OPT Support Lead Jobs
Support Lead roles are a strong fit for OPT authorization because most employers classify them as specialty occupations requiring a degree in business, communications, or a related field. Your 12-month OPT window (up to 36 months with a STEM extension if your degree qualifies) gives you time to prove yourself and pursue H-1B visa sponsorship.
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Get Access To All JobsInternal Title: AV Support Team Lead
Position Type: Classified
Faculty / Non-Faculty / Administration: Non-Faculty
Pay Band: TEC05
Department: Networking and Engineering
Job Purpose
This position provides leadership and oversight for the College’s AV Support and AV Integration services, ensuring reliable technology, effective customer support, and consistent service delivery across campus. The AV Supervisor leads staff in supporting instructional and operational needs, maintaining high service standards, and delivering AV projects that enhance the campus technology environment. The position promotes collaboration, staff development, and continuous improvement to ensure dependable AV systems and a positive user experience.
Minimum Requirements
Bachelor’s degree and experience in network and technological support service experience required. Experience in Educational classroom technology and vendors is required. AVIXA CTS certification is a plus. Candidates with an equivalent combination of experience and/or education are encouraged to apply.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Proficient knowledge with Crestron, Extron, DISCAS, Epson, network devices, projectors & other AV peripherals. Proficient analyst, technical & troubleshooting skills. Knowledge of campus applications (MS Word, Excel, etc.). Knowledge of programming and configuring AV Crestron and Extron equipment. Excellent customer service, communication, verbal, written, & interpersonal skills. Must have knowledge of networks with Ethernet, wireless & other network protocols. Ability to follow procedures and keep accurate records. Should have or be able to obtain valid SC driver’s license.
Additional Comments Regarding Position
Ability to lift, move and adjust up to 40 lbs of equipment. May require nights and weekend work. Some overnight travel may be required. May be required to carry and respond to after hours on a rotational basis.
Special Instructions to Applicants
Please complete the application to include all current and previous work history and education. A resume will not be accepted nor reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position. Salary is commensurate with education/experience which exceeds the minimum requirements.
Offers of employment are contingent upon a successful background check.
All applications must be submitted online.
Salary
$58,854 - $60,488
Posting Date
11/06/2026
Closing Date
11/20/2026
Benefits
- Insurance: Health/Dental/Vision
- Life Insurance
- Paid Leave: Sick/Annual/Parental
- Retirement
- Long Term Disability
- Paid Holidays
- Free CARTA Bus Service
- Employee Tuition Assistance Program (ETAP)
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Full Benefits Package – Click Here
Open Until Filled: No
Posting Number: 2026177
EEO Statement
The College of Charleston is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any individual or group on the basis of sex, gender (including gender identity and/or expression), pregnancy, race, religion, color, national origin, age, disability, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, and other classifications protected by applicable federal, state, and local laws. For more information, please visit eop.cofc.edu.
Job Duties
Activity
Supports and maintains audiovisual (AV) equipment in classrooms, labs, conference rooms, and other various locations, throughout the College of Charleston Campus. Proactively identifies recurring problems and ticket items for further investigation and solutions. Communicates directly with customers to ensure satisfaction in the following fields: response time, completion of work requested in a timely manner, satisfaction of result, and professionalism throughout the process. Diagnoses and resolves technical issues related to AV components, computers, and networking cabling and hardware. Provides expertise and clarity to others both internal to the team and external to end-users and customers.
Essential or Marginal: Essential
Percent of Time: 40
Activity
Collaborates with project stakeholders to define and document project goals and expectations for small to medium size AV funded projects. Assists the AV Engineering team in developing project summaries, designs, and cost estimates. Oversees project scheduling and installation, ensuring alignment with established objectives. Monitors progress to ensure all project goals are met and conducts thorough closeout procedures to finalize projects successfully. Performs QA checks on all completed projects and installs to ensure proper fulfillment of needs. Delegates these responsibilities as needed.
