J-1 Visa Media Relations Specialist Jobs
Media Relations Specialist roles in the United States are available to international candidates through J-1 visa sponsorship under the Specialist or Trainee program category. Designated sponsor organizations issue your DS-2019, while the U.S. media company or communications firm serves as your host employer. No lottery or annual cap applies.
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Get Access To All JobsAPPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
-
CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process . Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
-
CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
-
If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants .
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS
The J. Jeffrey and Ann Marie Fox Graduate School is seeking a creative, organized, and motivated student (graduate or undergraduate) to serve as a Marketing Communications Intern. This position will support the school’s Marketing and Strategic Communications team through strategic content creation, social media management, event promotion, and digital communications.
This internship offers hands-on experience working with a collaborative communications team focused on telling the stories of graduate students, faculty, staff, and alumni while promoting the impact and initiatives of the Fox Graduate School.
Responsibilities
The primary responsibility for the position is social media and content creation, which includes:
- Create engaging written, visual, and video content for Instagram, LinkedIn, and other platforms
- Capture photos and short-form video clips featuring graduate students, faculty, staff, and alumni
- Assist in maintaining an editorial calendar and publishing schedule
- Monitor engagement and support community management efforts
- Research trends and recommend new ideas, tools, or platforms
Additional responsibilities may include the following, based on the candidate’s skills, experiences, and interests, such as:
- Developing promotional materials for Fox Graduate School initiatives and events (e.g., Graduate Exhibition, Three Minute Thesis, Summer Research Opportunities Program, commencement activities, workshops)
- Supporting event marketing campaigns across digital and print channels
- Assisting with on-site event coverage, including live posting and photography
- Helping to update and manage website content
- Drafting news and feature stories
- Drafting and testing promotional emails
- Supporting copyediting and proofreading of marketing materials
- Ensuring content aligns with Penn State brand standards
- Developing analytics reports
Qualifications
- Enrolled undergraduate or graduate student in marketing, communications, public relations, journalism, business, English, or a related field
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Experience with social media platforms and content creation tools
- Familiarity with Adobe Creative Cloud
- Basic photography and/or videography skills preferred
- Comfort with analytics tools (e.g., platform insights, Google Analytics)
- Highly organized, self-motivated, and able to manage multiple projects
- Willingness to learn new tools and adapt to evolving priorities
Compensation and Time Commitment
This is a paid internship, $15 per hour, for 10 hours per week during the fall 2026 semester with possibility of extending into the spring semester.
To Apply
Please submit a resume, cover letter, and 3–5 samples of relevant work (writing, social media posts, graphics, video, or other marketing materials). Applications without these required documents will not be reviewed.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
-
CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process . Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
-
CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
-
If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants .
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS
The J. Jeffrey and Ann Marie Fox Graduate School is seeking a creative, organized, and motivated student (graduate or undergraduate) to serve as a Marketing Communications Intern. This position will support the school’s Marketing and Strategic Communications team through strategic content creation, social media management, event promotion, and digital communications.
This internship offers hands-on experience working with a collaborative communications team focused on telling the stories of graduate students, faculty, staff, and alumni while promoting the impact and initiatives of the Fox Graduate School.
Responsibilities
The primary responsibility for the position is social media and content creation, which includes:
- Create engaging written, visual, and video content for Instagram, LinkedIn, and other platforms
- Capture photos and short-form video clips featuring graduate students, faculty, staff, and alumni
- Assist in maintaining an editorial calendar and publishing schedule
- Monitor engagement and support community management efforts
- Research trends and recommend new ideas, tools, or platforms
Additional responsibilities may include the following, based on the candidate’s skills, experiences, and interests, such as:
- Developing promotional materials for Fox Graduate School initiatives and events (e.g., Graduate Exhibition, Three Minute Thesis, Summer Research Opportunities Program, commencement activities, workshops)
- Supporting event marketing campaigns across digital and print channels
- Assisting with on-site event coverage, including live posting and photography
- Helping to update and manage website content
- Drafting news and feature stories
- Drafting and testing promotional emails
- Supporting copyediting and proofreading of marketing materials
- Ensuring content aligns with Penn State brand standards
- Developing analytics reports
Qualifications
- Enrolled undergraduate or graduate student in marketing, communications, public relations, journalism, business, English, or a related field
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Experience with social media platforms and content creation tools
- Familiarity with Adobe Creative Cloud
- Basic photography and/or videography skills preferred
- Comfort with analytics tools (e.g., platform insights, Google Analytics)
- Highly organized, self-motivated, and able to manage multiple projects
- Willingness to learn new tools and adapt to evolving priorities
Compensation and Time Commitment
This is a paid internship, $15 per hour, for 10 hours per week during the fall 2026 semester with possibility of extending into the spring semester.
