OPT Policy Jobs
Policy jobs on OPT are common in think tanks, nonprofits, government contractors, and advocacy organizations. Most roles require a degree in public policy, political science, or a related field, and many qualify as STEM-adjacent when research or data analysis is central to the position. Your 12-month OPT window is typically enough to complete a policy fellowship or entry-level analyst role.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Guided by our purpose, core values, and leadership principles, we are creating an airline people love. Our corporate teams set the strategies and operational plans to ensure the success of our company. Whether we use our expertise in accounting, human resources, finance, planning, legal, marketing, or any of our operational divisions, our shared passion for travel and our guests is what motivates us to achieve excellence each day. If you share our passion for creating an airline people love, we want to hear from you.
ROLE SUMMARY
The Policy & Procedures Specialist is responsible for developing policies and procedures for operational functions at Alaska Airlines (AS) and Horizon Air (QX). As an individual contributor, this role makes recommendations to improve the research, development, documentation, implementation, and interpretation of policies to support frontline agents, representatives, and leadership.
KEY DUTIES:
- With limited direction from the Manager Policy & Procedures, work independently to research, develop, document, and implement policies and procedures applicable to assigned function.
- Take initiative to develop solutions to training program requirements, editing training materials, and approving training curriculum and instructional materials.
- Create, modify, maintain, and ensure the accuracy of all department manuals, publications, and documents, and proactively analyze the need for periodic refresher communication.
- Analyze the effectiveness of new and existing policies and procedures and make recommendations for change.
- Make recommendations on the selection of necessary training products.
- Influence cross-divisionally in the development of new technology (i.e.: CSA mobile, RSA mobile, RAIN, etc.) and partner/build effective working relationships across divisions and organizational levels (e.g., directors, managers/supervisors, trainers, team coaches, frontline employees, etc.).
- Provide support to frontline agents, representatives, and leadership by interpreting policy, assisting with investigations, responding to inquiries, and making on-site visits.
- Apply deep knowledge in technical enhancements to provide input to frontline business systems.
- Facilitate divisional/cross-divisional teams through Safety Risk Assessments (SRA) in support of the Safety Management System (SMS) and implement policy and procedure changes driven by SMS.
JOB-SPECIFIC EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION & SKILLS:
Required
- A minimum of 2 years of experience in software tools, policy & procedures programs, or equivalent airline operations experience.
- Bachelor’s degree, or an additional two years of relevant experience in lieu of degree.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (e.g., Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Process and detail-oriented with the ability to:
- Interpret, develop, and articulate efficient procedures for frontline functions.
- Grasp complex issues and processes and evaluate for elements relevant to ground operations functions.
- Communicate in a simple, clear, and concise manner.
- Identify opportunities for process improvement.
- Lead project teams.
- Willingness to challenge assumptions and question the validity of established policies and procedures.
- Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to manage a number of projects under limited supervision.
- Ability to understand the needs and attitudes of the customer to develop a change management plan.
- Ability and willingness to travel throughout the AS route system for approximately 10% of work hours.
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Minimum age of 18.
- Must be authorized to work in the U.S.
Preferred
- Strong working knowledge of AS software tools.
- Thorough working knowledge of AS policies and procedures.
- Technical writing, training, job coaching, or supervisor experience.
- Knowledge of project management methodologies and processes.
JOB-SPECIFIC LEADERSHIP EXPECTATIONS:
Embody our values to own safety, do the right thing, be caring and kind, and deliver performance.
SALARY RANGE: $68,000 - $102,000 / year
SALARY DETAILS:
Pay will be based on multiple factors, including and not limited to location, relevant experience/level and skillset while balancing internal equity relative to other Alaska/Hawaiian/Horizon employees. Alaska/Hawaiian/Horizon is committed to fair, unbiased compensation along with competitive benefits in all locations in which we operate.
Note: We don’t typically hire at the top of the range.
TOTAL REWARDS:
Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and Horizon Air pay and benefits can vary by company, location, number of regularly scheduled hours worked, length of employment, and employment status.
