OPT Proposal Manager Jobs
Proposal Manager jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with backgrounds in business, communications, or technical writing. Most roles qualify as specialty occupations under OPT work authorization, and employers in government contracting, consulting, and engineering frequently sponsor H-1B visas for this position.
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Proposal Graphics Designer
Agency
Texas A&M University
Department
Research Development Services
Proposed Minimum Salary
$4,180.17 monthly
Job Location
College Station, Texas
Job Type
Staff
Job Description
Our Commitment
Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment by promoting a culture that respects all perspectives, talents & lived experiences. Embracing varying opinions and perspectives strengthens our core values which are: Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless Service.
Who We Are
Research Development Services (RDS) is a unit within Texas A&M University's Division of Research dedicated to advancing research capacity and competitiveness across the university. We partner with faculty, researchers, and stakeholders to support strategic research initiatives, secure external funding, and develop high-impact proposals. Through collaborative expertise, professional development, proposal support, and innovative research services, we help transform ideas into successful research programs that advance scholarship, innovation, and discovery.
What We Want
We are seeking a creative and strategic design professional who combines strong graphic design expertise with the ability to lead projects from concept to completion. The ideal candidate is an innovative visual storyteller with experience in digital, print, web, and multimedia design, including animation and emerging AI-assisted creative tools. They excel at managing multiple projects, collaborating with various stakeholders, providing brand guidance, and delivering high-quality solutions that support organizational goals. This role is ideal for someone who is both a hands-on designer and a trusted advisor, bringing creativity, technical skill, and customer-focused project management to every assignment.
What You Need to Know
Salary: $50,000 - $55,000/annually.
Portfolio: A portfolio that showcases any previous design work is strongly recommended. You can include your portfolio in the CV/Resume section.
Cover Letter/Resume: A cover letter and resume are strongly recommended and will help in our review. You may upload them on the application under the CV/Resume section.
Other Requirements and Factors: This position will require export-control authorization prior to starting employment.
Qualifications
Required Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in graphics design, fine arts, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Four years of experience in graphics design, web development, print and electronic media, marketing, or related design field.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Knowledge of Adobe Creative Cloud (Adobe Animate a plus).
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.
Essential Duties/Tasks
Creative and Technical Design
- Conceptualizes and implements creative work, working closely with internal and external stakeholders.
- Performs expert-level graphics design and consultation work.
- Performs animated video series that highlights processes and procedures for various office initiatives.
- Assists in designing graphic communications for various platforms.
- Provides art direction and strategic management of various projects, including proposal development efforts and office initiatives.
- Advises on editing needs for editorial, marketing, advertising, development, and general content.
- Identify and implement AI-assisted tools (e.g., generative fill, smart upscaling, or layout ideation) in graphics development to increase workflow efficiency and expand creative boundaries.
Strategic Direction and Oversight
- Serves as a liaison between RDS leadership and RCOMM to maintain current website.
- Researches and implements design and development best practices.
- Develops tools that aid in the development and design of web development projects.
- Develops conceptual design solutions and strategies.
- Provides brand oversight, leadership, and guidance.
Project Management
- Works with RDS personnel and faculty in managing projects and coordinates production schedules.
- Manages documentation for each project, including approvals, comments, drafts, and artwork.
- Ensures timeliness, quantity, quality, and customer satisfaction with final products.
- Provides highest level of customer support and consultancy in development of all materials, from concept to creation.
Administrative Support
- Assists RDS with additional tasks to support the office objectives, including but not limited to event planning and coordination, workshops on best practices for graphics in proposals, and other office activities.
Why Texas A& M University?
We are a prestigious university with strong traditions, Core Values, and a community of caring and collaboration. Amenities associated with a major university, such as sporting and cultural events, state-of-the-art recreation facilities, the Bush Library and Museum, and much more await you. Experience all that a big city has to offer but with a reasonable cost-of-living and no long commutes.
- Medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life and AD&D, flexible spending accounts, and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M contributing to employee health and basic life premiums
- 12-15 days of annual paid holidays
- Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month
- Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas
- Health and Wellness: Free exercise programs and release time
- Professional Development: All employees have access to free LinkedIn Learning training, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more
- Educational release time and tuition assistance for completing a degree while a Texas A&M employee
- Living Well, a program at Texas A&M that has been built by employees, for employees
All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.
Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.
Job Title
Proposal Graphics Designer
Agency
Texas A&M University
Department
Research Development Services
Proposed Minimum Salary
$4,180.17 monthly
Job Location
College Station, Texas
Job Type
Staff
Job Description
Our Commitment
Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment by promoting a culture that respects all perspectives, talents & lived experiences. Embracing varying opinions and perspectives strengthens our core values which are: Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless Service.
Who We Are
Research Development Services (RDS) is a unit within Texas A&M University's Division of Research dedicated to advancing research capacity and competitiveness across the university. We partner with faculty, researchers, and stakeholders to support strategic research initiatives, secure external funding, and develop high-impact proposals. Through collaborative expertise, professional development, proposal support, and innovative research services, we help transform ideas into successful research programs that advance scholarship, innovation, and discovery.
What We Want
We are seeking a creative and strategic design professional who combines strong graphic design expertise with the ability to lead projects from concept to completion. The ideal candidate is an innovative visual storyteller with experience in digital, print, web, and multimedia design, including animation and emerging AI-assisted creative tools. They excel at managing multiple projects, collaborating with various stakeholders, providing brand guidance, and delivering high-quality solutions that support organizational goals. This role is ideal for someone who is both a hands-on designer and a trusted advisor, bringing creativity, technical skill, and customer-focused project management to every assignment.
What You Need to Know
Salary: $50,000 - $55,000/annually.
Portfolio: A portfolio that showcases any previous design work is strongly recommended. You can include your portfolio in the CV/Resume section.
Cover Letter/Resume: A cover letter and resume are strongly recommended and will help in our review. You may upload them on the application under the CV/Resume section.
Other Requirements and Factors: This position will require export-control authorization prior to starting employment.
Qualifications
Required Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in graphics design, fine arts, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Four years of experience in graphics design, web development, print and electronic media, marketing, or related design field.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Knowledge of Adobe Creative Cloud (Adobe Animate a plus).
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.
Essential Duties/Tasks
Creative and Technical Design
- Conceptualizes and implements creative work, working closely with internal and external stakeholders.
- Performs expert-level graphics design and consultation work.
- Performs animated video series that highlights processes and procedures for various office initiatives.
- Assists in designing graphic communications for various platforms.
- Provides art direction and strategic management of various projects, including proposal development efforts and office initiatives.
- Advises on editing needs for editorial, marketing, advertising, development, and general content.
- Identify and implement AI-assisted tools (e.g., generative fill, smart upscaling, or layout ideation) in graphics development to increase workflow efficiency and expand creative boundaries.
Strategic Direction and Oversight
- Serves as a liaison between RDS leadership and RCOMM to maintain current website.
- Researches and implements design and development best practices.
- Develops tools that aid in the development and design of web development projects.
- Develops conceptual design solutions and strategies.
- Provides brand oversight, leadership, and guidance.
Project Management
- Works with RDS personnel and faculty in managing projects and coordinates production schedules.
- Manages documentation for each project, including approvals, comments, drafts, and artwork.
- Ensures timeliness, quantity, quality, and customer satisfaction with final products.
- Provides highest level of customer support and consultancy in development of all materials, from concept to creation.
Administrative Support
- Assists RDS with additional tasks to support the office objectives, including but not limited to event planning and coordination, workshops on best practices for graphics in proposals, and other office activities.
Why Texas A& M University?
We are a prestigious university with strong traditions, Core Values, and a community of caring and collaboration. Amenities associated with a major university, such as sporting and cultural events, state-of-the-art recreation facilities, the Bush Library and Museum, and much more await you. Experience all that a big city has to offer but with a reasonable cost-of-living and no long commutes.
- Medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life and AD&D, flexible spending accounts, and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M contributing to employee health and basic life premiums
- 12-15 days of annual paid holidays
- Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month
- Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas
- Health and Wellness: Free exercise programs and release time
- Professional Development: All employees have access to free LinkedIn Learning training, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more
- Educational release time and tuition assistance for completing a degree while a Texas A&M employee
- Living Well, a program at Texas A&M that has been built by employees, for employees
All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.
Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.
See all 68+ OPT Proposal Manager Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Proposal Manager
Target government contracting firms first
Defense and federal contractors like Booz Allen, SAIC, and Leidos hire Proposal Managers regularly and have established H-1B sponsorship pipelines. These firms plan hiring well in advance, giving OPT students time to secure sponsorship before their authorization expires.
Lead with your degree field explicitly
Proposal Manager roles require a bachelor's degree in a specific field, typically business, communications, or engineering. Make your degree field prominent in your resume header so hiring managers can immediately confirm you meet the specialty occupation requirement for OPT eligibility.
Quantify proposal win rates on your resume
Employers evaluate Proposal Managers on measurable outcomes. Include win rates, number of proposals managed, and contract values where possible. Concrete metrics signal readiness for the role and distinguish your application from candidates with only general writing experience.
Get Shipley or APMP certified before you apply
The Shipley Method and APMP Foundation certification are industry standards in proposal management. Completing either before job searching signals professional commitment and directly addresses employer concerns about hiring someone on a time-limited work authorization like OPT.
Ask about H-1B sponsorship after an offer, not before
Raising visa sponsorship during an initial interview shifts focus away from your qualifications. Wait until an employer expresses strong interest or extends an offer, then confirm their sponsorship policy directly. Government contractors and large consulting firms sponsor most frequently.
Highlight cross-functional coordination experience
Proposal Managers work with legal, finance, technical, and executive teams simultaneously. Demonstrating that you have managed multiple stakeholders under tight deadlines reassures employers that you can contribute immediately, which reduces perceived risk in sponsoring someone on OPT.
Proposal Manager OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Proposal Manager role qualify as a specialty occupation for OPT?
Yes, in most cases. Proposal Manager positions typically require a bachelor's degree in business, communications, English, or a technical field, which satisfies the specialty occupation requirement for OPT work authorization. Roles at government contractors and consulting firms almost always meet the standard. Positions at smaller companies with looser degree requirements may need closer review before you apply.
Which industries hire Proposal Managers and sponsor H-1B visas most often?
Government contracting is the strongest industry for both hiring and H-1B sponsorship. Firms supporting federal agencies in defense, IT, and infrastructure routinely sponsor Proposal Managers because demand for the role is high and qualified candidates are limited. Engineering firms, management consulting companies, and healthcare services contractors also sponsor regularly. You can filter by industry on Migrate Mate to find OPT-friendly employers in these sectors.
Can I work as a Proposal Manager on STEM OPT extension?
Only if your degree falls under a STEM-designated field. Most Proposal Manager roles are supported by degrees in business or communications, which are not STEM-designated. If your degree is in a STEM field such as computer science, engineering, or information systems, and your employer qualifies, you may be eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Confirm your degree's CIP code with your DSO before assuming eligibility.
How far in advance should I start my job search as a Proposal Manager on OPT?
Start at least three to four months before your OPT start date. Proposal Manager hiring cycles at government contractors can move slowly due to internal clearance checks and team budget approvals. Beginning early gives you time to complete the application process, negotiate an offer, and confirm H-1B sponsorship intent before your work authorization window becomes a concern for the employer.
What experience can I include on my resume if I have no direct proposal management experience?
Focus on transferable experience: grant writing, research reports, client-facing presentations, project coordination, or any work involving structured writing under deadlines. Internship experience in communications, business development, or consulting is directly relevant. Academic capstone projects that involved formal documentation or competitive proposals also count. Employers hiring junior Proposal Managers understand that candidates are developing the role, so demonstrating writing rigor and process discipline matters more than the specific job title.