OPT Program Specialist Jobs
Program Specialist roles sit squarely within the specialty occupation category, making them a strong fit for F-1 OPT students. Most positions require a degree in public administration, communications, or a related field. Your 12-month OPT window, or 24-month STEM extension if eligible, gives you enough runway to demonstrate value and pursue H-1B visa sponsorship.
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WebHawkx provides Program Management Services, Construction Management, Construction Inspection Services, Asset Management, Condition Assessment, Project Controls Services, and Information Technology Services. We support public agencies and utilities by combining engineering expertise, project controls, and technology solutions to improve the delivery and management of complex infrastructure programs.
POSITION TITLE: Program Management Analyst
Job Type: Full-Time
Position Summary
WebHawkx is seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Program Management Analyst to support the planning, development, implementation, and performance monitoring of capital improvement programs.
The ideal candidate will possess strong expertise in capital project planning, budgeting, scheduling, financial analysis, and performance reporting. This position requires collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders to ensure capital investments align with organizational priorities, financial objectives, and long-term infrastructure needs.
The selected candidate will play a key role in supporting data-driven decision-making, improving project prioritization processes, monitoring capital program performance, and enhancing reporting and governance practices.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Support the development and management of the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) through cross-departmental collaboration, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and strategic priorities.
- Coordinate capital project prioritization, business case evaluations, and scenario modeling to support informed investment decisions and executive approvals.
- Develop, maintain, and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate capital program performance, project progress, and implementation effectiveness.
- Monitor project budgets, schedules, cash flows, and forecasts to identify potential risks, trends, and opportunities for improvement.
- Prepare comprehensive reports, dashboards, and financial analyses to communicate capital program performance to leadership and stakeholders.
- Support long-term capital planning, financial forecasting, and resource allocation to maximize investment value and improve program outcomes.
- Collaborate with project managers, engineering teams, and other stakeholders to ensure effective coordination and execution of capital projects.
- Facilitate stakeholder meetings, workshops, and program reviews to promote transparency, collaboration, and alignment of project priorities.
- Track and report capital project performance metrics, including cost, schedule, and earned value management.
- Develop and implement standardized processes, reporting tools, and governance practices to improve capital program consistency and efficiency.
- Monitor adherence to applicable funding, regulatory, financial, and reporting requirements.
- Review and validate capital program data to ensure accuracy, completeness, consistency, and alignment with established engineering standards.
- Identify opportunities for process improvement, operational efficiency, and cost savings through innovative planning and management practices.
- Provide analytical and technical support for capital budgeting, project scheduling, cost estimation, and financial decision-making.
- Communicate financial and project performance information clearly and professionally to management, project teams, and stakeholders.
MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
- Demonstrated professional experience in capital improvement planning, infrastructure project management, program management, or project controls.
- Strong understanding of capital budgeting, project scheduling, cost estimation, financial forecasting, and project lifecycle management.
- Experience monitoring project budgets, schedules, scope, and performance across multiple capital projects.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and working knowledge of business intelligence, reporting, and project management tools.
- Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, communication, and critical-thinking skills.
- Ability to interpret complex financial and project data and present findings effectively to technical and nontechnical stakeholders.
- Ability to manage competing priorities, coordinate multidisciplinary activities, and support time-sensitive decisions.
- Must be currently authorized to work for any U.S. employer.
PREFERENCE(S)
- Experience supporting Capital Improvement Programs for public utilities, municipalities, government agencies, or infrastructure organizations.
- Familiarity with engineering design management, infrastructure planning, capital funding strategies, and project prioritization frameworks.
- Experience coordinating with engineering, construction, financial, and program management teams.
- Knowledge of capital program governance, regulatory compliance, and performance management practices.
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE
- Experience developing and maintaining multi-year Capital Improvement Programs, capital budgets, and financial forecasts.
- Experience preparing executive-level dashboards, capital program reports, and performance presentations.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Power BI, advanced Microsoft Excel, or similar business intelligence and reporting platforms.
- Working knowledge of earned value management, project controls, cost tracking, and schedule performance analysis.
- Experience with business case analysis, scenario modeling, investment prioritization, and resource planning.
- Experience implementing process improvements, standardized reporting methodologies, and program management best practices.
- Experience supporting water, wastewater, utility, or other public infrastructure capital programs.
