J-1 Visa Communications Jobs
Communications professionals can enter the U.S. through J-1 visa sponsorship under the Trainee or Intern category, depending on whether you hold a degree or are still enrolled. Designated sponsors issue your DS-2019 and oversee your training plan while your host employer runs day-to-day work.
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Get Access To All JobsState Role Title: Philanthropic Communications and Content Intern
Position Type: Institutional Employment
Position Status: Part-Time
FLSA Status: N/A
College/Division: Advancement Marketing
Department: 100445 - Philanthropic Communications
Pay Rate: Hourly
Specify Range or Amount: $16.50
Is this a JMU only position? No
Is this a grant-funded position? N/A
Is this a Conflict of Interest designated position? N/A
About JMU:
At James Madison University (JMU), we’re more than just a publicly funded institution — we’re a vibrant, welcoming community located on a stunning campus where innovation, collaboration, and personal growth thrive. Our mission is to prepare students for a bright future, and we believe that starts with supporting the people who make it all possible: our employees.
JMU offers several perks to all employees including:
- A Tuition Waiver Program that allows employees to have tuition waived for undergraduate and graduate level courses taken at JMU.
- Free Access to the University Recreation Center (UREC): Employees can enjoy facility access and program registration privileges at UREC and University Park. This includes the climbing wall, equipment centers, and group exercise studios.
- A variety of voluntary benefits such as Pet Insurance, Identity Theft and Legal Protection Plans, and several other supplemental benefits.
- Holiday Breaks: The university is granted 12 holidays a year.
- Talent Development Trainings: The Talent Development department offers a wide variety of personal and professional trainings, eligible for all employees to join.
At JMU, we believe in Being the Change — and that starts with creating an environment where you can grow, contribute meaningfully, and feel supported every step of the way.
Discover what makes JMU a great place to work: bit.ly/JMUEmployment
General Information:
JMU's Philanthropic Communications team is looking for a curious, relationship-driven Langridge Fellow to join us for the 2026-27 academic year. In this year-long role, you’ll serve as a liaison to our partner, Valley Scholars, by: helping build a framework for lasting community among their students and alumni; writing stories that inspire giving to the program; and keeping their giving websites up to date. In the spring, you'll support Family Business Symposium, one of Principal Giving's signature donor events.
You will gain hands-on experience building systems for alumni engagement through social media and newsletters, maintaining accurate donor records in Salesforce, and supporting high-touch events, all while developing professional skills through close mentorship and structured supervision.
Hours:
This position is 10-15 hours per week. Between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, during the semester. (We will determine your work schedule based on your availability.) This is a year-long commitment for the 2026-27 academic year, starting late-September 2026.
Work Location: In person, at Sonner Hall (next to Business school)
Compensation: $16.50/hour
Reports to: Arushi Sachan, Associate Director of Campaign Communications & Content Strategy
Duties and Responsibilities:
Valley Scholars Liaison: Project Coordinator and Content Creation (75%)
- Liaise with the Valley Scholars program team to help build a sustainable framework for connecting current students and alumni, including a LinkedIn community and opportunities for dialogue between the two groups
- Support processes for capturing and maintaining Valley Scholars alumni contact information while students are still enrolled, working with the registrar to maintain accurate and current alum records in Salesforce
- Write and edit content for a new Valley Scholars newsletter, in partnership with the Philanthropic Communications team
- Support the reimagining and consolidation of Valley Scholars web content, and build and update pages using JMU's web-based CMS (Cascade)
Family Business Symposium: Event Support (15%)
- Collect, write and edit symposium content for event materials, speaker and attendee bios, and registration emails
- Assist with event-day logistics
Philanthropic Communications Content Support: (15%)
- Participate with team on content and logistics for events like Stewardship Luncheon, Giving Day, Women for Madison Summit
- Assist Associate Director of Content in maintaining JMU Giving website, helping with publishing or updating articles written by freelancer
Qualifications
- You must be a current JMU student; any class year or major is welcome to apply
- Strong writing and editing skills, with attention to detail
- Ability to maintain confidentiality; this role involves access to sensitive student, alumni and donor information
- Working knowledge or interest in nonprofit communications, storytelling, marketing, fundraising or first-generation student and alumni engagement
- Preferred majors include Media, Arts and Design (SMAD), Communications, Writing, Rhetoric & Technical Communication (WRTC), Marketing (COB), and/or Hospitality Management, though this is not required
- Knowledge or experience with Microsoft Office is required
- Knowledge of web-based CMS (we use Cascade), Salesforce CRM, and/or graphic design (canva and/or Adobe InDesign) is a plus
Additional Posting Information:
The Right Candidate Will:
- Be adaptable; willing to take feedback and able to pivot
- Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills; be comfortable speaking with new people, including donors and alumni, in person, by phone and by email
- Be systems-oriented, organized and able to follow a project through to completion across a full academic year
- Be proactive; bring a can-do attitude and a willingness to jump in, brainstorm and bounce ideas around with the team and partners
What You'll Gain:
- Hands-on experience in philanthropic communications and donor engagement
- Mentorship from professionals in communications and fundraising
- Experience planning events and supporting strategic initiatives
- Opportunities to strengthen writing, storytelling and project management skills
- Exposure to alumni engagement, stewardship and advancement operations
Conditions of Employment:
Students must be degree-seeking students, enrolled on at least a half-time basis (6 credits for undergraduate and 5 credits for graduate).
Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check.
E-Verify Notice: After accepting employment, new hires are required to complete an I-9 form and present documentation of their identity and eligibility to work in the United States. James Madison University uses the E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.
EEO Statement:
James Madison University is committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination. This institution does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status.
We promote access, inclusion and diversity for all students, faculty, staff, constituents and programs, believing that these qualities are foundational components of an outstanding education in keeping with our mission. The university is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to this core quality.
Anyone having questions concerning discrimination should contact the Office for Equal Opportunity: (540) 568-6991.
Reasonable Accommodation:
If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance searching or applying for jobs please contact us at (540) 568-3597 or jobs@jmu.edu. You may also visit the JMU Human Resource Office, located at 752 Ott Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22807 and we will be happy to assist you.
State Role Title: Philanthropic Communications and Content Intern
Position Type: Institutional Employment
Position Status: Part-Time
FLSA Status: N/A
College/Division: Advancement Marketing
Department: 100445 - Philanthropic Communications
Pay Rate: Hourly
Specify Range or Amount: $16.50
Is this a JMU only position? No
Is this a grant-funded position? N/A
Is this a Conflict of Interest designated position? N/A
About JMU:
At James Madison University (JMU), we’re more than just a publicly funded institution — we’re a vibrant, welcoming community located on a stunning campus where innovation, collaboration, and personal growth thrive. Our mission is to prepare students for a bright future, and we believe that starts with supporting the people who make it all possible: our employees.
JMU offers several perks to all employees including:
- A Tuition Waiver Program that allows employees to have tuition waived for undergraduate and graduate level courses taken at JMU.
- Free Access to the University Recreation Center (UREC): Employees can enjoy facility access and program registration privileges at UREC and University Park. This includes the climbing wall, equipment centers, and group exercise studios.
- A variety of voluntary benefits such as Pet Insurance, Identity Theft and Legal Protection Plans, and several other supplemental benefits.
- Holiday Breaks: The university is granted 12 holidays a year.
- Talent Development Trainings: The Talent Development department offers a wide variety of personal and professional trainings, eligible for all employees to join.
At JMU, we believe in Being the Change — and that starts with creating an environment where you can grow, contribute meaningfully, and feel supported every step of the way.
Discover what makes JMU a great place to work: bit.ly/JMUEmployment
General Information:
JMU's Philanthropic Communications team is looking for a curious, relationship-driven Langridge Fellow to join us for the 2026-27 academic year. In this year-long role, you’ll serve as a liaison to our partner, Valley Scholars, by: helping build a framework for lasting community among their students and alumni; writing stories that inspire giving to the program; and keeping their giving websites up to date. In the spring, you'll support Family Business Symposium, one of Principal Giving's signature donor events.
You will gain hands-on experience building systems for alumni engagement through social media and newsletters, maintaining accurate donor records in Salesforce, and supporting high-touch events, all while developing professional skills through close mentorship and structured supervision.
Hours:
This position is 10-15 hours per week. Between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, during the semester. (We will determine your work schedule based on your availability.) This is a year-long commitment for the 2026-27 academic year, starting late-September 2026.
Work Location: In person, at Sonner Hall (next to Business school)
Compensation: $16.50/hour
Reports to: Arushi Sachan, Associate Director of Campaign Communications & Content Strategy
Duties and Responsibilities:
Valley Scholars Liaison: Project Coordinator and Content Creation (75%)
- Liaise with the Valley Scholars program team to help build a sustainable framework for connecting current students and alumni, including a LinkedIn community and opportunities for dialogue between the two groups
- Support processes for capturing and maintaining Valley Scholars alumni contact information while students are still enrolled, working with the registrar to maintain accurate and current alum records in Salesforce
- Write and edit content for a new Valley Scholars newsletter, in partnership with the Philanthropic Communications team
- Support the reimagining and consolidation of Valley Scholars web content, and build and update pages using JMU's web-based CMS (Cascade)
Family Business Symposium: Event Support (15%)
- Collect, write and edit symposium content for event materials, speaker and attendee bios, and registration emails
- Assist with event-day logistics
Philanthropic Communications Content Support: (15%)
- Participate with team on content and logistics for events like Stewardship Luncheon, Giving Day, Women for Madison Summit
- Assist Associate Director of Content in maintaining JMU Giving website, helping with publishing or updating articles written by freelancer
Qualifications
- You must be a current JMU student; any class year or major is welcome to apply
- Strong writing and editing skills, with attention to detail
- Ability to maintain confidentiality; this role involves access to sensitive student, alumni and donor information
- Working knowledge or interest in nonprofit communications, storytelling, marketing, fundraising or first-generation student and alumni engagement
- Preferred majors include Media, Arts and Design (SMAD), Communications, Writing, Rhetoric & Technical Communication (WRTC), Marketing (COB), and/or Hospitality Management, though this is not required
- Knowledge or experience with Microsoft Office is required
- Knowledge of web-based CMS (we use Cascade), Salesforce CRM, and/or graphic design (canva and/or Adobe InDesign) is a plus
Additional Posting Information:
The Right Candidate Will:
- Be adaptable; willing to take feedback and able to pivot
- Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills; be comfortable speaking with new people, including donors and alumni, in person, by phone and by email
- Be systems-oriented, organized and able to follow a project through to completion across a full academic year
- Be proactive; bring a can-do attitude and a willingness to jump in, brainstorm and bounce ideas around with the team and partners
What You'll Gain:
- Hands-on experience in philanthropic communications and donor engagement
- Mentorship from professionals in communications and fundraising
- Experience planning events and supporting strategic initiatives
- Opportunities to strengthen writing, storytelling and project management skills
- Exposure to alumni engagement, stewardship and advancement operations
Conditions of Employment:
Students must be degree-seeking students, enrolled on at least a half-time basis (6 credits for undergraduate and 5 credits for graduate).
Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check.
E-Verify Notice: After accepting employment, new hires are required to complete an I-9 form and present documentation of their identity and eligibility to work in the United States. James Madison University uses the E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.
EEO Statement:
James Madison University is committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination. This institution does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status.
We promote access, inclusion and diversity for all students, faculty, staff, constituents and programs, believing that these qualities are foundational components of an outstanding education in keeping with our mission. The university is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to this core quality.
Anyone having questions concerning discrimination should contact the Office for Equal Opportunity: (540) 568-6991.
Reasonable Accommodation:
If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance searching or applying for jobs please contact us at (540) 568-3597 or jobs@jmu.edu. You may also visit the JMU Human Resource Office, located at 752 Ott Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22807 and we will be happy to assist you.
See all 46+ J-1 Visa Communications Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding J-1 Visa Sponsorship in Communications
Align your documents to J-1 training goals
Your resume, portfolio, and degree transcripts need to map directly to a structured training plan. Sponsors evaluate whether your communications background justifies each phase of on-the-job learning, so generic application materials rarely clear that bar.
Distinguish Intern from Trainee before applying
Intern status requires current enrollment or graduation within the past 12 months. If you graduated earlier, you need the Trainee category, which requires at least one year of post-degree professional communications experience outside the U.S.
Search Migrate Mate to find J-1-aligned roles
Not every communications employer understands the host-organization model or is willing to execute a training plan. Use Migrate Mate to surface U.S. employers already familiar with J-1 visa exchange visitor arrangements in communications and media.
Verify your role qualifies as specialty communications work
J-1 Trainee placements in communications must involve substantive skill development, not clerical support. Cross-reference your job duties against the O*NET occupation profile for your target title to confirm the role meets the program's training-orientation standard.
Confirm your host employer will sign the training plan
Before a designated sponsor issues your DS-2019, your host employer must co-sign a detailed training plan outlining objectives, supervision, and evaluation checkpoints. Get written confirmation from a hiring manager or HR contact that they'll complete this step.
Check whether your category carries a home-residency requirement
Some J-1 participants in government-funded or skills-shortage categories must return home for two years after the program ends. Review the DS-2019 your sponsor issues to confirm whether the two-year requirement applies to your specific communications placement.
Communications J-1 Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which J-1 program category fits a communications professional?
It depends on where you are in your career. Current students or recent graduates within 12 months of their degree typically qualify under the Intern category. Communications professionals with at least one year of post-degree work experience outside the U.S. fall under the Trainee category, which covers roles in public relations, media, corporate communications, and content strategy.
Who actually sponsors my J-1 visa in communications, the employer or a separate organization?
The visa sponsor is a U.S. Department of State-designated organization such as CIEE, Cultural Vistas, or AIPT. That organization issues your DS-2019 form and monitors program compliance. Your host employer, the communications company or agency where you work, is not the legal sponsor. Both parties sign your training plan, but only the designated sponsor holds responsibility for your J-1 status.
How do I find U.S. communications employers willing to host a J-1 exchange visitor?
Migrate Mate is the recommended starting point for identifying U.S. employers in communications who are already familiar with the J-1 host-organization model. Many employers in advertising, public affairs, and digital media have hosted J-1 participants before, but they don't always advertise that openness. Filtering by role type helps you find positions where sponsorship is a realistic outcome rather than an afterthought.
Does the two-year home-residency requirement affect communications trainees?
It can. The two-year home-residency requirement applies when your program is funded by your home government, the U.S. government, or when your occupation appears on a skills-shortage list tied to your home country. Communications roles don't automatically trigger it, but you should check your DS-2019 and confirm your category with your designated sponsor before assuming you can transition directly to another visa status after the program.
What does a J-1 training plan require for a communications placement?
The training plan must detail specific skill objectives tied to communications disciplines, such as media strategy, content production, or public relations. It outlines supervision arrangements, evaluation timelines, and the progression of responsibilities over the placement period. Your host employer co-signs the plan, and the designated sponsor reviews it for compliance before issuing the DS-2019. Vague or clerical-sounding duties are common reasons sponsors reject proposed placements.