OPT People Operations Specialist Jobs
People Operations Specialist roles sit at the intersection of HR systems, employee experience, and compliance work, making them a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with business, HR, or psychology degrees. Most positions qualify as specialty occupations, and many employers in this space have established OPT and H-1B visa sponsorship pipelines.
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Mayer Brown is an international law firm positioned to represent the world’s major corporations, funds, and financial institutions in their most important and complex transactions and disputes. We are recognized by our clients as strategic partners with deep commercial instincts and a commitment to creatively anticipating their needs and delivering excellence in everything we do.
We are a collegial, collaborative firm where highly motivated individuals with an unwavering commitment to excellence receive the opportunity, support, and development they need to grow, thrive, and realize their greatest potential all while supporting the Firm’s client service principles of excellence, strategic partnership, commercial instinct, integrated strengths, innovation, and collaboration across our international firm.
If you thrive in a collaborative environment that values exceptional client service, initiative, professionalism, responsiveness, and adaptability, we invite you to consider joining our Business Intake and Conflicts department in our Chicago office as a Specialist: Business Intake Workflow.
The Specialist: Business Intake Workflow will monitor workflow functionality of the Client Clearance and Compliance (C3) System to ensure excellent service to C3 users and optimal system performance. The Workflow Specialist will provide day-to-day technical support to Firm lawyers and staff who submit conflict search and matter opening requests, Risk Management lawyers and staff, and staff in other administrative departments, including responding to and diagnosing issues through discussion with users, troubleshooting, fault rectification, and problem escalation.
Responsibilities:
Essential Functions:
- Monitors workflow performance to identify bottlenecks and system performance issues. Take prompt action to resolve issues as agreed. Investigate reported workflow issues and escalate critical functionality issues to Managers, Development Team, and IT Service desk, as appropriate.
- Follows documented guidelines for troubleshooting and administratively intervening in requests within workflow, including cancelling and restarting requests, redirecting tasks, executing update queries, and resolving workflow errors.
- Executes daily data quality queries to expose and correct requests requiring intervention.
- Administers Matter Review workflow process, maintain workflow user groups, workflow notification templates, and workflow business rules as required.
- Responds to email and telephone inquiries Firm wide with regard to workflow functionality, process requirements, and status of requests in the workflow. Coordinate among Business Intake staff in Chicago, London, and Hong Kong as required to handle queries and resolve issues.
- Inputs data manually into Aderant and ICM Conflicts Manager as necessary for administrative matter opening and matter revisions.
- Reviews product improvement feedback from users and recommend enhancements and bug fixes.
- Contributes to test plan creation and participates in C3 release functionality and integration testing.
- Plans for and provides workflow support coverage during Firm emergencies, outages, and holidays globally.
- Performs other duties as assigned or required to meet Firm goals and objectives.
QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES:
Education/Training/Certifications: BA degree preferred. An equivalent combination of education and/or experience may be considered in lieu of the degree when the experience has been directly related to the functions of the job.
Professional Experience: Previous law firm Business Intake/Conflicts experience and/or previous experience using workflow software tools required.
Technical Skills:
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office products.
- Knowledge of Aderant accounting software and ICM Conflicts Manager a plus.
- Experience using issue reporting and tracking software.
Performance Traits:
- Strong interpersonal and written and verbal communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively and in a professional manner with all levels of Firm personnel.
- Ability to work in a diverse team environment and effectively support the demanding needs of the Firm with the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines with shifting priorities.
- Must be a self-starter with a high level of initiative.
- Strong customer service skills, ability to anticipate needs.
- Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to handle multiple projects.
- Maintains confidentiality and exercises discretion.
- Exercises solid strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
Physical Requirements: May require occasional lifting of up to 20 lbs.
The above is a general description of the essential duties associated with this position and does not represent an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all duties.
The Firm may modify and amend this job description at any time at its sole discretion. Nothing herein creates a contract of employment or otherwise modifies the at-will nature of employment.
We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits, including medical/dental/vision/life/and AD&D insurance, 401(k) savings plan, back-up childcare and eldercare, generous paid time off (PTO), as well as opportunities for professional development and growth.
