OPT Strategic Partnerships Manager Jobs
Strategic Partnerships Manager roles involve building and managing high-value business relationships, making communication and analytical skills essential. On OPT, you have up to 12 months of work authorization, extendable to 36 months with a STEM OPT extension if your degree qualifies. Most roles in this field are at tech, SaaS, or consulting firms that regularly sponsor H-1B visas.
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Get Access To All JobsPosition/Classification Title
Student Services Specialist
Classification Type
SHRA
Position required to work during periods of adverse weather or other emergencies:
N - Not Mandatory
Minimum Experience/Education
Bachelor’s degree; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.
Position Overview
Primary Purpose of Position
This position serves as an advanced-level financial aid professional responsible for the strategic administration, coordination, and oversight of institutional, departmental, foundation, and external scholarship programs. The position provides leadership in scholarship operations, stakeholder engagement, and scholarship program compliance while supporting institutional enrollment and retention initiatives. The position serves as a primary liaison to academic departments, university leadership, scholarship donors, and campus partners regarding scholarship awarding, fund utilization, and student support initiatives. The employee exercises a high level of independent judgment in scholarship administration, compliance review, awarding decisions, reconciliation activities, and resolution of complex student and program issues. This position also provides operational leadership and workflow coordination for scholarship processes while supporting continuous process improvement, customer service excellence, and effective stewardship of institutional scholarship resources.
Primary Function of Organizational Unit
The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships supports the mission of North Carolina A&T State University by administering financial assistance programs that promote student access, enrollment, persistence, and degree completion. The office provides strategic scholarship administration, regulatory compliance, and student-centered financial support services while fostering partnerships across the university and with external stakeholders.
Work Hours
8:00-5:00 Monday-Friday
Is this position eligible for a remote or hybrid work arrangement, consistent with university and state policies.
On-site (Employees are primarily in the office and/or have a critical job requirement that requires dedicated office space on-site)
Key Responsibilities and Related Competencies
Required Competency
Program Supervision and Administration
Duties
Provides advanced administration and coordination of institutional and external scholarship programs to support student success and enrollment objectives.
Key Responsibilities:
- Administer institutional, departmental, donor-funded, and external scholarship programs.
- Coordinate scholarship awarding processes and ensure timely disbursement of scholarship funds.
- Collaborate with academic departments to support scholarship selection and awarding activities.
- Monitor scholarship utilization, eligibility requirements, and fund balances.
- Ensure scholarship administration aligns with donor intent, institutional policies, and regulatory guidelines.
- Assist with scholarship leveraging and optimization strategies to support enrollment initiatives.
- Support management and utilization of scholarship platforms such as Scholarship Universe.
Required Competency
Client/Customer Service
Duties
Serves as a key liaison to students, academic departments, donors, and university stakeholders regarding scholarship opportunities, processes, and program administration.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide advanced scholarship counseling and advising to students and families.
- Serve as primary liaison to colleges, departments, and campus partners regarding scholarship coordination.
- Build and maintain collaborative relationships with faculty, administrators, donors, and external organizations.
- Respond to and resolve complex scholarship inquiries and concerns.
- Conduct scholarship workshops, outreach activities, and informational presentations.
- Support scholarship communication and promotional initiatives.
Required Competency
Compliance
Duties
Exercises independent judgment in scholarship eligibility determinations, compliance monitoring, and complex case resolution.
Key Responsibilities:
- Review and evaluate scholarship eligibility and awarding decisions.
- Interpret and apply institutional, donor, state, and federal regulations governing scholarship administration.
- Review exceptions, appeals, and special funding considerations.
- Ensure compliance with scholarship agreements, institutional procedures, and audit standards.
- Assist with internal audits, compliance reviews, and reconciliation processes.
- Identify compliance risks and recommend corrective actions or operational improvements.
Required Competency
Information/Records Administration
Duties
Maintains accurate scholarship records and reporting processes to support operational effectiveness and compliance requirements.
Key Responsibilities:
- Maintain accurate records within Banner, scholarship management systems, and imaging platforms.
- Monitor scholarship reporting, reconciliation, and fund tracking activities.
- Prepare reports and data analysis related to scholarship utilization and operational outcomes.
- Ensure documentation practices comply with institutional retention and audit requirements.
- Support year-end reconciliation and scholarship reporting activities.
