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 JobsJob Title: UU Student - Computer
Working Title: Data Gov Communications Intern
Career Progression Track: SJ
FLSA Code: Nonexempt
Type: Non Benefited Staff / Student
Temporary?: No
Standard Hours per Week: 19 hours
Full Time or Part Time?: Part Time
Shift: Day
Work Schedule Summary: Monday-Friday, hours to be arranged
Is this a work study job?: No
VP Area: Academic Affairs
Department: 00822 - University Analytics & Institutional Reporting
Location: Campus
City: Salt Lake City, UT
Type of Recruitment: External Posting
Pay Rate Range: $15.00/hr
Close Date: 09/24/2026
Job Summary
We seek highly motivated student pursuing a degree in Communications, Marketing, or other relevant areas of study to help support data governance within the University Analytics and Institutional Reporting (UAIR) department. This opportunity will focus on creating external and internal training materials and messaging related to data management, data governance, and reporting. The position will also focus on expanding our communication efforts across the university.
Skill Development
This is a project oriented internship that will provide hands-on experience in web design, video creation and editing, and training curriculum development. Students will gain experience working with different applications, areas of expertise, and training approaches. The following are some of the skills that may be developed through various projects:
- Develop and enhance webpages for data.utah.edu
- Plan and create short training or educational videos for external audiences or internal UAIR staff
- Gather project highlight information from various technical areas within UAIR for newsletter or other communication campaigns
- Apply data governance principles, including data definition standardization and metadata management
There may be other tools or processes touched on throughout the internships. The following are some examples of the skills that may be developed and utilized within this internship:
- Project management
- Video creation and editing software
- Website development
Responsibilities
- This student position will support the development of a data literacy program by helping create and organize training materials.
- The student will assist in converting content into video format for broader use and contribute to website updates.
- The position will also support efforts to improve data consistency and alignment across campus, as well as promote data governance transparency and ethical data use, while providing hands-on technical experience in a real-world environment.
Minimum Qualifications
Must be a current student at the University of Utah
Preferences
- Ability to work independently with light to moderate supervision in various areas of responsibility.
- Excellent problem-solving including research, error detection and correction, root cause analysis, conceptual, analytical and decision-making skills
- Preference will be given to students with related coursework and/or professional experience.
Special Instructions Summary
Additional Information
The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.
This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.
The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.
Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.
Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.
To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX (OEO). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at the: University of Utah Non‑Discrimination page.
Online reports may be submitted at https://oeo.utah.edu.
https://publicsafety.utah.edu/safetyreport/ This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.
Job Title: UU Student - Computer
Working Title: Data Gov Communications Intern
Career Progression Track: SJ
FLSA Code: Nonexempt
Type: Non Benefited Staff / Student
Temporary?: No
Standard Hours per Week: 19 hours
Full Time or Part Time?: Part Time
Shift: Day
Work Schedule Summary: Monday-Friday, hours to be arranged
Is this a work study job?: No
VP Area: Academic Affairs
Department: 00822 - University Analytics & Institutional Reporting
Location: Campus
City: Salt Lake City, UT
Type of Recruitment: External Posting
Pay Rate Range: $15.00/hr
Close Date: 09/24/2026
Job Summary
We seek highly motivated student pursuing a degree in Communications, Marketing, or other relevant areas of study to help support data governance within the University Analytics and Institutional Reporting (UAIR) department. This opportunity will focus on creating external and internal training materials and messaging related to data management, data governance, and reporting. The position will also focus on expanding our communication efforts across the university.
Skill Development
This is a project oriented internship that will provide hands-on experience in web design, video creation and editing, and training curriculum development. Students will gain experience working with different applications, areas of expertise, and training approaches. The following are some of the skills that may be developed through various projects:
- Develop and enhance webpages for data.utah.edu
- Plan and create short training or educational videos for external audiences or internal UAIR staff
- Gather project highlight information from various technical areas within UAIR for newsletter or other communication campaigns
- Apply data governance principles, including data definition standardization and metadata management
There may be other tools or processes touched on throughout the internships. The following are some examples of the skills that may be developed and utilized within this internship:
- Project management
- Video creation and editing software
- Website development
Responsibilities
- This student position will support the development of a data literacy program by helping create and organize training materials.
- The student will assist in converting content into video format for broader use and contribute to website updates.
- The position will also support efforts to improve data consistency and alignment across campus, as well as promote data governance transparency and ethical data use, while providing hands-on technical experience in a real-world environment.
Minimum Qualifications
Must be a current student at the University of Utah
Preferences
- Ability to work independently with light to moderate supervision in various areas of responsibility.
- Excellent problem-solving including research, error detection and correction, root cause analysis, conceptual, analytical and decision-making skills
- Preference will be given to students with related coursework and/or professional experience.
Special Instructions Summary
Additional Information
The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.
This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.
The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.
Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.
Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.
To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX (OEO). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at the: University of Utah Non‑Discrimination page.
Online reports may be submitted at https://oeo.utah.edu.
https://publicsafety.utah.edu/safetyreport/ This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.
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.