OPT Media Relations Specialist Jobs
Media Relations Specialist roles involve pitching stories, managing press contacts, and drafting communications under tight deadlines, making strong writing skills essential. F-1 OPT students can work in this role with standard OPT authorization. Most positions are full-time and qualify for STEM OPT extension if the employer files an I-983 training plan.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
The Assistant Director of Public & Media Relations is the chief source for information about Millikin University and is responsible for telling the University’s story to enhance the Millikin brand by creating high-quality content such as news releases, feature pieces, articles, and other written materials.
This role is responsible for the planning, execution, analysis, and continual improvement of a comprehensive, proactive, and outcomes-driven media and public relations plan that enhances Millikin University’s visibility, reputation, relationships, and resources. The outcomes of these efforts will demonstrate increased awareness and interest of the University. The Assistant Director of Public & Media Relations is also responsible for assisting in managing emergency and crisis communications plans and activities. The position's scope of influence is both University and community wide. Success in this position necessitates skills in writing, communication, leadership, and collaboration with constituents across marketing and media, campus, and community. The Assistant Director’s schedule includes working evenings and/or weekends when necessary.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Writes and produces content for news releases, feature stories, articles, media advisories, alerts, and other written media relations materials
- Yields high-quality media coverage for the University by proactively developing and maintaining relationships and opportunities with local and national media
- Stays apprised of Millikin events and activities both on- and off-campus to identify and pursue opportunities for appropriate media coverage
- Develops and implements a comprehensive media relations plan at the local, regional, state, and national level
- Creates and maintains the news section of millikin.edu (millikin.edu/news)
- Organizes press conferences, media tours, interviews, and other events and activities to promote Millikin's academic programs, initiatives, and news
- Serves as key media relations contact and provides communication support during crisis and emergency events
- Collaborates with appropriate University offices to develop media strategies to advance the Millikin brand
- Monitors Millikin's presence in traditional, online, and social media outlets through the use of media tracking software (Cision)
- Creates and publishes student achievements on the University website
- Provides communication support for administrators, faculty, staff and students
- Tracks current events and higher education issues to explore opportunities for media placements and university collaboration
- Attends and participates in appropriate conferences, events, and networks to establish significant positioning in the community and represent the University
- Works independently and as a productive collaborator of the Marketing & Media Relations team
- Responds to tight deadlines and works on multiple projects simultaneously
- Assists the communications team with special projects and departmental initiatives, performing other work-related duties as assigned.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
This position does not have supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws.
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to succeed in a result-driven professional organization. Maintaining professional performance, demeanor, team-approach and focus on results while working under pressure in a dynamic environment.
Minimum Education and/or Experience:
- Excellent writing, editing, interviewing, and networking skills
- Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, English, or another related field
- Minimum three years’ professional experience in media relations or related communication field
- Ability to work independently on projects and collaborate as a strong team member
- A high degree of creativity, initiative, and integrity
- Willingness to stay up to date with emerging trends in media relations
- A confident, professional, and positive attitude
- Sound organizational skills
- Excellent attention to detail
- Excellent knowledge of public relations and strategic communication principles and best practices
- Ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously and with precise execution
INTRODUCTION
The Assistant Director of Public & Media Relations is the chief source for information about Millikin University and is responsible for telling the University’s story to enhance the Millikin brand by creating high-quality content such as news releases, feature pieces, articles, and other written materials.
This role is responsible for the planning, execution, analysis, and continual improvement of a comprehensive, proactive, and outcomes-driven media and public relations plan that enhances Millikin University’s visibility, reputation, relationships, and resources. The outcomes of these efforts will demonstrate increased awareness and interest of the University. The Assistant Director of Public & Media Relations is also responsible for assisting in managing emergency and crisis communications plans and activities. The position's scope of influence is both University and community wide. Success in this position necessitates skills in writing, communication, leadership, and collaboration with constituents across marketing and media, campus, and community. The Assistant Director’s schedule includes working evenings and/or weekends when necessary.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Writes and produces content for news releases, feature stories, articles, media advisories, alerts, and other written media relations materials
- Yields high-quality media coverage for the University by proactively developing and maintaining relationships and opportunities with local and national media
- Stays apprised of Millikin events and activities both on- and off-campus to identify and pursue opportunities for appropriate media coverage
- Develops and implements a comprehensive media relations plan at the local, regional, state, and national level
- Creates and maintains the news section of millikin.edu (millikin.edu/news)
- Organizes press conferences, media tours, interviews, and other events and activities to promote Millikin's academic programs, initiatives, and news
- Serves as key media relations contact and provides communication support during crisis and emergency events
- Collaborates with appropriate University offices to develop media strategies to advance the Millikin brand
- Monitors Millikin's presence in traditional, online, and social media outlets through the use of media tracking software (Cision)
- Creates and publishes student achievements on the University website
- Provides communication support for administrators, faculty, staff and students
- Tracks current events and higher education issues to explore opportunities for media placements and university collaboration
- Attends and participates in appropriate conferences, events, and networks to establish significant positioning in the community and represent the University
- Works independently and as a productive collaborator of the Marketing & Media Relations team
- Responds to tight deadlines and works on multiple projects simultaneously
- Assists the communications team with special projects and departmental initiatives, performing other work-related duties as assigned.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
This position does not have supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws.
