OPT Program Coordinator Jobs
Program Coordinator roles are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with backgrounds in public administration, education, nonprofit management, or healthcare. Most positions qualify as specialty occupations, supporting 12-month standard OPT. STEM extension eligibility depends on whether your degree field aligns with the employer's classification.
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The RFID Lab at Auburn University is accepting applications for multiple TES Program & Project Coordinator positions. These positions support the planning, coordination, and execution of research programs, industry-funded projects, and strategic initiatives within the Lab.
Responsibilities:
Program & Project Planning and Coordination:
- Manage and coordinate assigned program or project activities to meet established objectives, schedules, procedures, and reporting requirements.
- Assist in developing, implementing, and monitoring program plans, project timelines, milestones, and deliverables.
- Track progress, identify challenges, and coordinate adjustments to ensure successful execution and continuous improvement.
Research, Data Analysis & Deliverable Development:
- Collaborate with Lab leadership and research teams to plan and coordinate research activities, experiments, testing procedures, and laboratory operations.
- Collect, organize, analyze, and interpret data to support research findings, program evaluation, and informed decision-making.
- Coordinate the development and review of reports, presentations, research documentation, and other program or project deliverables.
- Monitor data accuracy, quality standards, and established research protocols and procedures.
Team & Resource Coordination:
- Coordinate student team activities, including scheduling, task assignments, onboarding, training, and resource allocation.
- Monitor student team staffing needs to ensure assigned programs and projects are appropriately resourced.
- Facilitate collaboration across Lab teams to support operational efficiency and achievement of objectives.
Stakeholder Engagement & Communication:
- Establish and maintain effective communication with internal and external stakeholders, including research teams, industry partners, and Lab leadership.
- Provide updates on program or project progress, timelines, outcomes, and resource needs.
- Support industry engagement, prospective funded research opportunities, laboratory tours, demonstrations, and program-related presentations.
Operational Improvement & Additional Responsibilities:
- Identify and implement opportunities to improve workflows, processes, documentation, and overall program or project effectiveness.
- Support Lab initiatives and organizational priorities as assigned.
- Travel for research, field activities, recruiting, industry engagement, and events as necessary.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution OR two years of relevant experience in program management, project management, research coordination, operations, or a related field.
Desired Qualifications:
- Experience in program or project management, research coordination, or technical operations.
- Experience coordinating cross-functional teams, schedules, resources, and deliverables.
- Strong organizational, analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Experience with data analysis, process improvement, and stakeholder engagement.
- Experience with RFID, sensor technologies, or emerging technology research preferred.
PAY RANGE:
USD $25.00 - USD $50.00 /Hr.
It is our policy to provide equal employment and education opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable law. Please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity Compliance's website to learn more.
Overview:
The RFID Lab at Auburn University is accepting applications for multiple TES Program & Project Coordinator positions. These positions support the planning, coordination, and execution of research programs, industry-funded projects, and strategic initiatives within the Lab.
Responsibilities:
Program & Project Planning and Coordination:
- Manage and coordinate assigned program or project activities to meet established objectives, schedules, procedures, and reporting requirements.
- Assist in developing, implementing, and monitoring program plans, project timelines, milestones, and deliverables.
- Track progress, identify challenges, and coordinate adjustments to ensure successful execution and continuous improvement.
Research, Data Analysis & Deliverable Development:
- Collaborate with Lab leadership and research teams to plan and coordinate research activities, experiments, testing procedures, and laboratory operations.
- Collect, organize, analyze, and interpret data to support research findings, program evaluation, and informed decision-making.
- Coordinate the development and review of reports, presentations, research documentation, and other program or project deliverables.
- Monitor data accuracy, quality standards, and established research protocols and procedures.
Team & Resource Coordination:
- Coordinate student team activities, including scheduling, task assignments, onboarding, training, and resource allocation.
- Monitor student team staffing needs to ensure assigned programs and projects are appropriately resourced.
- Facilitate collaboration across Lab teams to support operational efficiency and achievement of objectives.
Stakeholder Engagement & Communication:
- Establish and maintain effective communication with internal and external stakeholders, including research teams, industry partners, and Lab leadership.
- Provide updates on program or project progress, timelines, outcomes, and resource needs.
