OPT Operations Specialist Jobs
Operations Specialist roles are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with backgrounds in business, supply chain, industrial engineering, or management. Most positions qualify as STEM-adjacent or directly STEM-eligible, giving you up to 36 months of OPT work authorization if your degree qualifies.
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Get Access To All JobsNISC develops and implements enterprise-level and customer-facing software solutions for over 1,200+ energy cooperatives and communication organizations across North America. Our mission is to deliver technology solutions and services that are Member-focused, quality-driven and valued-priced. We exist to serve our Members and help them serve their communities through our innovative software products, services and outstanding customer support. We are an AI-forward company committed to being a technology leader in our industry. NISC has been ranked ComputerWorld's Best Places to Work for 23 years, and we are looking for qualified individuals to join our team.
Summary
This position reports to the Sales & Operations Team Lead and has a high level of interaction with NISC's key stakeholders and departments, including the outside sales team, product line managers (PLMs), Implementation team leads, and Member Sales. Although the primary responsibility is to generate proposals, contracts, and pricing related content, the bulk of the work entails extensive fact finding, critical thinking, data analysis and collaboration to ensure the proposals generated meet both the expectations of the customer as well as NISC. Requirements include the ability to manage complex projects, effective problem-solving, analytical thinking skills and excellent writing skills to communicate custom terms and conditions negotiated during the sales cycle.
Essential Duties:
- Prepare contracts, change orders, and proposals for multi-industries.
- Perform maintenance of proposal templates.
- Gather and manage information from product, implementation and sales teams to help prepare RFPs (Request for Proposals).
- Optimize efficiencies through the creation and refinement of best practices.
- Research sales related activities to improve efficiencies.
- Explore data integration and reporting between multiple databases.
- Develop dashboards and reporting to present data across the organization improving awareness and decision-making abilities.
- Identify trends and develop solutions to drive data integrity.
- Assist in the review of industry specific contracts to ensure the contract aligns with final proposal.
- Other duties as assigned.
- Commitment to NISC's Statement of Shared Values.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Preferred:
- 2+ years of related experience preferred
- Knowledge of NISC's pricing models, software applications, and hardware.
- Knowledge of project management processes and theory.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Mastery skills in MS Excel
- Basic level presentation and training skills.
- Excellent telephone etiquette and an ability to deal effectively with Members/Internal Customers.
- Research and problem-solving skills with a strong attention to detail.
- Working level knowledge of business-related software applications and services.
- Ability to organize and prioritize.
- Ability to interact in a positive manner with internal and external contacts.
- Ability to set and manage internal and external Member/Vendor expectations.
- Conflict resolution skills.
- Ability to travel as often as necessary to meet the goals and objectives of the position.
- Strong ability to demonstrate initiative and accountability.
NISC's Shared Values & Competencies:
- Integrity – We are committed to doing the right thing – always.
- Relationships – We are committed to building and preserving lasting relationships.
- Innovation – We promote the spirit of creativity and champion new ideas.
- Teamwork – We exemplify the cooperative spirit by working together.
- Empowerment – We believe individuals have the power to make a difference.
- Personal Development – We believe the free exchange of knowledge and information is absolutely necessary to the success of each individual and the organization.
Education Preferred:
Bachelor's Degree in a business-related field or equivalent experience.
Minimum Physical Requirements:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the essential functions of this position, employees must be able to see and communicate. Employees are regularly required to maintain a stationary position, move, and operate computer keyboards or office equipment.
NISC develops and implements enterprise-level and customer-facing software solutions for over 1,200+ energy cooperatives and communication organizations across North America. Our mission is to deliver technology solutions and services that are Member-focused, quality-driven and valued-priced. We exist to serve our Members and help them serve their communities through our innovative software products, services and outstanding customer support. We are an AI-forward company committed to being a technology leader in our industry. NISC has been ranked ComputerWorld's Best Places to Work for 23 years, and we are looking for qualified individuals to join our team.
Summary
This position reports to the Sales & Operations Team Lead and has a high level of interaction with NISC's key stakeholders and departments, including the outside sales team, product line managers (PLMs), Implementation team leads, and Member Sales. Although the primary responsibility is to generate proposals, contracts, and pricing related content, the bulk of the work entails extensive fact finding, critical thinking, data analysis and collaboration to ensure the proposals generated meet both the expectations of the customer as well as NISC. Requirements include the ability to manage complex projects, effective problem-solving, analytical thinking skills and excellent writing skills to communicate custom terms and conditions negotiated during the sales cycle.
Essential Duties:
- Prepare contracts, change orders, and proposals for multi-industries.
- Perform maintenance of proposal templates.
- Gather and manage information from product, implementation and sales teams to help prepare RFPs (Request for Proposals).
- Optimize efficiencies through the creation and refinement of best practices.
