OPT Communications Director Jobs
Communications Director jobs on OPT require employers willing to sponsor H-1B visa or support cap-exempt transitions before your authorization expires. Most roles sit in corporate, nonprofit, or agency settings and expect strategic leadership from day one. A 24-month STEM extension is not available for this position, so timeline planning is critical.
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Get Access To All JobsPosting Date
08/07/2026
Location: 2000 16th Street, Denver, Colorado, 80202, United States of America
The Public Relations Specialist supports proactive external communications initiatives and media relations, with an emphasis on brand and reputation management, as a member of DaVita’s corporate communications team. The ideal candidate will develop an understanding of DaVita’s business goals and apply creative, strategic thinking to deliver on brand-enhancing communications projects. Key duties include writing, developing and pitching media stories, coordinating external content strategy across channels, media monitoring and reporting, and project management, with the opportunity to support other high-impact communications special projects. This is a hybrid role based in Denver, Colorado.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Media Relations:
- Develop and execute media relations strategies and contribute to regular, proactive outreach to support key company business objectives
- Ideate strategic and creative pitch angles and story ideas, leveraging foundational understanding of complex subject matter and insights from research and data sources as appropriate
- Develop and implement strategies for building personal relationships with key members of the media
- Execute writing and distribution of press releases, media alerts, op-eds and letters to the editor
- Assist with media training and messaging development for interview opportunities and coverage reports as needed
- Support processes largely independently for media monitoring, media list management
- Demonstrate professionalism engaging directly with outlets, vendors and other third parties
Cross-functional project management:
- Contribute to special projects and strategic initiatives involving collaboration with other departments and across the Marketing and Communications organization
- Prepare and submit various award submissions for corporate honors and recognitions that elevate brand reputation
- Maintain a strong working relationship based on trust and respect with teammates from other lanes to ensure brand standards and appropriate media coverage of DaVita events and activities
- Manage projects with accountability for tactical execution and outcomes
- Support the development of strategic planning and the execution of long-term efforts to achieve team goals
- Present to team and stakeholders with support as needed
ESSENTIAL SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS
- A minimum of 2-4 years of experience in communications, public relations or related field
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent education and experience preferred
- Experience in external communications required, with an emphasis in media relations
- Excellent writing, communications and presentation skills, with the ability to create content for a variety of channels required
- Demonstrated experience in meeting deadlines under pressure, working with peers and team leaders
- A focus on continuous improvement, identifying ways to improve our team’s efficiency, processes and measurement
- Understanding of communications and marketing, content development and strategy and channel delivery
- General understanding of traditional and emerging strategic communications trends and technologies
- Curiosity and a desire to continually learn about the business of health care and the changing dynamics of kidney care
- Ability to self-start, think critically and solve problems creatively
- Solutions-driven and collaborative mindset, taking ownership to improve outcomes and help others with projects as needed
- Proven project management ability and skillset
- Ability to manage projects with accountability for tactical execution and outcomes, prioritizing and multi-tasking on a daily basis
- Proclivity to be a positive, positive part of a healthy, high-functioning team operating in a fast-paced environment
- Ability to take initiative, plan, prioritize and execute, independently, the completion of all projects in a fast-paced environment
- Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail and ability to complete assigned tasks in a timely manner
- Solid relationship-building skills across all levels of organization and with external vendors
- Strong computer skills and proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
What We’ll Provide:
More than just pay, our DaVita Rewards package connects teammates to what matters most. Teammates are eligible to begin receiving benefits on the first day of the month following or coinciding with one month of continuous employment. Below are some of our benefit offerings.
- Comprehensive benefits: Medical, dental, vision, 401(k) match, paid time off, PTO cash out
- Support for you and your family: Family resources, EAP counseling sessions, access Headspace®, backup child and elder care, maternity/paternity leave and more
- Professional development programs: DaVita offers a variety of programs to help strong performers grow within their career and also offers on-demand virtual leadership and development courses through DaVita’s online training platform StarLearning
At DaVita, we strive to be a community first and a company second. We want all teammates to experience DaVita as "a place where I belong." Our goal is to embed belonging into everything we do in our Village, so that it becomes part of who we are. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and comply with state and federal affirmative action requirements. Individuals are recruited, hired, assigned and promoted without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.
This position will be open for a minimum of three days.
