OPT Communications Associate Jobs
Communications Associate roles are a strong fit for OPT students with degrees in communications, journalism, public relations, or marketing. Most positions qualify as specialty occupations under F-1 OPT rules. Your 12-month authorization window, extendable to 36 months with a STEM OPT extension if your degree qualifies, gives employers a meaningful runway to evaluate you.
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Get Access To All JobsAt Kia, we’re creating award-winning products and redefining what value means in the automotive industry. It takes a special group of individuals to do what we do, and we do it together. Our culture is fast-paced, collaborative, and innovative. Our people thrive on thinking differently and challenging the status quo. We are creating something special here, a culture of learning and opportunity, where you can help Kia achieve big things and most importantly, feel passionate and connected to your work every day.
Kia provides team members with competitive benefits including premium paid medical, dental and vision coverage for you and your dependents, 401(k) plan matching of 100% up to 6% of the salary deferral, and paid time off. Kia also offers company lease and purchase programs, company-wide holiday shutdown, paid volunteer hours, and premium lifestyle amenities at our corporate campus in Irvine, California.
Status
Nonexempt
General Summary
The Marketing Communications & PR Analyst supports North America’s Brand Experience initiatives by coordinating and reporting on marketing communications activities, including public relations (PR), partnerships, sponsorships, experiential programs, and other strategic initiatives. This role serves as a key liaison between Headquarters and Kia’s US, Canada, and Mexico organizations, supporting alignment, communication, and visibility across the region.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Priority One – 50%
Marketing Communications, Partnership & Experiential Support
- Support the development and execution of regional communications, PR, partnership, sponsorship, and experiential initiatives across North America.
- Coordinate with KUS, KCA, KMX, HQ, and external partners to ensure alignment on key programs and deliverables.
- Track and monitor regional PR activities, media coverage, partnerships, sponsorship activations, experiential programs, and associated reporting.
- Develop program recaps, management updates, and performance summaries.
Priority Two – 30%
Headquarters & Regional Coordination
- Serve as a liaison between HQ and KUS/KCA/KMX to facilitate communication, project alignment, and information sharing.
- Coordinate cross-functional initiatives involving Marketing, PR, and external partners.
- Manage meeting agendas, presentation materials, meeting recaps, and follow-up actions.
- Monitor key deliverables and ensure alignment with regional and global objectives.
- Support implementation and localization of HQ-led initiatives across North America.
Priority Three – 20%
Executive Reporting & Business Operations
- Develop executive-level presentations, briefing materials, business updates, and leadership reports.
- Consolidate recurring reports across North America and maintain project trackers, dashboards, and KPI reporting.
- Support annual planning, business reviews, and management reporting.
- Ensure timely and accurate delivery of reporting materials to leadership and HQ stakeholders.
Personally Performed Duties
- Support regional marketing communications initiatives, including PR, partnership, experiential, and CSR initiatives across North America.
- Coordinate communications and activities between HQ and North American subsidiaries (KUS, KCA, and KMX).
- Develop executive presentations, business updates, and recurring reports for management and HQ stakeholders.
- Track key projects, timelines, budgets, and deliverables to ensure timely execution and reporting.
- Support media monitoring and performance reporting for regional communications initiatives.
- Consolidate regional updates and provide status reporting on communications, partnerships, experiential programs, and CSR activities.
- Support agency/vendor coordination, regional meetings, and follow-up actions.
Qualifications/Education
- Bachelor’s degree (Business Administration, Marketing, Communications, Public Relations preferred) or equivalent work experience required.
Job Requirement
Overall Related Experience:
- 0 - 3 years of experience in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Events, Partnerships, Project Coordination, or related field.
- Experience supporting communications, events, sponsorships, partnerships, or agency relationships preferred.
- Experience collaborating with global stakeholders and headquarters teams in a multinational environment preferred.
Directly Related Experience:
- Experience coordinating multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
- Experience preparing reports, presentations, and business communications.
- Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and follow-through.
- Experience working with internal stakeholders and external partners.
Position Requirements:
- Occasional travel may be required.
- May need to work additional hours outside of normal business hours as required by the job, including weekends or holidays.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Specialized Skills and Knowledge Required
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong PowerPoint presentation development skills.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (PowerPoint, Excel, Word, Outlook, Teams).
- Strong organizational, coordination, and time-management skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
- Ability to build effective working relationships across functions and organizations.
- Korean language proficiency is highly preferred.
- Physical Requirements: Ability to sit or stand for extended periods and perform routine office tasks.
- 5-10% of (domestic and/or international) travel.
