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.
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The Training and Development Specialist (TDS) is a full-time, non-exempt position reporting to the Senior Director of Retention in the College of Adult and Graduate Studies (CAGS).
The primary responsibility of the TDS is to facilitate the development of Student Service Advisors (SSAs). Through expertise of existing and emerging advising systems, the TDS assists all Office of Student Success staff with the consistent application of resources. By coordinating online and in-person training sessions, individualized coaching, and regular professional development opportunities, the TDS serves as the primary coordinator for SSAs for the development of advising-related skills. The TDS also actively supports the Office of Student Success Leadership Team with the implementation of technological advancements, process efficiency improvements, and troubleshooting complex and challenging obstacles that inhibit student retention and persistence.
This position requires excellent communication skills, a high level of mastery of advising duties, creative problem solving ability, technological expertise, and a Christ-centered leadership philosophy. The TDS is a crucial member of the Office of Student Success and is vital to the achievement of goals relating to student retention, persistence, and program completion.
A polished, professional demeanor and appearance are required. Hours may vary depending on need and may include evenings and weekends.
Job Location
Remote - must reside and work legally in the U.S. All work must be performed within the U.S.
About CCU
Colorado Christian University is the premier interdenominational Christian university in Colorado and the Rocky Mountain region, delivering world class education to thousands of students. The fully accredited, nonprofit University is located in Lakewood, Colorado, a suburb of Denver.
Colorado Christian University was founded in 1914. CCU’s motto is - grace and truth. This motto comes from John 1.14: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (ESV)
CCU's mission is Christ-centered higher education transforming students to impact the world with grace and truth.
Colorado Christian University cultivates knowledge and love of God in a Christ-centered community of learners and scholars, with an enduring commitment to the integration of exemplary academics, spiritual formation, and engagement with the world. We envision graduates who think critically and creatively, lead with high ethical and professional standards, embody the character and compassion of Jesus Christ, treasure the gospel, and who thereby are prepared to impact the world in their callings.
CCU embraces an educational model that was present at the foundation of many of the great western and American universities. It is made up of three pillars—competence, character, and Christ-centered faith. Secular universities have abandoned two of those pillars. We think this is a major oversight that eventually undermines education. Furthermore, we believe this classical educational model is both life-giving and greatly needed in our time.
A leader in higher education, CCU has been consistently ranked in the top 2 percent of colleges and universities nationwide for its core curriculum by the American Council of Trustees and Alumni. CCU has had ten consecutive years of enrollment growth and has been named one of the five fastest-growing master’s granting universities by The Chronicle of Higher Education.
CCU offers more than 200 degree program options for traditional and adult students through its two colleges - the College of Undergraduate Studies and College of Adult and Graduate Studies. More than 8,000 students attend the University on the main campus, in regional centers throughout Colorado, and online.
What is most appealing about working at CCU?
- Faith-friendly: CCU’s culture is unique to higher education. Where else can you pursue academic excellence yet read the Holy Bible, pray with teammates and students at work, and work to impact our culture in support of Christian values?
- Convictionally Christian: As a university, we have an enduring commitment to Christ, his kingdom, and the truth of God’s Word.
- Live out your calling: We are a traditional evangelical university where you can invest your God-given talents and abilities alongside coworkers and teammates, while having a profound influence on students as they deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ.
- Equip students for kingdom work: You can be a part of helping students discover their callings and preparing them for positions of significant leadership in the church, business, government, education, and other professions, as a key part of our University's Strategic Priorities.
We're looking for candidates who have:
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university, Master's degree preferred. Professionals with education and/or experience commensurate with the duties described will also be considered.
- Two or more years of service as an academic advisor strongly preferred.
- Effective oral, interpersonal, and written communication skills. Exceptional customer service, problem solving, decision making, and creative thinking skills in a fast-paced environment are greatly desired.
- Self-confidence, patience, empathy, and availability when building rapport with constituents. Understands and adapts quickly to multi-generational needs and characteristics.
- Creative, out-of-the-box ideas and takes initiative to find solutions while clarifying and enforcing CCU’s expectations and policies.
- Flexibility, adaptive to change, and teachable; ability to actively locate appropriate resources to assist with unfamiliar situations, is comfortable asking questions, and recognizes and learns from mistakes.
- Ability to maintain cohesive working relationships, views conflict positively, and operates with honesty and respect in all communication.
- Familiarity with adult education and academic environment.
- High technology proficiency including Microsoft products.
- Bilingual speaking and writing proficiency in Spanish/English preferred.