Required Competency
Problem Solving
Duties
Identifies operational challenges and develops solutions that improve scholarship administration and service delivery.
Key Responsibilities:
- Resolve complex scholarship awarding and processing issues.
- Analyze trends and identify opportunities for operational improvements.
- Recommend workflow enhancements and process efficiencies.
- Assist with implementation of new scholarship procedures and system enhancements.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives within the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.
Required Competency
Communication Skills
Duties
Develop and deliver engaging financial aid presentations, workshops, and informational sessions for prospective students, current students, families, and campus stakeholders. Participate in recruitment events, orientation programs, financial literacy initiatives, and student success activities. Provide education on FAFSA completion, financial aid eligibility, and scholarship resources.
Required Competency
Supervision/Leadership
Duties
Provides functional leadership and workflow coordination for scholarship operations and assigned staff support activities.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide guidance, training, and quality review for staff and student employees.
- Coordinate workflow assignments and operational priorities.
- Assist with onboarding and training of scholarship staff.
- Promote accountability, professionalism, and customer service excellence.
- Support leadership with operational planning and special projects.
Position Information
Working Title
Assistant Director of Scholarships & Strategic Partnerships
Competency Level
Journey
Position Number
002172
Recruitment Range
$41,499 - $53,500
FLSA
Non-Exempt
Appointment Type
Permanent - Full-time
FTE
40 hours/week, 12 months
Organizational Division
Financial Aid Office
Organizational Location
Assoc VP for Enrollment Mgmt
Organizational Unit
Financial Aid Office
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
SHRA3287
Open Date
11/04/2026
Close Date
11/11/2026
Special Instructions to Applicant
You must complete and submit an electronic application for employment to be considered. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing an electronic application. Applicants seeking Veteran’s Preference must attach a DD 214 form. Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty with your application during the process of applying to the job posting. Final candidates are subject to criminal and sex offender background checks. North Carolina A&T State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. North Carolina A&T State University is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. No one who applies or seeks employment will be denied admission to or employment at North Carolina A&T State University on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, disabling condition, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or sexual orientation and sexual identity.
Employee Benefits available to NC A& T permanent employees include the following and more;
- Accrued Vacation and Sick Leave for Eligible Employees
- Community Service Leave
- Aetna – State Health Benefits of North Carolina
- NCFlex – Vision, Dental, Flexible Spending Account, Life Insurance and more
- 12 Paid Holidays
- Teachers and State Employees Retirement System (TSERS)
- Optional Supplemental Plans – 401k, 403b, 457b and 457
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Campus Recreation Center Discount
- University Bookstore Discount
- and more
This position may be eligible for a remote or hybrid work arrangement, consistent with university and state policies. N.C. A&T employees are generally required to reside in North Carolina, within a 2-hour commuting distance of their assigned duty station.
Position/Classification Title
Student Services Specialist
Classification Type
SHRA
Position required to work during periods of adverse weather or other emergencies:
N - Not Mandatory
Minimum Experience/Education
Bachelor’s degree; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.
Position Overview
Primary Purpose of Position
This position serves as an advanced-level financial aid professional responsible for the strategic administration, coordination, and oversight of institutional, departmental, foundation, and external scholarship programs. The position provides leadership in scholarship operations, stakeholder engagement, and scholarship program compliance while supporting institutional enrollment and retention initiatives. The position serves as a primary liaison to academic departments, university leadership, scholarship donors, and campus partners regarding scholarship awarding, fund utilization, and student support initiatives. The employee exercises a high level of independent judgment in scholarship administration, compliance review, awarding decisions, reconciliation activities, and resolution of complex student and program issues. This position also provides operational leadership and workflow coordination for scholarship processes while supporting continuous process improvement, customer service excellence, and effective stewardship of institutional scholarship resources.
Primary Function of Organizational Unit
The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships supports the mission of North Carolina A&T State University by administering financial assistance programs that promote student access, enrollment, persistence, and degree completion. The office provides strategic scholarship administration, regulatory compliance, and student-centered financial support services while fostering partnerships across the university and with external stakeholders.
Work Hours
8:00-5:00 Monday-Friday
Is this position eligible for a remote or hybrid work arrangement, consistent with university and state policies.
