Communications Jobs at New York University with Visa Sponsorship
Communications jobs at New York University span media relations, content strategy, internal communications, and public affairs across a large, internationally connected campus. NYU has a strong track record of sponsoring international talent in communications functions, making it a viable target if you're building a U.S. career in this field.
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INTRODUCTION
Scholars at Risk (SAR) seeks a proactive, detail-oriented, research-focused individual with excellent analytical and writing skills to join SAR’s advocacy and research teams as a Communications Program Assistant. This role is responsible for communications-related research and outputs for SAR’s ongoing advocacy, research, and learning efforts. The role will research and draft communications to reach intended, wider audiences. In support of SAR’s advocacy efforts responding to attacks on higher education (including via SAR’s Free to Think reports and Scholars in Prison Project), the role will research media and press avenues through which to disseminate SAR’s reports, outputs, and training materials; research individual scholars’ stories that epitomize SAR’s work and build storytelling-focused communications campaigns; write communications materials and press releases; and develop data-driven assessment tools to refine SAR’s communications. The position requires excellent research, analysis, writing, and project management skills, as well as a practiced attention to detail and judgment, particularly under deadline and with competing priorities. It is ideal for a proactive, thoughtful individual who takes initiative, enjoys the research process, has excellent writing skills, and likes to work on a small team. The position requires timely and professional communication, including with partners, SAR and NYU staff, academia, and the public. This position is based in New York with a regular in-office presence expected. The role reports to SAR’s Advocacy Director.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES
40% - Research, develop, and deploy communications around attacks on higher education and at-risk scholars
- With an eye to cultivating wider audiences for SAR’s messaging, research, develop, and deploy communications to articulate the connection between higher education, knowledge production, and the greater public good, including:
- Analyzing ongoing media coverage, including through the compilation of SAR’s Academic Freedom Media Review, US Bulletin, Advocacy Insider, and other e-newsletters;
- Highlighting policy/legal updates, Scholars in Prison or other case developments, and key issues of concern over social media;
- Maintaining relevant sections of the SAR website.
- Conduct research of outlets and creative communications methods that reach faculty, students, policymakers, media, and the public; and, based on this research, make recommendations for communications strategies and implementation options.
40% - Research, write, and produce communications materials
- Coordinate communications around SAR’s advocacy and research materials, including the Monitoring Project’s annual Free to Think report, white papers, country briefing papers, topical reports, Scholars in Prison campaigns, and letters of appeal, by:
- Developing graphics and other design elements in partnership with SAR’s graphic design consultant;
- Designing and deploying social media campaigns;
- Developing and executing production timelines for all materials;
- Coordinating other staff contributing to these materials;
- Prioritizing storytelling in communications;
- Integrating discerning use of AI to increase efficiencies;
- Coordinating with SAR’s Communications Officer on the media distribution of these materials, responding to press inquiries, and organizing interviews for SAR staff; and
- Presenting to academic and general audiences on the materials.
- Conduct an assessment of communications campaigns, especially for SAR’s Free to Think reports, to improve SAR’s impact.
10% - Create a data-driven communications structure
- Conduct a regular review of communications efforts, track specific benchmarks for success, analyze available data, and make recommendations for changes;
- Specifically, conduct an annual review of SAR’s Free to Think communications; and
- Ensure that all advocacy and research communications data, including events, web stats, and press relationships, feeds into SAR’s communications data.
10% - Ensure accurate implementation of SAR’s communications tools
- Maintain website, socials, and EveryAction database;
- Support in-person and online events, including development of best communications practices at events;
- Offer communications-related administrative support, as needed; and
- Coordinate with other SAR staff to share lessons learned.
This is a full-time, at-will position on an open-ended term, subject to program priorities, exemplary performance, and availability of funds. The position offers a salary range of $50,000 - 57,000, comparable to similar positions at peer organizations in the human rights/NGO field. Scholars at Risk is an independent not-for-profit corporation hosted at New York University (NYU). SAR staff are NYU employees seconded to SAR and are eligible for NYU employee benefits, including generous vacation leave and holidays; medical, dental, vision and life insurance options; and retirement benefits (all subject to terms established by NYU as described at https://www.nyu.edu/employees/benefit/full-time/professional-research-staff.html).
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Undergraduate degree or similar, relevant experience.
- Excellent research and writing skills; demonstrated ability to synthesize and distill complex information for general, academic, and government audiences.
- Exceptional interpersonal communication skills, including cross-team collaboration, and proven proficiency in delivering impactful presentations.
- Exceptional attention to detail, initiative, time-management, and problem-solving abilities.
- Experience in developing and executing communications campaigns, including report distribution and strategy.
- Experience in digital communications; strong understanding of social media for nonprofit organizations, including outreach, media, and development.
- Experience in developing, refining, and assessing impact of social media content.
- Experience in data-driven decision making.