Key Job Duties
- Contribute to CCU’s mission: CCU provides Christ-centered higher education to transform students to impact the world with grace and truth. The TDS contributes to this mission by fostering the development of advising skills that are used as a key aspect of student retention and persistence.
- Train newly-hired SSAs and existing staff in: advising strategies, customer service, student communication (email and phone), degree planning, consistent use of technological resources, at-risk student engagement and support, and university policies and procedures.
- Lead formalized advising performance quality initiative (Advising with Purpose), including the creation of evaluation rubrics for advisor/student interactions.
- Assist with training relating to new departmental technological advancements, including Salesforce, Marketing Cloud, and advising-related data.
- Assist Directors of Retention and Senior Director of Retention with effective guidance and support for SSAs in handling complex, time-sensitive advising tasks within the available systems.
- Develop and maintain all training materials utilized by SSAs including training manual documents, complex student sample scenarios, multimedia trainings, and other training resources, within the departmental LMS training course.
- Provide virtual training for SSAs through scheduled webinars.
- Establish an assessment process for training methodology and effectiveness.
- Review new Standard Operating Procedures and train existing staff in procedural execution.
- Collaborate directly with OSS leadership on unique departmental projects as assigned.
Work Environment
While performing the duties of this job, you may be required to walk, stand, sit, reach with hands and arms, balance, stoop, speak with clarity, and have appropriate vision and hearing capabilities. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
What we offer our employees:
We offer competitive compensation and benefits packages to all employees. Our benefit package includes: a tuition waiver program, excellent healthcare, generous paid time off, matching 403(b) retirement plan, and additional organizational paid benefits and voluntary benefit offerings. Pay and benefits will be discussed in more detail as candidates progress through the interview process.
Colorado Christian University’s pay philosophy is based on internal and external data for pay equity; along with budgetary considerations for effective stewardship. Pay will be assigned based on relevant experience at a range of $45,000-$50,000 annually. We reserve the right to pay an equitable rate that we believe is within our salary structure or that may fit a candidate’s qualifications or experience for the job. A wage range posted is not a guarantee of a specific wage range for a job offer. CCU reserves the right to make pay decisions based on economic and equity considerations to attract the best possible talent. CCU does not determine pay based on sex or any other protected status.
Application Status
Applications will be accepted until position is filled.
About the Job
The Training and Development Specialist (TDS) is a full-time, non-exempt position reporting to the Senior Director of Retention in the College of Adult and Graduate Studies (CAGS).
The primary responsibility of the TDS is to facilitate the development of Student Service Advisors (SSAs). Through expertise of existing and emerging advising systems, the TDS assists all Office of Student Success staff with the consistent application of resources. By coordinating online and in-person training sessions, individualized coaching, and regular professional development opportunities, the TDS serves as the primary coordinator for SSAs for the development of advising-related skills. The TDS also actively supports the Office of Student Success Leadership Team with the implementation of technological advancements, process efficiency improvements, and troubleshooting complex and challenging obstacles that inhibit student retention and persistence.
This position requires excellent communication skills, a high level of mastery of advising duties, creative problem solving ability, technological expertise, and a Christ-centered leadership philosophy. The TDS is a crucial member of the Office of Student Success and is vital to the achievement of goals relating to student retention, persistence, and program completion.
A polished, professional demeanor and appearance are required. Hours may vary depending on need and may include evenings and weekends.
Job Location
Remote - must reside and work legally in the U.S. All work must be performed within the U.S.
About CCU
Colorado Christian University is the premier interdenominational Christian university in Colorado and the Rocky Mountain region, delivering world class education to thousands of students. The fully accredited, nonprofit University is located in Lakewood, Colorado, a suburb of Denver.
Colorado Christian University was founded in 1914. CCU’s motto is - grace and truth. This motto comes from John 1.14: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (ESV)
CCU's mission is Christ-centered higher education transforming students to impact the world with grace and truth.
Colorado Christian University cultivates knowledge and love of God in a Christ-centered community of learners and scholars, with an enduring commitment to the integration of exemplary academics, spiritual formation, and engagement with the world. We envision graduates who think critically and creatively, lead with high ethical and professional standards, embody the character and compassion of Jesus Christ, treasure the gospel, and who thereby are prepared to impact the world in their callings.
CCU embraces an educational model that was present at the foundation of many of the great western and American universities. It is made up of three pillars—competence, character, and Christ-centered faith. Secular universities have abandoned two of those pillars. We think this is a major oversight that eventually undermines education. Furthermore, we believe this classical educational model is both life-giving and greatly needed in our time.
