Nonprofit OPT Jobs in Washington DC
Washington DC is one of the strongest markets in the country for nonprofit F-1 OPT jobs, with major employers like the World Bank, American Red Cross, AARP, and hundreds of policy-focused organizations headquartered here. The concentration of international NGOs, think tanks, and advocacy groups makes DC unusually active for F-1 OPT sponsorship in the nonprofit sector.
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Get Access To All JobsAbout LEDC: The Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC) is a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) community development organization founded in 1991. LEDC is a local certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and HUD-Certified Housing Counseling agency committed to deepening its impact, strengthening institutional resilience, and positioning the organization as a long-term leader in economic development across the Washington Metropolitan Region. LEDC’s mission is to drive the economic advancement of Latinos and local communities by closing critical gaps in access to capital, knowledge, and opportunity. Through an integrated approach that combines financing, technical assistance, and housing support, LEDC equips entrepreneurs and families to build stability, grow assets, and achieve long-term prosperity. LEDC is headquartered in Washington, DC, and has offices in Arlington, VA; Baltimore, MD; and White Oak, MD; in addition to managing the Financial Empowerment Center in Wheaton, MD.
Our Mission: LEDC catalyzes economic advancement of Latinos and local communities by bridging the gap to capital and resources to achieve financial prosperity.
About the Team: LEDC’s Housing Department brings together Housing Counseling, Tenant Services, and Financial Empowerment to support individuals and families across our service areas in achieving stable, informed, and sustainable housing outcomes. The Department works with first-time homebuyers, renters, current homeowners, and individuals facing housing or financial challenges, meeting clients where they are and guiding them through critical housing and financial decisions.
Staff across all teams collaborate to ensure clients receive comprehensive, high-quality services that strengthen long-term housing security and financial resilience.
Position Summary: The Bilingual Housing Counselor provides direct housing counseling and group education to LEDC clients on the homebuying process, affordability and financial capability, rental counseling, post-purchase, foreclosure prevention, and first-time homebuyer programs. The counselor serves clients throughout the Metropolitan area and Baltimore, works closely with the Housing Counseling Team, and reports to the Housing Counseling & Services Program Manager – DC.
This position requires working one evening per week (11:00 AM – 7:00 PM) and at least one Saturday per month.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Provide individual housing counseling to support clients in achieving their housing goals, including:
- Rental counseling
- Affordability and financial capability
- Pre-purchase counseling for prospective homebuyers
- Post-purchase and foreclosure prevention counseling
- Analyze clients’ financial capacity and develop individualized action plans
- Assist clients with applications for down payment assistance, homeowner assistance, and affordable rental programs
- Maintain communication with professionals involved in the homebuying process, including lenders, underwriters, realtors, and settlement agents
- Provide technical assistance, including document collection, application submission, and follow-up
- Conduct group workshops and presentations on housing counseling topics
- Conduct outreach to promote housing counseling services
- Document services, maintain case files, and track clients case management and data using CounselorMax and other systems in accordance with program requirements
- Assist with program reporting and administrative requirements in a timely and accurate manner
- Bi-weekly workday at DHCD-DC Housing Resource Center
- Participate in housing counseling initiatives across LEDC service areas
- Obtain and maintain required certifications, including HUD and NCHEC certifications, and participate in professional development opportunities
Specific duties may vary based on program needs, funding requirements, and operational priorities. As the role evolves, additional responsibilities may be assigned.
Required Qualifications:
We recognize that candidates may meet these qualifications in different ways and encourage individuals with a passion for community-centered work to apply, even if their experience does not align perfectly with every item listed.
- Bilingual in English and Spanish, with strong verbal and written communication skills in both languages.
- Ability to study for, pass, and obtain the HUD Housing Counseling Certification in the first three months of employment. HUD Housing Certification at time of hire strongly preferred.
- Bachelor's Degree & 2+ years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of experience and education.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to meet deadlines and program goals.
- Strong customer service orientation with a friendly, patient, and professional demeanor.
