Project Management Lead Jobs for OPT Students
Project Management Lead roles are available to F-1 OPT students with a degree in business, engineering, or a related field. Most positions require PMP certification or demonstrated experience managing cross-functional teams. Your 12-month OPT window, or 24-month STEM extension if eligible, gives you enough time to prove sponsorship value in this role.
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The AI for Project Management Program Lead is a temporary, part-time, non-tenured position for our Professional Development and Lifelong Learning Programs. The Program Lead is responsible for aligning the program with the skill needs in the program’s industry or occupation. This will include participating in interviews with other industry experts, recommending program-level curriculum (i.e. program name, program description, program outcomes, outcomes for the courses that comprise the program), participating in course developer and instructor search committees, advising course developers and instructors, and recommending program and course revisions. The AI for Project Management certificate will be a non-credit certificate program. It will consist of 2-4 courses. Each course will be 4-8 weeks in length and include 4-5 hours of asynchronous learning per week and a 60-90 Zoom session each week. In general, information will be delivered using asynchronous media (e.g. recorded video) and synchronous sessions will be used for interactive conversation and activities that invite learners to engage and apply information. Learners will be assessed using authentic assessments that simulate real-world application of skills.
- Please note, we are not offering H-1B or Green Card sponsorship for this position.
Major Job Responsibilities
Design and Revise Program Curriculum 70%
- Create and update program description.
- Create and update clear, succinct, and measurable program outcomes.
- Create and update a list of required and/or elective courses in the program.
- Write course descriptions and outcomes so the courses are aligned with the program outcomes.
- Annually review and revise the program-level curriculum, including: program description, program outcomes, the list of required and/or elective courses in the program, course names, course descriptions, and course outcomes.
- Annually review each course in the program and collaborate with instructors to make changes based on learner feedback, instructor feedback, and industry changes.
- Follow the requirements laid out in the course development handbook.
- Assist with developing solutions for workforce development clients.
Advise Course SMEs and Instructors 30%
- Collaborate with course SMEs and instructors to programmatically align courses.
- Participate in course SME and instructor searches as appropriate.
Qualifications
- Bachelors degree.
- Four years of work experience related to the subject matter.
- A demonstrated commitment, knowledge, and skills to promote and enhance a climate that is supportive of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Deep knowledge of the use of AI for project management.
- Ability to explain concepts in ways that help others learn.
- Ability to provide feedback that both encourages and helps learners develop.
Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Masters degree and at least six or more years of work experience related to the subject matter.
- Knowledge of curriculum design and adult learning principles.
- Ability to evaluate assessments (e.g. course projects) to determine if they demonstrate achievement of course learning outcomes.
- Experience teaching adult learners in both live and asynchronous contexts.
- Experience developing and/or teaching topics related to the use of AI for project management.
- Experience developing or revising adult education programs (credit or noncredit).
About The Department
In CCAPS you’ll find a flexible, hybrid work environment and supportive colleagues who are committed to empowering lifelong learners to achieve their educational goals in a learner-centric environment where diverse ideas, backgrounds, and identities are embraced. CCAPS has a large and diverse portfolio of program offerings, including bachelor’s and master’s degrees, professional development offerings for practitioners, pre-college programs for high school students, English language programs, and lifelong learning for personal enrichment. Across all the work done in and by CCAPS, we strive daily to live our core values of Access, Learning, Inclusivity, Collaboration, and Excellence.
Pay And Benefits
Pay Range: During the design phase of the program (4 months), this will be a .08 FTE appointment. Compensation for this 4-month phase is $2,050. If the program is approved for development, the appointment may be extended to an annual appointment at .05 FTE. Compensation for the annual appointment is $4,200/yr. The Program Lead may also be appointed to develop and teach one or more courses in the program for additional pay if the program is approved for development. The additional pay for course development and instruction will depend on the length of the course as determined in the program design phase. The following table represents the current course development and instruction compensation rates.
