J-1 Visa Public Relations Intern Jobs
Public Relations Intern positions in the United States are available to current students and recent graduates through the J-1 visa Intern program category, which requires sponsorship from a U.S. Department of State-designated organization. Host employers in PR agencies, corporate communications teams, and nonprofits hire J-1 interns for placements typically lasting up to 12 months.
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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 J-1 Visa Public Relations Intern Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new J-1 Visa Public Relations Intern Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding J-1 Visa Sponsorship as a Public Relations Intern
Align your DS-2019 dates with internship timelines
Your designated sponsor issues the DS-2019 with fixed program start and end dates. Confirm your host employer's internship window before the sponsor submits paperwork, because changing dates mid-program requires a formal extension request and additional sponsor approval.
Document your PR coursework for sponsor eligibility
J-1 Intern eligibility requires enrollment in or recent graduation from a degree program directly related to the internship field. Gather transcripts, a letter from your academic advisor, and course descriptions that connect your communications or public relations studies to the specific host employer role.
Verify the host employer can sign a training plan
Your host employer must complete a structured training plan outlining your specific PR tasks, supervision schedule, and learning objectives. Agencies without a dedicated HR function sometimes delay this step, so confirm early that a supervisor can complete the required CIEE, Cultural Vistas, or IIE training plan documentation.
Search Migrate Mate to find J-1-aligned PR roles
Use Migrate Mate to identify U.S. public relations employers and internship roles that are open to J-1 exchange visitors. Filtering by visa category before applying saves time and avoids targeting positions where the host has no experience hosting sponsored interns.
Check whether your home country triggers the two-year rule
Some J-1 participants must return home for two years before changing to certain U.S. visa statuses. Check your DS-2019 and consult your designated sponsor before accepting a PR internship if your government funded your exchange or your field appears on the Exchange Visitor Skills List.
Request your SEVIS fee receipt before the consular interview
The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee must be paid and the receipt confirmed before your visa interview. PR interns sometimes overlook this because the designated sponsor, not the host employer, initiates SEVIS registration, creating a timing gap between the job offer and visa application readiness.
Public Relations Intern J-1 Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which J-1 program category applies to public relations intern roles?
The J-1 Intern category applies to current post-secondary students and graduates who completed their degree within the past 12 months. It covers placements in fields directly related to the intern's course of study, which includes communications, journalism, and public relations. If you graduated more than 12 months ago, you would need to qualify under the J-1 Trainee category instead, which has different eligibility criteria and a longer maximum program duration.
Who actually sponsors my J-1 visa for a PR internship -- the employer or a designated organization?
The visa sponsor is a U.S. Department of State-designated sponsor organization, not your host employer. Organizations like CIEE, Cultural Vistas, and IIE issue the DS-2019 form that makes you eligible for a J-1 visa. The PR agency or company you work for is the host employer. They provide the internship and sign the training plan, but they do not hold the legal sponsorship role under State Department regulations.
How do I find PR internships where the host employer is open to J-1 exchange visitors?
Most standard job listings do not specify J-1 host eligibility, which makes targeting the right employers difficult. Migrate Mate lets you search for public relations roles and filter by visa category, helping you identify host employers who have experience working with designated sponsors and exchange visitor interns. Approaching employers who already understand the training plan and DS-2019 process significantly reduces the risk of an offer falling through during the sponsorship coordination stage.
Can I extend my J-1 public relations internship if my host employer wants to keep me longer?
Extensions are possible but must be approved by your designated sponsor before your current DS-2019 end date. Your host employer cannot grant an extension independently. The J-1 Intern category allows a maximum total program duration of 12 months. If you are already at the 12-month limit, an extension is not available and you would need to depart or transition to a different visa status through the appropriate process.
What training plan documents does the host employer need to prepare before I can get my DS-2019?
Your host employer must complete a Form DS-7002 training plan, which details your specific PR tasks, supervision structure, and the skills you will develop. The plan must be signed by both your supervisor and your designated sponsor before the DS-2019 is issued. Sponsors require this document to confirm the placement is a genuine learning experience rather than standard employment. Gaps or vague task descriptions are the most common reason sponsors delay or reject training plan approval.