Program Associate Jobs for OPT Students
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 sponsorship.
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Get Access To All JobsBe The Difference Begins with Great People.
Are you looking for a new opportunity where you can make the difference in the lives of students and faculty? We’re always looking for highly talented individuals to join our team – people who think big, care deeply, and believe in being the difference in their work and community.
We prioritize student success, access to education, and service in our work to educate well-rounded servant leaders who transform their fields, our society and the world. Our Catholic, Jesuit approach emphasizes student engagement with the world around them and formation of the heart and mind.
We believe in our mission: The search for truth, the discovery and sharing of knowledge, the fostering of personal and professional excellence, the promotion of a life of faith, and the development of leadership expressed in service to others. These core values guide our relationships with our students, each other, and our community.
Marquette University offers a rich and competitive Total Rewards package including medical, dental, vision, 403(b) with up to 8% university match, generous time off package, and tuition benefits for employees, spouses, and dependents with no payback requirement! For more information, please view our Total Rewards guide.
This is your next opportunity to join an organization that invests in their employees’ career journey by diversifying their skills, deepening their expert knowledge, encouraging a healthy work-life balance, focusing on personal wellbeing, providing leadership training, and sustaining a culture of respect and inclusion.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Program Associate plays a dynamic role in shaping the values and knowledge of Marquette students to become peacemakers in whatever profession they choose to pursue. This position coordinates the Center for Peacemaking’s student programming, events planning, and recruitment initiatives. Student programming responsibilities include incorporating principles of nonviolence and peacemaking into programs such as international and domestic immersion programs, career and professional discernment-oriented programs, and leadership development programs. Event planning responsibilities include public lectures, community fundraisers, and smaller fundraising dinners. Recruitment responsibilities include growing enrollment in the Interdisciplinary Peace Studies Major and Minor, Center for Peacemaking programs, and building a culture of engaged peacemaking on campus.
Duties and Responsibilities
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Lead recruitment and retention efforts for the Interdisciplinary Peace Studies (INPS) major and minor, which includes making effective sales pitches, building communities of students interested in peacemaking, and facilitating the development of student peacemakers. Duties include developing compelling print and digital promotional materials, attending university-wide recruitment functions, making classroom presentations, tabling across campus, attending various events, and ad hoc interactions with current and prospective students. Requires occasional availability in evenings and on weekends.
-
Develop, plan, and implement a portfolio of domestic and international immersion programs focused on nonviolent peacemaking. Duties include booking transportation, lodging, site reservations, and appointments; developing the application, promotional materials, and program itinerary; and facilitating recruitment, interviews, and reflections.
-
Coordinate fundraising events hosted by the Center for Peacemaking, which includes event planning, communication with alumni/donors, and experience management. Duties include scheduling events, securing venues and catering, developing and distributing invitations and publicity, ensuring proper venue setup, preparing the program, and coordinating follow-up with participants.
-
Coordinate all public lectures, workshops, and conferences hosted by the Center for Peacemaking, which includes event planning, event marketing, and hosting guests. Duties include inviting speakers, finalizing contracts, scheduling events and classroom visits, booking event spaces and speaker travel, itineraries for visits and events, and publicizing events.
-
Build a community of peacemaking on campus and in the Center’s office through leading extra-curricular educational and community-building programs for Center for Peacemaking student employees and interested Marquette students.
-
Responsible for the supervision of student employees, which includes but is not limited to hiring, training, disciplinary actions, ending the student’s assignment, etc.
-
Assist with the administration of the Interdisciplinary Peace Studies (INPS) program, which includes close coordination with the Director of Peace Studies. Duties include convening the Peace Studies advisory board, writing program reports, advising INPS minors, reviewing curriculum, tracking academic program deadlines, and assisting with course planning.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in peace studies, conflict resolution, education, marketing and sales, or a related field.
- Minimum of two years of experience.
- Knowledge of nonviolence and peacemaking theory and applications.
- Exceptional interpersonal and written communication skills, especially the ability to tailor information to diverse audiences and simplify complex information into accessible sound bites.
- Ability to drive university vehicles during domestic immersion programs.
- Requires occasional evenings and weekend availability, as well as occasional travel.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Master’s degree in peace studies, conflict resolution, education, marketing and sales, or a related field.
- Experience with program and/or event management.
- Experience implementing print and digital marketing strategies to achieve organizational goals.
- Experience supervising students in the workplace and/or on travel programs.
- Prior international travel experience.
LOCATION
Department: College of Arts & Science
CLOSING DATE
Posting Date: 03/25/2026
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS
Required Documents
- Resume
- Cover Letter/Letter of Application
Optional Documents
- References
It is the policy of Marquette University to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other applicable federal or state-protected classification.