INCLUSIVE HIRING INFORMATION
WebHawkx, LLC provides the following inclusive hiring information:
WebHawkx, LLC is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants equally without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability status.
- Black-owned organization
- Veteran-led organization
- Women-led organization
- Disability accommodations
- Inclusive of minority and disadvantaged groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly workplace
- Age-inclusive workplace
- Diversity and inclusion training or programs
- Fully or partially paid childcare
SCHEDULE: 8-hour shift
BENEFITS
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Paid time off
- Paid training
- Referral program
WORK LOCATION: In person
PAY: $50.00 - $55.00 per hour
EXPECTED HOURS: 40.0 per week
BENEFITS:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Parental leave
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
WORK LOCATION: In person
About us
WebHawkx provides Program Management Services, Construction Management, Construction Inspection Services, Asset Management, Condition Assessment, Project Controls Services, and Information Technology Services. We support public agencies and utilities by combining engineering expertise, project controls, and technology solutions to improve the delivery and management of complex infrastructure programs.
POSITION TITLE: Program Management Analyst
Job Type: Full-Time
Position Summary
WebHawkx is seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Program Management Analyst to support the planning, development, implementation, and performance monitoring of capital improvement programs.
The ideal candidate will possess strong expertise in capital project planning, budgeting, scheduling, financial analysis, and performance reporting. This position requires collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders to ensure capital investments align with organizational priorities, financial objectives, and long-term infrastructure needs.
The selected candidate will play a key role in supporting data-driven decision-making, improving project prioritization processes, monitoring capital program performance, and enhancing reporting and governance practices.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Support the development and management of the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) through cross-departmental collaboration, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and strategic priorities.
- Coordinate capital project prioritization, business case evaluations, and scenario modeling to support informed investment decisions and executive approvals.
- Develop, maintain, and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate capital program performance, project progress, and implementation effectiveness.
- Monitor project budgets, schedules, cash flows, and forecasts to identify potential risks, trends, and opportunities for improvement.
- Prepare comprehensive reports, dashboards, and financial analyses to communicate capital program performance to leadership and stakeholders.
- Support long-term capital planning, financial forecasting, and resource allocation to maximize investment value and improve program outcomes.
- Collaborate with project managers, engineering teams, and other stakeholders to ensure effective coordination and execution of capital projects.
- Facilitate stakeholder meetings, workshops, and program reviews to promote transparency, collaboration, and alignment of project priorities.
- Track and report capital project performance metrics, including cost, schedule, and earned value management.
- Develop and implement standardized processes, reporting tools, and governance practices to improve capital program consistency and efficiency.
- Monitor adherence to applicable funding, regulatory, financial, and reporting requirements.
- Review and validate capital program data to ensure accuracy, completeness, consistency, and alignment with established engineering standards.
- Identify opportunities for process improvement, operational efficiency, and cost savings through innovative planning and management practices.
- Provide analytical and technical support for capital budgeting, project scheduling, cost estimation, and financial decision-making.
- Communicate financial and project performance information clearly and professionally to management, project teams, and stakeholders.
MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
- Demonstrated professional experience in capital improvement planning, infrastructure project management, program management, or project controls.
- Strong understanding of capital budgeting, project scheduling, cost estimation, financial forecasting, and project lifecycle management.
- Experience monitoring project budgets, schedules, scope, and performance across multiple capital projects.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and working knowledge of business intelligence, reporting, and project management tools.
- Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, communication, and critical-thinking skills.
- Ability to interpret complex financial and project data and present findings effectively to technical and nontechnical stakeholders.
- Ability to manage competing priorities, coordinate multidisciplinary activities, and support time-sensitive decisions.
- Must be currently authorized to work for any U.S. employer.
PREFERENCE(S)
- Experience supporting Capital Improvement Programs for public utilities, municipalities, government agencies, or infrastructure organizations.
- Familiarity with engineering design management, infrastructure planning, capital funding strategies, and project prioritization frameworks.
- Experience coordinating with engineering, construction, financial, and program management teams.
- Knowledge of capital program governance, regulatory compliance, and performance management practices.
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE
- Experience developing and maintaining multi-year Capital Improvement Programs, capital budgets, and financial forecasts.
- Experience preparing executive-level dashboards, capital program reports, and performance presentations.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Power BI, advanced Microsoft Excel, or similar business intelligence and reporting platforms.
