H-1B Visa Communications Specialist Jobs
Communications Specialist roles qualify for H-1B visa sponsorship when the position requires a bachelor's degree or higher in communications, public relations, journalism, or a closely related field. Large media companies, tech firms, and healthcare systems are among the most active H-1B filers for this occupation code.
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Get Access To All JobsManager - Communications
Senior Director - Communications
Reports to Rochester, NY
Work Type: Office
The base salary for this position is dependent upon experience and location ranging from $120,000 - 145,000
What We Offer:
- Competitive benefits and growth opportunities
- Generous performance-based bonuses
- 12% 401(k) match
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
- Tuition reimbursement
- Professional development and clear career advancement pathways
Job Summary
Manages and executes communications programs that support Rochester Gas & Electric's business objectives, operations, customers, employees, and external stakeholders. Develops communications plans and materials and manages day-to-day media relations, employee communications, digital content, and community-facing communications while maintaining consistent messaging and brand standards. Partners with Operations, Customer Service, Government and Regulatory Affairs, Community Affairs, Legal, and other internal functions. Supports storm, emergency, and significant-event communications under the direction of the Director - New York Communications and established incident command protocols.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and execute comprehensive communications strategies for issues management, customer engagement, employee communications, and crisis response for RG&E, aligned with Avangrid’s business objectives and enterprise priorities in New York.
- Provide strategic communications counsel to operating company leadership, with accountability for communications planning, rapid response, reputation management, and stakeholder engagement across Avangrid’s New York utilities.
- Shape and advance compelling narratives that strengthen trust and protect the companies’ reputations, in close partnership with Government and Regulatory Affairs, Community Affairs, Legal, Customer Service, Operations, and Brand teams.
- Lead communications programs for RG&E, including media relations, public relations, crisis and issues communications, executive communications, social media, video and photo content, storytelling, and internal and external events, ensuring message discipline and brand consistency.
- Serve as an authorized spokesperson for RG&E, NYSEG, and Avangrid as needed, including responding to sensitive, high-profile, and crisis-related media inquiries.
- Partner with Operations, Customer Service, Community Affairs, and business leaders to identify and develop compelling storytelling, media relations, and public engagement opportunities that highlight infrastructure investments, employee expertise, customer benefits, operational achievements, and community impact.
- Create and oversee multimedia content for digital and social media channels, including videos, photography, employee features, project spotlights, and field-based storytelling that enhances audience engagement and supports business objectives.
- Support communications related to regulatory proceedings, infrastructure projects, reliability initiatives, public policy matters, customer programs, and community engagement efforts throughout New York.
- Manage relationships with external agencies, vendors, media partners, and key community and business organizations to ensure timely, effective, and high-quality communications support.
- Coordinate closely with Avangrid communications teams across the company to ensure alignment with enterprise messaging, stakeholder engagement priorities, and corporate reputation strategy.
- Serve as Public Information Officer (PIO) during emergencies, storms, and major operational events, leading communications response efforts and coordinating with internal and external partners, including emergency management agencies, municipal leaders, regulators, customers, and the media.
- Support storm preparedness, response, and restoration communications by developing customer, employee, executive, media, and stakeholder messaging; coordinating media briefings; providing communications support within the incident command structure; and helping ensure accurate, timely, and consistent information throughout emergency events.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, or a related field and a minimum of seven years of relevant experience; an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
- Experience developing and editing corporate communications, including press releases, questions and answers, executive messaging, employee communications, and crisis communications.
- Demonstrated written, verbal, editing, presentation, and project-management capabilities.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet tight deadlines, and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
- Demonstrated judgment and ability to identify and escalate sensitive communications, reputational, regulatory, or stakeholder issues.
- Ability to build effective relationships with leaders and cross-functional partners.
- Experience managing employees, contractors, agencies, vendors, or complex projects, with knowledge of or demonstrated ability to learn the electric and gas utility industry.
- Ability to work nontraditional hours, including nights and weekends, during storms, emergencies, or other business-critical events.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in the energy, utility, infrastructure, or another regulated industry.
- Experience supporting storm response, emergencies, crisis communications, or incident command.
- Experience with media relations, digital communications, social media, and multimedia content.
- Familiarity with New York utility stakeholders, regulatory matters, and community engagement.
LI-AM1
LI-ONSITE
Company:
ROCHESTER GAS & ELEC CORP
Mobility Information
Please note that any applicant who is not a citizen of the country of the vacancy will be subject to compliance with the applicable immigration requirements to legally work in that country.
At Avangrid we provide fair and equal employment and advancement opportunities for all employees and candidates regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, protected veteran status or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.
If you are an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who is unable to use our online tool to search for or to apply for jobs, you may request a reasonable accommodation by contacting our People and Organization department at careers@avangrid.com.
