OPT Internal Communications Manager Jobs
Internal Communications Manager jobs are accessible on OPT, but employers must be comfortable with the 12-month (or 24-month STEM extension) authorization window. This role sits at the intersection of HR and strategy, requiring strong writing, stakeholder management, and organizational awareness, skills F-1 graduates in communications, business, or journalism bring directly.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
The Huntsman Mental Health Institute (HMHI) was established in 2021 with a vision to free the world from mental health stigma, bring an end to suffering, and integrate mind and body to improve life for every person.
From educators, researchers, and clinicians to the organizations we partner with, we shine a light on mental health and bring dignity and quality care to the children, adolescents, adults, and families we serve every day. The Institute is part of University of Utah Health, a world-renowned academic health system working to transform mental health care through community, research, clinical, and education initiatives.
The Internal & Executive Communications Manager plays a dual role in fostering a strong organizational culture and elevating the voice and visibility of HMHI’s senior leadership. This position divides its focus between internal/employee communications and executive communications support, working closely with senior leaders to develop compelling presentations, talking points, and external-facing content that reflects HMHI’s mission and priorities. As part of the HMHI Marketing and Communications team, this individual is a subject matter expert in both employee engagement and executive positioning, ensuring that communications directed at staff and at external audiences alike are aligned, polished, and strategically sound.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Responsibilities
Internal Communications:
- Develop and execute an internal communications plan to engage employees, including physicians, researchers, staff, and faculty.
- Write, edit, and oversee internal content across channels such as newsletters, leadership letters, success stories, annual reports, event materials, blog posts, and intranet pages.
- Deliver core internal communications, including loop screens, physical signage, and special events and announcements.
- Ensure consistent messaging, aesthetics, and tone across all internal content, working collaboratively to align with HMHI’s values and with U Health and University of Utah marketing efforts.
Executive Communications:
- Design and prepare polished, high-impact presentations for senior leadership, including board materials, town halls, and external speaking engagements.
- Manage and develop content for executive social media presence, helping leaders build and maintain an authentic, strategic voice on relevant platforms.
- Draft speeches, talking points, letters, messages, remarks, and video scripts for leadership use in internal and external settings.
- Develop thought leadership content, such as op-eds, bylined articles, and speaking proposals, to position senior leaders as subject matter experts.
- Partner directly with senior leaders and other stakeholders to translate complex initiatives and strategy communications into clear, compelling narratives for varied audiences.
General:
- Partner closely with the broader marketing and communications team to deliver on overall organizational goals and objectives.
- Use data, analytics, and metrics to inform decisions and recommendations about channels and content.
- Handle information with discretion and confidentiality, particularly for executive-level communications, while maintaining strong attention to detail and visual aesthetics.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Qualifications
EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT: 1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience (Example: bachelor’s degree = 4 years of directly related work experience).
Marketing Communication Specialist, III: Requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) + 6 years or a master’s (or equivalency) + 4 years of directly related work experience.
Marketing Communication Specialist, IV: Requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) + 8 years or a master’s (or equivalency) + 6 years of directly related work experience.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Four to six years of progressively responsible experience in communications, with demonstrated experience supporting senior leadership or executive-level communications preferred.
- Master’s degree in a related area may be preferred.
- Experience supporting senior leadership or executive-level communications.
- Strong writing skills, with copyediting experience preferred.
- Excellent presentation design skills (PowerPoint or similar).
- Experience managing social media for a leader or organization.
- Familiarity with incorporating AI tools into daily workflows, including research, organization, project management, video production, and content review.
- Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, email platforms (e.g., MyEmma, Populo), Microsoft Office suite, and SmartSheet.
LOCATION
Location: Campus
City: Salt Lake City, UT
COMPENSATION
- Pay Rate Range: $75,000-$85,000
TYPE
Type: Benefited Staff
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS SUMMARY
Please submit two writing samples—one executive comms (presentation slides, speech, editorial, etc.) and one internal comms (article, newsletter, flyer, etc.).
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.
This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.
The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.
Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.
Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.
To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX (OEO). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at the: University of Utah Non-Discrimination page.
Online reports may be submitted at https://oeo.utah.edu.
https://publicsafety.utah.edu/safetyreport/ This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.
As per University of Utah policy 5-108: Transfer of Benefits Eligible Staff Members, a new hire to the University of Utah who is still serving a 12 month probationary period will not be hired into another University of Utah job (a transfer) until the successful completion of the probationary period.