Competencies
- Care for People
- Chase Excellence Every Day
- Dare to Push Boundaries
- Empower People to Act
Move Further Together
Pay Range
$54,833.34 - $68,510.76
Pay will be based on several variables that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to, job-related skills, experience, relevant education or training, etc.
Equal Employment Opportunities
KUS provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, including pregnancy and childbirth and related medical conditions, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, legally protected physical disability or mental disability, legally protected medical condition, marital status, sexual orientation, family care or medical leave status, protected veteran or military status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. KUS complies with applicable law governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which KUS has offices. The KUS EEO policy applies to all areas of employment, including recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, compensation, benefits, discipline, termination and all other privileges, terms and conditions of employment.
Disclaimer: The above information on this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification and for this position. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.
Employment Type
Full Time
At Kia, we’re creating award-winning products and redefining what value means in the automotive industry. It takes a special group of individuals to do what we do, and we do it together. Our culture is fast-paced, collaborative, and innovative. Our people thrive on thinking differently and challenging the status quo. We are creating something special here, a culture of learning and opportunity, where you can help Kia achieve big things and most importantly, feel passionate and connected to your work every day.
Kia provides team members with competitive benefits including premium paid medical, dental and vision coverage for you and your dependents, 401(k) plan matching of 100% up to 6% of the salary deferral, and paid time off. Kia also offers company lease and purchase programs, company-wide holiday shutdown, paid volunteer hours, and premium lifestyle amenities at our corporate campus in Irvine, California.
Status
Nonexempt
General Summary
The Marketing Communications & PR Analyst supports North America’s Brand Experience initiatives by coordinating and reporting on marketing communications activities, including public relations (PR), partnerships, sponsorships, experiential programs, and other strategic initiatives. This role serves as a key liaison between Headquarters and Kia’s US, Canada, and Mexico organizations, supporting alignment, communication, and visibility across the region.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Priority One – 50%
Marketing Communications, Partnership & Experiential Support
- Support the development and execution of regional communications, PR, partnership, sponsorship, and experiential initiatives across North America.
- Coordinate with KUS, KCA, KMX, HQ, and external partners to ensure alignment on key programs and deliverables.
- Track and monitor regional PR activities, media coverage, partnerships, sponsorship activations, experiential programs, and associated reporting.
- Develop program recaps, management updates, and performance summaries.
Priority Two – 30%
Headquarters & Regional Coordination
- Serve as a liaison between HQ and KUS/KCA/KMX to facilitate communication, project alignment, and information sharing.
- Coordinate cross-functional initiatives involving Marketing, PR, and external partners.
- Manage meeting agendas, presentation materials, meeting recaps, and follow-up actions.
- Monitor key deliverables and ensure alignment with regional and global objectives.
- Support implementation and localization of HQ-led initiatives across North America.
Priority Three – 20%
Executive Reporting & Business Operations
- Develop executive-level presentations, briefing materials, business updates, and leadership reports.
- Consolidate recurring reports across North America and maintain project trackers, dashboards, and KPI reporting.
- Support annual planning, business reviews, and management reporting.
- Ensure timely and accurate delivery of reporting materials to leadership and HQ stakeholders.
Personally Performed Duties
- Support regional marketing communications initiatives, including PR, partnership, experiential, and CSR initiatives across North America.
- Coordinate communications and activities between HQ and North American subsidiaries (KUS, KCA, and KMX).
- Develop executive presentations, business updates, and recurring reports for management and HQ stakeholders.
- Track key projects, timelines, budgets, and deliverables to ensure timely execution and reporting.
- Support media monitoring and performance reporting for regional communications initiatives.
- Consolidate regional updates and provide status reporting on communications, partnerships, experiential programs, and CSR activities.
- Support agency/vendor coordination, regional meetings, and follow-up actions.
Qualifications/Education
- Bachelor’s degree (Business Administration, Marketing, Communications, Public Relations preferred) or equivalent work experience required.
Job Requirement
Overall Related Experience:
- 0 - 3 years of experience in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Events, Partnerships, Project Coordination, or related field.
- Experience supporting communications, events, sponsorships, partnerships, or agency relationships preferred.
- Experience collaborating with global stakeholders and headquarters teams in a multinational environment preferred.
Directly Related Experience:
- Experience coordinating multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
- Experience preparing reports, presentations, and business communications.
- Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and follow-through.
- Experience working with internal stakeholders and external partners.
Position Requirements:
- Occasional travel may be required.
