within this range will vary based on factors such as role, relevant skillset, relevant experience, education and geographic location. In addition to the base salary, this role is eligible to participate in an incentive compensation plan, with any such payment based upon company, line of business and/or individual performance.
Our extensive benefits programs are designed to support the individual needs of our employees and their families, encompassing physical, financial, emotional and social well-being. You can learn more about those programs on our 53.com Careers page at: https://www.53.com/content/fifth-third/en/careers/benefits.html or by consulting with your talent acquisition partner.
LOCATION
Nashville, Tennessee 37219
Attention search firms and staffing agencies: do not submit unsolicited resumes for this posting. Fifth Third does not accept resumes from any agency that does not have an active agreement with Fifth Third. Any unsolicited resumes – no matter how they are submitted – will be considered the property of Fifth Third and Fifth Third will not be responsible for any associated fee.
Fifth Third Bank, National Association is proud to have an engaged and inclusive culture and to promote and ensure equal employment opportunity in all employment decisions regardless of race, color, gender, national origin, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, military status, veteran status or any other legally protected status.
Make banking a Fifth Third better®
We connect great people to great opportunities. Are you ready to take the next step? Discover a career in banking at Fifth Third Bank.
GENERAL FUNCTION:
The Commercial Middle Market Business Development Officer (BDO) is responsible for driving new client acquisition and revenue growth within the Middle Market segment through proactive prospecting, relationship development, and market engagement. This role is externally focused and partners closely with Commercial Relationship Managers, product specialists, and credit teams to deliver integrated financial solutions to prospective clients. Success is measured by new client wins, pipeline development, and contribution to long‑term franchise growth.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
New Client Acquisition & Growth:
Proactively identify, pursue, and secure new Middle Market commercial relationships through disciplined prospecting, networking, and referral development aligned to strategic growth priorities.
Pipeline Management & Sales Execution:
Build, maintain, and manage a robust pipeline of qualified prospects; execute against established sales rhythms, activity expectations, and production goals.
Market & Relationship Development:
Develop and maintain strong relationships with centers of influence (e.g., attorneys, accountants, private equity firms, and industry groups); represent the bank through active market and community engagement.
Client Solutions & Cross‑Functional Partnership:
Collaborate with Commercial Relationship Managers, Treasury Management, Commercial Payments, Capital Markets, and Wealth partners to structure comprehensive, client‑centric financial solutions.
Client Onboarding & Transition:
Coordinate internal resources to ensure a seamless onboarding experience for new clients, supporting a smooth transition into ongoing relationship management.
Market Intelligence & Strategy:
Maintain strong understanding of local market dynamics, industry trends, and competitive landscape to identify and act on new growth opportunities.
Revenue & Performance Accountability:
Meet or exceed assigned production goals related to new relationships, loans, deposits, and fee revenue.
Risk Management & Compliance:
Operate within the bank’s risk appetite, ensuring all prospecting, onboarding, and deal structures adhere to credit, compliance, and regulatory standards.
Reporting & Forecasting:
Maintain accurate pipeline tracking, activity reporting, and forecasting to support performance management and sales transparency.
Other Duties:
Performing other duties as assigned, adapting to new tasks or shifts in priorities as necessary to support your team’s and the company’s mission.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
No formal supervisory responsibilities.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, or a related field (or equivalent work experience).
- Demonstrated experience in commercial banking, business development, or relationship‑based sales.
- Proven ability to identify, qualify, and originate new commercial client relationships.
- Working knowledge of commercial lending, deposit products, and treasury management solutions.
- Strong communication, presentation, and relationship‑building skills.
REQUIRED SKILLS:
Qualified candidates will possess an intermediate to advanced degree of proficiency (typically from 5+ years of work or practical experience), in:
- Business Development & Prospecting: Ability to proactively source, qualify, and advance new client opportunities.
- Commercial Financial Solutions: Understanding of loans, deposits, treasury management, and fee‑based products.
- Relationship Management: Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to influence internal and external partners.
- Sales Discipline & Execution: Ability to manage pipelines, execute sales rhythms, and achieve performance goals.
- Communication & Presentation: Clear, concise communication with clients, partners, and leadership.
SKILLS FOR SUCCESS:
Qualified candidates will possess an advanced degree of proficiency (typically from 7+ years of work or practical experience), across a suite of skills including, but not limited to:
- Strategic Market Insight: Ability to assess market dynamics and identify high‑value growth opportunities.
- Consultative Selling: Ability to diagnose client needs and deliver tailored financial solutions.
- Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Effective partnership across relationship management, product, credit, and support teams.
- Results Orientation: Strong accountability for outcomes, revenue growth, and client acquisition.
- Risk Awareness: Sound judgment and commitment to operating within risk and compliance standards.