- Excellent organizational skills with the ability to multitask, prioritize deadlines.
- Detail-oriented and dependable, with strong follow-through and documentation practices.
- Flexibility to work evenings and Saturdays as required to meet client and program needs.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively as part of a team.
- Strong interpersonal skills, including active listening, problem-solving, and culturally responsive communication.
Additional Qualifications:
- Knowledge of down payment assistance programs in the DMV area
- Knowledge of affordable housing regulations, eligibility requirements, and compliance standards.
- Ability to obtain and maintain required certifications within the designated timeframe
- Availability to work evenings and weekends, as needed, to support program delivery and community events.
- Ability to travel to support clients, programs, events, and other office locations.
- Access to reliable transportation.
Preferred Qualifications:
- HUD Housing Counseling Certification at time of hire.
- Demonstrated ability to build rapport and work respectfully with individuals from diverse cultural, educational, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
- Creative, solution-oriented approach to client support and case management.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and experience using CounselorMax or comparable client management databases.
- Prior experience in client-facing, case management, administrative, or community-based service roles.
LEDC will cover the cost of up to three attempts to obtain the HUD certification. Continued employment in the role is contingent upon obtaining certification within the required timeframe.
Work Environment & Schedule:
-
Work Environment: This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment, such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and scanners. The office environment is generally climate-controlled; however, temperatures may vary, and some individuals may find it too warm or too cool at times.
-
Hybrid Work Model: LEDC maintains a hybrid workplace model. In-office schedules vary by team, but all staff are expected to be able to report to the office any day of the week, as needed.
-
Schedule: Typical office hours are 9am-5pm, however the finalized schedule is approved by this position’s supervisor. This is a full-time, exempt which typically requires 40 hours per week. Some travel or work outside of normal hours may be required.
-
Travel: This role requires occasional travel for meetings, trainings, and events within the DMV region. Rarely, occasional overnight travel may be required.
-
Primary Reporting Location: 12520 Prosperity Drive, Suite 200 Silver Spring, Maryland
Physical Requirements:
This is largely a sedentary role; however, some or all of the following may be required:
- Ability to remain in a stationary position for prolonged periods (e.g., sitting at a desk).
- Ability to move about the office to access files, office machinery, etc.
- Ability to occasionally move/lift/carry up to 10–20 pounds (e.g., office supplies, files, equipment).
- Constant operation of a computer, keyboard, mouse, and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine and scanner.
- Ability to operate standard office equipment (copiers, printers, scanners, telephones)
- The person in this position frequently communicates with staff, external stakeholders and clients who have inquiries about our services and/or their cases. The incumbent must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.
- Constantly views and reads information on a computer screen for extended periods.
- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in person, over the phone, and in writing.
- Ability to see details at close range (within a few feet).
- Ability to hear and respond to spoken communication during meetings, calls, and office interactions.
- Regularly works in an office setting with moderate noise levels.
- Ability to enter and move through commercial buildings, including navigating stairs, elevators, hallways, and uneven surfaces.
- Occasionally required to travel to external locations for meetings, trainings, or events.
This list is not exhaustive, and other reasonable physical requirements may be assigned as needed to support the role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.
Compensation & Benefits:
The annual salary range for this position is $58,467.00 - $66,974.00, commensurate with experience and team budget and covers all hours worked. LEDC provides a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Options for employer-paid healthcare, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
- Paid sick leave, vacation, and personal days.
- Additional benefits and resources to support employee wellbeing.
How To Apply:
Send your cover letter* and resume to housingjobs@ledcmetro.org, with a subject line of: Bilingual Housing Counselor - DC. No phone calls please!
*In lieu of a cover letter, you may send your responses to the following questions:
- Why are you interested in the Bilingual Housing Counselor - DC role?
- How do your skills and experiences make you a good candidate for the Bilingual Housing Counselor role?
- How do your values and experience align with LEDC’s mission to drive economic growth in our region by equipping individuals with the skills and resources to achieve financial prosperity through homeownership and building thriving businesses?