To Apply
Please submit a resume, cover letter, and 3–5 samples of relevant work (writing, social media posts, graphics, video, or other marketing materials). Applications without these required documents will not be reviewed.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.
See all J-1 Visa Media Relations Specialist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new J-1 Visa Media Relations Specialist Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding J-1 Visa Sponsorship as a Media Relations Specialist
Document your media credentials precisely
Your DS-2019 training plan must map your journalism degree or communications portfolio to specific host employer tasks. Vague credentials stall approval, so prepare a detailed professional biography and gather employer reference letters before approaching any designated sponsor.
Confirm the right J-1 category early
Current students pursuing a summer placement qualify under the Intern category, while professionals with a communications degree and relevant work experience qualify under Trainee. Applying under the wrong category causes delays, so clarify your status before contacting a designated sponsor.
Target host employers with established sponsor relationships
Use Migrate Mate to filter U.S. media companies and PR agencies that have hosted J-1 visa exchange visitors before. Prior sponsorship history signals the employer already understands DS-2019 timelines and training plan requirements, shortening your placement process.
Verify your host employer meets program standards
The J-1 Trainee category requires your host to provide structured, progressive training, not routine production work. Before accepting an offer, confirm the media company will sign a formal training plan outlining measurable skills you'll develop across the program duration.
Negotiate your offer letter before DS-2019 issuance
Your designated sponsor issues the DS-2019 only after the host employer's training plan is approved. Resolve your title, schedule, and responsibilities in writing beforehand so the sponsor can accurately complete your application without back-and-forth that delays your program start date.
Check home-residency requirement implications upfront
Certain J-1 participants must return home for two years after their program before changing to most other U.S. visa categories. If you plan to pursue an H-1B visa or green card afterward, confirm with your designated sponsor whether your Specialist or Trainee placement triggers this requirement.
Media Relations Specialist J-1 Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which J-1 program category fits a Media Relations Specialist role?
It depends on your current status. If you're enrolled in a degree program and securing a temporary placement, the Intern category applies. If you hold a communications or journalism degree and have prior professional experience, the Trainee category is the correct fit. The Specialist category applies to internationally recognized experts in public affairs or media. Your designated sponsor confirms the appropriate category based on your qualifications and the host employer's training plan.
Who actually sponsors a J-1 visa for this role, the employer or a separate organization?
The hiring media company or PR firm is your host employer, not your visa sponsor. Your J-1 sponsor is a U.S. Department of State-designated organization, such as Cultural Vistas, CIEE, or IIE, that reviews your training plan, issues the DS-2019 form, and monitors program compliance. The host employer agrees to the training structure but does not hold sponsor status or file any visa petition directly.
Does the J-1 visa carry a two-year home residency requirement for media professionals?
Some J-1 participants are subject to a two-year home-country physical presence requirement before they can change to H-1B, L-1 visa, or immigrant visa status. Triggers include government financing of your exchange and whether your home country appears on the State Department's exchange visitor skills list. If you plan to pursue long-term U.S. work authorization after your media placement, confirm your requirement status with your designated sponsor before the program begins.
How do I find U.S. media employers willing to host J-1 exchange visitors?
Search Migrate Mate to identify U.S. media companies, communications agencies, and broadcast organizations that align with J-1 sponsorship for exchange visitors. Filtering by role and visa type surfaces employers who are familiar with host obligations, making it easier to advance quickly to the offer and training plan stage without educating each company about the program from scratch.
What does a J-1 training plan require for a Media Relations Specialist placement?
The J-1 Trainee category requires a formal Training Placement Plan that outlines phase-by-phase skill development, not a general job description. For a media relations role, your plan should specify rotations across tasks like press release drafting, media list management, spokesperson briefings, and crisis communications response. The host employer and designated sponsor both sign the plan, and it must demonstrate progressive learning rather than routine repetitive work.