Course Development and Instruction Compensation
- Course Length
- Course Development
- Course Instruction
- $4,000
- $2,162 20 hour (2 CEU) courses
- $5,400
- $2,713 30 hour (3 CEU) courses
Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.
How To Apply
Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume. Please address all required qualifications in either your cover letter and CV/Resume in order to be fully considered for the position. Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section. This position will remain open until filled. To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).
Diversity
The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds. The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu.
Employment Requirements
Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.
About The U Of M
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations. At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America’s Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).
About The Job
The AI for Project Management Program Lead is a temporary, part-time, non-tenured position for our Professional Development and Lifelong Learning Programs. The Program Lead is responsible for aligning the program with the skill needs in the program’s industry or occupation. This will include participating in interviews with other industry experts, recommending program-level curriculum (i.e. program name, program description, program outcomes, outcomes for the courses that comprise the program), participating in course developer and instructor search committees, advising course developers and instructors, and recommending program and course revisions. The AI for Project Management certificate will be a non-credit certificate program. It will consist of 2-4 courses. Each course will be 4-8 weeks in length and include 4-5 hours of asynchronous learning per week and a 60-90 Zoom session each week. In general, information will be delivered using asynchronous media (e.g. recorded video) and synchronous sessions will be used for interactive conversation and activities that invite learners to engage and apply information. Learners will be assessed using authentic assessments that simulate real-world application of skills.
- Please note, we are not offering H-1B or Green Card sponsorship for this position.
Major Job Responsibilities
Design and Revise Program Curriculum 70%
- Create and update program description.
- Create and update clear, succinct, and measurable program outcomes.
- Create and update a list of required and/or elective courses in the program.
- Write course descriptions and outcomes so the courses are aligned with the program outcomes.
- Annually review and revise the program-level curriculum, including: program description, program outcomes, the list of required and/or elective courses in the program, course names, course descriptions, and course outcomes.
- Annually review each course in the program and collaborate with instructors to make changes based on learner feedback, instructor feedback, and industry changes.
- Follow the requirements laid out in the course development handbook.
- Assist with developing solutions for workforce development clients.
Advise Course SMEs and Instructors 30%
- Collaborate with course SMEs and instructors to programmatically align courses.
- Participate in course SME and instructor searches as appropriate.
Qualifications
- Bachelors degree.
- Four years of work experience related to the subject matter.
- A demonstrated commitment, knowledge, and skills to promote and enhance a climate that is supportive of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Deep knowledge of the use of AI for project management.
- Ability to explain concepts in ways that help others learn.
- Ability to provide feedback that both encourages and helps learners develop.
Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Masters degree and at least six or more years of work experience related to the subject matter.
- Knowledge of curriculum design and adult learning principles.
- Ability to evaluate assessments (e.g. course projects) to determine if they demonstrate achievement of course learning outcomes.
- Experience teaching adult learners in both live and asynchronous contexts.
- Experience developing and/or teaching topics related to the use of AI for project management.
- Experience developing or revising adult education programs (credit or noncredit).
About The Department
In CCAPS you’ll find a flexible, hybrid work environment and supportive colleagues who are committed to empowering lifelong learners to achieve their educational goals in a learner-centric environment where diverse ideas, backgrounds, and identities are embraced. CCAPS has a large and diverse portfolio of program offerings, including bachelor’s and master’s degrees, professional development offerings for practitioners, pre-college programs for high school students, English language programs, and lifelong learning for personal enrichment. Across all the work done in and by CCAPS, we strive daily to live our core values of Access, Learning, Inclusivity, Collaboration, and Excellence.
Pay And Benefits
Pay Range: During the design phase of the program (4 months), this will be a .08 FTE appointment. Compensation for this 4-month phase is $2,050. If the program is approved for development, the appointment may be extended to an annual appointment at .05 FTE. Compensation for the annual appointment is $4,200/yr. The Program Lead may also be appointed to develop and teach one or more courses in the program for additional pay if the program is approved for development. The additional pay for course development and instruction will depend on the length of the course as determined in the program design phase. The following table represents the current course development and instruction compensation rates.