Notices
Equal Opportunity
Equal access to programs, services, and employment is available to all qualified persons. Those applicants requiring accommodation to complete the application and/or interview process should contact HR@ledcmetro.org. LEDC is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, with a drug-free workplace, and complies with ADA regulations as applicable. All applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, personal appearance, national origin, ancestry, physical/mental disability, medical condition, military/veteran status, genetic information, marital status, ethnicity, alienage, or any other protected classification, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. We make hiring decisions solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.
This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship.
E-Verify
LEDC participates in the federal government’s E-Verify program, which confirms employment authorization of all newly hired employees and most existing employees through an electronic database maintained by the Social Security Administration and Department of Homeland Security. For new hires, the E-Verify process is completed in conjunction with the Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification on or before the first day of work. E-Verify is not used as a tool to pre-screen candidates. For up-to-date information on E-Verify, visit e-verify.gov
Pay: $58,467.00 - $66,974.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Washington, DC 20009
About LEDC: The Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC) is a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) community development organization founded in 1991. LEDC is a local certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and HUD-Certified Housing Counseling agency committed to deepening its impact, strengthening institutional resilience, and positioning the organization as a long-term leader in economic development across the Washington Metropolitan Region. LEDC’s mission is to drive the economic advancement of Latinos and local communities by closing critical gaps in access to capital, knowledge, and opportunity. Through an integrated approach that combines financing, technical assistance, and housing support, LEDC equips entrepreneurs and families to build stability, grow assets, and achieve long-term prosperity. LEDC is headquartered in Washington, DC, and has offices in Arlington, VA; Baltimore, MD; and White Oak, MD; in addition to managing the Financial Empowerment Center in Wheaton, MD.
Our Mission: LEDC catalyzes economic advancement of Latinos and local communities by bridging the gap to capital and resources to achieve financial prosperity.
About the Team: LEDC’s Housing Department brings together Housing Counseling, Tenant Services, and Financial Empowerment to support individuals and families across our service areas in achieving stable, informed, and sustainable housing outcomes. The Department works with first-time homebuyers, renters, current homeowners, and individuals facing housing or financial challenges, meeting clients where they are and guiding them through critical housing and financial decisions.
Staff across all teams collaborate to ensure clients receive comprehensive, high-quality services that strengthen long-term housing security and financial resilience.
Position Summary: The Bilingual Housing Counselor provides direct housing counseling and group education to LEDC clients on the homebuying process, affordability and financial capability, rental counseling, post-purchase, foreclosure prevention, and first-time homebuyer programs. The counselor serves clients throughout the Metropolitan area and Baltimore, works closely with the Housing Counseling Team, and reports to the Housing Counseling & Services Program Manager – DC.
This position requires working one evening per week (11:00 AM – 7:00 PM) and at least one Saturday per month.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Provide individual housing counseling to support clients in achieving their housing goals, including:
- Rental counseling
- Affordability and financial capability
- Pre-purchase counseling for prospective homebuyers
- Post-purchase and foreclosure prevention counseling
- Analyze clients’ financial capacity and develop individualized action plans
- Assist clients with applications for down payment assistance, homeowner assistance, and affordable rental programs
- Maintain communication with professionals involved in the homebuying process, including lenders, underwriters, realtors, and settlement agents
- Provide technical assistance, including document collection, application submission, and follow-up
- Conduct group workshops and presentations on housing counseling topics
- Conduct outreach to promote housing counseling services
- Document services, maintain case files, and track clients case management and data using CounselorMax and other systems in accordance with program requirements
- Assist with program reporting and administrative requirements in a timely and accurate manner
- Bi-weekly workday at DHCD-DC Housing Resource Center
- Participate in housing counseling initiatives across LEDC service areas
- Obtain and maintain required certifications, including HUD and NCHEC certifications, and participate in professional development opportunities
Specific duties may vary based on program needs, funding requirements, and operational priorities. As the role evolves, additional responsibilities may be assigned.
Required Qualifications:
We recognize that candidates may meet these qualifications in different ways and encourage individuals with a passion for community-centered work to apply, even if their experience does not align perfectly with every item listed.
