J-1 Visa Social Media Specialist Jobs
Social Media Specialist roles in the United States are accessible to international exchange visitors through J-1 visa sponsorship, most commonly under the Trainee or Specialist program categories. Designated sponsor organizations issue the DS-2019 and oversee your training plan, while the hiring company serves as your host employer.
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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 .
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
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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 Specialist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new J-1 Visa Social Media Specialist Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding J-1 Visa Sponsorship as a Social Media Specialist
Document your specialized social media credentials
Compile a portfolio showing platform-specific campaign results, analytics dashboards, and content strategy work. The J-1 visa Trainee or Specialist category requires evidence of field-relevant education or professional experience, and vague credentials slow DS-2019 issuance.
Target host employers with structured training programs
J-1 host employers must co-sign a Training or Internship Placement Plan (DS-7002). Marketing agencies, mid-size tech firms, and media companies with dedicated social teams are more likely to have the HR infrastructure to complete this form accurately.
Search for J-1-aligned roles using Migrate Mate
Use Migrate Mate to filter Social Media Specialist positions at employers familiar with exchange visitor hosting requirements. Finding a host that already understands the DS-2019 and DS-7002 process cuts weeks off your placement timeline.
Clarify the home residency requirement before accepting offers
Some J-1 Specialist placements trigger a two-year home-country residency requirement, particularly if your role is government-funded or your home country appears on the skills list. Confirm your status with the designated sponsor before signing any offer letter.
Align your training plan with actual platform responsibilities
Designated sponsors scrutinize DS-7002 training objectives for coherence. If your day-to-day involves TikTok and Instagram analytics but your plan lists generic 'marketing tasks,' the sponsor may flag it. Map each weekly objective to a specific platform or deliverable.
Verify your host employer's SEVIS compliance history
Ask the hiring manager whether they have hosted J-1 exchange visitors before and whether they have worked with a designated sponsor organization. A host with no SEVIS experience increases the risk of delays or errors in the Training Plan filing process.
Social Media Specialist J-1 Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which J-1 program category applies to Social Media Specialist roles?
It depends on where you are in your career. Current university students or recent graduates within 12 months of graduation typically qualify under the Intern category. Professionals with at least one year of post-degree work experience in marketing, communications, or a related field generally qualify under the Trainee category. The Specialist category applies to recognized experts with substantial field-specific experience, which is less common for this role.
How do I find U.S. employers who are set up to host J-1 exchange visitors for this role?
Use Migrate Mate to search Social Media Specialist positions at employers that have experience with exchange visitor hosting. Most job boards don't filter for J-1 compatibility, so you risk spending weeks pursuing companies that have never completed a DS-7002 or worked with a designated sponsor. Targeting the right hosts from the start is the most efficient path to placement.
Who actually sponsors my J-1 visa, the employer or a separate organization?
Your visa sponsor is a U.S. Department of State-designated organization, not your employer. Organizations like Cultural Vistas, CIEE, or AIPT issue the DS-2019 form that authorizes your J-1 status and monitor your compliance throughout the exchange. Your hiring company is the host employer. They co-sign the training plan and provide your work environment, but they are not the legal sponsor for immigration purposes.
Does a Social Media Specialist role qualify as a specialty occupation for J-1 purposes?
The J-1 visa does not use the specialty occupation standard that applies to H-1B visas. Instead, designated sponsors evaluate whether the role provides a genuine structured training or exchange experience in a recognized occupational field. Social media strategy, digital marketing analytics, and content production are recognized fields, but the training plan must clearly show progressive skill development rather than routine task execution.
Can I switch host employers or roles while on J-1 status?
Changing host employers requires your designated sponsor's approval and typically means filing an amended DS-7002 training plan. If the new role is materially different from your original plan, the sponsor may need to evaluate whether your J-1 category still applies. You cannot simply accept a new offer and transfer status without this process, and working for an unapproved host constitutes a status violation.