STEM OPT IT Operations Manager Jobs
IT Operations Manager roles qualify for STEM OPT when your degree falls under an eligible CIP code in computer science, information technology, or a related field. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, and the 24-month extension gives you up to 36 months total to build your U.S. operations career without H-1B visa sponsorship on day one.
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INTRODUCTION
The Office of Cybersecurity (OCS) has the essential role and responsibility for the State of New Mexico (SoNM) Information Technology (IT) security program in coordination with state agencies. The administrative code (1.12.20 NMAC) and federal oversight requires state agencies to perform procedures necessary to ensure the security of information systems and federal data sets are protected from cyberattacks.
To maintain an adequate security posture by developing appropriate IT security policies, standards, and procedures with periodic updates to accurately reflect ever changing technology, legislative and user needs.
The OCS has the responsibility in protecting and monitoring the State of New Mexico's technology infrastructure and digital assets, including state agencies, mission critical systems and data.
Cyber attacks are dramatically increasing, and cybersecurity operations are facing new challenges. Cybersecurity is not just an IT problem anymore, it is a critical business risk, homeland security and public safety threat, voter confidence issue, and an economic development opportunity.
Technology continues to evolve, the cybersecurity landscape is constantly changing, increasing potential vulnerabilities and risk. Therefore, it is essential for the State Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) to secure additional security analysts to support the Office of Cybersecurity.
This posting will be used for ongoing recruitment and may close at any time. Applicant lists may be screened more than once.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Effective project management is essential to ensure that the Office of Cybersecurity can identify and mitigate risks and manage our resources effectively and efficiently. A Cybersecurity Project Manager plays a critical role to help us achieve our goals by managing complex projects that require coordination across multiple integrated technology areas, teams and stakeholders.
This position will support management of the Cybersecurity services being provided to K-12 Public Schools, Higher Educational Institutions, Local Governments, Tribal Entities and other political subdivisions. Services may include vulnerability management, security awareness training, risk assessments, and Penetration Testing.
The responsibilities of the Cybersecurity Project are but not limited to:
- Create comprehensive project plans, steer projects from initiation to close out.
- Set realistic timelines and milestones. Setting achievable and measurable milestones to help project stay on track.
- Allocate resources and manage project budgets.
- Stakeholder and management communication to engage and foster a collaborative environment.
- Draft professional service agreements, amendments, and other procurements that are technically sufficient including.
- Provide in-depth analysis and best practices recommendations for cybersecurity projects.
- Work with subscribers, team members and executive staff to ensure high-quality reports and metrics are available.
- Monitor compliance of vendors and report non-compliance.
- Participate in training and outreach to entities being provided services.
CUSTOMERS
The State Chief Information Security Officer, state agencies, K-12 public schools, higher educational institutions, local governments, tribal entities, and other political subdivisions.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Management Information Systems (MIS), Business Administration, or Information Technology and four (4) years of experience in software development, project management, or systems analysis, with a minimum two (2) years of experience in the PM role. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling eight (8) years may substitute for the required education and experience. CAPM/PMI-ACP certification may be substituted for one (1) year of experience. PMP/PgMP certification may be substituted for two (2) years of experience.
EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS
Must possess and maintain current ID or Driver's License. Pre-employment background investigation is required, and employment is conditional pending results.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is performed in an office setting with exposure to Visual/Video Display Terminal (VDT) and extensive personal computer and phone usage. Some sitting, standing, bending and reaching may be required.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
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Agency Contact Information: Natisha Montoya @ (505) 490-7236 or Email
For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.
This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as an IT Operations Manager
Verify your CIP code before applying
Check that your degree's CIP code appears on the SEVP-approved STEM OPT list. IT Operations Manager roles typically align with computer and information systems management, but your specific degree designation determines eligibility, not your job title.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
Run a search on the E-Verify employer search tool to confirm any prospective employer is actively enrolled. An offer from a non-enrolled employer voids your STEM OPT extension eligibility, no matter how far along the process you are.
Target employers with active STEM OPT I-983 experience
Prioritize companies that have previously signed I-983 training plans. IT operations teams at mid-size tech firms and managed service providers often have HR workflows already built around STEM OPT compliance, which reduces approval delays on your end.
Use Migrate Mate to filter for E-Verify employers
Search IT Operations Manager roles on Migrate Mate to surface employers verified for STEM OPT hiring. The platform filters by E-Verify enrollment and sponsorship history, so you can focus on outreach rather than vetting each company individually.
Benchmark your salary against OFLC Wage Search data
Your I-983 training plan must show that your role relates to your degree and that your compensation meets standard industry levels. Pull the prevailing wage for IT Operations Manager under your SOC code using the OFLC Wage Search before your employer files.
File your I-983 before your OPT end date
USCIS requires your I-983 to be submitted to your DSO with enough lead time to process the STEM OPT extension application. Missing your initial OPT end date without an approved extension or timely filing puts your work authorization at risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an IT Operations Manager role qualify for STEM OPT?
It depends on your degree, not your job title. STEM OPT eligibility is determined by whether your degree's CIP code appears on the SEVP-approved STEM list. Degrees in computer and information systems management, information technology, or computer science typically qualify. Confirm your specific CIP code with your DSO before applying for the extension.
What does the I-983 training plan require for this role?
Your employer must complete the I-983 to document how your IT Operations Manager duties directly relate to your STEM degree. The plan must include your job responsibilities, supervisory structure, and how the role develops your technical skills. USCIS requires both you and your employer to sign it, and your DSO must receive it before the extension application is submitted.
What happens to my STEM OPT if my employer loses E-Verify enrollment?
If your employer's E-Verify enrollment lapses or is terminated after your STEM OPT extension is approved, you're no longer in a valid training relationship. You must either find a new E-Verify enrolled employer or stop working. Report the change to your DSO within five days. USCIS treats this as a material change requiring immediate action.
How does cap-gap work if I'm an IT Operations Manager on STEM OPT and my employer files an H-1B?
If your employer files an H-1B petition on your behalf before your STEM OPT expires and you're selected in the lottery, cap-gap automatically extends your work authorization through September 30 of the fiscal year the H-1B takes effect. You can continue working as an IT Operations Manager in the same role without interruption during that period.
How do I find IT Operations Manager jobs from employers already set up for STEM OPT?
Search on Migrate Mate, which filters IT Operations Manager listings by E-Verify enrollment and employer sponsorship history. This matters because STEM OPT requires your employer to be actively enrolled in E-Verify, and targeting pre-vetted employers shortens the time between offer and your DSO submitting the STEM OPT extension to USCIS.