OPT Portfolio Manager Jobs
Portfolio Manager jobs are well-suited for F-1 OPT students with degrees in finance, economics, or a related quantitative field. Most roles qualify as specialty occupations for H-1B visa sponsorship, and STEM OPT extensions apply if your degree falls under CIP codes like financial mathematics or computational finance.
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The Portfolio Optimization Programs Manager is responsible for managing the Company's Property Improvement Plan (PIP) incentive programs from incentive approval through final payout, serving as the primary negotiator and relationship manager for franchisees participating in these programs. This role is accountable for maximizing the effectiveness of the Company's incentive investments by negotiating mutually beneficial agreements that support franchisee success while advancing Choice Hotels' brand standards, retention objectives, and long-term portfolio strategy.
The Manager oversees the full lifecycle of assigned incentive opportunities, including proactive franchisee outreach, negotiation of property improvement scope and incentive terms, coordination of internal approvals, budget management, contract administration, and final incentive payouts. Working closely with Portfolio Management, Franchise Development, Brand Operations, Design, Finance, Legal, and other cross-functional stakeholders, this role ensures incentive programs are executed efficiently, consistently, and in alignment with Company objectives.
Success in this role requires a highly organized, results-oriented professional with exceptional negotiation, relationship management, financial, and project management skills. The ideal candidate is comfortable balancing multiple priorities while managing complex negotiations, administering incentive budgets, and collaborating across departments to deliver a best-in-class franchisee experience. Strong analytical abilities, sound business judgment, and proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, Salesforce.com (CRM), and other corporate systems are essential.
Responsibilities
Franchisee Negotiations & Relationship Management:
- Serve as the primary Company representative and negotiator for franchisees participating in PIP incentive programs.
- Negotiate PIP scope, project timelines, completion dates, and incentive amounts within approved guardrails.
- Evaluate exception requests and present recommendations requiring Director approval.
- Communicate approved terms and ensure commitments are documented.
- Partner with Franchise Development, Portfolio Management, Brand Operations, Design, Legal, and Finance.
- Identify project risks and proactively develop solutions.
PIP Incentive Program Management:
- Manage the day-to-day administration of assigned Property Improvement Plan (PIP) incentive programs from incentive approval through final incentive payout.
- Conduct proactive outreach to franchisees within an assigned portfolio.
- Collaborate with Portfolio Management Directors to support retention opportunities and coordinate the handoff of eligible properties between teams.
- Coordinate required internal approvals and documentation.
- Track assigned incentive budgets and the overall program budget.
- Partner with Design to monitor project progress.
- Coordinate final incentive payouts following third-party inspection verification.
Reporting & Program Administration:
- Maintain accurate program records within Salesforce and other corporate systems.
- Prepare and analyze reports on project status, incentive activity, budget performance, and program metrics.
- Ensure compliance with program guidelines, documentation requirements, and internal controls.
- Identify process improvement opportunities and support enhancements to program administration and reporting.
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE
Education & Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Hospitality Management, Finance, Economics, Real Estate or a related field required.
- Minimum of 3–5 years of progressive professional experience in sales, negotiations, program management, financial analysis, or related disciplines.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent projects, priorities, and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Experience working with budgets, financial incentives, or contract administration preferred.
- Hospitality, franchising, or multi-unit business experience preferred but not required.
Skills
- Excellent negotiation, influencing, and relationship management skills.
- Strong financial acumen and budget management.
- Exceptional project and program management skills.
- Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Ability to build collaborative cross-functional relationships.
- Highly organized, self-motivated, and able to prioritize effectively.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Salesforce.com (CRM), and other corporate systems.
Salary Range
The salary range for this position is $99,919.00 to $117,552.00. In addition to the annual salary, this role is eligible for an annual bonus based on the terms of Choice's Management Incentive Plan (MIP).
Choice prioritizes our associate wellbeing by offering a comprehensive benefits program that is both competitive and flexible to help you achieve your wellbeing goals - here are just a few:
- Competitive compensation and benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Leave and paid time-off for holidays, vacation, personal, family, volunteer, sick, jury duty, bereavement, military, and religious observance
- Financial benefits for retirement and health savings
- Employee recognition programs
- Discounts at Choice hotels worldwide
About Choice
Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), is one of the largest lodging franchisors in the world. With 7,500 hotels in 45+ countries and territories, we offer a range of high-quality lodging options in the upper upscale, upper midscale, midscale, extended stay, and economy segments. We’re the hotel company for those who choose to bet on themselves — the striver, the dreamer, the entrepreneur — because that’s who we are, too.
At Choice, we are united by the simple belief that tomorrow will be even better than today — for associates, our company, and our franchisees. At our worldwide corporate headquarters in North Bethesda, Maryland, at our technology center in Scottsdale, Arizona, and through our associates around the globe, every voice is heard and every idea is listened to, no matter what area of the company they come from. We are united in supporting the entrepreneurial dreams of our thousands of franchise owners, which propels us forward — giving our work at Choice a purpose larger than our business.