- Experience in project management, especially in managing competing priorities.
- Commitment to human rights, academic freedom, and diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Ability to manage complex political and cultural factors, difficult information, including human rights abuses, and tensions between long- and short-term goals.
- Ability and commitment to work beyond a typical work day or work week when needed.
- Proficiency in word processing and spreadsheet software (e.g., Word/Google Docs, Excel/Sheets) and website content management systems (e.g., WordPress).
HOW TO APPLY: Apply online at https://www.scholarsatrisk.org/category/career-opportunities/ by uploading the requested materials in one combined PDF: (1) a letter of interest, (2) resume, (3) list of references or letters of reference, and (4) a brief, unedited writing sample. DEADLINE FOR INITIAL APPLICATION REVIEW IS November 1, 2026. Applications received after the deadline will be reviewed on a rolling basis, until the position is filled. No phone calls or email inquiries, please.
For people in the EU, click here for information on your privacy rights under GDPR: www.nyu.edu/it/gdpr
NYU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to a policy of equal treatment and opportunity in every aspect of its recruitment and hiring process without regard to age, alienage, caregiver status, childbirth, citizenship status, color, creed, disability, domestic violence victim status, ethnicity, familial status, gender and/or gender identity or expression, marital status, military status, national origin, parental status, partnership status, predisposing genetic characteristics, pregnancy, race, religion, reproductive health decision making, sex, sexual orientation, unemployment status, veteran status, or any other legally protected basis. All interested persons are encouraged to apply for vacant positions at all levels.
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NYU aims to be among the greenest urban campuses in the country and carbon neutral by 2040. Learn more at nyu.edu/sustainability
Tips for Finding Communications Jobs at New York University
Frame your portfolio around institutional storytelling
NYU hires communications professionals who can represent a complex academic brand to diverse audiences. Tailor your work samples to show experience with thought leadership, faculty spotlights, or mission-driven content rather than commercial or product-focused campaigns.
Target roles tied to schools and departments
NYU's communications hiring often sits within individual schools, institutes, and research centers rather than a single central team. Search for openings at units like NYU Stern, Tisch, or the Center for Global Affairs, where dedicated communications staff are regularly recruited.
Verify your visa type before applying
NYU sponsors multiple nonimmigrant work visa categories for communications staff. Before you apply, confirm your current status is eligible for sponsorship. If you're on F-1 OPT, know your cap-gap and expiration timeline so you can flag it clearly during the offer stage.
Request H-1B filing timelines early in negotiations
The H-1B annual cap registration window opens in March, with the cap year starting October 1. If you receive an offer outside that window, ask NYU's HR team how they handle mid-year hires who need cap-subject petitions to avoid a gap in work authorization.
Document the specialty occupation tie between your degree and role
USCIS requires that communications roles demonstrate a direct link between a bachelor's degree in a specific field and the job duties. Prepare to show how your journalism, communications, or public relations degree maps to the specific responsibilities in your NYU offer letter.
Use Migrate Mate to find open Communications roles at NYU
Identifying which NYU departments are actively hiring for sponsored communications positions takes time. Use Migrate Mate to filter Communications jobs at NYU by visa type so you can prioritize openings that match your sponsorship eligibility before you invest time in applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does New York University sponsor H-1B visas for Communications roles?
Yes, NYU sponsors H-1B visas for qualifying Communications positions. The role must meet USCIS's specialty occupation standard, meaning it requires a bachelor's degree or higher in a directly related field such as communications, journalism, or public relations. NYU's Office of Global Services manages the petition process, and timelines depend on where you fall in the cap year.
How do I apply for Communications jobs at New York University?
Applications go through NYU's careers portal, where you can filter by department and job category. Communications openings appear across central university offices and individual schools. You can also browse visa-sponsored Communications roles at NYU directly through Migrate Mate, which filters listings by visa eligibility so you can focus on positions that match your authorization status.
Which visa types does NYU commonly use for Communications staff?
NYU sponsors H-1B and E-3 visas for Communications roles requiring a specialty occupation degree. J-1 visa scholar and exchange visitor status is sometimes used for visiting communications fellows or researchers. If you're currently on F-1 OPT or CPT, NYU does hire in that status, with H-1B sponsorship typically following for longer-term roles.
What qualifications does NYU look for in Communications candidates?
Most Communications roles at NYU require a bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or a closely related field. Higher-level positions in media strategy or executive communications often expect several years of institutional or nonprofit communications experience. Writing samples and a demonstrated ability to translate complex academic or research topics for public audiences are commonly requested.
How long does the visa sponsorship process take for a Communications hire at NYU?
For H-1B petitions, NYU typically files several months before your intended start date. Standard USCIS processing runs three to six months, though premium processing can cut that to around 15 business days. If you're a cap-subject applicant starting after October 1, NYU will need to register you during the March lottery window, so your offer timeline needs to account for that cycle.