J-1 Visa Program Assistant Jobs
Program Assistant roles in the United States are typically sponsored under the J-1 visa Intern or Trainee category, depending on whether you're currently enrolled in a degree program or recently graduated. A designated sponsor organization issues your DS-2019 and manages compliance throughout your placement. Finding a host employer willing to coordinate J-1 sponsorship is the first step.
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Get Access To All JobsINTERNSHIP – Center for Public Service Program Assistant
Division: Internship
Department: Career, Vocation, and Leadership
Experience: Entry-level
Job Code: NA
Supervisor / Reports To: Angela Lockhart / Director of the Center for Public Service (Dr. Tyler Syck)
Internship Window: 7/1/2026 – 8/15/2026
Location: University of Pikeville | Center for Public Service | 147 Sycamore St. Pikeville, KY
Must be a registered UPIKE student
The Program Assistant Intern will support the daily operations and major initiatives of the Center for Public Service, with particular emphasis on civic education programming and the Allegheny Civic Fellowship summer institute. This internship provides hands-on experience in nonprofit administration, event planning, civic programming, communications, and grant development. Interns will work closely with Center leadership while gaining practical exposure to careers in public service, education, and community engagement.
Organization Description (General): The Center for Public Service at the University of Pikeville is dedicated to cultivating civic leadership, community engagement, and public-spirited scholarship across Eastern Kentucky. Through educational initiatives, fellowships, public programming, and partnerships with local institutions, the Center works to strengthen democratic culture and prepare students for lives of meaningful public contribution.
Internship Duties, Responsibilities, and Career Competencies:
- Assist the Director and Program Associate in planning events and managing the Allegheny Civic Fellowship. (C, TW, L, CSD)
- Generate original content for the Center for Public Service’s social media platforms to promote civic initiatives and programming. (C, CT, T)
- Help coordinate and manage the Director’s schedule, including meetings, events, and public engagements. (C, P, CSD)
- Answer phones and assist with general office communication and outreach. (C, P)
- Create engaging instructional and promotional content for the Civics Summer Camp. (C, CT, T)
- Assist in compiling primary source documents and educational resources for local K–12 educators. (CT, CSD, CTR)
- Work with the Director to conduct community outreach regarding civic programming and public events. (C, TW, CTR, L)
- Support the Director and Program Associate in researching and drafting grant proposals. (CT, CSD, P)
Competencies / Skills Developed: Communication (C), Teamwork (TW), Professionalism (P), Career & Self Development (CSD), Critical Thinking (CT), Community Transformation (CTR), Leadership (L), Technology (T)
Qualifications
Current UPIKE student in good academic standing.
Interest in public service, civic education, political science, history, communications, or related fields.
Strong organizational and communication skills preferred.
Experience with event planning, social media, or educational programming is helpful but not required.
Other Skills:
- Strong writing and organizational abilities.
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Interest in civic life, education, and community engagement.
- Comfort working both independently and collaboratively.
Work Schedule: Flexible scheduling coordinated with the Director and Program Associate. Hours will vary depending on program needs, particularly during summer Fellowship programming and major civic events.
Number of Positions: 1–2
Pay Rate: Beginning at $8.75/hour
Location: University of Pikeville | Center for Public Service | 147 Sycamore St. Pikeville, KY
Terms: Upon hire, the intern must register for the Summer II Internship course. To receive course credit, students will complete assignments concurrently with internship work. Students are required to work a total minimum of 80 hours and will be eligible for the following credit hours: 80-119 hours of work + course completion = 2 credit hours; 120-159 hours of work + course completion = 3 credit hours; 160-199 hours of work + course completion = 4 credit hours; 200-239 hours of work + course completion = 5 credit hours; 240+ hours of work = 6 credit hours. Summer interns in this position cannot exceed 40 hours of work per week.
Application Notes: Resumes and applications will be reviewed to determine if you meet the required qualifications for the position. If it is determined that you meet the required qualifications, your application materials will be used to identify a top group of the most highly qualified candidates. The University of Pikeville is an equal opportunity employer committed to assembling a diverse, broadly trained faculty and staff. The University of Pikeville does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age or disabilities in its programs, activities, hiring, or the admission of students.
INTERNSHIP – Center for Public Service Program Assistant
Division: Internship
Department: Career, Vocation, and Leadership
Experience: Entry-level
Job Code: NA
Supervisor / Reports To: Angela Lockhart / Director of the Center for Public Service (Dr. Tyler Syck)
Internship Window: 7/1/2026 – 8/15/2026
Location: University of Pikeville | Center for Public Service | 147 Sycamore St. Pikeville, KY
Must be a registered UPIKE student
The Program Assistant Intern will support the daily operations and major initiatives of the Center for Public Service, with particular emphasis on civic education programming and the Allegheny Civic Fellowship summer institute. This internship provides hands-on experience in nonprofit administration, event planning, civic programming, communications, and grant development. Interns will work closely with Center leadership while gaining practical exposure to careers in public service, education, and community engagement.
Organization Description (General): The Center for Public Service at the University of Pikeville is dedicated to cultivating civic leadership, community engagement, and public-spirited scholarship across Eastern Kentucky. Through educational initiatives, fellowships, public programming, and partnerships with local institutions, the Center works to strengthen democratic culture and prepare students for lives of meaningful public contribution.
