Development Specialist Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Development Specialist roles attract H-1B visa, O-1 visa, and EB-2 sponsorship from nonprofits, universities, and healthcare systems. Many positions qualify as specialty occupations requiring a directly related bachelor's degree. Employers in this field file Labor Condition Applications with DOL before sponsoring, and cap-exempt organizations can hire year-round without lottery pressure.
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Office of Research Development
About the Department
The Office of Research Development (ORD) partners with faculty across the University of Chicago in their pursuit of funding for ambitious, interdisciplinary research. Part of the Research Strategy Office within the Office of Research and Partnerships, ORD helps faculty position their ideas for specific funding opportunities, build collaborative teams, and develop competitive proposals, from funding strategy and project management through narrative development, technical review, and final-stage preparation.
ORD also manages the campus-wide platform for internal competitions, including limited submission and seed funding opportunities, and prioritizes team science and capacity-building proposals that strengthen the impact of UChicago's research enterprise.
Job Summary
The Research Development Specialist is an operational and analytical partner within ORD, helping UChicago faculty find and compete for funding. The Specialist identifies and shares funding opportunities, administers the University's limited submission competitions and supporting systems, and develops research intelligence analyses and reports using AI-enabled tools. Reporting to the Executive Director of ORD, the Specialist works closely with ORD colleagues, faculty, research administrators, and university leaders.
We are looking for someone with sound judgment, strong organizational skills, and polished written communication who can manage multiple deadlines and systems independently and build credibility with faculty. The role offers the opportunity to deepen expertise in research development, research analysis, and emerging AI tools.
Responsibilities
- Identifies limited submission opportunities, clarifies sponsor requirements and eligibility, tracks deadlines and institutional limits, and shares opportunities with faculty and research support staff.
- Manages the internal competition process for limited federal opportunities, research-focused foundation opportunities, and seed funding programs.
- Serves as primary contact and global administrator for InfoReady Review (UChicago's limited submission platform) and the funding opportunity database, including user access, onboarding and training, system reporting, and vendor issue resolution.
- Curates ORD's weekly Funding Opportunities newsletter, conducts weekly quality assurance, and coordinates with other units that use the feed to share funding opportunities.
- Monitors the ORD email account, responding to or redirecting inquiries as appropriate.
- Supports proposal development workshops and seminars, and develops templates, toolkits, and best-practice guides for faculty and research teams.
- Contributes to research intelligence analyses and reports on funding trends, institutional strengths, and emerging opportunities, using AI-enabled tools to gather and synthesize information and reviewing outputs for accuracy and clarity.
- Evaluates and applies emerging proposal development and AI-enabled tools to improve the efficiency of ORD processes and the quality and competitiveness of proposals.
- Uses moderate/solid understanding and experience to administer the delivery of services to program participants and/or beneficiaries.
- Has moderate/high levels of interactions with faculty, researchers and staff for committee work or information.
- Performs other related work as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Certifications:
Preferred Qualifications
Education:
- Bachelor's or advanced degree in a STEM field.
Preferred Competencies
- Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy, with a demonstrated ability to track deadlines, sponsor eligibility rules, and institutional limits across multiple concurrent competitions and processes.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities independently, keeping many moving parts on track with minimal oversight.
- Technical aptitude to administer web-based software platforms and databases, including managing user access, running system reports, and resolving issues with vendors, and the ability to learn new systems quickly.
- Excellent professional written communication skills, including the ability to summarize complex information clearly for faculty, research administrators, and university leaders.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a service-oriented role, building credibility and productive relationships with faculty and staff across the university.
- Familiarity with AI-enabled tools and a critical approach to evaluating their output, with sound judgment about accuracy and the appropriate handling of confidential information.
- Interest in, and a working understanding of (or ability to quickly learn), research development, research administration, and/or the university research funding landscape.
Working Conditions
- Hybrid work schedule.
- Use computers extensively throughout the workday, 4 hours or more.
- Stand for 2 to 4 hours.
- Sit for 4 hours or more.
- Use standard office equipment.
