OPT Program Development Manager Jobs
Program Development Manager jobs on OPT require employers willing to sponsor or extend work authorization, since this role sits at the intersection of project leadership and organizational strategy. Most positions qualify as specialty occupations under H-1B visa, making them strong candidates for OPT STEM extension if your degree is in a qualifying field.
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Interviews are anticipated to be conducted within two weeks of closing date.
Our Mission
It is the mission of New Mexico's Game and Fish Department: 'To conserve, regulate, propagate and protect the wildlife and fish within the state of New Mexico using a flexible management system that ensures sustainable use for public food supply, recreation and safety; and to provide for off-highway motor vehicle recreation that recognizes cultural, historic, and resource values while ensuring public safety.'
Why does the job exist?
This position is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the hunter and angler education programs aimed at promoting safe, responsible, ethical and legal sportsmanship. Develop outreach and education opportunities pertaining to hunting, fishing, hunter education, and outdoor recreation. Provide supervision to employees, contractors and volunteers who work in these education programs.
How does it get done?
Generate excitement about, and interest in, New Mexico's wildlife, fish, and conservation efforts and generate support for the Department, by:
- Developing and implementing virtual and in-person learning opportunities for youth and adults in New Mexico to gain and enhance skills and ethics that are needed in hunting, angling, hunter education, and outdoor recreation.
- Incorporate R3 strategies into programmatic offerings, acting as the Department's R3 contact.
- Increasing educational offerings and provide resources to increase effectiveness and ease of outreach to youth.
- Organizing, planning and implementing educational events and programs at the statewide level.
- Coordinate with partners to benefit conservation education efforts in the state.
Who are the customers?
This position works with youth and adults from across New Mexico by providing in-person and virtual courses and camps.
Ideal Candidate
This position works with youth and adults from across New Mexico by providing in-person and virtual courses and camps.
Minimum Qualification
Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field of study from an accredited college or university and five (5) years of professional level experience operating within parameters and guidelines directly related to the purpose of the position defined by the agency at the time of recruitment. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling nine (9) years may substitute for the required education and experience. A hiring agency will designate a portion of the required experience to include supervisory and/or specialized experience. Any required licensure, certification or registration shall be defined at the time of recruitment and will be in addition to the above requirements.
Employment Requirements
Pre-employment background investigation is required and is conditional pending results. Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License. Must possess and maintain a current Defensive Driving Course Certificate from the State of New Mexico or must pass and receive Defensive Driving Course Certification as a condition of continued employment.
Working Conditions
Work will be performed primarily in an office or indoor setting, but on occasion will be performed in the outdoors during all types of weather conditions and in close proximity to fish and wildlife. Weekend and varied hours occasionally will be required for this position. Work will include sitting, standing, bending, and lifting up to 60 pounds. Requirements will include frequent travel, working weekends and evenings, driving state vehicles and pulling cargo trailers, and may occasionally include OHV operation and aircraft travel.
Supplemental Information
Do you know what Total Compensation is? Click here
Curt Coffman, Assistant Chief of Education (505) 618-0956 Email
For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.
Bargaining Unit Position
This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
Posting Details
Interviews are anticipated to be conducted within two weeks of closing date.
Our Mission
It is the mission of New Mexico's Game and Fish Department: 'To conserve, regulate, propagate and protect the wildlife and fish within the state of New Mexico using a flexible management system that ensures sustainable use for public food supply, recreation and safety; and to provide for off-highway motor vehicle recreation that recognizes cultural, historic, and resource values while ensuring public safety.'
Why does the job exist?
This position is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the hunter and angler education programs aimed at promoting safe, responsible, ethical and legal sportsmanship. Develop outreach and education opportunities pertaining to hunting, fishing, hunter education, and outdoor recreation. Provide supervision to employees, contractors and volunteers who work in these education programs.
How does it get done?
Generate excitement about, and interest in, New Mexico's wildlife, fish, and conservation efforts and generate support for the Department, by:
- Developing and implementing virtual and in-person learning opportunities for youth and adults in New Mexico to gain and enhance skills and ethics that are needed in hunting, angling, hunter education, and outdoor recreation.
- Incorporate R3 strategies into programmatic offerings, acting as the Department's R3 contact.
- Increasing educational offerings and provide resources to increase effectiveness and ease of outreach to youth.
- Organizing, planning and implementing educational events and programs at the statewide level.
- Coordinate with partners to benefit conservation education efforts in the state.
Who are the customers?
This position works with youth and adults from across New Mexico by providing in-person and virtual courses and camps.
Ideal Candidate
This position works with youth and adults from across New Mexico by providing in-person and virtual courses and camps.
