Nonprofit OPT Jobs in Illinois
F-1 OPT nonprofit jobs in Illinois are concentrated in Chicago, where organizations like the American Medical Association, United Way of Metro Chicago, and Heartland Alliance regularly hire international graduates. Illinois's dense network of health-focused nonprofits, education advocacy groups, and social services organizations makes it one of the stronger states for OPT-eligible candidates pursuing mission-driven work.
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Since our founding in 1924, we've cut cardiovascular disease deaths in half, but there is still so much more to do. To overcome today’s biggest health challenges and accelerate this progress, we need passionate individuals like you. Join our movement, be part of the progress, and help ensure a healthier future for all. You matter, and so does the impact you can make with us.
The American Heart Association has an excellent opportunity for a Science and Medicine Advisor (SMA) in our National Center office located in Dallas, TX (Home-Based is acceptable).
The Science and Medicine Advisor (SMA) provides direction and guidance to the numerous US-based and international practicing physicians, scientists, and allied health professional volunteers who provide their clinical and research expertise to the Association. Through strong interpersonal and leadership skills and the SMA’s broad general knowledge of cardiovascular care and science, the SMA works with the science volunteers to produce the Association’s Scientific Statements, Clinical Practice Guidelines, online and face-to-face educational programs, responses to proposed advocacy and policy stances for the Association, and other activities that involve input from clinical and research experts.
In addition, the SMA serves as the in-house expert and resource to other Association staff members who are developing Association programs and projects (e.g., patient programs on atrial fibrillation or women’s health, press releases to the national news media describing new breakthroughs, and review of Association website materials).
The Association offers many resources to help you maintain work-life harmonization through your changing needs and life situations. To help you be successful, you will have access to Heart U, our award-winning corporate university, as well as additional training and support, locally.
TheAHALife is more than a company culture; it is our way of life. It embodies our commitment to work-life harmonization and is guided by our core values where our employees can thrive both personally and professionally. Discover why you will Be Seen. Be Heard. Be Valued at the American Heart Association by following us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, X, and at heart.jobs.
Responsibilities
- Guide and partner with science volunteers (clinicians, researchers, and scientists) in the creation of American Heart Association scientific statements, advisories, guidelines, conference programming, early career mentoring experiences, and the integration of these into other Association activities and programs.
- Provide consultation, guidance, and approval on science aspects to internal Association staff who develop and maintain public and professional programs, patient and lay publications, Association websites, press releases, corporate relations, and marketing materials with health and science implications and other public-facing activities.
- Work with teams to help review content for Association professional websites and products.
- Synthesize, analyze, and explain (verbally and in written communication) to lay professionals and internal Association staff the current state of science and medicine in their portfolios, as well as the implications these have for the Association.
Qualifications
- RN, MD, NP, PA with a Graduate degree and clinical experience from an academic medical center, hospital, or private practice caring for cardiovascular patients or equivalent experience; doctoral degree (PhD, DNP, etc.) preferred.
- Minimum of three (3) years of professional adult cardiology clinical experience with additional research experience in cardiovascular or related fields. Eight (8) years preferred.
- Superior writing & communication skills with a publication history in peer-reviewed journals.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with volunteers, staff, and the public as part of a team.
- Demonstrated ability to simultaneously manage multiple, complex projects in varying stages of development under time constraints.
- Ability to understand, integrate, and summarize scientific literature.
- Ability to manage high-level volunteers (domestic and international) with clinical and research backgrounds.
- Must be able to travel overnight for approx. 25% of the time.
Preferred Qualifications
- American Heart Association Scientific Council Professional Member.
- Experience in volunteer management.
- Demonstrated understanding and appreciation for the use of technology and information systems.
- Staff position experience in a not-for-profit and/or government sector or an active committee/Board/officer member in a professional member society (preferred).
Compensation & Benefits
The expected pay range will be $110,000 to $120,000. Pay is commensurate with experience; geographic differentials to the pay range may apply. The American Heart Association reserves the right to pay more or less than the posted range.
The American Heart Association invests in its people. Here are the main components of our total rewards package. Visit Rewards & Benefits to see more details.
- Compensation – Our goal is to ensure you have a competitive base salary. That’s why we regularly review the market value of jobs and make adjustments, as needed.
- Performance and Recognition – You are rewarded for achieving success through annual salary planning and incentive programs; based on the type of position.
- Benefits – We offer a wide array of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance, along with a robust retirement program that includes an employer match and automatic contribution. As a mark of our commitment to employee well-being, we also offer an employee assistance program, employee wellness program and telemedicine, and medical consultation.
- Professional Development – You can join one of our many Employee Resource Groups (ERG) or be a mentor/mentee in our professional mentoring program. Heart U is the Association’s national online university, with more than 100,000 resources designed to meet your needs and busy schedule.