A leader in higher education, CCU has been consistently ranked in the top 2 percent of colleges and universities nationwide for its core curriculum by the American Council of Trustees and Alumni. CCU has had ten consecutive years of enrollment growth and has been named one of the five fastest-growing master’s granting universities by The Chronicle of Higher Education.
CCU offers more than 200 degree program options for traditional and adult students through its two colleges - the College of Undergraduate Studies and College of Adult and Graduate Studies. More than 8,000 students attend the University on the main campus, in regional centers throughout Colorado, and online.
What is most appealing about working at CCU?
- Faith-friendly: CCU’s culture is unique to higher education. Where else can you pursue academic excellence yet read the Holy Bible, pray with teammates and students at work, and work to impact our culture in support of Christian values?
- Convictionally Christian: As a university, we have an enduring commitment to Christ, his kingdom, and the truth of God’s Word.
- Live out your calling: We are a traditional evangelical university where you can invest your God-given talents and abilities alongside coworkers and teammates, while having a profound influence on students as they deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ.
- Equip students for kingdom work: You can be a part of helping students discover their callings and preparing them for positions of significant leadership in the church, business, government, education, and other professions, as a key part of our University's Strategic Priorities.
We're looking for candidates who have:
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college/university, Master's degree preferred. Professionals with education and/or experience commensurate with the duties described will also be considered.
- Two or more years of service as an academic advisor strongly preferred.
- Effective oral, interpersonal, and written communication skills. Exceptional customer service, problem solving, decision making, and creative thinking skills in a fast-paced environment are greatly desired.
- Self-confidence, patience, empathy, and availability when building rapport with constituents. Understands and adapts quickly to multi-generational needs and characteristics.
- Creative, out-of-the-box ideas and takes initiative to find solutions while clarifying and enforcing CCU’s expectations and policies.
- Flexibility, adaptive to change, and teachable; ability to actively locate appropriate resources to assist with unfamiliar situations, is comfortable asking questions, and recognizes and learns from mistakes.
- Ability to maintain cohesive working relationships, views conflict positively, and operates with honesty and respect in all communication.
- Familiarity with adult education and academic environment.
- High technology proficiency including Microsoft products.
- Bilingual speaking and writing proficiency in Spanish/English preferred.
Key Job Duties
- Contribute to CCU’s mission: CCU provides Christ-centered higher education to transform students to impact the world with grace and truth. The TDS contributes to this mission by fostering the development of advising skills that are used as a key aspect of student retention and persistence.
- Train newly-hired SSAs and existing staff in: advising strategies, customer service, student communication (email and phone), degree planning, consistent use of technological resources, at-risk student engagement and support, and university policies and procedures.
- Lead formalized advising performance quality initiative (Advising with Purpose), including the creation of evaluation rubrics for advisor/student interactions.
- Assist with training relating to new departmental technological advancements, including Salesforce, Marketing Cloud, and advising-related data.
- Assist Directors of Retention and Senior Director of Retention with effective guidance and support for SSAs in handling complex, time-sensitive advising tasks within the available systems.
- Develop and maintain all training materials utilized by SSAs including training manual documents, complex student sample scenarios, multimedia trainings, and other training resources, within the departmental LMS training course.
- Provide virtual training for SSAs through scheduled webinars.
- Establish an assessment process for training methodology and effectiveness.
- Review new Standard Operating Procedures and train existing staff in procedural execution.
- Collaborate directly with OSS leadership on unique departmental projects as assigned.
Work Environment
While performing the duties of this job, you may be required to walk, stand, sit, reach with hands and arms, balance, stoop, speak with clarity, and have appropriate vision and hearing capabilities. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
What we offer our employees:
We offer competitive compensation and benefits packages to all employees. Our benefit package includes: a tuition waiver program, excellent healthcare, generous paid time off, matching 403(b) retirement plan, and additional organizational paid benefits and voluntary benefit offerings. Pay and benefits will be discussed in more detail as candidates progress through the interview process.
Colorado Christian University’s pay philosophy is based on internal and external data for pay equity; along with budgetary considerations for effective stewardship. Pay will be assigned based on relevant experience at a range of $45,000-$50,000 annually. We reserve the right to pay an equitable rate that we believe is within our salary structure or that may fit a candidate’s qualifications or experience for the job. A wage range posted is not a guarantee of a specific wage range for a job offer. CCU reserves the right to make pay decisions based on economic and equity considerations to attract the best possible talent. CCU does not determine pay based on sex or any other protected status.
Application Status
Applications will be accepted until position is filled.
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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.