- Free stand-by travel privileges on Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines & Horizon Air
- Comprehensive well-being programs including medical, dental and vision benefits
- Generous 401k match program
- Annual bonus plans
- Generous holiday and paid time off
For more information about Alaska/Hawaiian/Horizon Total Rewards please visit our career site and view benefits.
REGULATORY INFORMATION:
Equal Employment Opportunity Policy Statement
It is the policy of Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and Horizon Air to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment and to ensure equal opportunity in all terms, conditions, and benefits of employment or potential employment.
We also prohibit discrimination and harassment against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information and other legally protected categories.
We have established an EEO Compliance Program under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (“Section 503”) and the Vietnam Era Veteran’s Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 (“VEVRAA”). All applicants and employees are treated without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. In addition, we have established an audit and reporting system to allow for effective measurement of its equal employment opportunity activities.
To implement this policy, we will:
(1) Recruit, hire, train and promote qualified persons in all job titles, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information and any other legally protected categories;
(2) Ensure that employment decisions are based only on valid job requirements; and
(3) Ensure that all personnel actions and employment activities such as compensation, benefits, promotions, layoffs, return from layoff, Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and Horizon Air sponsored programs, and tuition assistance will be administered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information and other legally protected categories.
Employees and applicants for employment will not be subjected to harassment, intimidation, threats, coercion or discrimination because they have engaged or may engage in (1) filing a complaint, (2) opposing any act or practice made unlawful by, or exercising any other right protected by, any Federal, State or local law requiring equal opportunity, including Section 503 and the equal opportunity provisions of VEVRAA, or (3) assisting or participating in any investigation, compliance evaluation, hearing, or any other activity related to the administration of any Federal, State or local law requiring equal opportunity, including Section 503 and the equal opportunity provisions of VEVRAA.
Government Contractor & Department of Transportation (DOT) Regulations
Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines & Horizon Air are regulated by the Department of Transportation (DOT – regulations, 49 CFR part 40) and all applicants are advised that post-offer and/or pre-employment drug testing will be conducted to determine the presence of marijuana, cocaine, opioids, phencyclidine (PCP) and amphetamines or a metabolite of these drugs prior to any offer or employment or transfer into a safety-sensitive position. Failure to submit to testing or positive indications of drug use will render the applicant ineligible for employment with Alaska Airlines/Hawaiian Airlines/Horizon Air and any employment offer will be withdrawn.
FLSA Status: Exempt
Employment Type: Full-Time
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Requisition Type: Management
Location: Renton - Global Training Center
Featured Job: 0
L: #LI-B
INTRODUCTION
Guided by our purpose, core values, and leadership principles, we are creating an airline people love. Our corporate teams set the strategies and operational plans to ensure the success of our company. Whether we use our expertise in accounting, human resources, finance, planning, legal, marketing, or any of our operational divisions, our shared passion for travel and our guests is what motivates us to achieve excellence each day. If you share our passion for creating an airline people love, we want to hear from you.
ROLE SUMMARY
The Policy & Procedures Specialist is responsible for developing policies and procedures for operational functions at Alaska Airlines (AS) and Horizon Air (QX). As an individual contributor, this role makes recommendations to improve the research, development, documentation, implementation, and interpretation of policies to support frontline agents, representatives, and leadership.
KEY DUTIES:
- With limited direction from the Manager Policy & Procedures, work independently to research, develop, document, and implement policies and procedures applicable to assigned function.
- Take initiative to develop solutions to training program requirements, editing training materials, and approving training curriculum and instructional materials.
- Create, modify, maintain, and ensure the accuracy of all department manuals, publications, and documents, and proactively analyze the need for periodic refresher communication.
- Analyze the effectiveness of new and existing policies and procedures and make recommendations for change.
- Make recommendations on the selection of necessary training products.
- Influence cross-divisionally in the development of new technology (i.e.: CSA mobile, RSA mobile, RAIN, etc.) and partner/build effective working relationships across divisions and organizational levels (e.g., directors, managers/supervisors, trainers, team coaches, frontline employees, etc.).