The Salary Range for the role is $57,784.00 - $65,000.00/year. For location-specific minimum wage details, see the following link: DaVita.jobs/WageRates
Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including a candidate’s qualifications, skills, competencies and experience. DaVita offers a competitive total rewards package, which includes a 401k match, healthcare coverage and a broad range of other benefits. Learn more at https://careers.davita.com/benefits
Colorado Residents: Please do not respond to any questions in this initial application that may seek age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You may also redact this information from any materials you submit during the application process. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.
Beware of Recruitment Fraud
DaVita will never ask for payment or personal financial information at any point in the hiring process, nor will we ever communicate with you using email addresses outside of the DaVita secure network. If you receive a request like this, it is not legitimate. Do not share your information.
Career Growth - From clinical and operations to corporate jobs, our learning and development programs help guide your career journey.
Posting Date
08/07/2026
Location: 2000 16th Street, Denver, Colorado, 80202, United States of America
The Public Relations Specialist supports proactive external communications initiatives and media relations, with an emphasis on brand and reputation management, as a member of DaVita’s corporate communications team. The ideal candidate will develop an understanding of DaVita’s business goals and apply creative, strategic thinking to deliver on brand-enhancing communications projects. Key duties include writing, developing and pitching media stories, coordinating external content strategy across channels, media monitoring and reporting, and project management, with the opportunity to support other high-impact communications special projects. This is a hybrid role based in Denver, Colorado.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Media Relations:
- Develop and execute media relations strategies and contribute to regular, proactive outreach to support key company business objectives
- Ideate strategic and creative pitch angles and story ideas, leveraging foundational understanding of complex subject matter and insights from research and data sources as appropriate
- Develop and implement strategies for building personal relationships with key members of the media
- Execute writing and distribution of press releases, media alerts, op-eds and letters to the editor
- Assist with media training and messaging development for interview opportunities and coverage reports as needed
- Support processes largely independently for media monitoring, media list management
- Demonstrate professionalism engaging directly with outlets, vendors and other third parties
Cross-functional project management:
- Contribute to special projects and strategic initiatives involving collaboration with other departments and across the Marketing and Communications organization
- Prepare and submit various award submissions for corporate honors and recognitions that elevate brand reputation
- Maintain a strong working relationship based on trust and respect with teammates from other lanes to ensure brand standards and appropriate media coverage of DaVita events and activities
- Manage projects with accountability for tactical execution and outcomes
- Support the development of strategic planning and the execution of long-term efforts to achieve team goals
- Present to team and stakeholders with support as needed
ESSENTIAL SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS
- A minimum of 2-4 years of experience in communications, public relations or related field
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent education and experience preferred
- Experience in external communications required, with an emphasis in media relations
- Excellent writing, communications and presentation skills, with the ability to create content for a variety of channels required
- Demonstrated experience in meeting deadlines under pressure, working with peers and team leaders
- A focus on continuous improvement, identifying ways to improve our team’s efficiency, processes and measurement
- Understanding of communications and marketing, content development and strategy and channel delivery
- General understanding of traditional and emerging strategic communications trends and technologies
- Curiosity and a desire to continually learn about the business of health care and the changing dynamics of kidney care
- Ability to self-start, think critically and solve problems creatively
- Solutions-driven and collaborative mindset, taking ownership to improve outcomes and help others with projects as needed
- Proven project management ability and skillset
- Ability to manage projects with accountability for tactical execution and outcomes, prioritizing and multi-tasking on a daily basis
- Proclivity to be a positive, positive part of a healthy, high-functioning team operating in a fast-paced environment
- Ability to take initiative, plan, prioritize and execute, independently, the completion of all projects in a fast-paced environment
- Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail and ability to complete assigned tasks in a timely manner
- Solid relationship-building skills across all levels of organization and with external vendors
- Strong computer skills and proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
What We’ll Provide:
More than just pay, our DaVita Rewards package connects teammates to what matters most. Teammates are eligible to begin receiving benefits on the first day of the month following or coinciding with one month of continuous employment. Below are some of our benefit offerings.
- Comprehensive benefits: Medical, dental, vision, 401(k) match, paid time off, PTO cash out
- Support for you and your family: Family resources, EAP counseling sessions, access Headspace®, backup child and elder care, maternity/paternity leave and more
- Professional development programs: DaVita offers a variety of programs to help strong performers grow within their career and also offers on-demand virtual leadership and development courses through DaVita’s online training platform StarLearning
At DaVita, we strive to be a community first and a company second. We want all teammates to experience DaVita as "a place where I belong." Our goal is to embed belonging into everything we do in our Village, so that it becomes part of who we are. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and comply with state and federal affirmative action requirements. Individuals are recruited, hired, assigned and promoted without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.
