OPT Project Cost Manager Jobs
Project Cost Manager jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with backgrounds in construction management, civil engineering, or quantity surveying. Most roles qualify as STEM OPT extensions under engineering classifications, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization to build U.S. project experience.
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Description
Indirect Cost Analyst - Management Analyst 5
Office of Financial Services – Office of Accounting and Grants
This permanent, full-time, home-based (remote) position is open to Washington residents and those residing on the ID/WA and OR/WA borders.
The Opportunity
The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) Office of Financial Services provides leadership and support for agency priorities through high-quality financial and operational management, including budgeting, contracting, grant management, purchasing, and accounting. The Office of Accounting and Grants (OAG) provides agency-wide leadership and oversight for grant financial reporting, accounting, revenue, payroll, fiscal monitoring, and indirect cost services while ensuring compliance with state and federal requirements. The Indirect Cost Analyst serves as the agency's subject matter expert for indirect cost budgeting and leads the design, development, management, and continuous improvement of DOH's indirect cost function. Reporting to the Federal Financial Reporting Manager, this position combines financial analysis, business process improvement, technology and systems expertise, regulatory compliance, and executive consultation to support sound agency-wide financial decisions. This role leads the annual agency indirect cost proposal, evaluates and improves Cost Allocation System (CAS) processes and technology, analyzes complex financial and operational issues, and develops recommendations for leadership. The position also provides consultation for, review, and approval of subrecipient indirect cost plans and represents DOH in complex indirect cost matters with federal, state, local, and community partners.
Key Responsibilities Include:
Indirect Cost Leadership
- Lead the agency-wide development, management, and continuous improvement of indirect cost budgeting processes.
- Develop and manage the annual agency indirect cost proposal and related financial analyses.
- Serve as the agency's subject matter expert on indirect cost requirements, methodologies, and practices.
- Provide consultation and technical guidance on subrecipient indirect cost plans.
Financial and Business Analysis
- Analyze complex financial, operational, and indirect cost issues to identify risks, opportunities, and potential solutions.
- Evaluate financial and business processes to improve accuracy, efficiency, consistency, and compliance.
- Develop alternatives and recommendations for leadership based on financial analysis, business needs, and regulatory requirements.
- Translate complex financial information into clear, actionable guidance for executive and program leaders.
Systems and Process Improvement
- Evaluate and improve Cost Allocation System (CAS) processes, technology, and functionality.
- Lead the implementation of approved process, system, and business improvements.
- Identify opportunities to strengthen data quality, reporting, automation, and financial controls.
- Partner with internal teams to ensure financial systems and processes support agency needs.
Compliance and Partnerships
- Ensure indirect cost practices align with applicable federal and state laws, regulations, policies, and reporting requirements.
- Represent DOH in complex indirect cost discussions with federal, state, local, and community partners.
- Collaborate across programs and offices to resolve complex financial and operational issues.
- Support agency-wide financial strategies that promote responsible stewardship of public resources.
Why You’ll Love This Role
This role offers the opportunity to influence how a statewide public health agency manages and allocates financial resources that support critical services and programs. The Indirect Cost Analyst works with financial professionals, program leaders, executives, and external partners on complex issues that have agency-wide impact. The position offers a combination of independent work, collaborative problem-solving, financial analysis, systems improvement, and strategic consultation—providing meaningful opportunities to strengthen public-sector financial practices while building expertise in indirect cost, business processes, and agency-wide financial strategy.
Required Qualifications
There are multiple pathways to qualify for this position. You must meet one of the options provided and any additional criteria listed. Experience may have been gained through paid or unpaid activities.
Please ensure any relevant experience defined below is outlined in your cover letter, resume, and/or applicant profile.
Option 1: Five (5) or more years of experience in accounting and financial analysis that includes:
- Experience evaluating the allowability, allocability, and reasonableness of costs and applying cost allocation methodologies and indirect cost recovery principles.
- Experience reviewing indirect rate plans to ensure accuracy and compliance.
- Experience coordinating with accounting, budget, grants, program, and executive staff to resolve complex financial issues and ensure compliance with state and federal requirements.
- Experience applying and interpreting federal and state fiscal regulations including: 2 CFR 200, federal cost principles, federal grant requirements, and state accounting regulations and policies.
Option 2: Bachelor’s degree with a major study in accounting, finance, or closely allied field; AND three (3) or more years of experience in accounting and financial analysis including:
- Experience evaluating the allowability, allocability, and reasonableness of costs and applying cost allocation methodologies and indirect cost recovery principles.
- Experience reviewing indirect rate plans to ensure accuracy and compliance.
- Experience coordinating with accounting, budget, grants, program, and executive staff to resolve complex financial issues and ensure compliance with state and federal requirements.