- Working knowledge of earned value management, project controls, cost tracking, and schedule performance analysis.
- Experience with business case analysis, scenario modeling, investment prioritization, and resource planning.
- Experience implementing process improvements, standardized reporting methodologies, and program management best practices.
- Experience supporting water, wastewater, utility, or other public infrastructure capital programs.
INCLUSIVE HIRING INFORMATION
WebHawkx, LLC provides the following inclusive hiring information:
WebHawkx, LLC is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants equally without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability status.
- Black-owned organization
- Veteran-led organization
- Women-led organization
- Disability accommodations
- Inclusive of minority and disadvantaged groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly workplace
- Age-inclusive workplace
- Diversity and inclusion training or programs
- Fully or partially paid childcare
SCHEDULE: 8-hour shift
BENEFITS
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Paid time off
- Paid training
- Referral program
WORK LOCATION: In person
PAY: $50.00 - $55.00 per hour
EXPECTED HOURS: 40.0 per week
BENEFITS:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Flexible schedule
- Parental leave
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
WORK LOCATION: In person
See all 241+ OPT Program Specialist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Program Specialist Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Program Specialist
Target organizations with active H-1B filing histories
Government agencies, nonprofits, and large consulting firms file H-1B visa petitions regularly for Program Specialist roles. Prioritizing employers with a track record of sponsorship puts you ahead before you even apply.
Align your degree field with the role's requirements
Program Specialist positions are specialty occupations only when the employer requires a specific degree field. Confirm that your degree in public policy, communications, or business directly matches the job description before applying.
Raise OPT authorization early in the process
Bring up your OPT status after receiving genuine interest, not before. Frame it clearly: you're authorized to work now, and your employer's only future obligation is H-1B filing if they choose to retain you long-term.
Track your OPT end date and plan around H-1B deadlines
H-1B registration opens each March for an October start. If your OPT expires before October, confirm your employer will file cap-gap paperwork to bridge the gap and keep you authorized to work continuously.
Demonstrate program impact with measurable outcomes
Program Specialist roles reward candidates who can show results. Quantify what you managed, coordinated, or improved. Concrete metrics make your case stronger and reassure sponsoring employers that the H-1B investment is worthwhile.
Pursue STEM OPT extension if your degree qualifies
If your degree is in a qualifying STEM field and the role involves data analysis, systems coordination, or technical program management, applying for the 24-month extension gives you two additional H-1B lottery opportunities.
Program Specialist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Program Specialist jobs qualify as specialty occupations for OPT and H-1B purposes?
Program Specialist roles qualify as specialty occupations when the employer requires a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific field such as public administration, business, or communications. Generic postings that accept any degree may not meet the specialty occupation standard, which matters both for OPT legitimacy and future H-1B eligibility. Review each job description carefully before applying.
How do I find Program Specialist jobs that sponsor OPT and H-1B visas?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically for OPT-friendly and visa-sponsoring employers, so you're not sorting through hundreds of postings from companies that won't work with international students. Program Specialist roles at government contractors, nonprofits, and consulting firms appear regularly. Searching on Migrate Mate saves significant time compared to manually vetting each employer's sponsorship history.
Can I work as a Program Specialist on STEM OPT if my degree isn't a traditional STEM field?
STEM OPT requires your degree to appear on the official DHS STEM designated degree program list. Fields like information systems, statistics, and data science qualify. Public administration and general communications typically do not. If your degree doesn't qualify, your standard 12-month OPT period applies, making it especially important to target employers willing to sponsor H-1B.
What should I do if my OPT expires before my H-1B start date of October 1?
If your employer files your H-1B petition before your OPT expires and your I-20 remains valid, cap-gap protection automatically extends your work authorization through September 30. This bridge period keeps you legally employed without any action on your part beyond ensuring your employer files on time during the March registration window.
Is a Program Specialist role at a nonprofit or government agency better for OPT sponsorship than a private employer?
Nonprofits and government agencies are often cap-exempt for H-1B purposes, meaning they can file petitions year-round without waiting for the annual lottery. For OPT students in Program Specialist roles, this is a meaningful advantage. You avoid lottery uncertainty entirely if your employer qualifies as a nonprofit research organization, higher education institution, or government entity.