- Work-Life Harmonization – The Association offers Paid Time Off (PTO) at a minimum of 16 days per year for new employees. The number of days will increase based on seniority level. You will also have a total of 12 paid holidays off each year, which includes several days off at the end of the year.
- Tuition Assistance – We support the career development of all employees. This program provides financial assistance to employees who wish to further their education and career in relation to their current duties and responsibilities, or for potential future positions in the organization.
The American Heart Association’s 2028 Goal: Building on over 100 years of trusted leadership in cardiovascular and brain health, by 2028 the Association will drive breakthroughs and implement proven solutions in science, policy, and care for healthier people and communities. The greatest discoveries in health must reach everyone where they are.
At American Heart Association | American Stroke Association, our mission is to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, religion, age, language, sexual orientation, national origin and physical or cognitive abilities.
This position not a match with your skills? Click here to see other opportunities.
In accordance with local and state laws where applicable, qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment.
EOE/Protected Veterans/Persons with Disabilities
LI-Remote
Join our Talent Community!
Join our Talent Community to receive updates on new opportunities and future events.
Location: US-TX-Dallas
Posted Date 1 month ago (6/19/2026 12:25 PM)
Requisition ID 2026-17600
Job Category Science & Research
Position Type Full Time
American Heart Association Offers
- Health Benefits
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans
- Disability & Insurance
- Well onTarget – Wellness Program
- Holidays & Paid Time Off
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
Overview
Since our founding in 1924, we've cut cardiovascular disease deaths in half, but there is still so much more to do. To overcome today’s biggest health challenges and accelerate this progress, we need passionate individuals like you. Join our movement, be part of the progress, and help ensure a healthier future for all. You matter, and so does the impact you can make with us.
The American Heart Association has an excellent opportunity for a Science and Medicine Advisor (SMA) in our National Center office located in Dallas, TX (Home-Based is acceptable).
The Science and Medicine Advisor (SMA) provides direction and guidance to the numerous US-based and international practicing physicians, scientists, and allied health professional volunteers who provide their clinical and research expertise to the Association. Through strong interpersonal and leadership skills and the SMA’s broad general knowledge of cardiovascular care and science, the SMA works with the science volunteers to produce the Association’s Scientific Statements, Clinical Practice Guidelines, online and face-to-face educational programs, responses to proposed advocacy and policy stances for the Association, and other activities that involve input from clinical and research experts.
In addition, the SMA serves as the in-house expert and resource to other Association staff members who are developing Association programs and projects (e.g., patient programs on atrial fibrillation or women’s health, press releases to the national news media describing new breakthroughs, and review of Association website materials).
The Association offers many resources to help you maintain work-life harmonization through your changing needs and life situations. To help you be successful, you will have access to Heart U, our award-winning corporate university, as well as additional training and support, locally.
TheAHALife is more than a company culture; it is our way of life. It embodies our commitment to work-life harmonization and is guided by our core values where our employees can thrive both personally and professionally. Discover why you will Be Seen. Be Heard. Be Valued at the American Heart Association by following us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, X, and at heart.jobs.
Responsibilities
- Guide and partner with science volunteers (clinicians, researchers, and scientists) in the creation of American Heart Association scientific statements, advisories, guidelines, conference programming, early career mentoring experiences, and the integration of these into other Association activities and programs.
- Provide consultation, guidance, and approval on science aspects to internal Association staff who develop and maintain public and professional programs, patient and lay publications, Association websites, press releases, corporate relations, and marketing materials with health and science implications and other public-facing activities.
- Work with teams to help review content for Association professional websites and products.
- Synthesize, analyze, and explain (verbally and in written communication) to lay professionals and internal Association staff the current state of science and medicine in their portfolios, as well as the implications these have for the Association.
Qualifications
- RN, MD, NP, PA with a Graduate degree and clinical experience from an academic medical center, hospital, or private practice caring for cardiovascular patients or equivalent experience; doctoral degree (PhD, DNP, etc.) preferred.
- Minimum of three (3) years of professional adult cardiology clinical experience with additional research experience in cardiovascular or related fields. Eight (8) years preferred.
- Superior writing & communication skills with a publication history in peer-reviewed journals.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with volunteers, staff, and the public as part of a team.
- Demonstrated ability to simultaneously manage multiple, complex projects in varying stages of development under time constraints.
- Ability to understand, integrate, and summarize scientific literature.
- Ability to manage high-level volunteers (domestic and international) with clinical and research backgrounds.
- Must be able to travel overnight for approx. 25% of the time.
Preferred Qualifications
- American Heart Association Scientific Council Professional Member.
- Experience in volunteer management.
- Demonstrated understanding and appreciation for the use of technology and information systems.
- Staff position experience in a not-for-profit and/or government sector or an active committee/Board/officer member in a professional member society (preferred).
Compensation & Benefits
The expected pay range will be $110,000 to $120,000. Pay is commensurate with experience; geographic differentials to the pay range may apply. The American Heart Association reserves the right to pay more or less than the posted range.