- Experience applying and interpreting federal and state fiscal regulations including: 2 CFR 200, federal cost principles, federal grant requirements, and state accounting regulations and policies.
Additional Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Experience
- Two (2) or more years of work experience comparing and analyzing financial data, identifying issues or challenges, and trends; using critical thinking to provide important feedback, recommendations and status reports to leadership, management and non-financial partners; and problem solving to offer well thought out options for resolution and next steps.
- Two (2) or more years of direct experience developing, reviewing, negotiating, administering or monitoring indirect cost rate proposals or cost allocations plans.
Computer skill levels:
- Microsoft Excel – Advanced ability to develop and manipulate complex spreadsheets with macros, multiple math functions, advanced filters, and links to external sources of information. Create custom toolbars and chart types, pivot tables, import data from other sources, filter lists, and use data analysis tools.
- Microsoft Word – Intermediate ability to create, format, and edit tables, charts and graphs; insert and format sections, create headers and footers, and work with pictures and draw objects.
- Microsoft PowerPoint – Intermediate ability to create, format and edit presentations; insert and format slides, create linked charts and graphs and work with pictures and objects.
Preferred Qualifications
While these aren’t required, having them can help you stand out as a candidate.
- Two (2) or more years of professional experience using state accounting systems - AFRS & Enterprise Reporting.
- Two (2) or more years of experience and expertise in providing presentations and facilitation of large groups.
Employee Benefits
We offer a solid benefits package that supports you and your family’s health, financial security, and work-life balance. You’ll have access to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, life and long-term disability insurance, flexible spending and health savings accounts, and retirement plans that help you plan for tomorrow while you’re living today. Paid holidays, vacation and sick leave help you recharge, and additional programs like dependent care assistance and professional development opportunities add value beyond basic coverage. Join us and enjoy benefits designed to care for you as much as you care about public health. Learn more about DOH benefits and see how we support your life at work and beyond by visiting Work@Health.
About the Washington State Department of Health
We're nearly 2,700 professionals across Washington working together to protect and improve community health. Guided by our values of Equity, Innovation, and Engagement, we address health disparities, respond to emerging challenges, and strengthen systems that support resilience. At DOH, we help reduce barriers, collaborate with diverse communities, and champion equitable health outcomes. We're passionate people who are driven to make a difference in public health. Our work depends on people who take action to learn and grow and who take action to meet the needs of others every day, in service of a healthier Washington. Explore more about the Department of Health, our programs, and our impact by visiting our website.
Working Conditions:
The following describes the working conditions of this position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
Work Setting, including hazards:
- This position's work can be performed fully remotely. The official duty station for this position is home-based. If onsite work is requested by the supervisor, the request will be planned and communicated in advance.
- Exposure to hazards is limited to those commonly found in indoors at home or office environments. This position is sedentary, working at a computer for extended periods.
Schedule:
- Standard DOH business hours are Monday to Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- This position has a work schedule of 40 hours per week; however, the position may be expected to work longer hours to complete projects or assignments, and/or meet business demands and deadlines.
- An alternative or flexible work schedule may be considered at the incumbent's request, subject to supervisory approval.
Travel Requirements:
- Travel is not required to perform the duties of this position; however occasional or infrequent travel may be expected to attend meetings, training, or conferences.
- When driving for state business, the employee must be able to legally operate a state or privately-owned vehicle; OR provide alternate transportation while on state business.
Tools and Equipment:
- This position uses standard office furniture and equipment, such as a desk, office chair, cell phone, computer, monitor(s), keyboard, and mouse; and when in the office, the position may also require the use of a printer, phone, fax machine, and/or copy machine.
- This position requires reliable access to an internet connection sufficient to perform all job duties remotely.
Customer Interactions:
- This position requires daily engagement with customers in a variety of settings (agency staff, agency leadership, federal government, other state agencies, tribal governments, local health jurisdictions and other external partners).
Other:
- This position is covered by a bargaining unit for which the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE) is the exclusive representative.
- Ability to take action to learn and grow
- Ability to take action to meet the needs of others
- The DOH campus is a smoke-free, drug-free, alcohol-free, scent-neutral environment.
- This position may be required to conduct and/or participate in public health emergency preparedness and response activities.
APPLICATION DIRECTIONS:
We’re committed to a fair and equitable hiring process. Only materials submitted through the official application will be considered. Emailed resumes or documents won’t be accepted or shared with the hiring manager. Click “Apply” to complete your application. Attach your resume, cover letter, and DD-214 (if applicable). List at least three professional references, directly in your Applicant Profile or as a separate attachment, including a supervisor, a peer, and someone you’ve supervised or led (if applicable).
DO NOT INCLUDE private details like your SSN or birth year, personal photos, transcripts, certifications, diplomas, projects, portfolios, or letters of recommendation.
