OPT Program Analyst Jobs
Program Analyst roles are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in business, public policy, information systems, or a related field. Most positions qualify as specialty occupations, supporting H-1B visa sponsorship after OPT. Your 12-month OPT window (or 24-month STEM extension if eligible) gives you real runway to prove your value.
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$59,103.00 - $79,323.00 Annually
Location
Coleman A Young Municipal Center, MI
Job Type
Certified-Regular Civil Service
Job Number
2025413111406HRDmgh
Department
Housing & Revitalization
Opening Date
05/07/2026
Closing Date
5/24/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Bargaining Unit
9000-Non Union Salary Regular Service General
Description
HOUSING AND REVITALIZATION DEPARTMENT
Housing Development Specialist II
The Housing and Revitalization Department is seeking to fill a Housing Development Specialist II position. This is an intermediate level program analyst level, which performs a full range of professional analyst assignments. The Housing Development Specialist II will work closely with the program manager to outline or discuss possible problem areas and define objectives, plans, priorities, and deadlines.
Under general supervision, the Housing Development Specialist is responsible for supporting long-term recovery efforts through the Community Development Block Grant - Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funding to directly serve identified residents impacted by the disaster with eligible home repairs. Located within the City of Detroit Housing and Revitalization Department's (HRD).
The Housing Development Specialist II directly serves individuals eligible for the Private Sewer Repair Program. Providing a high level of customer service, the Housing Development Specialist works one-on-one with residents in the program area providing community outreach and assistance with program application and participation. As the participants’ primary point of contact, the Housing Development Specialist assists program participants in getting services. This position takes increased responsibility for data collection, reporting, streamlining services and coordination.
Examples of Duties
- Develops, administers, monitors or evaluates economic and community development programs, grants and/or contracts for conformance, effectiveness and timeliness.
- Attends meetings of other governmental agencies, business, and community groups as assigned and summarizes discussion and action items; drafts responses to requests for information.
- Assists in drafting proposed statements of work, requests for proposals, and requests for qualifications.
- Upon award of contracts, tracks contractor performance.
- Collaborates and participates with the Office of Contracting and Procurement in the coordination of the bid process with other staff, contractors, and vendors to ensure bids are obtained in a timely manner.
- Performs cost estimates for required rehabilitation, modernization, and/or structural repairs and ensures that work is in compliance with program guidelines and/or HUD requirements.
- Responds to HUD monitoring findings as a result of periodic audits.
- Manages and provides oversight over the utilization of various City tax abatements, primarily regarding housing and mixed-use developments.
- Inspects potential and ongoing projects to ensure they have met Housing Quality Standards and other building quality standards including audit for completion, requirements for minimum health and safety standards, and mechanical, engineering, and technical standards.
- Provides assistance to agencies/departments in preparing for internal and external HUD audits and maintains internal record inventory system providing ease of access as audit requests are made.
- Reports to management about asset utilization and audit results and recommends changes in operations and financial activities.
- Enforces Federal and local labor relations regulations, including but not limited to the Davis-Bacon related acts.
- Reviews payroll reports and worksheets for labor compliance to meet certain grant requirements.
- Serves as liaison with grantors, grant recipients, grant sub-recipients, and assigned neighborhoods to clarify, interpret, and resolve issues.
- Responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.
- Performs special projects and other duties as assigned.
- While this role typically follows regular business hours, flexibility to work nights and weekends as needed is required based on project demands and business needs.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, with major course of work in business administration, public administration, public policy, economics, finance, accounting, urban studies, information technology, or a closely related field.
- Minimum of two (2) years professional experience in affordable housing development, including risk evaluation and compliance with federal funding requirements.
Equivalency
Equivalent combinations of education and experience that provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be evaluated on an individual basis.
Supplemental Information
Evaluation Plan
- Interview: 70%
- Evaluation of Training, Experience & Personal Qualifications: 30%
- Total of Interview and Evaluation T.E.P: 100%
Additional points may be awarded for:
- Veteran Points: 0 – 15 points
- Detroit Residency Credit: 15 points
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Bilingual - English and Spanish, preferred.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Personable, positive demeanor with a customer service orientation.