We are committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities and disabled veterans. To request an accommodation related to the application process or interview, please email uslateralrecruiting@mayerbrown.com. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. Mayer Brown works with select external search firms that have been vetted against our standards. Firms without a contract or agreement with Mayer Brown are not authorized to represent that they are working with the Firm, nor are they entitled to placement fees. Mayer Brown does not accept unsolicited CVs from external recruiters. Submission of an unsolicited CV to Mayer Brown or any of its Partners or employees will not establish any right of priority for the submitting agency.
LI-HYBRID #LI-PT1
Posted Pay Range: The typical pay scale for this position is between USD $69,000.00/Yr. and USD $91,000.00/Yr., although the actual wage or salary could be lower or higher if the candidate's education, experience, skills, and internal pay alignment are different from those specified.
Overview:
Mayer Brown is an international law firm positioned to represent the world’s major corporations, funds, and financial institutions in their most important and complex transactions and disputes. We are recognized by our clients as strategic partners with deep commercial instincts and a commitment to creatively anticipating their needs and delivering excellence in everything we do.
We are a collegial, collaborative firm where highly motivated individuals with an unwavering commitment to excellence receive the opportunity, support, and development they need to grow, thrive, and realize their greatest potential all while supporting the Firm’s client service principles of excellence, strategic partnership, commercial instinct, integrated strengths, innovation, and collaboration across our international firm.
If you thrive in a collaborative environment that values exceptional client service, initiative, professionalism, responsiveness, and adaptability, we invite you to consider joining our Business Intake and Conflicts department in our Chicago office as a Specialist: Business Intake Workflow.
The Specialist: Business Intake Workflow will monitor workflow functionality of the Client Clearance and Compliance (C3) System to ensure excellent service to C3 users and optimal system performance. The Workflow Specialist will provide day-to-day technical support to Firm lawyers and staff who submit conflict search and matter opening requests, Risk Management lawyers and staff, and staff in other administrative departments, including responding to and diagnosing issues through discussion with users, troubleshooting, fault rectification, and problem escalation.
Responsibilities:
Essential Functions:
- Monitors workflow performance to identify bottlenecks and system performance issues. Take prompt action to resolve issues as agreed. Investigate reported workflow issues and escalate critical functionality issues to Managers, Development Team, and IT Service desk, as appropriate.
- Follows documented guidelines for troubleshooting and administratively intervening in requests within workflow, including cancelling and restarting requests, redirecting tasks, executing update queries, and resolving workflow errors.
- Executes daily data quality queries to expose and correct requests requiring intervention.
- Administers Matter Review workflow process, maintain workflow user groups, workflow notification templates, and workflow business rules as required.
- Responds to email and telephone inquiries Firm wide with regard to workflow functionality, process requirements, and status of requests in the workflow. Coordinate among Business Intake staff in Chicago, London, and Hong Kong as required to handle queries and resolve issues.
- Inputs data manually into Aderant and ICM Conflicts Manager as necessary for administrative matter opening and matter revisions.
- Reviews product improvement feedback from users and recommend enhancements and bug fixes.
- Contributes to test plan creation and participates in C3 release functionality and integration testing.
- Plans for and provides workflow support coverage during Firm emergencies, outages, and holidays globally.
- Performs other duties as assigned or required to meet Firm goals and objectives.
QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE AND PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES:
Education/Training/Certifications: BA degree preferred. An equivalent combination of education and/or experience may be considered in lieu of the degree when the experience has been directly related to the functions of the job.
Professional Experience: Previous law firm Business Intake/Conflicts experience and/or previous experience using workflow software tools required.
Technical Skills:
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office products.
- Knowledge of Aderant accounting software and ICM Conflicts Manager a plus.
- Experience using issue reporting and tracking software.
Performance Traits:
- Strong interpersonal and written and verbal communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively and in a professional manner with all levels of Firm personnel.
- Ability to work in a diverse team environment and effectively support the demanding needs of the Firm with the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines with shifting priorities.
- Must be a self-starter with a high level of initiative.
- Strong customer service skills, ability to anticipate needs.
- Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to handle multiple projects.
- Maintains confidentiality and exercises discretion.
- Exercises solid strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
Physical Requirements: May require occasional lifting of up to 20 lbs.
The above is a general description of the essential duties associated with this position and does not represent an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all duties.
The Firm may modify and amend this job description at any time at its sole discretion. Nothing herein creates a contract of employment or otherwise modifies the at-will nature of employment.