Avangrid employees may be assigned a system emergency role and in the event of a system emergency, may be required to work outside of their regular schedule/job duties. This is applicable to employees that will work in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, and New York within Avangrid Network and Corporate functions. This does not include those that will work for Avangrid Power.
Avangrid employees may also be assigned a NERC Reliability Standards compliance role supporting Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) and/or Operations and Planning (O&P) responsibilities. This is applicable to employees that will work in electric transmission, operations, and cyber security business areas in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, and New York within Avangrid Network and Corporate business areas. NERC Reliability Standards compliance roles and responsibilities may include additional access protections, training, audit engagement, and required evidence retention, and will be communicated by the employee’s management.
Job Posting End Date:
December-4-2026
Manager - Communications
Senior Director - Communications
Reports to Rochester, NY
Work Type: Office
The base salary for this position is dependent upon experience and location ranging from $120,000 - 145,000
What We Offer:
- Competitive benefits and growth opportunities
- Generous performance-based bonuses
- 12% 401(k) match
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
- Tuition reimbursement
- Professional development and clear career advancement pathways
Job Summary
Manages and executes communications programs that support Rochester Gas & Electric's business objectives, operations, customers, employees, and external stakeholders. Develops communications plans and materials and manages day-to-day media relations, employee communications, digital content, and community-facing communications while maintaining consistent messaging and brand standards. Partners with Operations, Customer Service, Government and Regulatory Affairs, Community Affairs, Legal, and other internal functions. Supports storm, emergency, and significant-event communications under the direction of the Director - New York Communications and established incident command protocols.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and execute comprehensive communications strategies for issues management, customer engagement, employee communications, and crisis response for RG&E, aligned with Avangrid’s business objectives and enterprise priorities in New York.
- Provide strategic communications counsel to operating company leadership, with accountability for communications planning, rapid response, reputation management, and stakeholder engagement across Avangrid’s New York utilities.
- Shape and advance compelling narratives that strengthen trust and protect the companies’ reputations, in close partnership with Government and Regulatory Affairs, Community Affairs, Legal, Customer Service, Operations, and Brand teams.
- Lead communications programs for RG&E, including media relations, public relations, crisis and issues communications, executive communications, social media, video and photo content, storytelling, and internal and external events, ensuring message discipline and brand consistency.
- Serve as an authorized spokesperson for RG&E, NYSEG, and Avangrid as needed, including responding to sensitive, high-profile, and crisis-related media inquiries.
- Partner with Operations, Customer Service, Community Affairs, and business leaders to identify and develop compelling storytelling, media relations, and public engagement opportunities that highlight infrastructure investments, employee expertise, customer benefits, operational achievements, and community impact.
- Create and oversee multimedia content for digital and social media channels, including videos, photography, employee features, project spotlights, and field-based storytelling that enhances audience engagement and supports business objectives.
- Support communications related to regulatory proceedings, infrastructure projects, reliability initiatives, public policy matters, customer programs, and community engagement efforts throughout New York.
- Manage relationships with external agencies, vendors, media partners, and key community and business organizations to ensure timely, effective, and high-quality communications support.
- Coordinate closely with Avangrid communications teams across the company to ensure alignment with enterprise messaging, stakeholder engagement priorities, and corporate reputation strategy.
- Serve as Public Information Officer (PIO) during emergencies, storms, and major operational events, leading communications response efforts and coordinating with internal and external partners, including emergency management agencies, municipal leaders, regulators, customers, and the media.
- Support storm preparedness, response, and restoration communications by developing customer, employee, executive, media, and stakeholder messaging; coordinating media briefings; providing communications support within the incident command structure; and helping ensure accurate, timely, and consistent information throughout emergency events.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, or a related field and a minimum of seven years of relevant experience; an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
- Experience developing and editing corporate communications, including press releases, questions and answers, executive messaging, employee communications, and crisis communications.
- Demonstrated written, verbal, editing, presentation, and project-management capabilities.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet tight deadlines, and work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
- Demonstrated judgment and ability to identify and escalate sensitive communications, reputational, regulatory, or stakeholder issues.
- Ability to build effective relationships with leaders and cross-functional partners.
- Experience managing employees, contractors, agencies, vendors, or complex projects, with knowledge of or demonstrated ability to learn the electric and gas utility industry.
- Ability to work nontraditional hours, including nights and weekends, during storms, emergencies, or other business-critical events.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in the energy, utility, infrastructure, or another regulated industry.
- Experience supporting storm response, emergencies, crisis communications, or incident command.
- Experience with media relations, digital communications, social media, and multimedia content.
- Familiarity with New York utility stakeholders, regulatory matters, and community engagement.