The American Heart Association invests in its people. Here are the main components of our total rewards package. Visit Rewards & Benefits to see more details.
- Compensation – Our goal is to ensure you have a competitive base salary. That’s why we regularly review the market value of jobs and make adjustments, as needed.
- Performance and Recognition – You are rewarded for achieving success through annual salary planning and incentive programs; based on the type of position.
- Benefits – We offer a wide array of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance, along with a robust retirement program that includes an employer match and automatic contribution. As a mark of our commitment to employee well-being, we also offer an employee assistance program, employee wellness program and telemedicine, and medical consultation.
- Professional Development – You can join one of our many Employee Resource Groups (ERG) or be a mentor/mentee in our professional mentoring program. Heart U is the Association’s national online university, with more than 100,000 resources designed to meet your needs and busy schedule.
- Work-Life Harmonization – The Association offers Paid Time Off (PTO) at a minimum of 16 days per year for new employees. The number of days will increase based on seniority level. You will also have a total of 12 paid holidays off each year, which includes several days off at the end of the year.
- Tuition Assistance – We support the career development of all employees. This program provides financial assistance to employees who wish to further their education and career in relation to their current duties and responsibilities, or for potential future positions in the organization.
The American Heart Association’s 2028 Goal: Building on over 100 years of trusted leadership in cardiovascular and brain health, by 2028 the Association will drive breakthroughs and implement proven solutions in science, policy, and care for healthier people and communities. The greatest discoveries in health must reach everyone where they are.
At American Heart Association | American Stroke Association, our mission is to be a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, religion, age, language, sexual orientation, national origin and physical or cognitive abilities.
This position not a match with your skills? Click here to see other opportunities.
In accordance with local and state laws where applicable, qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment.
EOE/Protected Veterans/Persons with Disabilities
LI-Remote
Join our Talent Community!
Join our Talent Community to receive updates on new opportunities and future events.
Location: US-TX-Dallas
Posted Date 1 month ago (6/19/2026 12:25 PM)
Requisition ID 2026-17600
Job Category Science & Research
Position Type Full Time
American Heart Association Offers
- Health Benefits
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans
- Disability & Insurance
- Well onTarget – Wellness Program
- Holidays & Paid Time Off
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
OPT Nonprofit Job Roles in Illinois
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Search Nonprofit Jobs in IllinoisNonprofit OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
Which nonprofit organizations in Illinois are known to sponsor F-1 OPT workers?
Large Illinois-based nonprofits with consistent international hiring include the American Medical Association, Feeding America (headquartered in Chicago), World Business Chicago, and the University of Chicago's affiliated research institutes. Health systems operating as nonprofits, such as Northwestern Medicine and Rush University Medical Center, also hire OPT workers in research and administrative roles. Sponsorship availability varies by role and fiscal year, so confirming directly with each employer's HR team is important.
Which cities in Illinois have the most nonprofit F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs?
Chicago accounts for the overwhelming majority of nonprofit F-1 OPT opportunities in Illinois, driven by its concentration of national nonprofit headquarters, hospital systems, and policy organizations in neighborhoods like the Loop, River North, and Hyde Park. Evanston, home to Northwestern University and several affiliated nonprofits, is a secondary hub. Springfield has nonprofit roles connected to state-level advocacy, though volume is significantly lower than Chicago.
What types of nonprofit roles typically qualify for F-1 OPT sponsorship in Illinois?
Roles that align with a graduate's field of study are most straightforward for OPT authorization. Common qualifying positions in Illinois nonprofits include program analyst, public health researcher, data coordinator, communications associate, policy analyst, and grant writer roles tied to relevant degree fields. Positions in finance, IT, and operations within nonprofits also regularly qualify when the candidate's degree matches. Roles that are primarily volunteer-coordination or general administrative may face more scrutiny regarding degree relevance.
How do I find nonprofit F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in Illinois?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for international students on OPT and filters jobs by visa type and industry, making it straightforward to browse nonprofit F-1 OPT openings in Illinois without sifting through listings that don't apply to you. Beyond Migrate Mate, attending Chicago-area nonprofit career fairs and connecting with DSO offices at Illinois universities can surface opportunities not widely advertised. Targeting organizations with existing H-1B visa filing histories is a useful signal that an employer understands work authorization processes.
Are there any Illinois-specific considerations for F-1 OPT sponsorship in the nonprofit sector?
Illinois nonprofits are subject to the same federal OPT rules as employers nationwide, but a few state-level factors are worth knowing. Illinois has a large network of STEM-adjacent nonprofits in public health and environmental research, which may support STEM OPT extension eligibility for qualifying degree holders. Chicago's competitive nonprofit job market also means that demonstrating mission alignment alongside technical skills tends to strengthen candidacy at organizations that receive many applications from both domestic and international graduates.