Communications Jobs at University of Kentucky with Visa Sponsorship
University of Kentucky's Communications team works across media relations, marketing, and strategic content for one of the South's major public research institutions. The university has an established international hiring process and regularly sponsors work visas for qualified Communications professionals across its academic and administrative divisions.
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Get Access To All JobsJob Title: Undergraduate Communications Intern - EPIC/CAER
Requisition Number: DU14490
Department Name: 40550:Ctr For Applied Energy Res
Work Location: Lexington, KY
Salary Range: $15.00/hour
Type of Position: Student
Position Time Status: Part-Time
Required Education
HS diploma + 0 years of experience.
Required Related Experience
- Coursework or prior experience in energy, environmental policy, public policy, communications, or a related discipline
- Familiarity with Kentucky state and federal government or the energy sector
- Experience with data visualization tools or ability to learn quickly
- Graduate students or rising juniors/seniors preferred; all class levels welcome to apply
Required License/Registration/Certification
N/A
Physical Requirements
Requires handling lightweight objects up to 10lbs: standing and walking
Shift
8:00am – 5:00pm Monday-Friday
Job Summary
The Kentucky Energy Planning and Inventory Commission (EPIC) is an independent state agency established by the 2024 Kentucky General Assembly under KRS 164.2807. EPIC is administratively attached to the University of Kentucky’s Center for Applied Energy Research (CAER) and is charged with providing independent, data-driven analysis to inform state energy policy. EPIC’s work spans three analytical pillars: demand forecasting, primary energy supply assessment, and transmission infrastructure.
This internship offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a first-of-its-kind state energy planning agency at a pivotal moment in Kentucky’s energy future.
EPIC seeks motivated students to fill a rotating internship position supporting the agency’s communications and policy research functions. The intern will work directly with the Executive Director and contribute to EPIC’s public-facing communications, legislative support, and analytical research across energy topics including electricity supply adequacy, power plant retirements, data center energy demand, and transmission infrastructure.
Term Dates
| Summer 2026 | May 18, 2026 – August 8, 2026 | ~12 weeks |
| Fall 2026 | Mid-August 2026 (August 24) | Mid-December 2026 (December 11) | ~16 weeks |
| Spring 2027 | Mid-January 2027 (January 11) | Early May 2027 (May 7) | ~17 weeks |
This position is well-suited for a student with interests in energy policy, public administration, environmental studies, communications, or a related field who wants hands-on experience in state government and energy planning.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Support the development of public communications, including reports, briefings, legislative summaries, and web content
- Assist with policy research and background analysis on energy topics assigned by the Executive Director
- Track relevant legislation, regulatory proceedings, and industry developments, and produce summary materials
- Assist in preparation for board meetings, working committee meetings, and stakeholder briefings
- Support maintenance and updates to EPIC’s energy data platforms and dashboards
- Draft correspondence, talking points, and other written materials as directed
- Perform other duties in support of EPIC’s mission as assigned
The University of Kentucky is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, minorities and other persons underrepresented in sciences, technology, engineering and math are encouraged to apply.
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities
- Strong writing and research skills
- Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Interest in energy policy, public administration, environmental studies, or a related field
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No
Preferred Education/Experience
Deadline to Apply: 04/19/2026
Our University Community
We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.
The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.
Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.
Job Title: Undergraduate Communications Intern - EPIC/CAER
Requisition Number: DU14490
Department Name: 40550:Ctr For Applied Energy Res
Work Location: Lexington, KY
Salary Range: $15.00/hour
Type of Position: Student
Position Time Status: Part-Time
Required Education
HS diploma + 0 years of experience.
Required Related Experience
- Coursework or prior experience in energy, environmental policy, public policy, communications, or a related discipline
- Familiarity with Kentucky state and federal government or the energy sector
- Experience with data visualization tools or ability to learn quickly
- Graduate students or rising juniors/seniors preferred; all class levels welcome to apply
Required License/Registration/Certification
N/A
Physical Requirements
Requires handling lightweight objects up to 10lbs: standing and walking
Shift
8:00am – 5:00pm Monday-Friday
Job Summary
The Kentucky Energy Planning and Inventory Commission (EPIC) is an independent state agency established by the 2024 Kentucky General Assembly under KRS 164.2807. EPIC is administratively attached to the University of Kentucky’s Center for Applied Energy Research (CAER) and is charged with providing independent, data-driven analysis to inform state energy policy. EPIC’s work spans three analytical pillars: demand forecasting, primary energy supply assessment, and transmission infrastructure.
This internship offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a first-of-its-kind state energy planning agency at a pivotal moment in Kentucky’s energy future.
EPIC seeks motivated students to fill a rotating internship position supporting the agency’s communications and policy research functions. The intern will work directly with the Executive Director and contribute to EPIC’s public-facing communications, legislative support, and analytical research across energy topics including electricity supply adequacy, power plant retirements, data center energy demand, and transmission infrastructure.