INTRODUCTION
The Huntsman Mental Health Institute (HMHI) was established in 2021 with a vision to free the world from mental health stigma, bring an end to suffering, and integrate mind and body to improve life for every person.
From educators, researchers, and clinicians to the organizations we partner with, we shine a light on mental health and bring dignity and quality care to the children, adolescents, adults, and families we serve every day. The Institute is part of University of Utah Health, a world-renowned academic health system working to transform mental health care through community, research, clinical, and education initiatives.
The Internal & Executive Communications Manager plays a dual role in fostering a strong organizational culture and elevating the voice and visibility of HMHI’s senior leadership. This position divides its focus between internal/employee communications and executive communications support, working closely with senior leaders to develop compelling presentations, talking points, and external-facing content that reflects HMHI’s mission and priorities. As part of the HMHI Marketing and Communications team, this individual is a subject matter expert in both employee engagement and executive positioning, ensuring that communications directed at staff and at external audiences alike are aligned, polished, and strategically sound.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Responsibilities
Internal Communications:
- Develop and execute an internal communications plan to engage employees, including physicians, researchers, staff, and faculty.
- Write, edit, and oversee internal content across channels such as newsletters, leadership letters, success stories, annual reports, event materials, blog posts, and intranet pages.
- Deliver core internal communications, including loop screens, physical signage, and special events and announcements.
- Ensure consistent messaging, aesthetics, and tone across all internal content, working collaboratively to align with HMHI’s values and with U Health and University of Utah marketing efforts.
Executive Communications:
- Design and prepare polished, high-impact presentations for senior leadership, including board materials, town halls, and external speaking engagements.
- Manage and develop content for executive social media presence, helping leaders build and maintain an authentic, strategic voice on relevant platforms.
- Draft speeches, talking points, letters, messages, remarks, and video scripts for leadership use in internal and external settings.
- Develop thought leadership content, such as op-eds, bylined articles, and speaking proposals, to position senior leaders as subject matter experts.
- Partner directly with senior leaders and other stakeholders to translate complex initiatives and strategy communications into clear, compelling narratives for varied audiences.
General:
- Partner closely with the broader marketing and communications team to deliver on overall organizational goals and objectives.
- Use data, analytics, and metrics to inform decisions and recommendations about channels and content.
- Handle information with discretion and confidentiality, particularly for executive-level communications, while maintaining strong attention to detail and visual aesthetics.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Qualifications
EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT: 1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience (Example: bachelor’s degree = 4 years of directly related work experience).
Marketing Communication Specialist, III: Requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) + 6 years or a master’s (or equivalency) + 4 years of directly related work experience.
Marketing Communication Specialist, IV: Requires a bachelor’s (or equivalency) + 8 years or a master’s (or equivalency) + 6 years of directly related work experience.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Four to six years of progressively responsible experience in communications, with demonstrated experience supporting senior leadership or executive-level communications preferred.
- Master’s degree in a related area may be preferred.
- Experience supporting senior leadership or executive-level communications.
- Strong writing skills, with copyediting experience preferred.
- Excellent presentation design skills (PowerPoint or similar).
- Experience managing social media for a leader or organization.
- Familiarity with incorporating AI tools into daily workflows, including research, organization, project management, video production, and content review.
- Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, email platforms (e.g., MyEmma, Populo), Microsoft Office suite, and SmartSheet.
LOCATION
Location: Campus
City: Salt Lake City, UT
COMPENSATION
- Pay Rate Range: $75,000-$85,000
TYPE
Type: Benefited Staff
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS SUMMARY
Please submit two writing samples—one executive comms (presentation slides, speech, editorial, etc.) and one internal comms (article, newsletter, flyer, etc.).
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The University is a participating employer with Utah Retirement Systems (“URS”). Eligible new hires with prior URS service may elect to enroll in URS if they make the election before they become eligible for retirement (usually the first day of work). Contact Human Resources at (801) 581-7447 for information. Individuals who previously retired and are receiving monthly retirement benefits from URS are subject to URS’ post-retirement rules and restrictions. Please contact Utah Retirement Systems at (801) 366-7770 or (800) 695-4877 or University Human Resource Management at (801) 581-7447 if you have questions regarding the post-retirement rules.
This position may require the successful completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen.
The University of Utah values candidates who have experience working in settings with students and possess a strong commitment to improving access to higher education.
Veterans’ preference is extended to qualified applicants, upon request and consistent with University policy and Utah state law. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.
