OPT Creative Jobs
Creative roles in design, content, branding, and media are common OPT positions, but employers vary widely in their willingness to sponsor. Your OPT work authorization is tied to your degree field, so roles must align with your major. STEM OPT extensions do not apply to most creative disciplines unless your program qualifies.
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Get Access To All JobsPosting Number STA00325PO26
Job Family Athletics Administration
Job Function Athletics Administration
USC Market Title Athletics Administrator
Job Level P2 - Professional
Business Title (Internal Title) Creative Media Producer for Football
Campus Columbia
Work County Richland
College/Division Athletics
Department ATH Department of Athletics
State Pay Range Unclassified
USC Market Range B00
Anticipated Hiring Range Salary commensurate with qualifications.
Location of Vacancy
Part/Full Time Full Time
Hours per Week 37.5
Work Schedule
* Monday through Friday 8:30am – 5:00pm
* Willing to work a flexible schedule to include evenings, weekends, and holidays to meet the needs of the department.
Basis 12 months
Job Search Category Other Professional
About University of South Carolina
From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.
Veterans' Preference Statement
The University of South Carolina is committed to equal opportunity and proudly values the skills and experience military veterans bring to our workforce. Across South Carolina, we are making veterans a priority for employment and recognize their vital contributions to our state and our communities.
Benefits for FTE Positions
The University of South Carolina (USC), through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers employees a valuable benefits package, including health and life insurance, generous paid leave and retirement programs. To learn more about USC benefits, access the "Working at USC" section on the Applicant Portal. Research Grant or Time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some, or no benefits, based on the grant or project funding.
Advertised Job Summary
The Creative Media Producer – Football, reporting to the Assistant Athletics Director of Creative Media and in coordination with the University of South Carolina Football Program, responsibilities include but are not limited to the production and management of creative assets including short and long form video, photos, graphics and other collateral to be used for the benefit of the Athletics Department mission.
Produce content that follows the voice, tone and messaging of South Carolina Athletics. Manage and assist in the coordination of a detailed, ever-changing, content schedule. Proactively create content that helps increase South Carolina’s audience, drives interactions with the Gamecock brand, increases reach and impact, and more.
Produce, shoot, edit and distribute a variety of content for both a wide and targeted audience, including the development and production of content geared towards specific recruits. Format video content for a variety of digital platforms including social media outlets, in-venue broadcast, mobile devices, television broadcast, and more.
Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience
Requires a bachelor’s degree in a job related field and 2 or more years of job related experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of job related certification, training, education, and/or experience.
Preferred Qualifications
* Understanding of digital media and its use in collegiate athletics strongly preferred.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
* Advanced knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite.
* Working knowledge of Microsoft office products.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
* A strong understanding of digital media and its use in collegiate athletics, a strong creative drive with a desire to grow and learn, as well as a desire to help others grow simultaneously.
* A team player who makes everyone around them better with their energy and enthusiasm.
Job Duties
Job Duty
Responsible for the ideation, development, capture, creation and management of creative assets as needed. These include, but are not limited to, video and photo shoots, and content organization. Produce content in a variety of situations, for a variety of mediums, as directed by the Assistant AD of Creative Media and coaches.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 40
Job Duty
Attend various events (home, away, and internal) to capture and produce content for various distribution channels and a variety of messaging.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 25
Job Duty
Perform other duties and projects as assigned, requiring strong creativity.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 35
Position Attributes
Employees in Safety-Sensitive or Security-Sensitive positions will be subject to pre-employment and post-employment drug testing in accordance with University policy HR 1.95 Drug and Alcohol Testing.
Safety Sensitive or Security Sensitive No
Hazardous weather category Non-Essential
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies 1
Job Open Date 05/08/2026
Job Close Date 06/22/2026
Open Until Filled No
Special Instructions to Applicant
Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.
We are only accepting applications submitted by June 22, 2026.