On-site (Employees are primarily in the office and/or have a critical job requirement that requires dedicated office space on-site)
Key Responsibilities and Related Competencies
Required Competency
Program Supervision and Administration
Duties
Provides advanced administration and coordination of institutional and external scholarship programs to support student success and enrollment objectives.
Key Responsibilities:
- Administer institutional, departmental, donor-funded, and external scholarship programs.
- Coordinate scholarship awarding processes and ensure timely disbursement of scholarship funds.
- Collaborate with academic departments to support scholarship selection and awarding activities.
- Monitor scholarship utilization, eligibility requirements, and fund balances.
- Ensure scholarship administration aligns with donor intent, institutional policies, and regulatory guidelines.
- Assist with scholarship leveraging and optimization strategies to support enrollment initiatives.
- Support management and utilization of scholarship platforms such as Scholarship Universe.
Required Competency
Client/Customer Service
Duties
Serves as a key liaison to students, academic departments, donors, and university stakeholders regarding scholarship opportunities, processes, and program administration.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide advanced scholarship counseling and advising to students and families.
- Serve as primary liaison to colleges, departments, and campus partners regarding scholarship coordination.
- Build and maintain collaborative relationships with faculty, administrators, donors, and external organizations.
- Respond to and resolve complex scholarship inquiries and concerns.
- Conduct scholarship workshops, outreach activities, and informational presentations.
- Support scholarship communication and promotional initiatives.
Required Competency
Compliance
Duties
Exercises independent judgment in scholarship eligibility determinations, compliance monitoring, and complex case resolution.
Key Responsibilities:
- Review and evaluate scholarship eligibility and awarding decisions.
- Interpret and apply institutional, donor, state, and federal regulations governing scholarship administration.
- Review exceptions, appeals, and special funding considerations.
- Ensure compliance with scholarship agreements, institutional procedures, and audit standards.
- Assist with internal audits, compliance reviews, and reconciliation processes.
- Identify compliance risks and recommend corrective actions or operational improvements.
Required Competency
Information/Records Administration
Duties
Maintains accurate scholarship records and reporting processes to support operational effectiveness and compliance requirements.
Key Responsibilities:
- Maintain accurate records within Banner, scholarship management systems, and imaging platforms.
- Monitor scholarship reporting, reconciliation, and fund tracking activities.
- Prepare reports and data analysis related to scholarship utilization and operational outcomes.
- Ensure documentation practices comply with institutional retention and audit requirements.
- Support year-end reconciliation and scholarship reporting activities.
Required Competency
Problem Solving
Duties
Identifies operational challenges and develops solutions that improve scholarship administration and service delivery.
Key Responsibilities:
- Resolve complex scholarship awarding and processing issues.
- Analyze trends and identify opportunities for operational improvements.
- Recommend workflow enhancements and process efficiencies.
- Assist with implementation of new scholarship procedures and system enhancements.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives within the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.
Required Competency
Communication Skills
Duties
Develop and deliver engaging financial aid presentations, workshops, and informational sessions for prospective students, current students, families, and campus stakeholders. Participate in recruitment events, orientation programs, financial literacy initiatives, and student success activities. Provide education on FAFSA completion, financial aid eligibility, and scholarship resources.
Required Competency
Supervision/Leadership
Duties
Provides functional leadership and workflow coordination for scholarship operations and assigned staff support activities.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide guidance, training, and quality review for staff and student employees.
- Coordinate workflow assignments and operational priorities.
- Assist with onboarding and training of scholarship staff.
- Promote accountability, professionalism, and customer service excellence.
- Support leadership with operational planning and special projects.
Position Information
Working Title
Assistant Director of Scholarships & Strategic Partnerships
Competency Level
Journey
Position Number
002172
Recruitment Range
$41,499 - $53,500
FLSA
Non-Exempt
Appointment Type
Permanent - Full-time
FTE
40 hours/week, 12 months
Organizational Division
Financial Aid Office
Organizational Location
Assoc VP for Enrollment Mgmt
Organizational Unit
Financial Aid Office
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
SHRA3287
Open Date
11/04/2026
Close Date
11/11/2026
Special Instructions to Applicant
You must complete and submit an electronic application for employment to be considered. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing an electronic application. Applicants seeking Veteran’s Preference must attach a DD 214 form. Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty with your application during the process of applying to the job posting. Final candidates are subject to criminal and sex offender background checks. North Carolina A&T State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. North Carolina A&T State University is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. No one who applies or seeks employment will be denied admission to or employment at North Carolina A&T State University on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, disabling condition, veteran status, political affiliation, genetic information or sexual orientation and sexual identity.