Minimum Qualification
Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field of study from an accredited college or university and five (5) years of professional level experience operating within parameters and guidelines directly related to the purpose of the position defined by the agency at the time of recruitment. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling nine (9) years may substitute for the required education and experience. A hiring agency will designate a portion of the required experience to include supervisory and/or specialized experience. Any required licensure, certification or registration shall be defined at the time of recruitment and will be in addition to the above requirements.
Employment Requirements
Pre-employment background investigation is required and is conditional pending results. Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License. Must possess and maintain a current Defensive Driving Course Certificate from the State of New Mexico or must pass and receive Defensive Driving Course Certification as a condition of continued employment.
Working Conditions
Work will be performed primarily in an office or indoor setting, but on occasion will be performed in the outdoors during all types of weather conditions and in close proximity to fish and wildlife. Weekend and varied hours occasionally will be required for this position. Work will include sitting, standing, bending, and lifting up to 60 pounds. Requirements will include frequent travel, working weekends and evenings, driving state vehicles and pulling cargo trailers, and may occasionally include OHV operation and aircraft travel.
Supplemental Information
Do you know what Total Compensation is? Click here
Curt Coffman, Assistant Chief of Education (505) 618-0956 Email
For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.
Bargaining Unit Position
This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Program Development Manager
Lead with your program outcomes, not just responsibilities
Hiring managers evaluating OPT candidates want proof of impact. Quantify programs you've built or scaled, budgets managed, and stakeholder outcomes achieved. Concrete results reduce perceived risk and make sponsorship conversations easier to justify internally.
Confirm your degree aligns with the specialty occupation standard
Program Development Manager roles typically require a degree in business, public administration, education, or a related field. Confirming your degree directly matches the job description strengthens your H-1B visa eligibility and makes the employer's petition more defensible.
Start the sponsorship conversation before an offer is extended
Raising OPT and future H-1B sponsorship early signals professionalism and saves time. Ask about the company's sponsorship history during later-stage interviews, framing it as planning ahead rather than placing a burden on the employer.
Target organizations with established immigration infrastructure
Nonprofits, universities, healthcare systems, and large program-driven companies regularly hire international talent and have immigration counsel on retainer. These employers move faster on sponsorship and face fewer internal approval hurdles than smaller organizations without prior experience.
Use your OPT period to demonstrate cross-functional leadership
H-1B petitions for Program Development Managers are stronger when applicants show cross-functional coordination experience. Use your OPT period to lead initiatives spanning multiple teams, departments, or external partners, building a record that directly supports your specialty occupation case.
Track your OPT end date and cap-gap eligibility carefully
If your employer files your H-1B petition before your OPT expires, cap-gap protection keeps you authorized through October 1. Coordinate your H-1B filing timeline with your employer's HR team well before the March registration window opens.
Program Development Manager OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Program Development Manager role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
Program Development Manager positions generally qualify as specialty occupations because they require a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific field such as business, education, public administration, or a related discipline. The key is that the job description must demonstrate the degree is a standard requirement for entry into the role, not merely preferred. If the posting lists 'bachelor's preferred,' that language can weaken an H-1B petition, so it's worth reviewing the job description carefully before applying.
Can I work as a Program Development Manager on OPT without employer sponsorship?
Yes, during your OPT period you're authorized to work without employer sponsorship. Your work authorization comes from your F-1 status and the OPT approval on your EAD card. Sponsorship only becomes necessary when your OPT expires and you need a longer-term visa like the H-1B. If your degree is in a STEM field, you may be eligible for a 24-month OPT extension, giving you up to three years total to find a sponsor.
What types of employers hire Program Development Managers and are likely to sponsor visas?
Nonprofits, universities, hospital systems, and large mission-driven organizations are among the most consistent sponsors for Program Development Manager roles, since program development is core to their operations. Government contractors and international NGOs also regularly hire and sponsor for this title. You can browse Program Development Manager roles with sponsorship-friendly employers on Migrate Mate, which filters specifically for companies open to OPT and H-1B candidates.
How does STEM OPT extension apply to Program Development Manager jobs?
STEM OPT extension is available if your degree is in a qualifying STEM field, such as data science, engineering, or certain technology-focused management programs. A Program Development Manager role itself doesn't automatically qualify for the extension. What matters is whether your underlying degree is on the STEM Designated Degree Program List. If it is, your employer must also enroll in E-Verify and submit a formal training plan with your DSO before the extension is approved.
What should I do if my OPT expires before my employer can file an H-1B petition?
If your OPT expires before the April H-1B filing window, you'll lose work authorization unless another option is available. Some employers can pursue O-1 visas for candidates with demonstrated program leadership achievements. Others may sponsor L-1 visa transfers if you have prior work with an affiliated international office. In limited cases, returning to school to maintain F-1 status while waiting for the next H-1B cycle is an option. Consulting an immigration attorney as early as possible gives you the most choices.