- Experience with data entry; ability to perform detailed case management and tracking.
- Experience with spreadsheets and document creation.
- Able to adapt easily to changes.
- Demonstrates professionalism and a desire for excellence.
- Familiar with CRM tools such as Smartsheets, Neighborly, Box, Microsoft Suite etc.
Candidates considered for placement in this classification may be subject to a Criminal Background Investigation based on the requirements of the position.
The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to the class. Incumbents may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification. Specific job duties may vary from position to position. The City of Detroit is an Equal Opportunity Employer. No applicant for employment shall be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or other criteria prohibited by City, State, or Federal law.
EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
The City of Detroit offers a competitive and comprehensive employee benefit package. We pride ourselves on the longevity of our employees. Part of the reason for the low turnover rate is the exceptional benefit package listed below. Benefits include, but are not limited to the following:
HEALTH
- Medical - Eligible for hospital, surgical, and prescription drug benefits.
- Dental
- Vision
INSURANCE
- Life Insurance - Optional group insurance available to employee and their family. The City pays 60% of premium for first $12,500 of employee life insurance. Employee may purchase, at own expense, life insurance for spouse and each dependent.
- Long-Term Disability Insurance (Income Protection Plan) - The City offers disability insurance through payroll deductions for persons who become disabled and who are not yet eligible for a service retirement.
PAID TIME OFF
- Sick Leave
- Vacation
- Holidays
OTHER LEAVE BENEFITS
The City also has the following paid and unpaid leaves; funeral leave, Family and Medical Leave, jury duty, military duty leave, unpaid personal leave.
RETIREMENT BENEFITS
City Employees Retirement System
As a regular City employee you automatically become a member of the General Retirement System. This entitles you to a retirement allowance after:
- Completion of thirty (30) years of service;
- At age sixty (60) if you have at least ten (10) years of service, or
- At age sixty-five (65) with eight (8) years of service.
- In the event of disability, other eligibility rules apply;
- An early, actuarially reduced, retirement is offered after you have attained at least twenty-five (25) years of service;
- Employees are vested after ten (10) years of service, regardless of age.
ADVANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES - Employees have many opportunities for growth and career advancement throughout all City departments and divisions.
Have a successful career with the City of Detroit. Always remember that you are a part of a team with a common Vision of delivering excellent service to the citizens of the City of Detroit.
Salary
$59,103.00 - $79,323.00 Annually
Location
Coleman A Young Municipal Center, MI
Job Type
Certified-Regular Civil Service
Job Number
2025413111406HRDmgh
Department
Housing & Revitalization
Opening Date
05/07/2026
Closing Date
5/24/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
Bargaining Unit
9000-Non Union Salary Regular Service General
Description
HOUSING AND REVITALIZATION DEPARTMENT
Housing Development Specialist II
The Housing and Revitalization Department is seeking to fill a Housing Development Specialist II position. This is an intermediate level program analyst level, which performs a full range of professional analyst assignments. The Housing Development Specialist II will work closely with the program manager to outline or discuss possible problem areas and define objectives, plans, priorities, and deadlines.
Under general supervision, the Housing Development Specialist is responsible for supporting long-term recovery efforts through the Community Development Block Grant - Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funding to directly serve identified residents impacted by the disaster with eligible home repairs. Located within the City of Detroit Housing and Revitalization Department's (HRD).
The Housing Development Specialist II directly serves individuals eligible for the Private Sewer Repair Program. Providing a high level of customer service, the Housing Development Specialist works one-on-one with residents in the program area providing community outreach and assistance with program application and participation. As the participants’ primary point of contact, the Housing Development Specialist assists program participants in getting services. This position takes increased responsibility for data collection, reporting, streamlining services and coordination.
Examples of Duties
- Develops, administers, monitors or evaluates economic and community development programs, grants and/or contracts for conformance, effectiveness and timeliness.