We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits, including medical/dental/vision/life/and AD&D insurance, 401(k) savings plan, back-up childcare and eldercare, generous paid time off (PTO), as well as opportunities for professional development and growth.
We are committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities and disabled veterans. To request an accommodation related to the application process or interview, please email uslateralrecruiting@mayerbrown.com. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. Mayer Brown works with select external search firms that have been vetted against our standards. Firms without a contract or agreement with Mayer Brown are not authorized to represent that they are working with the Firm, nor are they entitled to placement fees. Mayer Brown does not accept unsolicited CVs from external recruiters. Submission of an unsolicited CV to Mayer Brown or any of its Partners or employees will not establish any right of priority for the submitting agency.
LI-HYBRID #LI-PT1
Posted Pay Range: The typical pay scale for this position is between USD $69,000.00/Yr. and USD $91,000.00/Yr., although the actual wage or salary could be lower or higher if the candidate's education, experience, skills, and internal pay alignment are different from those specified.
See all 13,122+ OPT People Operations Specialist Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a People Operations Specialist
Target companies with HR tech infrastructure
Employers running Workday, BambooHR, or similar HRIS platforms tend to have structured People Ops teams with dedicated headcount. These organizations are more likely to have sponsorship processes in place than smaller companies building HR from scratch.
Frame your degree as a direct match
People Operations roles often require a degree in HR, business administration, industrial-organizational psychology, or a related field. Explicitly connect your academic background to the role in your resume and cover letter to strengthen the specialty occupation case.
Prioritize roles with HRIS or data responsibilities
Job postings that list HRIS management, people analytics, or HR data reporting are more defensible as specialty occupations. These technical responsibilities make it easier for an employer to justify H-1B visa sponsorship after your OPT period ends.
Ask about sponsorship timelines before accepting
OPT gives you up to 12 months, with a possible 24-month STEM extension if your degree qualifies. Confirm upfront whether the employer has sponsored H-1B visas before and whether they participate in the lottery each April.
Highlight compliance and process improvement work
Employers filing H-1B petitions for People Ops roles need to document specialized duties. Experience with I-9 compliance, onboarding workflows, or HR policy development strengthens the specialty occupation argument USCIS evaluates during sponsorship.
Use Migrate Mate to filter for OPT-friendly employers
Not every People Operations posting comes from a company open to OPT candidates. Migrate Mate surfaces roles from employers actively willing to work with F-1 students, saving you from applying to positions where sponsorship was never on the table.
People Operations Specialist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a People Operations Specialist role qualify as a specialty occupation for OPT and H-1B purposes?
It can, but the job description matters. USCIS looks for roles requiring a specific bachelor's degree or higher in a directly related field, such as human resources, business administration, or industrial-organizational psychology. Generalist positions where any bachelor's degree satisfies the requirement are harder to defend. Roles with specialized duties like HRIS administration, compensation analysis, or HR compliance strengthen the case considerably.
Can I work as a People Operations Specialist on F-1 OPT without a STEM extension?
Yes. Standard OPT gives you 12 months of work authorization after graduation, which is enough to begin a People Ops role. If your degree is in a STEM-designated field, such as industrial-organizational psychology or information systems with an HR focus, you may qualify for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you up to 36 months total to find an employer willing to sponsor an H-1B.
How do I find People Operations Specialist jobs where the employer is open to OPT candidates?
Most job postings don't state OPT sponsorship willingness upfront, which means a lot of wasted applications. Migrate Mate filters specifically for employers open to F-1 OPT students, so you can focus on People Ops roles where your work authorization status isn't a barrier. This is especially useful given how competitive HR roles can be for international candidates.
What happens to my OPT authorization if my People Operations role ends before my OPT expires?
F-1 OPT allows up to 90 days of cumulative unemployment during the standard 12-month period. If you lose your People Operations role, the clock starts running immediately, not from when you notify your DSO. Report the employment change to your DSO promptly and begin searching for a new qualifying position. Unemployment beyond 90 days puts your F-1 status at risk.
Do People Operations Specialist roles at startups typically sponsor H-1B visas after OPT?
Sponsorship at early-stage startups is less predictable than at mid-size or enterprise companies with established HR functions. Startups may be willing but lack the legal infrastructure or budget to file H-1B petitions reliably. When evaluating People Ops roles at startups, ask specifically whether they have sponsored visas before, not just whether they are open to it in principle.