Consistent with state and federal law, the University of Utah does not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or protected veteran’s status. The University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the education program or activity that it operates, as required by Title IX and 34 CFR part 106. The requirement not to discriminate in education programs or activities extends to admission and employment. Inquiries about the application of Title IX and its regulations may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, to the Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, or both.
To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability or if you or someone you know has experienced discrimination or sexual misconduct including sexual harassment, you may contact the Director/Title IX Coordinator in the Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX (OEO). More information, including the Director/Title IX Coordinator’s office address, electronic mail address, and telephone number can be located at the: University of Utah Non-Discrimination page.
Online reports may be submitted at https://oeo.utah.edu.
https://publicsafety.utah.edu/safetyreport/ This report includes statistics about criminal offenses, hate crimes, arrests and referrals for disciplinary action, and Violence Against Women Act offenses. They also provide information about safety and security-related services offered by the University of Utah. A paper copy can be obtained by request at the Department of Public Safety located at 1658 East 500 South.
As per University of Utah policy 5-108: Transfer of Benefits Eligible Staff Members, a new hire to the University of Utah who is still serving a 12 month probationary period will not be hired into another University of Utah job (a transfer) until the successful completion of the probationary period.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as an Internal Communications Manager
Target companies with established HR or people teams
Organizations with dedicated HR functions are more likely to have internal communications roles and familiarity with OPT. Mid-size to large employers, think 500-plus employees, have the infrastructure to hire and support OPT candidates without treating work authorization as an obstacle.
Lead with writing samples and measurable impact
Internal communications hiring managers evaluate candidates on clarity, tone, and reach. Bring a portfolio with employee newsletters, change management announcements, or intranet copy. Quantify results where possible: open rates, survey scores, or reach across employee populations.
Frame your degree as directly relevant
Internal communications often qualifies as a specialty occupation under OPT when your degree is in communications, journalism, public relations, or organizational behavior. Be prepared to explain how your coursework maps to the role's core responsibilities during interviews and employer conversations.
Prioritize employers who have sponsored OPT or H-1B before
Companies with a history of sponsoring work visas understand the process and are less likely to withdraw offers over authorization concerns. Check public H-1B visa disclosure data to identify which employers regularly sponsor communications and HR-adjacent roles.
Address your OPT timeline proactively, not defensively
Bring up your OPT authorization early in the process, after demonstrating fit but before the offer stage. Frame it factually: current authorization, STEM extension eligibility if applicable, and your intention to pursue H-1B sponsorship. Employers respond better to clarity than to surprises.
Emphasize cross-functional collaboration experience
Internal communications managers partner with leadership, legal, HR, and department heads. Highlight any experience working across teams or managing up. This signals you can operate at the organizational level the role demands, which matters more to most hiring managers than visa status.
Internal Communications Manager OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as an Internal Communications Manager on OPT?
Yes. Internal communications management typically qualifies under OPT because the role requires a bachelor's degree or higher in a directly related field such as communications, journalism, public relations, or organizational behavior. You'll want to confirm your degree aligns with the specific job description, since USCIS evaluates the connection between your field of study and the role.
Am I eligible for a STEM OPT extension as an Internal Communications Manager?
It depends on your degree. If your bachelor's or master's is in a STEM-designated field, such as organizational communication with a quantitative focus, or a related information science degree, you may qualify for the 24-month extension. Most traditional communications or journalism degrees are not STEM-designated, so confirm your CIP code with your DSO before counting on the extension.
How can I find Internal Communications Manager jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate is the most direct option. It surfaces roles from employers with a demonstrated history of sponsoring international candidates, which filters out a significant portion of the noise you'd encounter elsewhere. Focus on mid-size and large companies with established people or HR functions, since they're far more likely to have the internal communications infrastructure and the willingness to support OPT authorization.
Will employers see my OPT status as a barrier for this kind of role?
Some will, but many won't. Internal communications is a function that exists in nearly every large organization, and employers who regularly hire internationally are accustomed to OPT timelines. The key is targeting the right employers rather than applying broadly. Companies that have sponsored H-1B visas for communications or HR roles in the past are your most realistic opportunities.
What happens to my Internal Communications Manager job if my OPT expires before H-1B approval?
If your employer files an H-1B petition on your behalf before your OPT expires, and USCIS receives it by April 1, you may be eligible for a cap-gap extension that bridges your status through September 30. This keeps you authorized to work without interruption. Talk to your DSO as early as possible to make sure your timelines align before your OPT end date approaches.