- May need to work additional hours outside of normal business hours as required by the job, including weekends or holidays.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Specialized Skills and Knowledge Required
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong PowerPoint presentation development skills.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (PowerPoint, Excel, Word, Outlook, Teams).
- Strong organizational, coordination, and time-management skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
- Ability to build effective working relationships across functions and organizations.
- Korean language proficiency is highly preferred.
- Physical Requirements: Ability to sit or stand for extended periods and perform routine office tasks.
- 5-10% of (domestic and/or international) travel.
Competencies
- Care for People
- Chase Excellence Every Day
- Dare to Push Boundaries
- Empower People to Act
Move Further Together
Pay Range
$54,833.34 - $68,510.76
Pay will be based on several variables that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to, job-related skills, experience, relevant education or training, etc.
Equal Employment Opportunities
KUS provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, including pregnancy and childbirth and related medical conditions, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, legally protected physical disability or mental disability, legally protected medical condition, marital status, sexual orientation, family care or medical leave status, protected veteran or military status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. KUS complies with applicable law governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which KUS has offices. The KUS EEO policy applies to all areas of employment, including recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, compensation, benefits, discipline, termination and all other privileges, terms and conditions of employment.
Disclaimer: The above information on this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification and for this position. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.
Employment Type
Full Time
See all 1,091+ OPT Communications Associate Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Communications Associate Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Communications Associate
Frame your degree as a direct match
Communications Associate roles typically require a degree in communications, journalism, PR, or a related field. Lead with that connection explicitly in your resume and cover letter. Employers need to see the specialty occupation link to feel confident about sponsoring.
Target employers already familiar with OPT
Agencies, media companies, and large corporations with international workforces are more likely to understand OPT work authorization. Smaller firms may need education. Prioritize organizations with a track record of hiring international candidates to reduce friction in the process.
Mention your OPT timeline proactively
Bring up your authorization window before employers ask. Explaining that you have 12 months of work authorization, with a potential 36-month extension, reframes the conversation from a liability to a manageable timeline with clear next steps.
Build a portfolio that removes hiring hesitation
Press releases, campaigns, media coverage, and writing samples let employers evaluate your output directly. A strong portfolio shifts the focus from your visa status to your demonstrated ability, which is the most effective way to move past initial sponsorship concerns.
Look for roles with H-1B sponsorship history
Employers who have sponsored H-1B visas before are far more likely to do so again. Search for Communications Associate roles at companies with verified sponsorship histories. Migrate Mate filters jobs by sponsorship willingness, which saves significant research time.
Apply before your OPT start date
The hiring process for communications roles can take four to eight weeks. Starting your search two to three months before your OPT authorization begins gives you time to interview, negotiate, and onboard without risking a gap in your employment authorization status.
Communications Associate OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Communications Associate on F-1 OPT?
Yes. Communications Associate roles typically qualify as specialty occupations under F-1 OPT rules because they require a degree in a specific field like communications, journalism, or public relations. Your degree must be directly related to the job duties. If the employer's job description requires a relevant bachelor's degree or higher, the role almost certainly qualifies for OPT work authorization.
Does a Communications Associate job qualify for STEM OPT extension?
Only if your underlying degree is classified as a STEM field by the Department of Homeland Security. Most communications and journalism degrees are not on the STEM designation list, so a standard STEM OPT extension would not apply. However, if your degree is in data analytics, information systems, or a related technical field and your communications role involves significant data or technology components, it is worth confirming eligibility with your DSO.
How do I find Communications Associate jobs that sponsor OPT students?
Migrate Mate is the most efficient way to find Communications Associate roles with employers open to OPT sponsorship. The platform focuses specifically on visa-friendly job listings, so you are not sifting through postings from employers who will not consider international candidates. Filtering by sponsorship willingness upfront saves time and reduces the frustration of late-stage rejections due to work authorization concerns.
What happens to my OPT status if I lose my Communications Associate job?
F-1 OPT students have a 90-day unemployment buffer during the OPT period. If you lose your Communications Associate position, that 90-day clock begins immediately. You must secure new employment in a role related to your degree before that window closes or your OPT authorization ends. Reporting your change in employment status to your DSO promptly is required, and failing to do so can jeopardize your F-1 status.
Do Communications Associate employers need to file any paperwork to hire me on OPT?
No USCIS petition or government filing is required from the employer to hire you on post-completion OPT. Your work authorization comes from your EAD card, which you obtain before starting the job. The employer simply verifies your EAD during the I-9 process. This is a key advantage of OPT over H-1B, and it is worth explaining to employers unfamiliar with how the authorization works.