- Attends meetings of other governmental agencies, business, and community groups as assigned and summarizes discussion and action items; drafts responses to requests for information.
- Assists in drafting proposed statements of work, requests for proposals, and requests for qualifications.
- Upon award of contracts, tracks contractor performance.
- Collaborates and participates with the Office of Contracting and Procurement in the coordination of the bid process with other staff, contractors, and vendors to ensure bids are obtained in a timely manner.
- Performs cost estimates for required rehabilitation, modernization, and/or structural repairs and ensures that work is in compliance with program guidelines and/or HUD requirements.
- Responds to HUD monitoring findings as a result of periodic audits.
- Manages and provides oversight over the utilization of various City tax abatements, primarily regarding housing and mixed-use developments.
- Inspects potential and ongoing projects to ensure they have met Housing Quality Standards and other building quality standards including audit for completion, requirements for minimum health and safety standards, and mechanical, engineering, and technical standards.
- Provides assistance to agencies/departments in preparing for internal and external HUD audits and maintains internal record inventory system providing ease of access as audit requests are made.
- Reports to management about asset utilization and audit results and recommends changes in operations and financial activities.
- Enforces Federal and local labor relations regulations, including but not limited to the Davis-Bacon related acts.
- Reviews payroll reports and worksheets for labor compliance to meet certain grant requirements.
- Serves as liaison with grantors, grant recipients, grant sub-recipients, and assigned neighborhoods to clarify, interpret, and resolve issues.
- Responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.
- Performs special projects and other duties as assigned.
- While this role typically follows regular business hours, flexibility to work nights and weekends as needed is required based on project demands and business needs.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, with major course of work in business administration, public administration, public policy, economics, finance, accounting, urban studies, information technology, or a closely related field.
- Minimum of two (2) years professional experience in affordable housing development, including risk evaluation and compliance with federal funding requirements.
Equivalency
Equivalent combinations of education and experience that provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities will be evaluated on an individual basis.
Supplemental Information
Evaluation Plan
- Interview: 70%
- Evaluation of Training, Experience & Personal Qualifications: 30%
- Total of Interview and Evaluation T.E.P: 100%
Additional points may be awarded for:
- Veteran Points: 0 – 15 points
- Detroit Residency Credit: 15 points
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Bilingual - English and Spanish, preferred.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Personable, positive demeanor with a customer service orientation.
- Experience with data entry; ability to perform detailed case management and tracking.
- Experience with spreadsheets and document creation.
- Able to adapt easily to changes.
- Demonstrates professionalism and a desire for excellence.
- Familiar with CRM tools such as Smartsheets, Neighborly, Box, Microsoft Suite etc.
Candidates considered for placement in this classification may be subject to a Criminal Background Investigation based on the requirements of the position.
The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to the class. Incumbents may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification. Specific job duties may vary from position to position. The City of Detroit is an Equal Opportunity Employer. No applicant for employment shall be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, or other criteria prohibited by City, State, or Federal law.
EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
The City of Detroit offers a competitive and comprehensive employee benefit package. We pride ourselves on the longevity of our employees. Part of the reason for the low turnover rate is the exceptional benefit package listed below. Benefits include, but are not limited to the following:
HEALTH
- Medical - Eligible for hospital, surgical, and prescription drug benefits.
- Dental
- Vision
INSURANCE
- Life Insurance - Optional group insurance available to employee and their family. The City pays 60% of premium for first $12,500 of employee life insurance. Employee may purchase, at own expense, life insurance for spouse and each dependent.
- Long-Term Disability Insurance (Income Protection Plan) - The City offers disability insurance through payroll deductions for persons who become disabled and who are not yet eligible for a service retirement.
PAID TIME OFF
- Sick Leave
- Vacation
- Holidays
OTHER LEAVE BENEFITS
The City also has the following paid and unpaid leaves; funeral leave, Family and Medical Leave, jury duty, military duty leave, unpaid personal leave.
