Government OPT Jobs in Indiana
Government F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in Indiana span federal agencies, state offices, and public universities across Indianapolis, Bloomington, and West Lafayette. Employers like Indiana University, Purdue University, and state government offices regularly hire international graduates in research, policy analysis, engineering, and IT roles that qualify for OPT work authorization.
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SALARY: $80,000 to $85,000 annually
SCHEDULE: 40 hours per week; with expectation of some work on evenings and weekends
Position Summary:
Full-time position that supports the Growth and Opportunity team within the Department of Community Investment. The Growth and Opportunity team develops and manages programming which helps to spur economic growth and expand access to economic opportunity in South Bend, and its many activities include economic and community development, economic incentives, business support, property acquisition, disposition and management, and records management. The Assistant Director of Growth and Opportunity helps advance economic and strategic priorities for the City.
As a leader and employee of the City of South Bend, you are entrusted with serving in a way that upholds Our Core Values: Excellence; Accountability; Innovation; Inclusion; and Empowerment. City employees are expected to serve South Bend residents to the highest standard and to exhibit the following qualities: Champion Values & Organizational Pride; Champion Operational Excellence; Make Sound Decisions; Embrace Coaching and Accountability; Communicate with Excellence; Value Diverse People and Perspectives; Embrace Personal Development; Exhibit a Positive Attitude; and Own Your Health, Wellness & Safety.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED:
Aid the Director of Growth and Opportunity in management of 6-7 employees.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Work collaboratively within the Growth and Opportunity Team and other City departments to advance Mayoral initiatives and City priorities.
- Manage, implement, and evaluate growth and development initiatives, ensuring alignment with Community Investment strategic goals.
- Establish and maintain strong relationships with local and regional stakeholders including developers, businesses and business organizations, nonprofits, community-focused organizations, other public entities, and stakeholders and interested parties focused on the economic health of South Bend and positioning residents for success.
- Aid the Director of Growth & Opportunity in the negotiation, implementation, and monitoring of development agreements to facilitate accomplishment of City objectives.
- Proactively pursue economic development opportunities that promote, enhance, and revitalize South Bend neighborhoods.
- Conduct research and analysis to inform policy recommendations, identify opportunities to improve the business environment within the City, and support sustainable economic growth.
- Represent the City and the Department of Community Investment at both private and public meetings, workshops, trainings, presentations, seminars, and other events.
- Collect and analyze information related to public investment in property and development projects.
- Help lead operations of the Growth and Opportunity team and collaborate within and outside of the Department of Community Investment to develop, implement, and improve new and existing City programming.
- Aid the Director of Growth & Opportunity in the management of the Growth & Opportunity team.
NON-ESSENTIAL/MARGINAL FUNCTIONS:
- Maintain files and documents in accordance with State statutes as well as rules and regulations promulgated by Federal, State, and local agencies.
- Assist other staff members as needed.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
EDUCATION / QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree is preferred, with a focus on planning, urban affairs, political science, public or business administration, engineering, finance/economics, or related field.
- Experience in real estate development, housing, urban planning, urban redevelopment, community development, economic development, or similar area of work experience.
KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Ability to learn and develop a working knowledge of economic development incentives and programs; real estate transactions, management, and terminology; business and commercial financing; real and personal property taxation; business attraction, expansion, and retention; land use, urban planning, and redevelopment principles and concepts; and coordination with public and private sector partners.
- Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with a diverse group of individuals, including industrialists, architects, contractors, developers, owners, decision makers, and the general public.
- Demonstrated ability to work with efficiency, flexibility, humility, and good humor.
- Commitment to excellence, innovation, and data-driven evaluation.
- Ability to manage and adapt to ambiguity and conflicting priorities in a public office environment.
- Knowledge of governmental structures, processes, and operations.
- Ability to work in Microsoft Office, especially Word and Excel, SharePoint, and GIS software packages.
- Ability to engage customers professionally and tactfully.
- Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing and to establish effective working relationships.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSE, REGISTRATION:
- Valid Driver’s License required.
EQUIPMENT:
Desktop and/or laptop computers; phone; copier/scanner.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, walk, talk, and hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk, use hands to fingers, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required in this job include vision and the ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Work is performed in office settings with moderate inside temperatures. The employee will be required on occasion to attend meetings and events outside of the office. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate. Entire office is smoke free.
DISCLAIMER:
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required of personnel so classified. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. The City of South Bend is an at-will employer.
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Government Job Roles in Indiana
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Search Government Jobs in IndianaGovernment Jobs in Indiana: Frequently Asked Questions
Which government employers in Indiana sponsor F-1 OPT visas?
Indiana's largest public universities, including Indiana University and Purdue University, are among the most active F-1 OPT employers in the state, hiring international graduates across research, IT, and administrative roles. Federal agencies with offices in Indianapolis, such as the Social Security Administration and Department of Veterans Affairs, also hire OPT-authorized workers in qualifying professional positions. State government agencies occasionally sponsor OPT depending on the role and departmental need.
Which cities in Indiana have the most government F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs?
Indianapolis concentrates the highest number of government OPT opportunities through state agencies, federal field offices, and public health departments. Bloomington and West Lafayette are strong alternatives given Indiana University and Purdue University's active international hiring programs. Fort Wayne and South Bend also have municipal and regional government employers that periodically hire F-1 OPT graduates, particularly in engineering, public administration, and technology roles.
What types of government roles typically qualify for F-1 OPT sponsorship in Indiana?
Roles that most consistently qualify for F-1 OPT in Indiana's government sector include research analyst, software engineer, data scientist, public health specialist, environmental engineer, and policy analyst positions. These roles typically require a bachelor's or advanced degree in a directly related field, satisfying the specialty occupation standard that underpins OPT eligibility. University research staff positions and federally funded project roles at public institutions also frequently qualify.
How do I find government F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in Indiana?
Migrate Mate filters government sector jobs in Indiana by OPT eligibility, showing roles from public universities, state agencies, and federal offices that have verified sponsorship history. Searching by city, such as Indianapolis or Bloomington, narrows results to positions where employers have actively hired F-1 OPT workers. Cross-referencing employer LCA filing records through OFLC helps confirm which Indiana government entities have sponsored international graduates in specific job categories.
Are there state-specific considerations for F-1 OPT sponsorship in Indiana's government sector?
Indiana's public universities operate under federal and state employment rules that generally permit OPT hiring, but individual departments may have additional compliance requirements tied to grant funding or federal contracts. Some federally funded research positions require E-Verify enrollment, which is standard for most large government employers in Indiana. International graduates in STEM fields may also qualify for a 24-month STEM OPT extension if the role falls under an approved STEM Classification of Instructional Programs code.