Application Documents
- Resume (required)
- Cover letter (preferred)
- References (3 preferred, 2 required)
The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.
When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Job Family
Administration & Management
Role Impact
Individual Contributor
Scheduled Weekly Hours
37.5
Drug Test Required
No
Health Screen Required
No
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No
Pay Rate Type
Salary
FLSA Status
Exempt
Pay Range
$65,000.00 - $80,000.00
The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.
Benefits Eligible
Yes
The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.
The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.
All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.
The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.
Department
Office of Research Development
About the Department
The Office of Research Development (ORD) partners with faculty across the University of Chicago in their pursuit of funding for ambitious, interdisciplinary research. Part of the Research Strategy Office within the Office of Research and Partnerships, ORD helps faculty position their ideas for specific funding opportunities, build collaborative teams, and develop competitive proposals, from funding strategy and project management through narrative development, technical review, and final-stage preparation.
ORD also manages the campus-wide platform for internal competitions, including limited submission and seed funding opportunities, and prioritizes team science and capacity-building proposals that strengthen the impact of UChicago's research enterprise.
Job Summary
The Research Development Specialist is an operational and analytical partner within ORD, helping UChicago faculty find and compete for funding. The Specialist identifies and shares funding opportunities, administers the University's limited submission competitions and supporting systems, and develops research intelligence analyses and reports using AI-enabled tools. Reporting to the Executive Director of ORD, the Specialist works closely with ORD colleagues, faculty, research administrators, and university leaders.
We are looking for someone with sound judgment, strong organizational skills, and polished written communication who can manage multiple deadlines and systems independently and build credibility with faculty. The role offers the opportunity to deepen expertise in research development, research analysis, and emerging AI tools.
Responsibilities
- Identifies limited submission opportunities, clarifies sponsor requirements and eligibility, tracks deadlines and institutional limits, and shares opportunities with faculty and research support staff.
- Manages the internal competition process for limited federal opportunities, research-focused foundation opportunities, and seed funding programs.
- Serves as primary contact and global administrator for InfoReady Review (UChicago's limited submission platform) and the funding opportunity database, including user access, onboarding and training, system reporting, and vendor issue resolution.
- Curates ORD's weekly Funding Opportunities newsletter, conducts weekly quality assurance, and coordinates with other units that use the feed to share funding opportunities.
- Monitors the ORD email account, responding to or redirecting inquiries as appropriate.
- Supports proposal development workshops and seminars, and develops templates, toolkits, and best-practice guides for faculty and research teams.
- Contributes to research intelligence analyses and reports on funding trends, institutional strengths, and emerging opportunities, using AI-enabled tools to gather and synthesize information and reviewing outputs for accuracy and clarity.
- Evaluates and applies emerging proposal development and AI-enabled tools to improve the efficiency of ORD processes and the quality and competitiveness of proposals.
- Uses moderate/solid understanding and experience to administer the delivery of services to program participants and/or beneficiaries.
- Has moderate/high levels of interactions with faculty, researchers and staff for committee work or information.
- Performs other related work as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Certifications:
Preferred Qualifications
Education:
- Bachelor's or advanced degree in a STEM field.
Preferred Competencies
- Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy, with a demonstrated ability to track deadlines, sponsor eligibility rules, and institutional limits across multiple concurrent competitions and processes.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities independently, keeping many moving parts on track with minimal oversight.
- Technical aptitude to administer web-based software platforms and databases, including managing user access, running system reports, and resolving issues with vendors, and the ability to learn new systems quickly.
- Excellent professional written communication skills, including the ability to summarize complex information clearly for faculty, research administrators, and university leaders.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a service-oriented role, building credibility and productive relationships with faculty and staff across the university.
- Familiarity with AI-enabled tools and a critical approach to evaluating their output, with sound judgment about accuracy and the appropriate handling of confidential information.
- Interest in, and a working understanding of (or ability to quickly learn), research development, research administration, and/or the university research funding landscape.
Working Conditions
- Hybrid work schedule.
- Use computers extensively throughout the workday, 4 hours or more.
