STEM OPT Program Analyst Jobs
Program Analyst roles in policy, operations, and data systems are strong fits for STEM OPT authorization. Your STEM degree qualifies you for the 24-month OPT extension, giving you up to 36 months to work for any employer enrolled in E-Verify. Analytical and quantitative degree fields map directly to this occupation.
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Description
Provides foundational administrative, analytical, project support, and stakeholder coordination services supporting Federal agency coordination efforts related to critical infrastructure protection and cybersecurity. Supports daily operational execution and program administration.
This position will work at the client site in Arlington, VA with some hybrid/remote flexibility.
Key Responsibilities:
- Maintain calendars, trackers, records, rosters, and action-item logs.
- Support meeting planning, scheduling, logistics, and documentation.
- Conduct research and prepare routine reports and presentations.
- Assist with project tracking, task management, and correspondence.
- Support route-and-clearance processes and records management.
- Provide executive support and quality-control reviews.
Basic Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree.
- 1 years of relevant administrative, analytical, or program support experience.
Preferred Skills/Experience:
- Strong organizational, writing, and oral communication skills.
- Experience writing SOPs, guidance documents, or other project documentation.
- Ability to easily communicate with senior government clients, lead discussions, and confidently discuss project status and propose solutions.
- Proficiency using Microsoft Office products.
- Previous DHS or CISA experience strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate and collaborate on a team in a dynamic environment, absorb and apply mission knowledge, and have a mindset of learning and continuous improvement.
Bot and Third-Party Applications
Please note that this application must be submitted directly by the applicant for consideration. Failure to do so may result in the application being excluded for consideration. Applicants needing an accommodation for disability or religious purposes in connection with the application process should contact Candidateaccommodation@icf.com for assistance.
Working at ICF
ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider, but we’re not your typical consultants. We combine unmatched expertise with cutting-edge technology to help clients solve their most complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future. We can only solve the world's toughest challenges by building a workplace that allows everyone to thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer. Together, our employees are empowered to share their expertise and collaborate with others to achieve personal and professional goals. For more information, please read our EEO policy.
We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Reasonable Accommodations are available, including, but not limited to, for disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, in all phases of the application and employment process. To request an accommodation, please email Candidateaccommodation@icf.com and we will be happy to assist. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations.
Read more about workplace discrimination rights or our benefit offerings which are included in the Transparency in (Benefits) Coverage Act.
Candidate AI Usage Policy
At ICF, we are committed to ensuring a fair interview process for all candidates based on their own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate or assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is not permitted. This policy is in place to maintain the integrity and authenticity of the interview process.
However, we understand that some candidates may require accommodation that involves the use of AI. If such an accommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance at candidateaccommodation@icf.com. We are dedicated to providing the necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.
Pay Range - There are multiple factors that are considered in determining final pay for a position, including, but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications and competencies that align to the specified role, geographic location, education and certifications as well as contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position.
The pay range for this position based on full-time employment is:
$55,665.00 - $94,631.00
Virginia Client Office (VA88)
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a Program Analyst
Verify your degree CIP code qualifies
Not every STEM degree automatically qualifies for the 24-month extension. Cross-reference your program's CIP code against the USCIS STEM Designated Degree Program List before you accept any offer to confirm your extension eligibility.
Check E-Verify status before applying
Program Analyst roles at consulting firms, federal contractors, and think tanks are plentiful, but your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify. Confirm enrollment through the E-Verify employer search before submitting your application, not after receiving an offer.
Align your training plan to analyst deliverables
Your I-983 training plan must show how the Program Analyst role applies your STEM degree. Map specific job duties, such as data modeling or systems evaluation, to learning objectives your DSO can approve without pushback.
Target federal contractors with structured analyst pipelines
Federal contractors are required to use E-Verify and frequently hire analysts for multi-year programs. Use Migrate Mate to filter Program Analyst openings by employers whose DOL filing history shows consistent STEM OPT hiring patterns.
Use OFLC Wage Search to benchmark before negotiating
Program Analyst wages vary by industry and metro area. Pull prevailing wage data from the OFLC Wage Search for your specific SOC code and location so you can negotiate from an informed baseline, not a generic range.
File your extension application 90 days early
USCIS requires your STEM OPT extension application to be filed at least 90 days before your initial OPT expires. Missing this window means a gap in work authorization, so build the DSO recommendation and I-765 submission into your timeline as soon as you have an offer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Program Analyst role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Program Analyst positions typically qualify if your degree is in a STEM field on the USCIS Designated Degree Program List, such as computer science, engineering, mathematics, statistics, or information systems. The role itself must also directly apply your STEM knowledge. USCIS evaluates both your degree's CIP code and the job's relationship to that field, so confirm both before relying on the extension for your employment timeline.
Does my Program Analyst employer need to be enrolled in E-Verify?
Yes, E-Verify enrollment is a hard requirement for every STEM OPT employer, with no exceptions. Consulting agencies, nonprofits, and government contractors that seem like obvious fits may not always be enrolled. Verify your prospective employer's status through the E-Verify employer search before you sign an offer letter, since changing employers after authorization begins requires a new training plan and DSO approval.
What goes into the I-983 training plan for a Program Analyst position?
The I-983 must detail how your day-to-day Program Analyst duties, such as requirements gathering, performance measurement, data analysis, or systems documentation, apply and build on your STEM degree. Vague descriptions like 'supporting program operations' are regularly flagged by DSOs. List specific technical tools, methodologies, and learning outcomes. Both you and your employer supervisor must sign the plan, and your DSO must approve it before your extension is filed.
How does cap-gap protection work if I'm a Program Analyst on STEM OPT?
If your employer files an H-1B visa petition on your behalf before your STEM OPT expires and you're selected in the lottery, cap-gap protection automatically extends your work authorization through September 30 of that fiscal year. You can continue working as a Program Analyst without interruption during that period. USCIS issues cap-gap guidance each spring, and your DSO can provide updated I-20 documentation reflecting the extension.
Where can I find Program Analyst jobs at E-Verify employers?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for STEM OPT students and surfaces Program Analyst openings at employers with verified E-Verify enrollment. You can filter by degree field and work authorization type, which removes the guesswork of manually vetting each employer. Federal contractors, management consulting firms, and research organizations are among the most consistent sources of Program Analyst roles that meet STEM OPT requirements.