Essential or Marginal: Essential
Percent of Time: 20
Activity
Provides leadership, guidance, and mentorship to the AV support team, promoting customer service excellence, effective troubleshooting practices, and consistent service delivery. Coaches team members on IT support best practices, professional communication, and customer engagement. Establishes priorities, coordinates support efforts, and identifies and addresses long-term or systemic AV issues through proactive problem-solving, process improvements, and collaboration with technical teams to enhance service quality, reliability, and overall customer satisfaction.
Essential or Marginal: Essential
Percent of Time: 20
Activity
Perform ticket management on all open incidents involving AV. This includes creating better ticket management systems, more impactful ticket submission processes, and better knowledge and solution management procedures. Delegates these responsibilities as needed.
Essential or Marginal: Essential
Percent of Time: 15
Activity
Other duties as assigned.
Essential or Marginal: Marginal
Percent of Time: 5
Internal Title: AV Support Team Lead
Position Type: Classified
Faculty / Non-Faculty / Administration: Non-Faculty
Pay Band: TEC05
Department: Networking and Engineering
Job Purpose
This position provides leadership and oversight for the College’s AV Support and AV Integration services, ensuring reliable technology, effective customer support, and consistent service delivery across campus. The AV Supervisor leads staff in supporting instructional and operational needs, maintaining high service standards, and delivering AV projects that enhance the campus technology environment. The position promotes collaboration, staff development, and continuous improvement to ensure dependable AV systems and a positive user experience.
Minimum Requirements
Bachelor’s degree and experience in network and technological support service experience required. Experience in Educational classroom technology and vendors is required. AVIXA CTS certification is a plus. Candidates with an equivalent combination of experience and/or education are encouraged to apply.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Proficient knowledge with Crestron, Extron, DISCAS, Epson, network devices, projectors & other AV peripherals. Proficient analyst, technical & troubleshooting skills. Knowledge of campus applications (MS Word, Excel, etc.). Knowledge of programming and configuring AV Crestron and Extron equipment. Excellent customer service, communication, verbal, written, & interpersonal skills. Must have knowledge of networks with Ethernet, wireless & other network protocols. Ability to follow procedures and keep accurate records. Should have or be able to obtain valid SC driver’s license.
Additional Comments Regarding Position
Ability to lift, move and adjust up to 40 lbs of equipment. May require nights and weekend work. Some overnight travel may be required. May be required to carry and respond to after hours on a rotational basis.
Special Instructions to Applicants
Please complete the application to include all current and previous work history and education. A resume will not be accepted nor reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position. Salary is commensurate with education/experience which exceeds the minimum requirements.
Offers of employment are contingent upon a successful background check.
All applications must be submitted online.
Salary
$58,854 - $60,488
Posting Date
11/06/2026
Closing Date
11/20/2026
Benefits
- Insurance: Health/Dental/Vision
- Life Insurance
- Paid Leave: Sick/Annual/Parental
- Retirement
- Long Term Disability
- Paid Holidays
- Free CARTA Bus Service
- Employee Tuition Assistance Program (ETAP)
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Full Benefits Package – Click Here
Open Until Filled: No
Posting Number: 2026177
EEO Statement
The College of Charleston is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any individual or group on the basis of sex, gender (including gender identity and/or expression), pregnancy, race, religion, color, national origin, age, disability, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, and other classifications protected by applicable federal, state, and local laws. For more information, please visit eop.cofc.edu.
Job Duties
Activity
Supports and maintains audiovisual (AV) equipment in classrooms, labs, conference rooms, and other various locations, throughout the College of Charleston Campus. Proactively identifies recurring problems and ticket items for further investigation and solutions. Communicates directly with customers to ensure satisfaction in the following fields: response time, completion of work requested in a timely manner, satisfaction of result, and professionalism throughout the process. Diagnoses and resolves technical issues related to AV components, computers, and networking cabling and hardware. Provides expertise and clarity to others both internal to the team and external to end-users and customers.
Essential or Marginal: Essential
Percent of Time: 40
Activity
Collaborates with project stakeholders to define and document project goals and expectations for small to medium size AV funded projects. Assists the AV Engineering team in developing project summaries, designs, and cost estimates. Oversees project scheduling and installation, ensuring alignment with established objectives. Monitors progress to ensure all project goals are met and conducts thorough closeout procedures to finalize projects successfully. Performs QA checks on all completed projects and installs to ensure proper fulfillment of needs. Delegates these responsibilities as needed.