- Support industry engagement, prospective funded research opportunities, laboratory tours, demonstrations, and program-related presentations.
Operational Improvement & Additional Responsibilities:
- Identify and implement opportunities to improve workflows, processes, documentation, and overall program or project effectiveness.
- Support Lab initiatives and organizational priorities as assigned.
- Travel for research, field activities, recruiting, industry engagement, and events as necessary.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution OR two years of relevant experience in program management, project management, research coordination, operations, or a related field.
Desired Qualifications:
- Experience in program or project management, research coordination, or technical operations.
- Experience coordinating cross-functional teams, schedules, resources, and deliverables.
- Strong organizational, analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Experience with data analysis, process improvement, and stakeholder engagement.
- Experience with RFID, sensor technologies, or emerging technology research preferred.
PAY RANGE:
USD $25.00 - USD $50.00 /Hr.
It is our policy to provide equal employment and education opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other classification protected by applicable law. Please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity Compliance's website to learn more.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Program Coordinator
Lead with your coordination experience, not your visa status
Employers hire Program Coordinators to keep operations running. Emphasize project timelines you managed, stakeholders you coordinated, or programs you helped launch. Your OPT authorization becomes a secondary detail once they see you can do the job.
Target nonprofits, universities, and healthcare systems first
These employers hire Program Coordinators frequently, have established HR processes for work authorization, and often have internal immigration support. They're more familiar with OPT than small private employers and less likely to reject candidates over sponsorship concerns.
Clarify your OPT timeline upfront with recruiters
Program Coordinator roles often involve 3-to-6-month hiring cycles. If your OPT expires within 12 months, mention your timeline early so employers can assess H-1B visa sponsorship feasibility before both sides invest heavily in the process.
Frame your international background as an asset
Many Program Coordinator roles involve diverse stakeholders, grant reporting, or cross-cultural communication. Your international perspective and language skills are directly relevant. Connect them explicitly to the program's goals in your cover letter and interviews.
Verify the role qualifies as a specialty occupation
Not every Program Coordinator posting requires a specific degree. Look for postings that require a bachelor's in public administration, social work, education, or a related field. Vague degree requirements can create H-1B sponsorship complications later.
Ask about H-1B sponsorship before accepting an offer
Program Coordinator roles at larger organizations often lead to long-term employment, making H-1B sponsorship a realistic ask. Confirm the employer's sponsorship history before committing, so you're not scrambling for alternatives when your OPT expires.
Program Coordinator OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Program Coordinator on F-1 OPT?
Yes. Program Coordinator roles at nonprofits, universities, healthcare systems, and government contractors routinely hire F-1 OPT students. The role generally qualifies as a specialty occupation when the employer requires a bachelor's degree in a specific field such as public administration, education, or social work. Confirm the degree requirement in the job posting before applying.
Do Program Coordinator jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not the job title. If you hold a STEM-designated degree, such as public health informatics, health information management, or data-focused social science, and the employer can provide a formal training plan, you may qualify for the 24-month STEM extension. Liberal arts or general administration degrees typically do not qualify, even if the role involves data or technology.
Do Program Coordinator employers commonly sponsor H-1B visas?
Universities, hospitals, and large nonprofits have the strongest track record for H-1B sponsorship of Program Coordinator roles. Smaller nonprofits and startups often lack the HR infrastructure or budget to sponsor. Before accepting an offer, ask whether the organization has sponsored H-1B petitions for similar roles in the past. Migrate Mate's job board filters for employers with active sponsorship history, which makes this research faster.
How should I handle the gap between OPT expiration and the H-1B start date?
If your employer files an H-1B cap-subject petition before your OPT expires, you're eligible for a cap-gap extension that covers the period between OPT expiration and October 1, when the H-1B takes effect. Your work authorization continues automatically under cap-gap. Timing matters here. Your employer needs to file during the March registration window, so coordinating your OPT end date with that timeline is critical.
What types of Program Coordinator roles are most likely to support OPT students?
Roles embedded in structured organizations with dedicated HR teams are your best bet. Program Coordinators at federally funded research centers, Title IV universities, public health departments, and large healthcare nonprofits regularly hire on OPT and have experience navigating work authorization. Browse Program Coordinator listings on Migrate Mate to filter specifically for employers that sponsor work visas.