Be The Difference Begins with Great People.
Are you looking for a new opportunity where you can make the difference in the lives of students and faculty? We’re always looking for highly talented individuals to join our team – people who think big, care deeply, and believe in being the difference in their work and community.
We prioritize student success, access to education, and service in our work to educate well-rounded servant leaders who transform their fields, our society and the world. Our Catholic, Jesuit approach emphasizes student engagement with the world around them and formation of the heart and mind.
We believe in our mission: The search for truth, the discovery and sharing of knowledge, the fostering of personal and professional excellence, the promotion of a life of faith, and the development of leadership expressed in service to others. These core values guide our relationships with our students, each other, and our community.
Marquette University offers a rich and competitive Total Rewards package including medical, dental, vision, 403(b) with up to 8% university match, generous time off package, and tuition benefits for employees, spouses, and dependents with no payback requirement! For more information, please view our Total Rewards guide.
This is your next opportunity to join an organization that invests in their employees’ career journey by diversifying their skills, deepening their expert knowledge, encouraging a healthy work-life balance, focusing on personal wellbeing, providing leadership training, and sustaining a culture of respect and inclusion.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Program Associate plays a dynamic role in shaping the values and knowledge of Marquette students to become peacemakers in whatever profession they choose to pursue. This position coordinates the Center for Peacemaking’s student programming, events planning, and recruitment initiatives. Student programming responsibilities include incorporating principles of nonviolence and peacemaking into programs such as international and domestic immersion programs, career and professional discernment-oriented programs, and leadership development programs. Event planning responsibilities include public lectures, community fundraisers, and smaller fundraising dinners. Recruitment responsibilities include growing enrollment in the Interdisciplinary Peace Studies Major and Minor, Center for Peacemaking programs, and building a culture of engaged peacemaking on campus.
Duties and Responsibilities
-
Lead recruitment and retention efforts for the Interdisciplinary Peace Studies (INPS) major and minor, which includes making effective sales pitches, building communities of students interested in peacemaking, and facilitating the development of student peacemakers. Duties include developing compelling print and digital promotional materials, attending university-wide recruitment functions, making classroom presentations, tabling across campus, attending various events, and ad hoc interactions with current and prospective students. Requires occasional availability in evenings and on weekends.
-
Develop, plan, and implement a portfolio of domestic and international immersion programs focused on nonviolent peacemaking. Duties include booking transportation, lodging, site reservations, and appointments; developing the application, promotional materials, and program itinerary; and facilitating recruitment, interviews, and reflections.
-
Coordinate fundraising events hosted by the Center for Peacemaking, which includes event planning, communication with alumni/donors, and experience management. Duties include scheduling events, securing venues and catering, developing and distributing invitations and publicity, ensuring proper venue setup, preparing the program, and coordinating follow-up with participants.
-
Coordinate all public lectures, workshops, and conferences hosted by the Center for Peacemaking, which includes event planning, event marketing, and hosting guests. Duties include inviting speakers, finalizing contracts, scheduling events and classroom visits, booking event spaces and speaker travel, itineraries for visits and events, and publicizing events.
-
Build a community of peacemaking on campus and in the Center’s office through leading extra-curricular educational and community-building programs for Center for Peacemaking student employees and interested Marquette students.
-
Responsible for the supervision of student employees, which includes but is not limited to hiring, training, disciplinary actions, ending the student’s assignment, etc.
-
Assist with the administration of the Interdisciplinary Peace Studies (INPS) program, which includes close coordination with the Director of Peace Studies. Duties include convening the Peace Studies advisory board, writing program reports, advising INPS minors, reviewing curriculum, tracking academic program deadlines, and assisting with course planning.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in peace studies, conflict resolution, education, marketing and sales, or a related field.
- Minimum of two years of experience.
- Knowledge of nonviolence and peacemaking theory and applications.
- Exceptional interpersonal and written communication skills, especially the ability to tailor information to diverse audiences and simplify complex information into accessible sound bites.
- Ability to drive university vehicles during domestic immersion programs.
- Requires occasional evenings and weekend availability, as well as occasional travel.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Master’s degree in peace studies, conflict resolution, education, marketing and sales, or a related field.
- Experience with program and/or event management.
- Experience implementing print and digital marketing strategies to achieve organizational goals.
- Experience supervising students in the workplace and/or on travel programs.
- Prior international travel experience.
LOCATION
Department: College of Arts & Science
CLOSING DATE
Posting Date: 03/25/2026
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS
Required Documents
- Resume
- Cover Letter/Letter of Application
Optional Documents
- References
It is the policy of Marquette University to provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other applicable federal or state-protected classification.
How to Get Visa 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 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.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently 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.
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