- Provide support to frontline agents, representatives, and leadership by interpreting policy, assisting with investigations, responding to inquiries, and making on-site visits.
- Apply deep knowledge in technical enhancements to provide input to frontline business systems.
- Facilitate divisional/cross-divisional teams through Safety Risk Assessments (SRA) in support of the Safety Management System (SMS) and implement policy and procedure changes driven by SMS.
JOB-SPECIFIC EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION & SKILLS:
Required
- A minimum of 2 years of experience in software tools, policy & procedures programs, or equivalent airline operations experience.
- Bachelor’s degree, or an additional two years of relevant experience in lieu of degree.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (e.g., Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Process and detail-oriented with the ability to:
- Interpret, develop, and articulate efficient procedures for frontline functions.
- Grasp complex issues and processes and evaluate for elements relevant to ground operations functions.
- Communicate in a simple, clear, and concise manner.
- Identify opportunities for process improvement.
- Lead project teams.
- Willingness to challenge assumptions and question the validity of established policies and procedures.
- Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to manage a number of projects under limited supervision.
- Ability to understand the needs and attitudes of the customer to develop a change management plan.
- Ability and willingness to travel throughout the AS route system for approximately 10% of work hours.
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Minimum age of 18.
- Must be authorized to work in the U.S.
Preferred
- Strong working knowledge of AS software tools.
- Thorough working knowledge of AS policies and procedures.
- Technical writing, training, job coaching, or supervisor experience.
- Knowledge of project management methodologies and processes.
JOB-SPECIFIC LEADERSHIP EXPECTATIONS:
Embody our values to own safety, do the right thing, be caring and kind, and deliver performance.
SALARY RANGE: $68,000 - $102,000 / year
SALARY DETAILS:
Pay will be based on multiple factors, including and not limited to location, relevant experience/level and skillset while balancing internal equity relative to other Alaska/Hawaiian/Horizon employees. Alaska/Hawaiian/Horizon is committed to fair, unbiased compensation along with competitive benefits in all locations in which we operate.
Note: We don’t typically hire at the top of the range.
TOTAL REWARDS:
Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and Horizon Air pay and benefits can vary by company, location, number of regularly scheduled hours worked, length of employment, and employment status.
- Free stand-by travel privileges on Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines & Horizon Air
- Comprehensive well-being programs including medical, dental and vision benefits
- Generous 401k match program
- Annual bonus plans
- Generous holiday and paid time off
For more information about Alaska/Hawaiian/Horizon Total Rewards please visit our career site and view benefits.
REGULATORY INFORMATION:
Equal Employment Opportunity Policy Statement
It is the policy of Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and Horizon Air to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment and to ensure equal opportunity in all terms, conditions, and benefits of employment or potential employment.
We also prohibit discrimination and harassment against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information and other legally protected categories.
We have established an EEO Compliance Program under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (“Section 503”) and the Vietnam Era Veteran’s Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 (“VEVRAA”). All applicants and employees are treated without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. In addition, we have established an audit and reporting system to allow for effective measurement of its equal employment opportunity activities.
To implement this policy, we will:
(1) Recruit, hire, train and promote qualified persons in all job titles, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information and any other legally protected categories;
(2) Ensure that employment decisions are based only on valid job requirements; and
(3) Ensure that all personnel actions and employment activities such as compensation, benefits, promotions, layoffs, return from layoff, Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and Horizon Air sponsored programs, and tuition assistance will be administered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information and other legally protected categories.
Employees and applicants for employment will not be subjected to harassment, intimidation, threats, coercion or discrimination because they have engaged or may engage in (1) filing a complaint, (2) opposing any act or practice made unlawful by, or exercising any other right protected by, any Federal, State or local law requiring equal opportunity, including Section 503 and the equal opportunity provisions of VEVRAA, or (3) assisting or participating in any investigation, compliance evaluation, hearing, or any other activity related to the administration of any Federal, State or local law requiring equal opportunity, including Section 503 and the equal opportunity provisions of VEVRAA.