Course Development and Instruction Compensation
- Course Length
- Course Development
- Course Instruction
- $4,000
- $2,162 20 hour (2 CEU) courses
- $5,400
- $2,713 30 hour (3 CEU) courses
Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.
How To Apply
Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume. Please address all required qualifications in either your cover letter and CV/Resume in order to be fully considered for the position. Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section. This position will remain open until filled. To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).
Diversity
The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds. The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu.
Employment Requirements
Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.
About The U Of M
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)
The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations. At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America’s Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).
How to Get Visa Sponsorship in Project Management Lead
Target employers with established H-1B sponsorship history
Companies that have sponsored project managers before understand the process and are far less likely to back out mid-offer. Look for employers with consistent H-1B filing patterns in project management or operations roles before investing time in their interview process.
Lead with delivery metrics, not job descriptions
Hiring managers evaluating OPT candidates need confidence you can justify sponsorship costs. Quantify your impact: budget managed, timelines delivered, team size led. Numbers make the sponsorship conversation easier because they demonstrate clear return on investment.
Pursue your PMP certification before or during OPT
The PMP credential significantly strengthens your sponsorship case by signaling long-term commitment to the profession. Employers sponsoring project managers want candidates with credentials that reduce attrition risk. Certification also narrows the gap between you and non-OPT candidates.
Address OPT status early in conversations with recruiters
Project Management Lead roles involve long onboarding ramps and team dependencies. Recruiters need to plan around your authorization timeline. Raising your OPT status upfront, including your end date and STEM extension eligibility, prevents late-stage offer rescissions.
Emphasize your STEM extension window if your degree qualifies
A 24-month STEM OPT extension gives employers nearly three years to evaluate your performance before committing to H-1B sponsorship. For a leadership role with a longer productivity curve, that timeline meaningfully reduces the employer's perceived risk.
Build internal sponsorship advocates before your OPT expires
Sponsorship decisions for Project Management Lead roles are rarely made by HR alone. Engineering directors, PMO heads, and executives who depend on your work carry weight in the decision. Cultivate those relationships early so advocates exist when your case reaches leadership.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Can F-1 OPT students work as Project Management Leads in the United States?
Yes. F-1 OPT work authorization covers Project Management Lead positions as long as the role is directly related to your degree field. A degree in business administration, industrial engineering, information systems, or a related discipline typically satisfies this requirement. You should confirm the connection between your specific degree and the role before accepting an offer, as your DSO may ask you to document it.
Does working as a Project Management Lead qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your underlying degree, not the job title itself. If you hold a STEM-designated degree such as industrial engineering, management information systems, or computer science, you may be eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension even in a project management role. The extension is tied to your degree classification on the STEM Designated Degree Program List, so check your degree's CIP code with your DSO to confirm eligibility.
How do I find Project Management Lead jobs that sponsor OPT and H-1B?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for this. It filters job listings by visa sponsorship willingness, so you're not wasting applications on roles that will stall at the authorization question. Project Management Lead roles that actively welcome OPT candidates are surfaced directly, saving you the time of combing through postings that never mention sponsorship.
What visa typically comes after OPT for a Project Management Lead?
The H-1B is the most common path. Project management roles at the lead level consistently qualify as specialty occupations requiring at least a bachelor's degree in a specific field, which satisfies the H-1B standard. Some candidates in consulting or cross-border roles may also explore the L-1 or TN visa depending on their situation. The H-1B lottery in April is the primary transition point most OPT students plan toward.
How much notice should I give an employer about my OPT expiration date?
Give your employer at least six months of notice before your OPT end date, especially if you're pursuing H-1B sponsorship. H-1B petitions must be filed by April 1 for an October 1 start date, which means your employer needs several months to prepare the application and engage immigration counsel. For Project Management Lead roles, where your departure would create real operational disruption, early transparency signals maturity and gives the company time to build a sponsorship case internally.
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