LI-AM1
LI-ONSITE
Company:
ROCHESTER GAS & ELEC CORP
Mobility Information
Please note that any applicant who is not a citizen of the country of the vacancy will be subject to compliance with the applicable immigration requirements to legally work in that country.
At Avangrid we provide fair and equal employment and advancement opportunities for all employees and candidates regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, protected veteran status or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.
If you are an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who is unable to use our online tool to search for or to apply for jobs, you may request a reasonable accommodation by contacting our People and Organization department at careers@avangrid.com.
Avangrid employees may be assigned a system emergency role and in the event of a system emergency, may be required to work outside of their regular schedule/job duties. This is applicable to employees that will work in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, and New York within Avangrid Network and Corporate functions. This does not include those that will work for Avangrid Power.
Avangrid employees may also be assigned a NERC Reliability Standards compliance role supporting Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) and/or Operations and Planning (O&P) responsibilities. This is applicable to employees that will work in electric transmission, operations, and cyber security business areas in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, and New York within Avangrid Network and Corporate business areas. NERC Reliability Standards compliance roles and responsibilities may include additional access protections, training, audit engagement, and required evidence retention, and will be communicated by the employee’s management.
Job Posting End Date:
December-4-2026
See all 3,095+ H-1B Visa Communications Specialist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new H-1B Visa Communications Specialist Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship as a Communications Specialist
Map your degree to specialty occupation requirements
USCIS requires that your degree field directly relates to the Communications Specialist role. A degree in communications, PR, or journalism maps cleanly. A general business degree may trigger an RFE, so prepare a written explanation of the connection before your employer files.
Check prevailing wage before salary negotiations start
Run your target job title and work location through the OFLC Wage Search to see the Level I through Level IV wage tiers. Your offered salary must meet at least the Level I threshold for the employer's LCA to clear DOL certification.
Target employers with active H-1B filing history
Use Migrate Mate to filter Communications Specialist roles by employers who have filed H-1B petitions for this occupation. Past filing history is the clearest signal that an employer understands the sponsorship process and won't back out after an offer.
Verify the role's SOC code before the LCA is filed
Communications Specialists are typically classified under SOC 27-3031 in DOL filings. Confirm with your employer's HR team that the LCA lists this code accurately. A misclassified SOC code can delay DOL certification and push your start date past the cap-gap window.
Build a specialty occupation portfolio before interviewing
Collect writing samples, campaign briefs, and published work that demonstrate you apply specialized communications theory, not just general writing skills. USCIS adjudicators scrutinize this role category, so documented evidence of degree-level work strengthens the I-129 petition your employer files.
Understand the 60-day grace period if your job ends
If your H-1B employment ends before your status expires, you have a 60-day grace period to find a new sponsoring employer. File a transfer petition with your new employer before the grace period closes to maintain continuous status without leaving the country.
H-1B Visa Communications Specialist: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Communications Specialist role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
Yes, if the position requires at least a bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, or a closely related field. The challenge is that USCIS scrutinizes this occupation more than technical roles because some employers list a degree as preferred rather than required. Your job offer letter must state the degree requirement explicitly, and your employer should be prepared to document why the role demands specialized theoretical knowledge.
Which industries sponsor H-1B visas most often for Communications Specialist positions?
Technology companies, large healthcare systems, financial services firms, and universities are among the most consistent H-1B sponsors for communications roles. These employers have established immigration programs and in-house or retained immigration counsel, which makes the filing process more predictable. You can browse verified H-1B filing history by employer on Migrate Mate to identify which organizations have sponsored this specific occupation code.
Can my employer file my H-1B petition concurrently with a PERM labor certification for a green card?
Yes. H-1B status and PERM labor certification run on separate tracks and can proceed simultaneously. Your employer files the H-1B petition with USCIS for temporary work authorization while separately initiating PERM with DOL for permanent residence. Communications roles are subject to PERM's standard recruitment requirements, meaning your employer must advertise the position and demonstrate no qualified U.S. workers were displaced before DOL will certify the application.
What happens to my H-1B status if my employer eliminates my Communications Specialist role?
Your H-1B status is tied to the petitioning employer, so a layoff or role elimination ends your authorized employment immediately. USCIS allows a 60-day grace period from the termination date to find a new sponsoring employer, file a change of status, or prepare to depart. If a new employer files a transfer petition within that window, you can continue working under cap-gap protection while USCIS adjudicates the new petition.
Does O*NET classify Communications Specialist as a role that typically requires a bachelor's degree?
O*NET lists Public Relations Specialists, the closest occupation match, under Job Zone 4, which corresponds to substantial preparation and a bachelor's degree as the typical entry-level education requirement. This classification supports the specialty occupation argument in an H-1B petition. Your employer can reference the O*NET profile in the I-129 support letter to demonstrate that industry standards require a relevant degree for this type of role.