Our corporate office locations:
North Bethesda, MD — Located at Pike & Rose, our worldwide headquarters is less than 15 miles from Washington, D.C., one block away from the North Bethesda Metro station, with easy access to I-495, complimentary parking, electronic charging stations, restaurants and retail.
Scottsdale, AZ — Located at the northwest corner of Loop 101, the Scottsdale office is home to our technology, eCommerce and customer service organizations, with easy access to complimentary parking, electronic charging stations, restaurants and retail.
Minneapolis, MN — Select roles are based in our Minneapolis office on Highway 394, near the intersection with Highway 100, only five minutes from downtown.
Field/Remote — Select roles designated as field/remote will require associates to work from a home office, connecting virtually with Choice team members and leadership on Zoom, with possible required travel depending on the role.
Choice’s Cultural Values
Welcome and Respect Everyone | Be Bold | Be Quick | Listen | Be Curious | Show Integrity
Choice’s Leadership Principles
Act with Intention | Lead with Authenticity | Grow & Deliver
Job Summary
The Portfolio Optimization Programs Manager is responsible for managing the Company's Property Improvement Plan (PIP) incentive programs from incentive approval through final payout, serving as the primary negotiator and relationship manager for franchisees participating in these programs. This role is accountable for maximizing the effectiveness of the Company's incentive investments by negotiating mutually beneficial agreements that support franchisee success while advancing Choice Hotels' brand standards, retention objectives, and long-term portfolio strategy.
The Manager oversees the full lifecycle of assigned incentive opportunities, including proactive franchisee outreach, negotiation of property improvement scope and incentive terms, coordination of internal approvals, budget management, contract administration, and final incentive payouts. Working closely with Portfolio Management, Franchise Development, Brand Operations, Design, Finance, Legal, and other cross-functional stakeholders, this role ensures incentive programs are executed efficiently, consistently, and in alignment with Company objectives.
Success in this role requires a highly organized, results-oriented professional with exceptional negotiation, relationship management, financial, and project management skills. The ideal candidate is comfortable balancing multiple priorities while managing complex negotiations, administering incentive budgets, and collaborating across departments to deliver a best-in-class franchisee experience. Strong analytical abilities, sound business judgment, and proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, Salesforce.com (CRM), and other corporate systems are essential.
Responsibilities
Franchisee Negotiations & Relationship Management:
- Serve as the primary Company representative and negotiator for franchisees participating in PIP incentive programs.
- Negotiate PIP scope, project timelines, completion dates, and incentive amounts within approved guardrails.
- Evaluate exception requests and present recommendations requiring Director approval.
- Communicate approved terms and ensure commitments are documented.
- Partner with Franchise Development, Portfolio Management, Brand Operations, Design, Legal, and Finance.
- Identify project risks and proactively develop solutions.
PIP Incentive Program Management:
- Manage the day-to-day administration of assigned Property Improvement Plan (PIP) incentive programs from incentive approval through final incentive payout.
- Conduct proactive outreach to franchisees within an assigned portfolio.
- Collaborate with Portfolio Management Directors to support retention opportunities and coordinate the handoff of eligible properties between teams.
- Coordinate required internal approvals and documentation.
- Track assigned incentive budgets and the overall program budget.
- Partner with Design to monitor project progress.
- Coordinate final incentive payouts following third-party inspection verification.
Reporting & Program Administration:
- Maintain accurate program records within Salesforce and other corporate systems.
- Prepare and analyze reports on project status, incentive activity, budget performance, and program metrics.
- Ensure compliance with program guidelines, documentation requirements, and internal controls.
- Identify process improvement opportunities and support enhancements to program administration and reporting.
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND AND EXPERIENCE
Education & Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Hospitality Management, Finance, Economics, Real Estate or a related field required.
- Minimum of 3–5 years of progressive professional experience in sales, negotiations, program management, financial analysis, or related disciplines.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent projects, priorities, and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Experience working with budgets, financial incentives, or contract administration preferred.
- Hospitality, franchising, or multi-unit business experience preferred but not required.
Skills
- Excellent negotiation, influencing, and relationship management skills.
- Strong financial acumen and budget management.
- Exceptional project and program management skills.
- Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Ability to build collaborative cross-functional relationships.
- Highly organized, self-motivated, and able to prioritize effectively.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Salesforce.com (CRM), and other corporate systems.
Salary Range
The salary range for this position is $99,919.00 to $117,552.00. In addition to the annual salary, this role is eligible for an annual bonus based on the terms of Choice's Management Incentive Plan (MIP).
Choice prioritizes our associate wellbeing by offering a comprehensive benefits program that is both competitive and flexible to help you achieve your wellbeing goals - here are just a few:
- Competitive compensation and benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Leave and paid time-off for holidays, vacation, personal, family, volunteer, sick, jury duty, bereavement, military, and religious observance
- Financial benefits for retirement and health savings
- Employee recognition programs
- Discounts at Choice hotels worldwide
About Choice
Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH), is one of the largest lodging franchisors in the world. With 7,500 hotels in 45+ countries and territories, we offer a range of high-quality lodging options in the upper upscale, upper midscale, midscale, extended stay, and economy segments. We’re the hotel company for those who choose to bet on themselves — the striver, the dreamer, the entrepreneur — because that’s who we are, too.
