OPT Policy Analyst Jobs
Policy Analyst roles qualify for OPT work authorization when the position requires a bachelor's degree or higher in public policy, political science, economics, or a related field. Most employers in government agencies, think tanks, and nonprofits are experienced with OPT and STEM OPT extension timelines. Your 12-month OPT clock starts on your authorized start date.
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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 Analyst Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Policy Analyst Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Policy Analyst
Target employers with federal contract experience
Government contractors, consulting firms, and federally funded research organizations hire policy analysts regularly and tend to have HR teams familiar with OPT authorization. These employers are less likely to be caught off guard by your work authorization timeline.
Lead with your degree field, not just your visa status
Policy analyst roles require a specific academic background in economics, public policy, or political science. Frame your qualifications around your degree match first. This positions you as a qualified candidate before the conversation about work authorization even starts.
Address your OPT end date proactively with a plan
If your OPT expires within the year, come prepared with a clear explanation of H-1B visa sponsorship timelines and the cap-subject lottery cycle. Employers respect candidates who understand the process and can explain what the transition requires from them.
Use your thesis or capstone as a portfolio piece
Policy analyst hiring decisions often hinge on writing samples and analytical depth. A well-executed policy memo or thesis demonstrates research and communication skills that directly match job requirements. Submit it alongside your resume whenever the application allows.
Focus applications on think tanks and nonprofits early
Mission-driven organizations in the policy space often have longer hiring cycles and are open to candidates on OPT. Applying three to four months before your ideal start date gives these employers enough runway to move through their process comfortably.
Search Migrate Mate for policy analyst roles filtered by OPT sponsorship
Migrate Mate surfaces policy analyst jobs at employers actively open to OPT and visa sponsorship. Filtering by work authorization type saves significant time compared to manually vetting each posting for sponsorship willingness before applying.
Policy Analyst OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do policy analyst jobs qualify for STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not the job title. If your degree is in a STEM-designated field, such as economics, statistics, or data science, you may qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Public policy and political science degrees are generally not STEM-designated. Check your degree's CIP code with your DSO before assuming you qualify.
How do I find policy analyst employers who are open to hiring OPT students?
Migrate Mate lists policy analyst roles at employers who have indicated openness to OPT and visa sponsorship, so you are not wasting time on postings that will screen you out at the authorization question. Government contractors, research nonprofits, and consulting firms with federal clients tend to be the most OPT-experienced employers in this field.
Can I work as a policy analyst at a federal government agency on OPT?
Most federal agencies require employees to be U.S. citizens, which makes direct federal employment off-limits for OPT students. However, federally funded research institutes, think tanks with government contracts, and state and local government agencies operate under different hiring rules and regularly employ international students on OPT.
Does a policy analyst role count as a qualifying OPT job?
Yes, provided the position requires a degree in a field directly related to your major. A policy analyst role tied to your economics, public policy, or political science degree satisfies USCIS requirements for OPT employment. The work must be directly related to your degree field, not just adjacent to it. Your DSO should confirm the connection before you accept an offer.
What should I do if a policy analyst employer asks about work authorization during the application process?
Be straightforward. State that you are currently authorized to work on OPT and specify your authorization end date. If you are eligible for a STEM extension or plan to pursue H-1B sponsorship, mention it briefly so the employer can assess long-term fit. Employers who work with federal agencies and contractors often have legal teams that handle OPT situations routinely.