The University of South Carolina offers a valuable benefits package including but not limited to:
- Health and Life Insurance
- Retirement Programs
- Paid Tuition
- Dependent Scholarships
- Annual Leave
- Sick Leave
- 13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday)
- Paid Parental Leave
- Professional Development Opportunities
EEO Statement
The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.
Posting Number STA00325PO26
Job Family Athletics Administration
Job Function Athletics Administration
USC Market Title Athletics Administrator
Job Level P2 - Professional
Business Title (Internal Title) Creative Media Producer for Football
Campus Columbia
Work County Richland
College/Division Athletics
Department ATH Department of Athletics
State Pay Range Unclassified
USC Market Range B00
Anticipated Hiring Range Salary commensurate with qualifications.
Location of Vacancy
Part/Full Time Full Time
Hours per Week 37.5
Work Schedule
* Monday through Friday 8:30am – 5:00pm
* Willing to work a flexible schedule to include evenings, weekends, and holidays to meet the needs of the department.
Basis 12 months
Job Search Category Other Professional
About University of South Carolina
From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.
Veterans' Preference Statement
The University of South Carolina is committed to equal opportunity and proudly values the skills and experience military veterans bring to our workforce. Across South Carolina, we are making veterans a priority for employment and recognize their vital contributions to our state and our communities.
Benefits for FTE Positions
The University of South Carolina (USC), through the State of SC and Public Employee Benefit Authority (PEBA), offers employees a valuable benefits package, including health and life insurance, generous paid leave and retirement programs. To learn more about USC benefits, access the "Working at USC" section on the Applicant Portal. Research Grant or Time-limited positions may be eligible for all, some, or no benefits, based on the grant or project funding.
Advertised Job Summary
The Creative Media Producer – Football, reporting to the Assistant Athletics Director of Creative Media and in coordination with the University of South Carolina Football Program, responsibilities include but are not limited to the production and management of creative assets including short and long form video, photos, graphics and other collateral to be used for the benefit of the Athletics Department mission.
Produce content that follows the voice, tone and messaging of South Carolina Athletics. Manage and assist in the coordination of a detailed, ever-changing, content schedule. Proactively create content that helps increase South Carolina’s audience, drives interactions with the Gamecock brand, increases reach and impact, and more.
Produce, shoot, edit and distribute a variety of content for both a wide and targeted audience, including the development and production of content geared towards specific recruits. Format video content for a variety of digital platforms including social media outlets, in-venue broadcast, mobile devices, television broadcast, and more.
Job Related Minimum Required Education and Experience
Requires a bachelor’s degree in a job related field and 2 or more years of job related experience, which may be substituted by an equivalent combination of job related certification, training, education, and/or experience.
Preferred Qualifications
* Understanding of digital media and its use in collegiate athletics strongly preferred.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
* Advanced knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite.
* Working knowledge of Microsoft office products.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
* A strong understanding of digital media and its use in collegiate athletics, a strong creative drive with a desire to grow and learn, as well as a desire to help others grow simultaneously.
* A team player who makes everyone around them better with their energy and enthusiasm.
Job Duties
Job Duty
Responsible for the ideation, development, capture, creation and management of creative assets as needed. These include, but are not limited to, video and photo shoots, and content organization. Produce content in a variety of situations, for a variety of mediums, as directed by the Assistant AD of Creative Media and coaches.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 40
Job Duty
Attend various events (home, away, and internal) to capture and produce content for various distribution channels and a variety of messaging.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 25
Job Duty
Perform other duties and projects as assigned, requiring strong creativity.
Essential Function Yes
Percentage of Time 35
Position Attributes
Employees in Safety-Sensitive or Security-Sensitive positions will be subject to pre-employment and post-employment drug testing in accordance with University policy HR 1.95 Drug and Alcohol Testing.