- Bilingual in English and Spanish, with strong verbal and written communication skills in both languages.
- Ability to study for, pass, and obtain the HUD Housing Counseling Certification in the first three months of employment. HUD Housing Certification at time of hire strongly preferred.
- Bachelor's Degree & 2+ years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of experience and education.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to meet deadlines and program goals.
- Strong customer service orientation with a friendly, patient, and professional demeanor.
- Excellent organizational skills with the ability to multitask, prioritize deadlines.
- Detail-oriented and dependable, with strong follow-through and documentation practices.
- Flexibility to work evenings and Saturdays as required to meet client and program needs.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively as part of a team.
- Strong interpersonal skills, including active listening, problem-solving, and culturally responsive communication.
Additional Qualifications:
- Knowledge of down payment assistance programs in the DMV area
- Knowledge of affordable housing regulations, eligibility requirements, and compliance standards.
- Ability to obtain and maintain required certifications within the designated timeframe
- Availability to work evenings and weekends, as needed, to support program delivery and community events.
- Ability to travel to support clients, programs, events, and other office locations.
- Access to reliable transportation.
Preferred Qualifications:
- HUD Housing Counseling Certification at time of hire.
- Demonstrated ability to build rapport and work respectfully with individuals from diverse cultural, educational, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
- Creative, solution-oriented approach to client support and case management.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and experience using CounselorMax or comparable client management databases.
- Prior experience in client-facing, case management, administrative, or community-based service roles.
LEDC will cover the cost of up to three attempts to obtain the HUD certification. Continued employment in the role is contingent upon obtaining certification within the required timeframe.
Work Environment & Schedule:
-
Work Environment: This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment, such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and scanners. The office environment is generally climate-controlled; however, temperatures may vary, and some individuals may find it too warm or too cool at times.
-
Hybrid Work Model: LEDC maintains a hybrid workplace model. In-office schedules vary by team, but all staff are expected to be able to report to the office any day of the week, as needed.
-
Schedule: Typical office hours are 9am-5pm, however the finalized schedule is approved by this position’s supervisor. This is a full-time, exempt which typically requires 40 hours per week. Some travel or work outside of normal hours may be required.
-
Travel: This role requires occasional travel for meetings, trainings, and events within the DMV region. Rarely, occasional overnight travel may be required.
-
Primary Reporting Location: 12520 Prosperity Drive, Suite 200 Silver Spring, Maryland
Physical Requirements:
This is largely a sedentary role; however, some or all of the following may be required:
- Ability to remain in a stationary position for prolonged periods (e.g., sitting at a desk).
- Ability to move about the office to access files, office machinery, etc.
- Ability to occasionally move/lift/carry up to 10–20 pounds (e.g., office supplies, files, equipment).
- Constant operation of a computer, keyboard, mouse, and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine and scanner.
- Ability to operate standard office equipment (copiers, printers, scanners, telephones)
- The person in this position frequently communicates with staff, external stakeholders and clients who have inquiries about our services and/or their cases. The incumbent must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.
- Constantly views and reads information on a computer screen for extended periods.
- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in person, over the phone, and in writing.
- Ability to see details at close range (within a few feet).
- Ability to hear and respond to spoken communication during meetings, calls, and office interactions.
- Regularly works in an office setting with moderate noise levels.
- Ability to enter and move through commercial buildings, including navigating stairs, elevators, hallways, and uneven surfaces.
- Occasionally required to travel to external locations for meetings, trainings, or events.
This list is not exhaustive, and other reasonable physical requirements may be assigned as needed to support the role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.
Compensation & Benefits:
The annual salary range for this position is $58,467.00 - $66,974.00, commensurate with experience and team budget and covers all hours worked. LEDC provides a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
- Options for employer-paid healthcare, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
- Paid sick leave, vacation, and personal days.
- Additional benefits and resources to support employee wellbeing.
