OPT Program Associate Jobs
Program Associate roles are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students, particularly those with backgrounds in public policy, international relations, nonprofit management, or social sciences. Most positions qualify as professional-level work under OPT guidelines. Your 12-month OPT window (or 24-month STEM extension if eligible) gives you meaningful time to build experience and pursue H-1B visa sponsorship.
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Get Access To All JobsCompany Description
At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach is what sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an integral part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to join our quest for better health care, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. We pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, our goal is to take care of our employees. Ready to join our quest for better?
Job Description
The Outcomes Program Assoc BCVI reflects the mission, vision, and values of NMHC, adheres to the organization's Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.
Responsibilities:
In relation to the Outcomes program for the BCVI:
- Conducts primary and secondary research analysis on assigned quality outcomes initiatives.
- Compiles data on utilization and benchmarks related to cardiovascular disease (as warranted) by working with BCVI West Region hospital departments or other campus partners.
- Conducts literature searches and maintains files on CV research, initiatives and industry benchmarking.
- Keeps current with health care reform and policy impact on quality measurement/performance for cardiovascular disease.
- Assist in outcomes program development.
- Works closely with the departments who are monitoring cardiovascular data such as (but not limited to): Business Development (i.e. CaseMix, UHC, CompData), Clinical Documentation, Clinical Quality (i.e. Leapfrog, Get with the Guidelines, other quality indicators), Clinical Trials Unit (i.e., databases for the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) and American College of Cardiology (ACC)), Emergency Department, Infection Control, Patient Care Services, Physician Practices (i.e. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Physician Quality Reporting (PQRI)), Patient Services (i.e. Patient Satisfaction), Surgical Services, Vascular Surgery (i.e. National Surgery Quality Improvement Program (NSQUIP), other vascular outcomes).
Assist Operations Director to achieve BCVI global goals:
- Assists the BCVI operations director in the development and implementation of BCVI outcomes program initiatives such as:
- Performs analysis as warranted to monitor performance of BCVIs cardiovascular outcomes.
- Compares preliminary evaluation and analysis of cardiovascular performance to industry benchmarking evaluations.
- Assists in updating outcomes reporting dashboard with both qualitative and quantitative analytical evaluations.
- Supports BCVI operations director efforts to continuously enhance and improve approaches to monitoring internal and external quality reporting requirements.
- Supports BCVI operations director efforts to ensure accuracy and integrity of outcomes data depicted on internal websites, such as NM website, and NM online marketing materials as well as external sites (i.e. Leapfrog, Consumer Reports/STS Public Reporting/Managed Care quality reporting).
- Supports the development of processes to assist the BCVI leadership in improving outcomes/performance (as warranted).
- Identify red flags and put together action plans as appropriate to address.
- When indicated, lead multi-disciplinary teams in process and outcome improvement initiatives (whether as a formal DMAIC project or informal improvement project).
- Engage with clinical leads or lead efforts related to larger outcomes task forces such as TAVR and/or Transcatheter Valve programs at large and Heart Failure Readmissions.
- Create and lead presentations on a quarterly basis to update BCVI and NM leadership on outcomes performance across the service line.
- Provide recommendations for outcomes used towards marketing initiatives and put together materials/graphs/presentations for publications.
- Internal and External Education:
- Supports BCVI operations director efforts to educate BCVI and NM leadership as well as outside entities (i.e. Leapfrog).
- Own process for updating various clinical teams at Quality Management committee meetings on CV outcome performance (i.e. Cath Lab QM, EP QM, Vascular QM Conference and additional venues such as meetings/conference for cardiac surgery).
Additional Responsibilities:
- Assists BCVI operations director in providing supporting materials for BCVI leadership presentations guided towards philanthropic efforts, marketing efforts and general BCVI program development.
- Foster a positive environment through open, respectful communication patterns.
- Adhoc projects as warranted.
- Supports performance improvement initiatives in cardiovascular patient care processes provided by clinical staff in the hospital and at other NMHC programs on an ongoing basis.
- Monitor performance of initiatives and support quality improvements as applicable.
AA/EOE.
Qualifications Required:
- Two years of experience in healthcare, marketing, finance, or business development.
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, or healthcare related field.
- Knowledge of database and spreadsheet software programs and analytical applications.
