OPT Training And Development Specialist Jobs
Training and Development Specialist roles are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with backgrounds in human resources, instructional design, or organizational psychology. Most positions qualify as specialty occupations for OPT purposes, and employers in corporate learning, healthcare, and tech sectors regularly hire candidates who need work authorization.
Find OPT Training And Development Specialist JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 22+ Training And Development Specialist jobs










See all Training And Development Specialist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Training And Development Specialist roles.
Get Access To All Jobs
INTRODUCTION
THIS POSTING WILL BE USED FOR ONGOING RECRUITMENT AND MAY CLOSE AT ANY TIME. APPLICANT LISTS MAY BE SCREENED MORE THAN ONCE.
THIS POSITION REQUIRES FULL-TIME, ON-SITE PRESENCE IN SANTA FE.
The Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) SHARE Bureau manages one of New Mexico's largest and most critical enterprise technology environments, supporting the financial and human resource operations of all agencies across state government. Through the statewide SHARE Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, the bureau delivers modern technology solutions, business process innovation, system administration, and customer support that help ensure billions of dollars in public funds are managed accurately, securely, and efficiently.
The SHARE team is recognized as a collaborative, forward-thinking organization committed to continuous improvement, modernization, and exceptional customer service. Employees have the opportunity to work on large-scale enterprise projects, lead statewide initiatives, and partner with human resource, financial, and technology professionals across New Mexico to improve government services for citizens.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Training and Development Coordinator exists to coordinate and oversee the Human Capital Management (HCM) Training and Development program for the Statewide Human Resources, Accounting, and Financial Enterprise (SHARE) system. This position works with HCM leadership, functional and technical staff, and agency end users and stakeholders to identify training needs, develop and maintain training materials, document business processes, identify potential modifications or improvements to business processes, and support process and knowledge transfer to promote effective and consistent use of the HCM system.
In addition, this position will support the HCM team in day-to-day operations with answering and triaging HCM help desk tickets and performing other similar duties to support the HCM Team in responding to issues or agency requests. The role requires the ability to work independently, the capability to develop performance and training standards, analysis of program needs, and the ability to train and support other employees.
Ultimately, the position exists to establish a sustainable internal HCM training and development function that strengthens employee capabilities, improves operational consistency, reduces reliance on external consulting resources, and supports the continued effectiveness and advancement of the SHARE HCM program.
Key responsibilities include:
- Identifying HCM training needs, developing training and supporting documentation, and delivering training to target audiences using a variety of delivery methods.
- Working with members of the SHARE HCM Team to document business processes by creating workflows, job aids, manuals, or other documentation as needed.
- Identifying areas within HCM where improvements can be made, and working with SHARE functional and technical staff to make improvements to the system, providing training, or improving business process.
- Coordinating with the SHARE Help Desk and the SHARE HCM Team to respond to and/or triage HCM tickets and requests.
CUSTOMERS
The customers for this position include statewide agencies and their human resources professionals who use the SHARE HCM system, as well as SHARE functional and technical teams, agency subject-matter experts, and other authorized system users. The position also works with Oracle, oversight agencies, vendors, and implementation partners to resolve system issues, support enhancements, and maintain reliable HCM operations across the State of New Mexico.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Associate's Degree and two (2) years of experience program administration or project management in areas related to the purpose of the position. Any combination of education and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling four (4) years may substitute for the required education and experience.
EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS
- State issued ID or Driver's License.
- Pre-employment criminal background check is required, and employment offer will not be extended prior to results.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is performed primarily in an office environment at the Bataan Memorial Building, 407 Galisteo Street, Santa Fe, NM. The position requires regular on-site attendance, extended periods of sitting, frequent use of a computer and standard office equipment, participation in meetings, and occasional lifting of office materials up to 25 pounds. The position may require occasional travel for meetings, training, or agency support.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Do you know what Total Compensation is? Click here
Agency Contact Information: Audrey Liddy (505) 795-5660 or Email
For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.
BARGAINING UNIT POSITION
This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
See all OPT Training And Development Specialist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Training And Development Specialist Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Training And Development Specialist
Connect your degree field to the role directly
OPT requires your job to relate to your field of study. Prepare a clear explanation of how your degree in HR, education, psychology, or a related field supports the training and development function you'll be performing on the job.
Emphasize instructional design experience
Candidates who can demonstrate hands-on experience with curriculum development, LMS platforms, or needs assessment stand out. Concrete project examples signal readiness for specialty occupation treatment, which strengthens the case for OPT and H-1B eligibility.
Ask about H-1B sponsorship before accepting an offer
OPT authorization is temporary. Before committing, confirm whether the employer has sponsored H-1B visas for this role before. A company with no sponsorship history may leave you without options when your OPT period expires.
Document your STEM extension eligibility if applicable
If your degree is in a STEM-designated field such as industrial-organizational psychology or educational technology, you may qualify for a 24-month OPT extension. Confirm your degree's CIP code with your DSO well before your initial OPT end date.
Use Migrate Mate to find verified sponsoring employers
Not every job posting discloses sponsorship willingness upfront. Browse Training and Development Specialist roles on Migrate Mate to find employers who have a documented history of supporting work authorization for candidates in this field.
Training And Development Specialist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Training and Development Specialist role qualify for OPT work authorization?
Yes, in most cases. The role typically requires a bachelor's degree in human resources, organizational psychology, instructional design, or a related field, which satisfies the specialty occupation standard USCIS applies when evaluating OPT eligibility. Your specific job duties and degree field must align, so review the offer letter carefully and discuss it with your DSO before accepting.
Can I work as a Training and Development Specialist on STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree. If your bachelor's or master's degree is in a STEM-designated field, such as industrial-organizational psychology, educational technology, or human factors, you may qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Non-STEM degrees like general HR or communications do not qualify. Check your program's CIP code with your DSO to confirm eligibility before your standard OPT period ends.
What should I look for in a Training and Development Specialist job to ensure it supports my OPT status?
The position should require a specific degree field relevant to your studies, not just any bachelor's degree. Job postings that list generic education requirements may not meet the specialty occupation threshold. Look for roles that specify instructional design, HR, or organizational development credentials. Browse Migrate Mate to find Training and Development Specialist positions posted by employers with a demonstrated history of hiring OPT candidates.
Will employers sponsor an H-1B visa after my OPT period for this role?
Many mid-size and large employers in corporate learning and HR do sponsor H-1B visas for Training and Development Specialists, but it is not universal. Roles classified as specialty occupations with a clear degree requirement are more likely to be approved by USCIS. Research the employer's past H-1B filing history and raise the sponsorship question directly during the offer stage, not after you start.
How does the 90-day unemployment rule affect Training and Development Specialists on OPT?
F-1 students on post-completion OPT may not accumulate more than 90 days of unemployment, or 150 days combined if on a STEM extension. If your training role ends before you secure a new position, that gap counts against your limit. Track your employment start and end dates carefully, keep your DSO informed of any changes, and maintain documentation of your job search activity throughout.