J-1 Visa Social Media Manager Jobs
Social Media Manager roles in the U.S. are available to exchange visitors through the J-1 visa Trainee or Intern program categories, depending on your career stage. Finding a host employer willing to coordinate with a State Department-designated sponsor organization for DS-2019 sponsorship requires a targeted, structured approach.
Find J-1 Visa Social Media Manager JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 60+ Social Media Manager jobs
See all 60+ Social Media Manager Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Social Media Manager roles.
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 .
JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS
This position requires you to have received a work-study award. To verify if you have received a work-study award, please consult the Financial Aid Award Summary area in your LionPATH account. A Federal Work Study award does not guarantee a job is available.
The Office of Entrepreneurship is seeking a creative, reliable and digitally savvy student workers to support social media for Invent Penn State. Working with the Marketing and Communications team, the student will help create, schedule and manage engaging content that highlights entrepreneurship, innovation, programs, events and success stories across the Invent Penn State ecosystem.
This position offers an opportunity for students interested in marketing, communications, social media or content creation to gain hands-on professional experience while helping tell the stories of Penn State entrepreneurs, students, alumni and communities across Pennsylvania.
Key Responsibilities:
- Create, adapt and schedule engaging social media content across Invent Penn State channels.
- Write clear, audience-focused social media copy consistent with Penn State and Invent Penn State brand standards and voice.
- Identify and develop content opportunities related to entrepreneurs, programs, events, educational opportunities and other initiatives.
- Assist with maintaining the social media content calendar and coordinating posts around key events, campaigns and announcements.
- Monitor social media channels for comments, mentions, messages and engagement opportunities, escalating questions when appropriate.
- Capture photos and short-form video content at events and activities as needed.
- Assist with basic photo and video editing and the creation of social media graphics using available tools and templates.
- Research relevant social media trends and platform best practices and recommend opportunities to strengthen content and engagement.
- Review social media performance data and help identify trends and high-performing content.
- Collaborate with members of the Marketing and Communications team and program partners to gather information, stories and content.
- Assist with other digital marketing and communications projects as needed.
Qualifications
- Current Penn State undergraduate or graduate student.
- Strong written communication skills and attention to detail.
- Familiarity with major social media platforms and an understanding of how content and audiences differ across channels.
- Creative mindset and an interest in storytelling and digital content.
- Ability to manage multiple assignments, meet deadlines and work both independently and collaboratively.
- Good judgment and professionalism when representing a university organization online.
- Interest in entrepreneurship, innovation and economic development is a plus.
Experience creating social media content for a student organization, employer, personal brand or other organization is helpful but not required. Familiarity with tools such as Canva, Adobe Creative Cloud, social media management platforms or basic video editing tools is also a plus.
Hours, Work Location and Compensation:
This is a part-time position of approximately 10–15 hours per week during the academic year Fall/Spring 2026, with scheduling flexibility around classes. The position requires full in-person attendance and is based at the Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub in downtown State College. Some availability to attend and capture content at events may be requested. The hourly rate for this position is $15.00 per hour.
Application Materials:
Please submit a resume and a brief statement describing your interest in the position. Applicants are encouraged to include links or examples of social media, writing, photography, video or other relevant content they have created.
The starting hourly rate for this job is $15.00.
Federal Work Study job performance is evaluated either annually or through ongoing mentorship. Students who received a Federal Work Study award have the opportunity to obtain a job and perform related duties either on campus, or remotely, if possible and at the discretion of the employer. Students applying for Federal Work Study positions should clarify expectations with their potential employer regarding either on campus/in person or remote work arrangements.
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.
Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster
PA State Labor Law Poster
Penn State Policies
Copyright Information
Hotlines
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 .
JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS
This position requires you to have received a work-study award. To verify if you have received a work-study award, please consult the Financial Aid Award Summary area in your LionPATH account. A Federal Work Study award does not guarantee a job is available.
The Office of Entrepreneurship is seeking a creative, reliable and digitally savvy student workers to support social media for Invent Penn State. Working with the Marketing and Communications team, the student will help create, schedule and manage engaging content that highlights entrepreneurship, innovation, programs, events and success stories across the Invent Penn State ecosystem.
This position offers an opportunity for students interested in marketing, communications, social media or content creation to gain hands-on professional experience while helping tell the stories of Penn State entrepreneurs, students, alumni and communities across Pennsylvania.
Key Responsibilities:
- Create, adapt and schedule engaging social media content across Invent Penn State channels.
- Write clear, audience-focused social media copy consistent with Penn State and Invent Penn State brand standards and voice.
- Identify and develop content opportunities related to entrepreneurs, programs, events, educational opportunities and other initiatives.
- Assist with maintaining the social media content calendar and coordinating posts around key events, campaigns and announcements.
- Monitor social media channels for comments, mentions, messages and engagement opportunities, escalating questions when appropriate.
- Capture photos and short-form video content at events and activities as needed.
- Assist with basic photo and video editing and the creation of social media graphics using available tools and templates.
- Research relevant social media trends and platform best practices and recommend opportunities to strengthen content and engagement.
- Review social media performance data and help identify trends and high-performing content.
- Collaborate with members of the Marketing and Communications team and program partners to gather information, stories and content.
- Assist with other digital marketing and communications projects as needed.
Qualifications
- Current Penn State undergraduate or graduate student.