Internship Duties, Responsibilities, and Career Competencies:
- Assist the Director and Program Associate in planning events and managing the Allegheny Civic Fellowship. (C, TW, L, CSD)
- Generate original content for the Center for Public Service’s social media platforms to promote civic initiatives and programming. (C, CT, T)
- Help coordinate and manage the Director’s schedule, including meetings, events, and public engagements. (C, P, CSD)
- Answer phones and assist with general office communication and outreach. (C, P)
- Create engaging instructional and promotional content for the Civics Summer Camp. (C, CT, T)
- Assist in compiling primary source documents and educational resources for local K–12 educators. (CT, CSD, CTR)
- Work with the Director to conduct community outreach regarding civic programming and public events. (C, TW, CTR, L)
- Support the Director and Program Associate in researching and drafting grant proposals. (CT, CSD, P)
Competencies / Skills Developed: Communication (C), Teamwork (TW), Professionalism (P), Career & Self Development (CSD), Critical Thinking (CT), Community Transformation (CTR), Leadership (L), Technology (T)
Qualifications
Current UPIKE student in good academic standing.
Interest in public service, civic education, political science, history, communications, or related fields.
Strong organizational and communication skills preferred.
Experience with event planning, social media, or educational programming is helpful but not required.
Other Skills:
- Strong writing and organizational abilities.
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Interest in civic life, education, and community engagement.
- Comfort working both independently and collaboratively.
Work Schedule: Flexible scheduling coordinated with the Director and Program Associate. Hours will vary depending on program needs, particularly during summer Fellowship programming and major civic events.
Number of Positions: 1–2
Pay Rate: Beginning at $8.75/hour
Location: University of Pikeville | Center for Public Service | 147 Sycamore St. Pikeville, KY
Terms: Upon hire, the intern must register for the Summer II Internship course. To receive course credit, students will complete assignments concurrently with internship work. Students are required to work a total minimum of 80 hours and will be eligible for the following credit hours: 80-119 hours of work + course completion = 2 credit hours; 120-159 hours of work + course completion = 3 credit hours; 160-199 hours of work + course completion = 4 credit hours; 200-239 hours of work + course completion = 5 credit hours; 240+ hours of work = 6 credit hours. Summer interns in this position cannot exceed 40 hours of work per week.
Application Notes: Resumes and applications will be reviewed to determine if you meet the required qualifications for the position. If it is determined that you meet the required qualifications, your application materials will be used to identify a top group of the most highly qualified candidates. The University of Pikeville is an equal opportunity employer committed to assembling a diverse, broadly trained faculty and staff. The University of Pikeville does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age or disabilities in its programs, activities, hiring, or the admission of students.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding J-1 Visa Sponsorship as a Program Assistant
Align your CV to specialty occupation language
Program Assistant roles must map to a recognized field of study to qualify under the Intern or Trainee category. Frame your CV around your academic discipline and program objectives, not general administrative duties, so the DS-2019 training plan reflects a coherent skill development arc.
Confirm your program category before applying
Intern status requires current enrollment or graduation within the past 12 months. Trainee status applies if you've been out of school longer. Applying to host organizations expecting one category when you qualify for the other causes DS-2019 delays and may require restarting the placement process.
Use Migrate Mate to find J-1 friendly employers
Not every organization that posts Program Assistant openings has experience hosting J-1 exchange visitors. Migrate Mate filters roles by employers who have coordinated J-1 placements, saving you from pursuing hosts who won't engage with the DS-2019 process.
Check whether the 2-year home residency applies to you
Some Program Assistant placements funded by your home government or in a field on your country's skills shortage list trigger the 2-year home residency requirement under INA 212(e). Confirm your eligibility for a waiver before accepting an offer if you plan to pursue a U.S. work visa afterward.
Request a training plan draft before the DS-2019 is issued
Your designated sponsor requires a detailed training plan from the host employer before issuing the DS-2019. Ask the employer to draft it early in the offer process so you can identify gaps, correct job duty descriptions, and avoid last-minute revisions that delay your program start date.
Verify the host employer's SEVIS compliance history
Host organizations are responsible for maintaining SEVIS records and meeting Department of State reporting obligations throughout your exchange. Ask whether they've hosted J-1 participants before and confirm they have a designated responsible officer, since hosts without SEVIS experience often struggle with mid-program reporting requirements.
Program Assistant J-1 Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which J-1 program category covers Program Assistant positions?
Most Program Assistant roles fall under the Intern category if you're currently enrolled in a degree program or graduated within the past 12 months, or under the Trainee category if you have a degree plus at least one year of related work experience. The distinction matters because each category carries different maximum durations and training plan requirements set by the Department of State.
Who actually sponsors my J-1 visa for a Program Assistant role?
Your J-1 visa sponsor is a U.S. Department of State-designated organization, such as IIE, CIEE, Cultural Vistas, or AIPT, not your employer. The host employer hires you and funds the role, but the designated sponsor issues your DS-2019 form, monitors your program compliance, and serves as your official point of contact with the Department of State throughout the exchange.
How do I find host employers for Program Assistant placements that are open to J-1 participants?
Many employers post Program Assistant openings without specifying J-1 eligibility, which means a lot of outreach goes unanswered. Migrate Mate focuses on U.S. employers who have coordinated J-1 exchange visitor placements, so you can concentrate your applications on organizations already familiar with the DS-2019 process and the training plan requirements.
Does the 2-year home residency requirement affect Program Assistant exchange visitors?
It can. The 2-year home residency requirement under INA 212(e) applies if your exchange program is government-funded, if your home country designated your field as a skills-shortage area, or if you received graduate medical education or training. Program Assistants in government affairs, development, or public health are more likely to be affected and should verify their status before accepting an offer.
What does the training plan need to include for a Program Assistant J-1 placement?
The training plan must detail specific learning objectives tied to your academic field, weekly phase-by-phase activities, supervision arrangements, and how the placement advances your professional development beyond what you'd gain in your home country. Vague descriptions like 'supporting office operations' are routinely flagged by designated sponsors. Work with your host employer to draft concrete, skill-specific language before the DS-2019 application is submitted.