Government Contractor & Department of Transportation (DOT) Regulations
Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines & Horizon Air are regulated by the Department of Transportation (DOT – regulations, 49 CFR part 40) and all applicants are advised that post-offer and/or pre-employment drug testing will be conducted to determine the presence of marijuana, cocaine, opioids, phencyclidine (PCP) and amphetamines or a metabolite of these drugs prior to any offer or employment or transfer into a safety-sensitive position. Failure to submit to testing or positive indications of drug use will render the applicant ineligible for employment with Alaska Airlines/Hawaiian Airlines/Horizon Air and any employment offer will be withdrawn.
FLSA Status: Exempt
Employment Type: Full-Time
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Requisition Type: Management
Location: Renton - Global Training Center
Featured Job: 0
L: #LI-B
See all 95+ OPT Policy Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Policy Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Policy
Target organizations with a history of H-1B sponsorship
Think tanks, research institutions, and large nonprofits are more likely to sponsor H-1B visas than small advocacy groups. Check OFLC disclosure data to confirm whether an organization has filed Labor Condition Applications before applying.
Clarify whether your role qualifies as STEM OPT
If your policy role involves quantitative research, data modeling, or program evaluation, your degree field may qualify for a 24-month STEM extension. Confirm with your DSO before accepting an offer to maximize your authorized work period.
Apply early in your OPT window
Policy hiring cycles at think tanks and government contractors are slow. Starting your search three to four months before OPT begins gives you time to clear security checks, background screenings, and onboarding requirements common in this sector.
Highlight research and analytical skills on your resume
Policy employers value quantitative analysis, legislative research, and policy writing. Framing your graduate coursework or thesis as applied research experience makes your profile stronger and signals a direct connection to the specialty occupation standard.
Ask HR about sponsorship before the final interview round
Policy organizations often have rigid budget cycles that affect hiring decisions mid-process. Raising the sponsorship question early saves time and helps you focus on employers already prepared to support the H-1B or other visa categories.
Consider government contractor roles as a bridge pathway
Federal contractors frequently hire policy analysts on OPT and are experienced with immigration compliance. These roles often provide structured career paths, which strengthens future sponsorship cases by demonstrating the sustained need for a specialty occupation.
Policy OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do policy jobs qualify as a specialty occupation for OPT and H-1B purposes?
Most professional policy analyst roles qualify as specialty occupations because they require at minimum a bachelor's degree in public policy, political science, economics, or a directly related field. Roles focused on legislative research, regulatory analysis, or program evaluation typically meet the specialty occupation standard. Generalist or communications-heavy roles with no degree requirement may face more scrutiny.
Can I work at a nonprofit or think tank on OPT?
Yes. Nonprofits, think tanks, and advocacy organizations are valid OPT employers as long as the role is directly related to your degree field. You can work full time, and the same authorization rules apply as with any other employer. These organizations frequently hire policy researchers and analysts on OPT, though their capacity to sponsor H-1B visas later varies significantly by size and funding.
Where can I find policy jobs that are open to OPT students?
Migrate Mate lists policy roles from employers experienced with OPT and visa sponsorship. Filtering by job type helps you identify organizations that have a track record of hiring international students, which matters when you are planning beyond your initial OPT period and thinking about H-1B or other long-term work authorization.
Does my policy degree qualify me for a STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your specific program. Public policy degrees with a quantitative or data-heavy focus are sometimes listed under STEM-designated CIP codes, but many are not. You need to check whether your program appears on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. If it does, and your job duties involve research or data analysis, you may be eligible for a 24-month extension beyond your initial 12 months.
How does the OPT reporting requirement work for policy jobs?
Once you accept a policy position, you must report your employer name, address, and start date to your DSO within 10 days. Your DSO updates SEVIS, which keeps your F-1 status current. If your role changes, you start a fellowship, or you move to a different organization, each change must be reported promptly. Failing to report on time can jeopardize your F-1 status even if you are actively employed.