- Strong written communication skills and attention to detail.
- Familiarity with major social media platforms and an understanding of how content and audiences differ across channels.
- Creative mindset and an interest in storytelling and digital content.
- Ability to manage multiple assignments, meet deadlines and work both independently and collaboratively.
- Good judgment and professionalism when representing a university organization online.
- Interest in entrepreneurship, innovation and economic development is a plus.
Experience creating social media content for a student organization, employer, personal brand or other organization is helpful but not required. Familiarity with tools such as Canva, Adobe Creative Cloud, social media management platforms or basic video editing tools is also a plus.
Hours, Work Location and Compensation:
This is a part-time position of approximately 10–15 hours per week during the academic year Fall/Spring 2026, with scheduling flexibility around classes. The position requires full in-person attendance and is based at the Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub in downtown State College. Some availability to attend and capture content at events may be requested. The hourly rate for this position is $15.00 per hour.
Application Materials:
Please submit a resume and a brief statement describing your interest in the position. Applicants are encouraged to include links or examples of social media, writing, photography, video or other relevant content they have created.
The starting hourly rate for this job is $15.00.
Federal Work Study job performance is evaluated either annually or through ongoing mentorship. Students who received a Federal Work Study award have the opportunity to obtain a job and perform related duties either on campus, or remotely, if possible and at the discretion of the employer. Students applying for Federal Work Study positions should clarify expectations with their potential employer regarding either on campus/in person or remote work arrangements.
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.
Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster
PA State Labor Law Poster
Penn State Policies
Copyright Information
Hotlines
See all 60+ J-1 Visa Social Media Manager Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new J-1 Visa Social Media Manager Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding J-1 Visa Sponsorship as a Social Media Manager
Frame your portfolio around U.S. platform expertise
Host employers and designated sponsors evaluate your training plan against demonstrable skills. Build a portfolio showing campaigns on platforms dominant in the U.S. market, including Meta Ads Manager and Google Analytics, before applications begin.
Distinguish Intern from Trainee category early
J-1 Intern status requires current enrollment or graduation within the past 12 months. J-1 Trainee requires at least one year of relevant work experience. Applying under the wrong category forces you to restart with a new host employer entirely.
Target host employers with existing sponsor relationships
Companies that have previously hosted J-1 exchange visitors already understand the DS-2019 process and training plan requirements. Use Migrate Mate to filter for U.S. Social Media Manager roles at organizations with documented J-1 hosting history.
Prepare a draft Individual Development Plan before interviewing
Designated sponsors like CIEE and Cultural Vistas require a detailed training plan before issuing a DS-2019. Arriving at interviews with a draft outlining weekly learning objectives signals readiness and accelerates sponsor approval after an offer is made.
Confirm your host employer's willingness to coordinate compliance
The host employer must sign the training plan, designate a supervisor, and cooperate with sponsor monitoring visits. Raise this coordination requirement directly during the offer stage, not after signing, to avoid delays in DS-2019 issuance.
Verify your role qualifies as productive employment not incidental work
USCIS and the State Department require that J-1 training positions provide substantive skill development, not routine operational tasks. A Social Media Manager role focused entirely on scheduling posts rather than strategy or analytics may not satisfy program requirements.
Social Media Manager J-1 Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which J-1 program category covers Social Media Manager roles?
Social Media Manager positions typically fall under the J-1 Intern category if you are currently enrolled in a degree program or graduated within the past 12 months. If you have at least one year of post-degree professional experience in marketing or communications, the J-1 Trainee category applies instead. The category determines which designated sponsor organizations can issue your DS-2019 and what training plan structure is required.
Who actually sponsors my J-1 visa as a Social Media Manager?
Your J-1 visa sponsor is a U.S. Department of State-designated organization, such as CIEE, Cultural Vistas, or AIPT, not your employer. The hiring company is your host organization. The designated sponsor reviews your training plan, issues the DS-2019 form, and monitors your placement throughout the program. The host employer and the sponsor work together, but they are distinct entities with different legal responsibilities under the J-1 program.
Does a Social Media Manager J-1 placement carry the two-year home residency requirement?
The two-year home residency requirement under INA Section 212(e) applies when your J-1 exchange is funded by your home government or the U.S. government, or when your skill is on your home country's exchange visitor skills list. Most privately arranged Social Media Manager traineeships do not trigger this requirement, but you should confirm with your designated sponsor and review your DS-2019 endorsement before making long-term immigration plans.
How do I find U.S. employers willing to host a J-1 Social Media Manager?
Host employers for J-1 Social Media Manager roles are not listed on government databases, which makes targeted search essential. Migrate Mate lets you search for U.S. Social Media Manager positions at companies with a history of hosting exchange visitors, saving significant time compared to cold outreach. Prioritize mid-size companies in technology, media, and consumer brands, where dedicated social teams are most common and training plan structures are easier to define.
What should a J-1 Social Media Manager training plan include?
A valid J-1 training plan for this role must outline specific skills you will develop that you cannot acquire in your home country, structured as phase-by-phase objectives. Content strategy development, paid social campaign management, cross-functional campaign coordination, and analytics reporting are all defensible training objectives. Generic descriptions like learning social media fundamentals are routinely rejected by designated sponsors because they do not demonstrate substantive cultural or professional exchange value.