Essential or Marginal: Essential
Percent of Time: 20
Activity
Provides leadership, guidance, and mentorship to the AV support team, promoting customer service excellence, effective troubleshooting practices, and consistent service delivery. Coaches team members on IT support best practices, professional communication, and customer engagement. Establishes priorities, coordinates support efforts, and identifies and addresses long-term or systemic AV issues through proactive problem-solving, process improvements, and collaboration with technical teams to enhance service quality, reliability, and overall customer satisfaction.
Essential or Marginal: Essential
Percent of Time: 20
Activity
Perform ticket management on all open incidents involving AV. This includes creating better ticket management systems, more impactful ticket submission processes, and better knowledge and solution management procedures. Delegates these responsibilities as needed.
Essential or Marginal: Essential
Percent of Time: 15
Activity
Other duties as assigned.
Essential or Marginal: Marginal
Percent of Time: 5
See all 258+ OPT Support Lead Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Support Lead
Target companies with an H-1B sponsorship history
Search OFLC disclosure data to confirm a company has filed H-1B visa petitions before. Employers who have sponsored support roles previously are far more likely to do it again than those encountering the process for the first time.
Frame your role as a specialty occupation from day one
Document that your Support Lead responsibilities require your specific degree. Generic support duties can undermine an H-1B petition, so keep a record of technical or specialized tasks that directly connect to your educational background.
Raise sponsorship before accepting an offer
Ask about H-1B sponsorship during the offer negotiation stage, not after you start. Employers are far more receptive when it is part of the initial conversation rather than a surprise request six months into employment.
Highlight cross-functional leadership in your resume
Support Lead roles that involve managing teams, owning escalation processes, or collaborating across departments are stronger H-1B candidates. Quantify your scope with metrics like team size, ticket volume, or customer satisfaction scores.
Understand your OPT end date and plan around H-1B timelines
H-1B cap-subject petitions are filed in April for an October 1 start. Map your OPT expiration against that calendar now so you and your employer have enough runway to file without gaps in your work authorization.
Use your STEM extension window strategically if eligible
If your degree is in a STEM field, the 24-month extension gives you two additional H-1B lottery cycles. Use that time to build your sponsorship case with a documented track record in the Support Lead role.
Support Lead OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can an F-1 OPT student work as a Support Lead?
Yes, as long as the role qualifies as a specialty occupation requiring a bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant field. Most Support Lead positions that involve technical systems, cross-functional coordination, or structured escalation management meet that standard. Your employer does not need to file any USCIS petition during your OPT period, only once they pursue H-1B sponsorship.
Does a Support Lead role qualify for a STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not the job title. If you graduated from a STEM-designated program, such as computer science, information systems, or engineering, you can apply for the 24-month STEM OPT extension regardless of your Support Lead title. The extension is tied to your CIP code, so check your program's designation on the DHS STEM list before assuming eligibility.
How do I find Support Lead jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Browse Migrate Mate, which surfaces roles from employers with a verified history of sponsoring international candidates. Filtering by OPT-friendly employers saves significant time compared to applying broadly and discovering visa limitations late in the process. Employers listed there understand work authorization requirements and are more likely to engage seriously with OPT applicants.
What happens to my OPT status if I get promoted from a Support Lead role to a different position?
A promotion or title change does not automatically affect your OPT authorization, but the new role must still be directly related to your degree field. If the new position is significantly different from what your OPT was approved for, notify your DSO. Staying in a related specialty occupation track protects your status and strengthens any future H-1B petition.
Will employers sponsor a Support Lead for an H-1B?
Many do, particularly at mid-size to large technology, SaaS, and enterprise companies where Support Lead roles are well-defined and degree requirements are documented. The key is demonstrating that the role requires a specific bachelor's degree, not just any degree. Employers who have sponsored support roles before are your strongest targets, and your DSO can help you frame the specialty occupation argument before you start applying.