DOING THE RIGHT THING:
Our employees take pride in doing the right thing for customers and colleagues as well as being accountable for risk by openly exchanging ideas and opinions, elevating concerns, and following policies and procedures that protect all our valuable assets — including you.
Commercial Middle Market Business Development Officer
At Fifth Third, we understand the importance of recognizing our employees for the role they play in improving the lives of our customers, communities and each other. Our Total Rewards include comprehensive benefits and differentiated compensation offerings to give each employee the opportunity to be their best every day.
The base salary for this position is reflective of the range of salary levels for all roles within this pay grade across the U.S. Individual salaries within this range will vary based on factors such as role, relevant skillset, relevant experience, education and geographic location. In addition to the base salary, this role is eligible to participate in an incentive compensation plan, with any such payment based upon company, line of business and/or individual performance.
Our extensive benefits programs are designed to support the individual needs of our employees and their families, encompassing physical, financial, emotional and social well-being. You can learn more about those programs on our 53.com Careers page at: https://www.53.com/content/fifth-third/en/careers/benefits.html or by consulting with your talent acquisition partner.
LOCATION
Nashville, Tennessee 37219
Attention search firms and staffing agencies: do not submit unsolicited resumes for this posting. Fifth Third does not accept resumes from any agency that does not have an active agreement with Fifth Third. Any unsolicited resumes – no matter how they are submitted – will be considered the property of Fifth Third and Fifth Third will not be responsible for any associated fee.
Fifth Third Bank, National Association is proud to have an engaged and inclusive culture and to promote and ensure equal employment opportunity in all employment decisions regardless of race, color, gender, national origin, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, military status, veteran status or any other legally protected status.
See all 58+ OPT Market Development Specialist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Market Development Specialist Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Market Development Specialist
Target companies with active H-1B sponsorship history
Search Department of Labor disclosure data to find employers who have sponsored H-1B visas for market development or business development roles. Past sponsorship is the strongest signal that a company will do it again for the right candidate.
Lead with business impact, not immigration status
Quantify your pipeline contributions, campaign results, or market research outcomes before raising OPT. Employers sponsor candidates who solve real problems. Demonstrating measurable value makes the visa conversation feel like a formality, not a risk.
Apply during STEM OPT if your degree qualifies
Marketing analytics, data-driven business development, and quantitative market research roles may qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. That longer runway significantly reduces employer urgency around H-1B timing and makes sponsorship conversations easier.
Clarify the specialty occupation argument for your role
Market Development Specialists need to show the role requires a specific degree, not just any bachelor's. Roles tied to product marketing, technical sales, or quantitative research have clearer specialty occupation arguments than broad generalist titles.
Raise OPT timing proactively, not reactively
Tell hiring managers your OPT expiration date early in the process. Waiting until an offer stage creates panic. Giving employers three to six months of runway lets them plan LCA filing and H-1B sponsorship without feeling blindsided or rushed.
Use Migrate Mate to find OPT-friendly employers
Browse Market Development Specialist roles on Migrate Mate to identify employers who have sponsored international employees before. Focusing your applications on sponsorship-ready companies saves time and significantly improves your chances of converting OPT to full sponsorship.
Market Development Specialist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Market Development Specialist roles qualify as specialty occupations for H-1B sponsorship?
Most do, but the argument depends on how the role is scoped. Positions tied to marketing strategy, product commercialization, or quantitative market analysis, where a specific degree in marketing, business, or a related field is genuinely required, meet the specialty occupation standard. Broad generalist roles that accept any bachelor's degree are harder to support and should be evaluated carefully before accepting an offer.
Can I work as a Market Development Specialist on F-1 OPT without prior employer authorization?
Yes. F-1 OPT authorizes you to work in a job directly related to your degree field without needing employer-specific USCIS approval. A marketing or business degree typically supports Market Development Specialist roles. You do need your EAD card in hand before your first day, and your job must be in a field related to your area of study, not any job you choose.
How much time do I realistically have to find H-1B sponsorship as a Market Development Specialist on OPT?
Standard OPT gives you 12 months. If your degree is in a STEM field and your role involves quantitative work, such as marketing analytics or data-driven market research, you may qualify for a 24-month STEM extension, giving you up to 36 months total. Most employers who sponsor H-1B visas for market development roles need at least three to four months of lead time before your OPT expires.
Where can I find Market Development Specialist jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters for employers with demonstrated visa sponsorship history. Searching there rather than general job boards means you spend less time on roles where sponsorship is never going to happen, and more time on companies that already understand the process and are willing to support international employees.
Does my degree field affect whether my Market Development Specialist job qualifies under OPT?
Yes, directly. OPT requires that your job be related to your field of study. A marketing, business administration, communications, or economics degree supports most Market Development Specialist roles without issue. If your degree is in an unrelated field, like engineering or biology, you will need to document a clear connection between your coursework and the specific responsibilities of the role to satisfy the relatedness requirement.