Safety Sensitive or Security Sensitive No
Hazardous weather category Non-Essential
Posting Detail Information
Number of Vacancies 1
Job Open Date 05/08/2026
Job Close Date 06/22/2026
Open Until Filled No
Special Instructions to Applicant
Positions are advertised for a minimum of five (5) business days on our job website. After five (5) business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. This employment site is updated on a regular basis. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary from position to position, depending upon a variety of factors. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.
We are only accepting applications submitted by June 22, 2026.
The University of South Carolina offers a valuable benefits package including but not limited to:
- Health and Life Insurance
- Retirement Programs
- Paid Tuition
- Dependent Scholarships
- Annual Leave
- Sick Leave
- 13 Paid Holidays (including an extended December holiday)
- Paid Parental Leave
- Professional Development Opportunities
EEO Statement
The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.
See all 1,198+ OPT Creative Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Creative Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Creative
Align your portfolio to your degree field
USCIS requires OPT roles to be directly related to your major. A graphic design student should emphasize visual communication work. A film student should highlight production projects. Misalignment between your portfolio and degree can jeopardize your work authorization.
Target studios, agencies, and in-house creative teams
Larger advertising agencies, design studios, and corporate in-house teams hire international creatives more regularly than small freelance shops. They often have HR infrastructure familiar with OPT paperwork and are less likely to treat sponsorship as a dealbreaker during hiring.
Address OPT timing early in the process
Creative hiring moves fast and often relies on gut feel. Raise your OPT status before the offer stage so employers aren't surprised. A brief, confident explanation of how OPT works reduces hesitation and signals you understand the process.
Clarify whether your program qualifies for STEM OPT extension
Most traditional creative degrees, like fine arts or communications, are not STEM-designated. If your program is in a STEM-adjacent field like UX or human-computer interaction, verify with your DSO. A 24-month extension significantly improves your sponsorship prospects with employers.
Build relationships through contract and freelance work
Many creative roles start as project-based contracts before converting to full-time. Confirm with your DSO that contract arrangements still satisfy OPT's practical training requirement. Short engagements that lead to offers are a legitimate and common path in creative industries.
Use Migrate Mate to filter for OPT-friendly creative employers
Not all creative job listings are OPT-compatible. Migrate Mate curates roles from employers with a track record of sponsoring international students, saving you time filtering out positions where your work authorization would be an immediate obstacle.
Creative OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a freelancer or independent contractor on OPT in a creative role?
Yes, but with conditions. Freelance and self-employment can satisfy OPT requirements if the work is directly related to your degree field and you can document it clearly. You must work at least 20 hours per week in aggregate. Keep contracts, invoices, and project records organized, as your DSO may request documentation for your training record.
Do creative roles qualify for the STEM OPT 24-month extension?
Most traditional creative degrees, such as fine arts, graphic design, film, or communications, are not STEM-designated, so graduates cannot apply for the STEM OPT extension. However, if your degree is in a qualifying field like human-computer interaction, information science with a design focus, or a related STEM discipline, you may be eligible. Confirm your CIP code with your DSO before assuming you qualify.
How do I prove my creative job is related to my degree for OPT compliance?
Your role must connect to your major at a level that uses the knowledge and skills from your program. A motion graphics designer with a film degree or a brand strategist with a marketing degree are clear fits. Document the connection in writing with your employer and keep a record of your job duties. If the link is indirect, discuss it with your DSO before accepting the offer.
Where can I find creative jobs where employers are open to OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and lists creative roles from employers who have sponsored international candidates before. General job boards surface openings without filtering for visa compatibility, which wastes time when you're on a 90-day unemployment clock and need to move efficiently.
What happens to my OPT if my creative job ends before my authorization period expires?
You have a cumulative 90-day unemployment limit during standard OPT, and the clock starts the moment your employment ends. If you're between creative contracts or your employer lets you go, begin your job search immediately. Report any employment changes to your DSO promptly. Exceeding 90 days of unemployment triggers a status violation, so treat the timeline seriously.