At Choice, we are united by the simple belief that tomorrow will be even better than today — for associates, our company, and our franchisees. At our worldwide corporate headquarters in North Bethesda, Maryland, at our technology center in Scottsdale, Arizona, and through our associates around the globe, every voice is heard and every idea is listened to, no matter what area of the company they come from. We are united in supporting the entrepreneurial dreams of our thousands of franchise owners, which propels us forward — giving our work at Choice a purpose larger than our business.
Our corporate office locations:
North Bethesda, MD — Located at Pike & Rose, our worldwide headquarters is less than 15 miles from Washington, D.C., one block away from the North Bethesda Metro station, with easy access to I-495, complimentary parking, electronic charging stations, restaurants and retail.
Scottsdale, AZ — Located at the northwest corner of Loop 101, the Scottsdale office is home to our technology, eCommerce and customer service organizations, with easy access to complimentary parking, electronic charging stations, restaurants and retail.
Minneapolis, MN — Select roles are based in our Minneapolis office on Highway 394, near the intersection with Highway 100, only five minutes from downtown.
Field/Remote — Select roles designated as field/remote will require associates to work from a home office, connecting virtually with Choice team members and leadership on Zoom, with possible required travel depending on the role.
Choice’s Cultural Values
Welcome and Respect Everyone | Be Bold | Be Quick | Listen | Be Curious | Show Integrity
Choice’s Leadership Principles
Act with Intention | Lead with Authenticity | Grow & Deliver
See all 235+ OPT Portfolio Manager Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Portfolio Manager Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Portfolio Manager
Target asset managers and investment firms with H-1B track records
Large asset managers, hedge funds, and wealth management firms file H-1B visa petitions regularly. Prioritize employers with a documented history of sponsoring analysts and portfolio associates before applying, since sponsorship willingness varies significantly by firm size and structure.
Frame your CFA progress as a hiring signal
Passing CFA Level I or II while on OPT signals long-term commitment to the field and reduces perceived hiring risk for sponsors. Many portfolio management teams factor CFA candidacy into decisions about which candidates are worth investing in for visa sponsorship.
Clarify your OPT timeline upfront with recruiters
Portfolio management hiring cycles are long. Be transparent about your OPT end date and whether you qualify for a 24-month STEM extension, so employers can plan H-1B sponsorship around the April lottery deadline without being caught off guard.
Emphasize quantitative skills that are genuinely hard to source domestically
Employers weigh sponsorship cost against candidate scarcity. Highlighting specialized skills in risk modeling, derivatives pricing, or factor-based investing strengthens your case by demonstrating expertise that justifies the investment in your visa sponsorship process.
Pursue roles titled 'Portfolio Analyst' or 'Investment Associate' as entry points
Senior Portfolio Manager titles often require licensing and years of experience. Entry-level analyst and associate roles within portfolio teams are more accessible on OPT and commonly serve as the internal pathway to full portfolio management responsibilities with sponsorship.
Understand Series 65 and 66 licensing requirements before you apply
Many Portfolio Manager roles require state investment adviser registration, which involves passing the Series 65 or 66 exam. Completing this before or during OPT removes a post-hire compliance hurdle that can otherwise slow down your onboarding and sponsorship timeline.
Portfolio Manager OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can F-1 OPT students work as Portfolio Managers in the United States?
Yes. Portfolio Manager roles generally qualify as specialty occupations under U.S. immigration rules because they require at least a bachelor's degree in finance, economics, mathematics, or a closely related field. F-1 students authorized for OPT can work in these roles without any additional employer filing during the OPT period itself.
Do Portfolio Manager jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
They can, depending on your degree. If your bachelor's or master's degree falls under a designated STEM CIP code, such as financial mathematics, computational finance, or applied statistics, you may qualify for a 24-month STEM OPT extension. A standard finance or economics degree may not qualify, so confirm your CIP code with your DSO before assuming eligibility.
How do I find Portfolio Manager jobs that sponsor H-1B visas for OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters roles by visa sponsorship willingness, saving you the work of screening employers manually. Portfolio management roles at larger investment firms, insurance companies, and banks are the most likely to sponsor, since they have established immigration compliance infrastructure and recurring hiring needs.
Does working as a Portfolio Manager on OPT count as authorized employment even if I manage client assets?
Yes, as long as the work is directly related to your degree field and your OPT authorization is active. Managing investment portfolios aligns with degrees in finance, economics, and quantitative fields. You must work for a single authorized employer and cannot work independently as a freelance investment manager while on OPT, since self-employment is not permitted.
What happens to my OPT authorization if my Portfolio Manager employer is acquired or undergoes a major restructuring?
A merger or acquisition that results in a successor employer can allow you to continue working without interruption, provided the new entity assumes the employment relationship and your job duties remain materially the same. You should notify your DSO promptly and document the change. If your position is eliminated, the standard 60-day grace period applies before you must change status or depart.