J-1 Visa Communications Associate Jobs
Communications Associate roles in the United States are accessible to exchange visitors through the J-1 visa Trainee or Intern program categories, depending on your career stage. Finding a host employer willing to support your J-1 sponsorship through a State Department-designated sponsor organization is the first practical step toward a placement.
Find J-1 Visa Communications Associate JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 72+ Communications Associate jobs
See all 72+ Communications Associate Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Communications Associate roles.
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
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: 08/13/2026
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
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: 08/13/2026
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.
See all 72+ J-1 Visa Communications Associate Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new J-1 Visa Communications Associate Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding J-1 Visa Sponsorship as a Communications Associate
Frame your portfolio around U.S. media standards
Designated sponsors and host employers evaluate your training plan against U.S. communications norms. Organize writing samples, press releases, and campaign work to show fluency with AP Style and digital-first storytelling before your DS-2019 application begins.
Confirm your program category before applying
Current students in a degree program typically qualify under the Intern category, while early-career professionals with a communications degree and at least one year of work experience fall under Trainee. Applying under the wrong category delays your DS-2019 issuance.
Target host employers with existing DS-2019 relationships
Search Migrate Mate to identify U.S. employers that have previously hosted J-1 exchange visitors in communications or media roles, narrowing your outreach to organizations already familiar with the host-employer obligations and training plan requirements.
Build a training plan before you negotiate your offer
Your designated sponsor requires a detailed Training or Internship Placement Plan outlining specific skills you'll develop each month. Draft a communications-specific version covering media relations, content production, and stakeholder engagement before your offer letter is finalized.
Check whether your role triggers the two-year home residency requirement
J-1 exchange visitors funded by their home government or whose field appears on the Exchange Visitor Skills List may face a two-year home residency requirement after their program ends. Confirm your country's skills list status with your designated sponsor before accepting the placement.
Verify your host employer's compliance obligations upfront
Host employers in the J-1 Trainee category must maintain records, evaluate your progress, and cooperate with your designated sponsor's monitoring visits. Ask directly whether the communications team has a point of contact for sponsor compliance before you sign any agreement.
Communications Associate J-1 Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which J-1 program category applies to a Communications Associate role?
The category depends on your current status. If you're enrolled in a degree program and the role is part of your coursework or practical training, the Intern category applies. If you've completed your degree and have at least one year of communications work experience, the Trainee category is the correct fit. Your designated sponsor confirms the category and issues the DS-2019 accordingly.
Who actually sponsors the J-1 visa for a Communications Associate position?
The J-1 visa sponsor is a U.S. Department of State-designated organization, such as Cultural Vistas, CIEE, or AIPT, not the hiring employer. The employer acts as your host, providing the communications work and signing the training plan. The designated sponsor issues your DS-2019, monitors program compliance, and remains your official sponsor throughout the placement.
How do I find U.S. employers open to hosting a J-1 Communications Associate?
Many employers are unfamiliar with J-1 hosting requirements, so targeting those with prior exchange visitor experience shortens your search significantly. Migrate Mate lets you filter for U.S. roles and employers that align with J-1 sponsorship categories, so you can focus outreach on organizations already comfortable with the host-employer obligations specific to communications placements.
Can a Communications Associate role trigger the two-year home residency requirement?
It can, depending on your nationality and funding source. If your home country lists communications or media on the Exchange Visitor Skills List, or if your program is government-funded, you may be required to return home for two years before changing to most other U.S. visa statuses. Confirm this with your designated sponsor before accepting any offer, since it affects long-term U.S. career plans.
What does the training plan need to cover for a J-1 Communications Associate placement?
The Training or Internship Placement Plan must detail the specific communications skills you'll develop, the timeline for each phase, the supervision structure, and the tools or platforms involved. For a Communications Associate, this typically covers media relations, content creation, internal communications, and stakeholder outreach. Your designated sponsor reviews the plan before issuing the DS-2019, and vague or generic plans are routinely returned for revision.