How To Apply:
Send your cover letter* and resume to housingjobs@ledcmetro.org, with a subject line of: Bilingual Housing Counselor - DC. No phone calls please!
*In lieu of a cover letter, you may send your responses to the following questions:
- Why are you interested in the Bilingual Housing Counselor - DC role?
- How do your skills and experiences make you a good candidate for the Bilingual Housing Counselor role?
- How do your values and experience align with LEDC’s mission to drive economic growth in our region by equipping individuals with the skills and resources to achieve financial prosperity through homeownership and building thriving businesses?
Notices
Equal Opportunity
Equal access to programs, services, and employment is available to all qualified persons. Those applicants requiring accommodation to complete the application and/or interview process should contact HR@ledcmetro.org. LEDC is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, with a drug-free workplace, and complies with ADA regulations as applicable. All applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, age, personal appearance, national origin, ancestry, physical/mental disability, medical condition, military/veteran status, genetic information, marital status, ethnicity, alienage, or any other protected classification, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. We make hiring decisions solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.
This policy applies to all employment practices within our organization, including hiring, recruiting, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, leave of absence, compensation, benefits, training, and apprenticeship.
E-Verify
LEDC participates in the federal government’s E-Verify program, which confirms employment authorization of all newly hired employees and most existing employees through an electronic database maintained by the Social Security Administration and Department of Homeland Security. For new hires, the E-Verify process is completed in conjunction with the Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification on or before the first day of work. E-Verify is not used as a tool to pre-screen candidates. For up-to-date information on E-Verify, visit e-verify.gov
Pay: $58,467.00 - $66,974.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Washington, DC 20009
OPT Nonprofit Job Roles in Washington DC
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Search Nonprofit Jobs in Washington DCNonprofit OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Washington DC: Frequently Asked Questions
Which nonprofit organizations in Washington DC commonly sponsor F-1 OPT workers?
DC-based nonprofits with a history of hiring international talent include the World Bank Group, International Monetary Fund, American Red Cross, AARP, National Geographic Society, and numerous policy and advocacy organizations along K Street and Massachusetts Avenue. Think tanks such as the Brookings Institution and the Urban Institute also regularly bring on OPT workers in research and program roles. Sponsorship practices vary by organization and role, so confirming directly with each employer is important.
Which areas within Washington DC have the most nonprofit F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs?
Most nonprofit OPT opportunities in DC are concentrated in the District itself, particularly in the Dupont Circle, Capitol Hill, and downtown corridors where international organizations and advocacy groups cluster. The broader National Capital Region, including nearby Arlington and Bethesda, also hosts significant nonprofit activity, but the District's core neighborhoods account for the highest density of mission-driven employers actively hiring internationally educated candidates.
What types of nonprofit roles typically qualify for F-1 OPT sponsorship in Washington DC?
Roles most commonly supported under F-1 OPT in DC nonprofits include program analysts, policy researchers, communications associates, data analysts, development coordinators, and international affairs specialists. Positions that directly apply a candidate's degree field tend to be the strongest fit for OPT authorization. Roles in advocacy, public health, international development, and economic policy align well given DC's organizational mix, though each employer determines which positions they are willing to support.
How do I find nonprofit F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in Washington DC?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for international students and OPT holders searching for visa-friendly roles, including nonprofit F-1 OPT jobs in Washington DC. You can filter by visa type and industry to surface organizations that have sponsored F-1 OPT workers, saving significant time compared to reviewing employer policies individually. Given how many DC nonprofits hire internationally, using a focused platform like Migrate Mate helps you identify realistic opportunities efficiently.
Are there any DC-specific or nonprofit-sector considerations for F-1 OPT sponsorship?
Washington DC nonprofits frequently work on federal contracts or grants, which can create additional compliance considerations around work authorization verification. Some grant-funded roles have hiring timelines tied to funding cycles, so OPT start dates and the 90-day unemployment limit under OPT rules deserve careful attention. International organizations headquartered in DC, such as those with diplomatic status, may operate under different employment frameworks entirely, making it worth clarifying work authorization eligibility before applying.