Veterans Preference: Applicants wishing to claim Veterans Preference must attach a copy of their DD-214 (Member 4 copy), NGB 22, or a signed verification of service letter from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to their application. Please remove or cover any personally identifiable data such as social security numbers and birth year.
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: We regard diversity as the foundation of our strength, recognizing that differing insights and abilities enable us to reflect the unique needs of the communities we serve. DOH is an equal-opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination based on race/ethnicity/color, creed, sex, pregnancy, age, religion, national origin, marital status, the presence or perception of a disability, veteran’s status, military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender expression, or gender identity.
Questions and Accommodations: If you have questions, need assistance with the application process, require an accommodation, or would like to request this posting in an alternative format, please contact Andrea Thieme at employment@doh.wa.gov and reference DOH8974.
Technical Support: Reach out to NEOGOV directly at 1-855-524-5627 for technical support and login issues.
SUBSCRIBE to DOH Job Alerts
Supplemental Information
This recruitment may be used to fill positions of the same job classification across the agency. Once all the position(s) from the recruitment are filled, the candidate pool may be used to fill additional open positions for the next sixty (60) days. Only applicants who follow the directions and complete the Application Process in full will have their responses reviewed for consideration. Experience and education selected, listed, or detailed in the Supplemental Questions must be verifiable on the submitted applicant profile.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Project Cost Manager
Confirm your role qualifies for STEM OPT
Project Cost Manager positions typically fall under engineering or construction management SOC codes eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Verify your job offer letter lists a qualifying SOC code before accepting, so you're not caught short on authorization time.
Highlight cost control software proficiency
Employers hiring for this role expect hands-on experience with Procore, Primavera P6, or similar cost management platforms. Listing specific tools and the project values you managed signals you can contribute immediately, which matters more when a company is weighing OPT sponsorship logistics.
Target employers with active federal or infrastructure contracts
Large construction firms and engineering consultancies with government contracts routinely sponsor OPT and H-1B visa because project pipelines demand it. Companies running multi-year infrastructure programs are more likely to invest in retaining a cost manager beyond initial OPT authorization.
Quantify project scope in your resume
Employers evaluate cost managers by the scale of projects they've handled. Stating you managed cost tracking for a $40M commercial build is more compelling than listing duties. Concrete figures demonstrate readiness for U.S. project demands and justify the effort of OPT paperwork.
Understand your employer's E-Verify obligation
STEM OPT employers must be enrolled in E-Verify, and your training plan must be formally approved before your extension begins. Confirm this with HR early in the offer process. Delays in E-Verify enrollment have caused STEM OPT gaps for students in project management roles.
Build your network inside owner-operator organizations
Real estate developers, utilities, and transit authorities employ in-house cost managers and often provide more visa sponsorship flexibility than subcontractors. Connecting with project controls professionals at these organizations puts you closer to decision-makers who control hiring and long-term sponsorship commitments.
Project Cost Manager OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Project Cost Manager role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on the SOC code your employer assigns. Project Cost Manager positions classified under Construction Managers (SOC 11-9021) or Cost Estimators (SOC 13-1051) are not on the STEM OPT eligible list. However, if your role is classified under Industrial Engineers (SOC 17-2112) or a related engineering code, it may qualify. Always confirm the exact SOC code with your employer and DSO before accepting the offer.
What OPT documents do I need when starting a Project Cost Manager job?
You'll need your EAD card, a valid I-20 with OPT authorization noted, and your passport. Your employer will verify these through E-Verify at onboarding. Keep copies of your OPT approval notice and your DSO's contact information accessible, as project managers in construction environments are sometimes asked to present authorization documentation on federally contracted job sites.
Can I work as an independent contractor or consultant in a Project Cost Manager role on OPT?
OPT allows self-employment and contract work, but your position must be directly related to your field of study and average at least 20 hours per week. If you work through a staffing agency placed at a construction firm, that counts. However, you cannot be paid as a 1099 contractor by multiple unrelated clients simultaneously without carefully documenting each engagement for your OPT reporting obligations.
How do I find Project Cost Manager jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Most job postings don't state OPT eligibility explicitly, which makes filtering difficult on general platforms. Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and surfaces Project Cost Manager roles from employers experienced with OPT and visa sponsorship. Searching there saves significant time compared to manually vetting postings that never mention work authorization requirements.
What happens to my OPT authorization if my Project Cost Manager contract ends before my EAD expires?
You enter a 60-day grace period from the date your employment ends. During that window you can find a new qualifying job, transfer to another visa status, or prepare to depart the U.S. You cannot work during the grace period. If you secure a new Project Cost Manager role, your OPT continues under the same EAD as long as it hasn't expired and the new role relates to your degree field.