This position will be open for a minimum of three days.
The Salary Range for the role is $57,784.00 - $65,000.00/year. For location-specific minimum wage details, see the following link: DaVita.jobs/WageRates
Compensation for the role will depend on a number of factors, including a candidate’s qualifications, skills, competencies and experience. DaVita offers a competitive total rewards package, which includes a 401k match, healthcare coverage and a broad range of other benefits. Learn more at https://careers.davita.com/benefits
Colorado Residents: Please do not respond to any questions in this initial application that may seek age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You may also redact this information from any materials you submit during the application process. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.
Beware of Recruitment Fraud
DaVita will never ask for payment or personal financial information at any point in the hiring process, nor will we ever communicate with you using email addresses outside of the DaVita secure network. If you receive a request like this, it is not legitimate. Do not share your information.
Career Growth - From clinical and operations to corporate jobs, our learning and development programs help guide your career journey.
See all 1,259+ OPT Communications Director Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Communications Director Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Communications Director
Target organizations with a sponsorship track record
Large corporations, nonprofits, universities, and public relations agencies sponsor more frequently than small businesses. Search employer H-1B visa filing histories to confirm they've sponsored communications or marketing leadership roles before pursuing an application.
Lead with measurable communications outcomes
Hiring managers at this level expect quantifiable results. Frame your experience around metrics like media impressions earned, crisis response timelines, campaign engagement rates, or audience growth rather than duties and responsibilities alone.
Understand your OPT timeline before accepting a role
Communications Director is not a STEM-designated field, so your OPT period is 12 months. Confirm your employer's H-1B sponsorship process starts well before your authorization ends, leaving room for USCIS processing and lottery selection.
Position yourself as a strategic leader, not a practitioner
Director-level roles emphasize vision, team management, and cross-functional alignment. Emphasize experience leading communications teams, managing agency relationships, and advising executives rather than hands-on content creation or social media execution.
Engage cap-exempt employers for more timing flexibility
Universities, research institutions, and government-affiliated nonprofits can file H-1B petitions year-round outside the annual lottery. These organizations also hire communications directors regularly, making them strategically valuable targets for OPT students on tight timelines.
Address OPT status proactively with senior hiring teams
Executive-level recruiters value directness. State your work authorization status early, confirm your employer's sponsorship willingness in initial conversations, and come prepared with a clear timeline so hiring teams understand exactly what sponsorship involves.
Communications Director OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Communications Director on OPT?
Yes, if your degree is in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, or a related field and your job duties are directly tied to that field of study. USCIS requires a direct relationship between your degree and the role. Communications Director positions at corporations, nonprofits, and agencies generally meet this standard, but confirm with your DSO before accepting an offer.
Does a Communications Director role qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension?
No. Communications and public relations fields are not included on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List, so you cannot extend OPT beyond the standard 12 months through a STEM extension. This makes H-1B sponsorship timing critical. You and your employer need to align on filing the H-1B petition well before your OPT authorization expires.
Which types of employers are most likely to sponsor a Communications Director on H-1B?
Large corporations with established legal and HR infrastructure, universities, hospital systems, and national nonprofits are the most consistent sponsors at this level. Cap-exempt employers like universities and affiliated research organizations offer an added advantage because they can file H-1B petitions year-round without waiting for the April lottery. Browse verified sponsoring employers on Migrate Mate to identify who is actively hiring.
How should I handle my OPT work authorization when interviewing for Director-level roles?
Disclose your status clearly and early, ideally once a hiring conversation becomes substantive. Frame it practically: explain your current authorization end date, confirm you need H-1B sponsorship to continue, and demonstrate familiarity with the process so the employer understands it is manageable. Senior hiring teams respond better to candidates who address visa requirements with clarity than to those who raise it ambiguously late in the process.
What happens to my OPT if I am laid off while working as a Communications Director?
You have a 60-day grace period from the date your employment ends to find a new qualifying job, transfer to a different visa status, or prepare to leave the United States. During this window, you cannot work. If you secure a new Communications Director role within 60 days, your DSO updates your SEVIS record and your OPT continues. Acting quickly is essential because the grace period does not reset between jobs.