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to succeed in a result-driven professional organization. Maintaining professional performance, demeanor, team-approach and focus on results while working under pressure in a dynamic environment.
Minimum Education and/or Experience:
- Excellent writing, editing, interviewing, and networking skills
- Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, English, or another related field
- Minimum three years’ professional experience in media relations or related communication field
- Ability to work independently on projects and collaborate as a strong team member
- A high degree of creativity, initiative, and integrity
- Willingness to stay up to date with emerging trends in media relations
- A confident, professional, and positive attitude
- Sound organizational skills
- Excellent attention to detail
- Excellent knowledge of public relations and strategic communication principles and best practices
- Ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously and with precise execution
See all 280+ OPT Media Relations Specialist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Media Relations Specialist Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Media Relations Specialist
Highlight writing samples from your university work
Press releases, op-eds, and media pitches from campus organizations or coursework demonstrate real output. Employers hiring for media relations want to see your voice and ability to craft concise, targeted messaging before they review anything else.
Know your OPT end date before every interview
Employers will ask how long you're authorized to work. Having a clear answer, including your potential STEM OPT extension timeline, signals you've planned ahead and reduces the perceived risk of hiring someone on temporary work authorization.
Target companies with existing communications or PR teams
Organizations with in-house PR departments are more likely to understand OPT and have HR processes for work authorization. Startups without dedicated communications staff may be unfamiliar with sponsorship requirements and harder to bring on board.
Emphasize multicultural communication as a concrete skill
International students bring firsthand perspective on cross-cultural messaging, which is genuinely valuable in media relations. Frame your background as an asset for companies targeting diverse markets or managing communications across multiple regions or languages.
Build a targeted media list as a portfolio artifact
Compile a sample media list for a brand or cause you care about, with outlet names, beat reporters, and pitch angles. Bringing this to an interview shows you understand the mechanics of media outreach, not just the theory.
Apply to roles at PR agencies, not just in-house teams
PR agencies regularly hire OPT students because they value writing speed and adaptability across multiple clients. Agency experience also gives you faster exposure to different industries, strengthening your profile for future H-1B visa sponsorship conversations.
Media Relations Specialist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Media Relations Specialist roles typically sponsor H-1B visas?
Sponsorship varies widely by employer. Large corporations and agencies with established HR infrastructure are more likely to sponsor than small boutique firms. Media relations is classified as a specialty occupation under USCIS guidelines when the role requires a bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, or a related field, which strengthens the case for H-1B eligibility. It's worth raising sponsorship directly during the offer stage.
Does a Media Relations Specialist role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree. If you graduated with a STEM-designated degree, such as in data-driven communications or a related technical field, and your employer files a valid I-983 training plan, you may qualify for a 24-month STEM OPT extension. Most standard communications or journalism degrees are not STEM-designated, so verify your program's CIP code with your DSO before assuming you're eligible.
Can I work as a freelance media relations consultant on OPT?
Yes, self-employment is permitted on OPT, but it comes with strict conditions. You must be actively working in your field of study, maintain a genuine business structure, and track your hours carefully to meet the 20-hours-per-week minimum. USCIS scrutinizes self-employment on OPT, so documenting client contracts, invoices, and project scope is essential. Consult your DSO before pursuing this path.
Where can I find Media Relations Specialist jobs that are open to OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters job listings by visa sponsorship and work authorization compatibility. Searching there saves time compared to applying broadly and discovering late in the process that a company won't consider OPT candidates. Filtering by role type and industry lets you focus on communications and PR positions where employers are already familiar with OPT.
What happens if my OPT expires before my H-1B is approved?
If your employer files an H-1B petition by April 1 and USCIS accepts it before your OPT expires, you're covered under cap-gap protection, which automatically extends your work authorization through September 30. If your OPT ends before a petition is filed or accepted, you must stop working immediately. Tracking your OPT expiration date and coordinating timing with your employer's HR team is critical to avoiding a gap.