- Strong analytic and financial skills.
- Communication skill is required in order to coordinate projects.
Preferred:
- Master's degree.
Additional Information
Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.
Background Check
Northwestern Medicine conducts a background check that includes criminal history on newly hired team members and, at times, internal transfers. If you are offered a position with us, you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form that gives Northwestern Medicine permission to run the background check. Results are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and we follow all local, state, and federal laws, including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act.
Artificial Intelligence Disclosure
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
Benefits
We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more.
Sign-on Bonus Eligibility (if sign-on bonus offered for position): Internal employees and rehires who left Northwestern Medicine within 1 year are not eligible for the sign on bonus. Exception: New graduate internal employees seeking their first licensed clinical position at NM may be eligible depending upon the job family.
Company Description
At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach is what sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an integral part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to join our quest for better health care, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. We pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, our goal is to take care of our employees. Ready to join our quest for better?
Job Description
The Outcomes Program Assoc BCVI reflects the mission, vision, and values of NMHC, adheres to the organization's Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.
Responsibilities:
In relation to the Outcomes program for the BCVI:
- Conducts primary and secondary research analysis on assigned quality outcomes initiatives.
- Compiles data on utilization and benchmarks related to cardiovascular disease (as warranted) by working with BCVI West Region hospital departments or other campus partners.
- Conducts literature searches and maintains files on CV research, initiatives and industry benchmarking.
- Keeps current with health care reform and policy impact on quality measurement/performance for cardiovascular disease.
- Assist in outcomes program development.
- Works closely with the departments who are monitoring cardiovascular data such as (but not limited to): Business Development (i.e. CaseMix, UHC, CompData), Clinical Documentation, Clinical Quality (i.e. Leapfrog, Get with the Guidelines, other quality indicators), Clinical Trials Unit (i.e., databases for the Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) and American College of Cardiology (ACC)), Emergency Department, Infection Control, Patient Care Services, Physician Practices (i.e. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Physician Quality Reporting (PQRI)), Patient Services (i.e. Patient Satisfaction), Surgical Services, Vascular Surgery (i.e. National Surgery Quality Improvement Program (NSQUIP), other vascular outcomes).
Assist Operations Director to achieve BCVI global goals:
- Assists the BCVI operations director in the development and implementation of BCVI outcomes program initiatives such as:
- Performs analysis as warranted to monitor performance of BCVIs cardiovascular outcomes.
- Compares preliminary evaluation and analysis of cardiovascular performance to industry benchmarking evaluations.
- Assists in updating outcomes reporting dashboard with both qualitative and quantitative analytical evaluations.
- Supports BCVI operations director efforts to continuously enhance and improve approaches to monitoring internal and external quality reporting requirements.
- Supports BCVI operations director efforts to ensure accuracy and integrity of outcomes data depicted on internal websites, such as NM website, and NM online marketing materials as well as external sites (i.e. Leapfrog, Consumer Reports/STS Public Reporting/Managed Care quality reporting).
- Supports the development of processes to assist the BCVI leadership in improving outcomes/performance (as warranted).
- Identify red flags and put together action plans as appropriate to address.
- When indicated, lead multi-disciplinary teams in process and outcome improvement initiatives (whether as a formal DMAIC project or informal improvement project).
- Engage with clinical leads or lead efforts related to larger outcomes task forces such as TAVR and/or Transcatheter Valve programs at large and Heart Failure Readmissions.
- Create and lead presentations on a quarterly basis to update BCVI and NM leadership on outcomes performance across the service line.
- Provide recommendations for outcomes used towards marketing initiatives and put together materials/graphs/presentations for publications.
- Internal and External Education:
- Supports BCVI operations director efforts to educate BCVI and NM leadership as well as outside entities (i.e. Leapfrog).
- Own process for updating various clinical teams at Quality Management committee meetings on CV outcome performance (i.e. Cath Lab QM, EP QM, Vascular QM Conference and additional venues such as meetings/conference for cardiac surgery).
Additional Responsibilities:
- Assists BCVI operations director in providing supporting materials for BCVI leadership presentations guided towards philanthropic efforts, marketing efforts and general BCVI program development.
- Foster a positive environment through open, respectful communication patterns.
- Adhoc projects as warranted.