Term Dates
| Summer 2026 | May 18, 2026 – August 8, 2026 | ~12 weeks |
| Fall 2026 | Mid-August 2026 (August 24) | Mid-December 2026 (December 11) | ~16 weeks |
| Spring 2027 | Mid-January 2027 (January 11) | Early May 2027 (May 7) | ~17 weeks |
This position is well-suited for a student with interests in energy policy, public administration, environmental studies, communications, or a related field who wants hands-on experience in state government and energy planning.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Support the development of public communications, including reports, briefings, legislative summaries, and web content
- Assist with policy research and background analysis on energy topics assigned by the Executive Director
- Track relevant legislation, regulatory proceedings, and industry developments, and produce summary materials
- Assist in preparation for board meetings, working committee meetings, and stakeholder briefings
- Support maintenance and updates to EPIC’s energy data platforms and dashboards
- Draft correspondence, talking points, and other written materials as directed
- Perform other duties in support of EPIC’s mission as assigned
The University of Kentucky is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, minorities and other persons underrepresented in sciences, technology, engineering and math are encouraged to apply.
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities
- Strong writing and research skills
- Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Interest in energy policy, public administration, environmental studies, or a related field
Does this position have supervisory responsibilities? No
Preferred Education/Experience
Deadline to Apply: 04/19/2026
Our University Community
We value the well-being of each of our employees and are dedicated to creating a healthy place for everyone to work, learn and live. In the interest of maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors, the University of Kentucky is a Tobacco & Drug Free campus.
The University follows both the federal and state Constitutions as well as all applicable federal and state laws on nondiscrimination. The University provides equal opportunities for qualified persons in all aspects of institutional operations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, religion, creed, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, uniformed service, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, genetic information or social or economic status.
Any candidate offered a position may be required to pass pre-employment screenings as mandated by University of Kentucky Human Resources. These screenings may include a national background check and/or drug screen.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Communications Jobs at University of Kentucky Jobs
Align your portfolio with institutional communications
University Communications roles at UK emphasize higher education messaging, brand consistency, and public affairs content. Tailor your writing samples and portfolio to reflect institutional storytelling, not commercial marketing, so your application reads as sector-appropriate from the first review.
Target UK's International Student and Scholar Services early
Before your first interview, identify UK's international hiring contacts. Their International Student and Scholar Services office coordinates with HR on visa filings. Reaching HR-informed interviewers early signals you understand the university's sponsorship process and reduces friction at the offer stage.
Clarify OPT and CPT authorization timelines upfront
If you're transitioning from F-1 status, confirm whether the Communications role qualifies for STEM OPT extension. Most Communications positions don't fall under STEM-designated fields, so your 12-month OPT clock matters for sequencing any H-1B petition through UK's HR office.
Understand how the H-1B lottery affects your offer timing
UK can only begin an H-1B petition after USCIS selection in the annual lottery, with an October 1 start date at the earliest. Structure your job search so you're targeting roles by January or February to allow time for registration before the March lottery window.
Verify specialty occupation standing for your specific role
USCIS scrutinizes Communications roles under the specialty occupation standard. Roles focused on strategic communications, public relations management, or digital content strategy with a degree requirement in communications or journalism typically qualify. Generalist coordinator roles with flexible degree requirements are more likely to face an RFE.
Browse open Communications roles through Migrate Mate
Finding UK Communications positions that actively list visa sponsorship saves significant time in your search. Use Migrate Mate to filter for open roles at University of Kentucky that align with your visa type, so you're applying where sponsorship is already on the table.
Communications at University of Kentucky jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Communications at University of Kentucky JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Does University of Kentucky sponsor H-1B visas for Communications roles?
Yes, University of Kentucky sponsors H-1B visas for Communications positions where the role qualifies as a specialty occupation under USCIS standards. Roles in strategic communications, media relations, and digital content with a formal degree requirement in a relevant field are the strongest candidates. UK's HR and International Scholar Services teams manage the petition process, but eligibility is determined role by role, not blanket-approved across all Communications titles.
How do I apply for Communications jobs at University of Kentucky?
Applications go through UK's official jobs portal at uky.edu/hr/jobs. Communications roles are posted under departments like University Communications, the College of Communication and Information, and individual academic units. You can also use Migrate Mate to identify open Communications positions at UK that include visa sponsorship, which narrows your search before you apply directly through the university's system.
Which visa types does University of Kentucky commonly use for Communications professionals?
University of Kentucky sponsors H-1B visas for Communications roles requiring a specialty occupation degree. TN status is available for Canadian and Mexican nationals in eligible communications-related categories. J-1 exchange visitor status appears in academic-adjacent communications roles tied to research or teaching functions. For permanent positions, UK has pursued EB-2 and EB-3 Green Card pathways through the PERM labor certification process for long-term hires.
What qualifications does University of Kentucky expect for Communications roles?
Most Communications positions at UK require at minimum a bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, or a closely related field. Senior or strategic roles typically expect several years of professional experience in institutional or organizational communications settings. Higher education experience is a differentiator, and familiarity with crisis communications, media strategy, or content management systems aligned with university-scale operations strengthens an application considerably.
How do I time my job search around the H-1B filing process at University of Kentucky?
USCIS opens H-1B registration in March for an October 1 start date. To align with that window, target Communications openings at UK between November and February, giving the university's international scholars office enough lead time to file your registration. If you're on OPT, confirm your authorization end date and whether a cap-gap provision would bridge any gap between your OPT expiration and an October H-1B start.
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