Employee Benefits available to NC A& T permanent employees include the following and more;
- Accrued Vacation and Sick Leave for Eligible Employees
- Community Service Leave
- Aetna – State Health Benefits of North Carolina
- NCFlex – Vision, Dental, Flexible Spending Account, Life Insurance and more
- 12 Paid Holidays
- Teachers and State Employees Retirement System (TSERS)
- Optional Supplemental Plans – 401k, 403b, 457b and 457
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Campus Recreation Center Discount
- University Bookstore Discount
- and more
This position may be eligible for a remote or hybrid work arrangement, consistent with university and state policies. N.C. A&T employees are generally required to reside in North Carolina, within a 2-hour commuting distance of their assigned duty station.
See all 543+ OPT Strategic Partnerships Manager Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Strategic Partnerships Manager Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Strategic Partnerships Manager
Target companies with active H-1B sponsorship history
Focus your search on employers that have sponsored H-1B visas in the past. Companies with a track record of sponsoring partnership roles are far more likely to continue doing so, giving you a realistic path beyond OPT.
Lead with business impact in your application
Hiring managers evaluate partnerships candidates on revenue influence and deal outcomes. Quantify your experience: pipeline value created, partner accounts managed, or revenue attributed to your work. Numbers convert skeptical hiring managers faster than descriptions.
Clarify your STEM OPT eligibility early
If your degree is in a STEM field like data science, computer science, or engineering, you may qualify for a 24-month STEM extension. Confirming this upfront gives employers a longer runway and reduces their urgency around H-1B sponsorship timelines.
Pursue roles at growth-stage tech and SaaS companies
Series B and later-stage startups frequently hire for strategic partnerships and are often more flexible on sponsorship than large enterprises. These companies need deal-makers and move quickly, which works in an OPT student's favor.
Address OPT timing proactively, not reactively
Bring up your work authorization status before the offer stage, not during it. A brief, confident explanation of your OPT timeline and H-1B eligibility prevents late-stage surprises and signals maturity to employers unfamiliar with the process.
Build credibility through cross-functional project experience
Strategic Partnerships Managers work across sales, product, and legal teams. Demonstrating experience coordinating across departments, even in academic or internship settings, signals readiness for the cross-functional complexity employers expect in this role.
Strategic Partnerships Manager OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Strategic Partnerships Manager on OPT?
Yes, Strategic Partnerships Manager roles qualify for OPT as long as the work is directly related to your field of study. If your degree is in business, marketing, communications, or a related field, this role typically satisfies that requirement. Confirm the connection with your DSO before accepting an offer to ensure your employment is properly reported.
Do Strategic Partnerships Manager roles typically come with H-1B sponsorship?
Many do, particularly at technology companies, SaaS platforms, and large consulting firms that hire for this role regularly. Sponsorship is not guaranteed, but companies in these sectors have established HR processes for H-1B filings. Filtering your search on Migrate Mate lets you identify employers with a demonstrated history of sponsoring roles like this one.
Does a STEM degree help when applying for Strategic Partnerships roles on OPT?
It can, especially at technology companies. A STEM degree qualifies you for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you up to 36 months of total work authorization. That longer runway is meaningful to employers who want to invest in a hire but are uncertain about H-1B lottery timing. Many partnerships roles at tech firms sit at the intersection of business and technical knowledge, making STEM backgrounds genuinely relevant.
What should I say when an employer asks about my visa status during the interview process?
Be direct and factual. Explain that you are authorized to work on OPT for up to 12 months, with a potential 24-month STEM extension if your degree qualifies, and that you would need H-1B sponsorship to continue long-term. Avoid vague answers. Employers who sponsor visas have asked this question before and respond better to candidates who understand their own situation clearly.
Are Strategic Partnerships Manager roles harder to get sponsored than other business roles?
Not necessarily. The role qualifies as a specialty occupation under H-1B guidelines when a relevant bachelor's degree is required, which is standard for most Strategic Partnerships Manager postings at established companies. The more relevant factor is whether the specific employer sponsors at all, rather than the job title itself. Researching employer sponsorship history before applying saves significant time in your search.