- Stand for 2 to 4 hours.
- Sit for 4 hours or more.
- Use standard office equipment.
Application Documents
- Resume (required)
- Cover letter (preferred)
- References (3 preferred, 2 required)
The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.
When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Job Family
Administration & Management
Role Impact
Individual Contributor
Scheduled Weekly Hours
37.5
Drug Test Required
No
Health Screen Required
No
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No
Pay Rate Type
Salary
FLSA Status
Exempt
Pay Range
$65,000.00 - $80,000.00
The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.
Benefits Eligible
Yes
The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.
The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.
All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.
The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as a Development Specialist
Frame your degree as directly related
Development Specialist roles most often require a bachelor's in communications, nonprofit management, public administration, or a related field. Document that connection explicitly in your resume and cover letter so employers can support the specialty occupation argument when filing an LCA.
Target cap-exempt employers first
Universities, hospitals, and nonprofit research institutions are exempt from the H-1B annual lottery, meaning they can sponsor you any time of year. Development roles at these organizations are common, and your start date won't depend on a single April registration window.
Search verified sponsors on Migrate Mate
Development Specialist roles are spread across sectors with very different sponsorship histories. Migrate Mate lists employers with verified LCA filing history for this occupation, so you can focus applications on organizations that have already committed to sponsoring similar roles.
Verify prevailing wage before negotiating
Your employer's LCA must certify your offered salary meets DOL's prevailing wage for your location and role level. Use the OFLC Wage Search to look up the wage tier before you enter salary discussions, so you don't negotiate yourself into a range the LCA can't support.
Get your credentials evaluated early
If your undergraduate degree is from outside the U.S., have it evaluated by a NACES-member credential evaluation service before applying. Some Development Specialist roles have been challenged at the RFE stage over whether a three-year foreign degree satisfies the specialty occupation bachelor's requirement.
Clarify sponsorship scope during offer negotiation
Ask explicitly whether the employer will cover H-1B petition fees and, if applicable, PERM labor certification costs for a future green card. Smaller nonprofits sometimes sponsor initial status but decline to fund EB-2 or EB-3 processing, which affects your long-term immigration path significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Development Specialist role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
It can, but it's not automatic. USCIS requires the position to normally demand a bachelor's degree in a specific, directly related field. Development Specialist roles tied to fundraising strategy, donor relations, or grant management at universities or healthcare systems have been approved, but generic coordinatorlevel roles without a defined degree requirement face a higher risk of an RFE challenging specialty occupation status.
Which visa types do Development Specialist employers commonly sponsor?
H-1B is the most common for professional Development Specialist roles. Cap-exempt institutions like universities and hospitals also use TN visa for Canadian and Mexican nationals in qualifying categories, and O-1 is an option for candidates with documented exceptional achievement in their field. EB-2 or EB-3 green card sponsorship is available from larger nonprofits and healthcare systems willing to fund PERM labor certification.
What degree do I need to get visa sponsorship as a Development Specialist?
Most sponsoring employers require at least a bachelor's degree in a field directly related to the role, such as communications, public administration, nonprofit management, business, or social sciences. A degree in an unrelated field weakens the specialty occupation argument even if you have years of relevant experience. O*NET lists the typical education and training requirements for this occupation if you want to benchmark your credentials against the standard.
How do I find Development Specialist jobs where employers are open to visa sponsorship?
Migrate Mate lists Development Specialist positions from employers with verified LCA sponsorship history, so you can browse roles where the employer has already demonstrated willingness to sponsor rather than guessing from a job description. Filtering by institution type, such as universities or hospitals, further narrows results to cap-exempt employers who can hire outside the H-1B lottery cycle.
Can I transfer my H-1B to a new Development Specialist employer mid-status?
Yes. If you're already in H-1B status, a new employer can file a transfer petition with USCIS and you can start work once it's filed, without waiting for approval. The new employer must file a fresh LCA for the specific Development Specialist role and location, certifying that the offered salary meets DOL's prevailing wage for that position and geography before the I-129 petition is submitted.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Development Specialist jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.