RETIREMENT BENEFITS
City Employees Retirement System
As a regular City employee you automatically become a member of the General Retirement System. This entitles you to a retirement allowance after:
- Completion of thirty (30) years of service;
- At age sixty (60) if you have at least ten (10) years of service, or
- At age sixty-five (65) with eight (8) years of service.
- In the event of disability, other eligibility rules apply;
- An early, actuarially reduced, retirement is offered after you have attained at least twenty-five (25) years of service;
- Employees are vested after ten (10) years of service, regardless of age.
ADVANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES - Employees have many opportunities for growth and career advancement throughout all City departments and divisions.
Have a successful career with the City of Detroit. Always remember that you are a part of a team with a common Vision of delivering excellent service to the citizens of the City of Detroit.
See all 5,424+ OPT Program Analyst Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Program Analyst Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Program Analyst
Target agencies and contractors with established OPT pipelines
Federal contractors like Booz Allen Hamilton, Deloitte, and Leidos hire Program Analysts at scale and have dedicated visa sponsorship processes. Larger organizations are far more likely to have the legal infrastructure to support H-1B visa filings after your OPT ends.
Frame your degree field as directly tied to the analyst function
Program Analysts typically require a degree in business administration, public policy, or information systems. When applying, connect your specific degree field to the role's analytical responsibilities. A vague connection to your major weakens your specialty occupation case for future H-1B sponsorship.
Apply early if you need a STEM OPT extension
If your degree qualifies for the 24-month STEM extension, file Form I-765 at least 90 days before your initial OPT expires. A timely filing keeps you authorized to keep working even while USCIS reviews your application, giving you more runway before H-1B season.
Ask about sponsorship intent before accepting an offer
Not all employers who hire on OPT will sponsor H-1B. Before signing, ask directly whether the company has sponsored H-1B petitions before and whether they intend to for your role. It is a standard question that any experienced hiring manager will expect.
Verify your employer is on the E-Verify program
STEM OPT extension employers must be enrolled in E-Verify. Confirm this before accepting a STEM extension offer. If your employer is not enrolled, you cannot use the 24-month extension regardless of your degree field, which significantly shortens your authorized work period.
Document your project contributions with measurable outcomes
Program Analysts who can show quantifiable impact, such as cost savings identified, process improvements implemented, or program efficiency gains, build a stronger case for H-1B sponsorship. Concrete results make it easier for employers to justify the sponsorship cost to leadership.
Program Analyst OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can F-1 OPT students work as Program Analysts?
Yes. Program Analyst roles typically require a bachelor's degree in a field like business administration, public policy, or information systems, which qualifies them as specialty occupations under OPT rules. Both standard 12-month OPT and the 24-month STEM extension can apply, depending on your degree field. Browse open Program Analyst positions on Migrate Mate to find employers actively hiring OPT candidates.
Does a Program Analyst role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not the job title. If your bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree is in a STEM-designated field, such as information systems, data analytics, or computer science, and the Program Analyst role uses that technical background, you may qualify for the 24-month extension. The degree must appear on the STEM Designated Degree Program List maintained by ICE.
Do Program Analyst employers typically sponsor H-1B visas?
Federal contractors and large consulting firms, which account for a significant share of Program Analyst hiring, have well-established H-1B sponsorship processes and sponsor regularly. Smaller firms or state government agencies sponsor less consistently. The best approach is to ask directly during the offer stage and confirm the employer has filed H-1B petitions in recent years.
What counts as a valid Program Analyst job for OPT purposes?
Your OPT employment must be directly related to your degree field. A Program Analyst role focused on data analysis, program evaluation, or policy research will generally satisfy this requirement for graduates in business, public policy, or information systems. Roles that are primarily administrative without analytical responsibilities are less likely to qualify. Confirm the connection with your DSO before accepting an offer.
How do I report a Program Analyst job on my OPT?
You must report new employment to your DSO within 10 days of starting, who will then update your record in SEVIS. You will need to provide your employer's name, address, start date, and a brief description of how the role relates to your degree. Failing to report on time is a status violation, so notify your international student office as soon as you accept an offer.