- Supports performance improvement initiatives in cardiovascular patient care processes provided by clinical staff in the hospital and at other NMHC programs on an ongoing basis.
- Monitor performance of initiatives and support quality improvements as applicable.
AA/EOE.
Qualifications Required:
- Two years of experience in healthcare, marketing, finance, or business development.
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, or healthcare related field.
- Knowledge of database and spreadsheet software programs and analytical applications.
- Strong analytic and financial skills.
- Communication skill is required in order to coordinate projects.
Preferred:
- Master's degree.
Additional Information
Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.
Background Check
Northwestern Medicine conducts a background check that includes criminal history on newly hired team members and, at times, internal transfers. If you are offered a position with us, you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form that gives Northwestern Medicine permission to run the background check. Results are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and we follow all local, state, and federal laws, including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act.
Artificial Intelligence Disclosure
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.
Benefits
We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more.
Sign-on Bonus Eligibility (if sign-on bonus offered for position): Internal employees and rehires who left Northwestern Medicine within 1 year are not eligible for the sign on bonus. Exception: New graduate internal employees seeking their first licensed clinical position at NM may be eligible depending upon the job family.
See all 5,430+ OPT Program Associate Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Program Associate Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Program Associate
Target mission-driven organizations with established HR infrastructure
Nonprofits, research institutes, and advocacy organizations regularly hire Program Associates and often have experience sponsoring H-1B visa or O-1 visas. Larger organizations with dedicated HR teams are far more likely to navigate the sponsorship process than small startups.
Frame your degree as directly relevant to the role
Program Associate positions typically require a bachelor's degree in a related field. Make your application materials explicitly connect your degree in public policy, international relations, or social sciences to the program areas the organization works in.
Start your sponsorship conversation early, not at offer stage
Ask about visa sponsorship during the second-round interview, not after you receive an offer. Raising it early signals professionalism and gives the employer time to consult legal counsel before making a hiring decision that depends on it.
Quantify your program contributions during interviews
Employers hiring for Program Associate roles want evidence of project management and measurable impact. Citing specific outcomes, such as grant deliverables completed or community members served, strengthens your case and differentiates you from domestic candidates.
Understand how your OPT timeline affects the H-1B cap
H-1B petitions are filed in April for an October start date. Map your OPT expiration against this calendar. If your OPT ends before October, ask your employer about cap-gap coverage, which extends your authorization while a timely-filed petition is pending.
Highlight language skills and international program experience
Many Program Associate roles involve international partnerships, multilingual communities, or cross-border initiatives. Proficiency in a second language or direct overseas program experience makes you a uniquely competitive candidate that domestic applicants often cannot replicate.
Program Associate OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Program Associate jobs qualify for OPT work authorization?
Yes, most Program Associate positions qualify for OPT as long as the work is directly related to your degree field. A role in education program coordination would qualify for a student with a degree in education or public policy, for example. Your DSO can confirm whether a specific offer aligns with your authorized field of study before you accept.
Can I work as a Program Associate at a nonprofit on OPT?
Yes, nonprofits are valid OPT employers. The organization does not need to be a for-profit company, and there is no restriction on employer type under OPT rules. Nonprofits, government agencies, research institutions, and advocacy organizations all count, provided the work is full-time and directly related to your degree. Some nonprofits also have experience sponsoring H-1B visas, making them strong long-term options.
Does a Program Associate role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not the job title. If you hold a STEM-designated degree, such as data science, public health analytics, or computer science, and the Program Associate role involves work that applies that training, you may qualify for the 24-month STEM extension. The role itself does not need to be explicitly technical, but your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify and agree to a formal training plan.
How do I find Program Associate jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters job listings by sponsorship and work authorization compatibility. Searching for Program Associate roles there surfaces employers already familiar with OPT and visa requirements, which saves time and reduces the frustration of applying to roles where immigration status is a barrier.
Will employers sponsor an H-1B for a Program Associate position?
Some will, particularly larger nonprofits, foundations, think tanks, and government contractors that regularly hire international talent. Program Associate roles generally qualify as specialty occupations under H-1B rules because they require at least a bachelor's degree in a specific field. Your strongest candidates are organizations that have sponsored before, which you can identify by reviewing past H-1B filings in public Department of Labor disclosure data.