- Research sales related activities to improve efficiencies.
- Explore data integration and reporting between multiple databases.
- Develop dashboards and reporting to present data across the organization improving awareness and decision-making abilities.
- Identify trends and develop solutions to drive data integrity.
- Assist in the review of industry specific contracts to ensure the contract aligns with final proposal.
- Other duties as assigned.
- Commitment to NISC's Statement of Shared Values.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Preferred:
- 2+ years of related experience preferred
- Knowledge of NISC's pricing models, software applications, and hardware.
- Knowledge of project management processes and theory.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Mastery skills in MS Excel
- Basic level presentation and training skills.
- Excellent telephone etiquette and an ability to deal effectively with Members/Internal Customers.
- Research and problem-solving skills with a strong attention to detail.
- Working level knowledge of business-related software applications and services.
- Ability to organize and prioritize.
- Ability to interact in a positive manner with internal and external contacts.
- Ability to set and manage internal and external Member/Vendor expectations.
- Conflict resolution skills.
- Ability to travel as often as necessary to meet the goals and objectives of the position.
- Strong ability to demonstrate initiative and accountability.
NISC's Shared Values & Competencies:
- Integrity – We are committed to doing the right thing – always.
- Relationships – We are committed to building and preserving lasting relationships.
- Innovation – We promote the spirit of creativity and champion new ideas.
- Teamwork – We exemplify the cooperative spirit by working together.
- Empowerment – We believe individuals have the power to make a difference.
- Personal Development – We believe the free exchange of knowledge and information is absolutely necessary to the success of each individual and the organization.
Education Preferred:
Bachelor's Degree in a business-related field or equivalent experience.
Minimum Physical Requirements:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the essential functions of this position, employees must be able to see and communicate. Employees are regularly required to maintain a stationary position, move, and operate computer keyboards or office equipment.
See all 3,393+ OPT Operations Specialist Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as an Operations Specialist
Target companies with established OPT workflows
Large logistics firms, consulting agencies, and healthcare systems hire Operations Specialists regularly and often have HR teams familiar with OPT paperwork. Smaller companies may be open but require more education on your work authorization timeline.
Clarify your STEM OPT eligibility upfront
If your degree is in industrial engineering, information systems, or supply chain management, you likely qualify for 24-month STEM OPT extension. Confirm your CIP code with your DSO before interviews so you can communicate eligibility accurately to employers.
Frame OPT as low-risk sponsorship for employers
OPT requires no employer petition or USCIS filing fees. Employers simply verify your EAD card. Leading with this in recruiter conversations removes the most common objection before it becomes a reason to pass on your application.
Emphasize process improvement credentials
Lean Six Sigma certification, ERP system experience, or data analytics skills make your profile significantly stronger for operations roles. Employers hiring at the OPT stage often value demonstrated efficiency outcomes over raw tenure in the field.
Apply before your OPT start date when possible
You can begin interviewing and receive offers before your OPT authorization begins. Starting your job search 60 to 90 days before your EAD start date gives employers time to run their hiring process without feeling rushed by your authorization window.
Understand your 90-day unemployment limit
OPT students cannot accumulate more than 90 days of unemployment during the standard OPT period. Starting your search early and tracking any gaps between roles protects your F-1 status and keeps your options open for STEM extension.
Operations Specialist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Operations Specialist jobs qualify for STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not the job title. If your undergraduate or graduate degree is in a STEM-designated field such as industrial engineering, operations research, information systems, or supply chain management, you can apply for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Your DSO can confirm whether your CIP code qualifies before you commit to a role.
How do I find Operations Specialist jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically for F-1 OPT students, so you're not sifting through postings from employers unwilling to work with international candidates. Searching there surfaces Operations Specialist roles from companies that have already indicated openness to OPT work authorization, which saves significant time early in your search.
What documents do I need to show an employer as an OPT student?
You'll present your Employment Authorization Document, your F-1 visa, your passport, and your I-20 with an OPT recommendation from your DSO. For I-9 verification, your EAD alone satisfies both identity and work authorization. Keep digital copies accessible since recruiters sometimes ask for confirmation before extending an offer.
Can I switch from one Operations Specialist role to another while on OPT?
Yes, but the new role must remain within the same field of study that your OPT authorization covers. You must also report the job change to your DSO within 10 days in the SEVP portal. If you're on STEM OPT extension, additionally notify your DSO and ensure the new employer submits a Form I-983 training plan.
What happens to my OPT if an operations contract role ends early?
The 90-day unemployment clock resumes. If you've already used some of your unemployment days, the remaining days continue counting down. You should notify your DSO immediately and begin a new search. Contract and project-based operations work carries real timeline risk for OPT students, so understanding your remaining days before accepting short-term positions matters.