OPT Paid Media Specialist Jobs
Paid Media Specialist roles sit squarely within specialty occupation territory, making them a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in marketing, advertising, or a related field. Most positions are with companies already familiar with work authorization, and STEM OPT extensions apply if your degree qualifies.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Viatris is a global healthcare company uniquely positioned to bridge the traditional divide between generics and brands, combining the best of both to more holistically address healthcare needs globally. With a mission to empower people worldwide to live healthier at every stage of life, we provide access at scale, currently supplying high-quality medicines to approximately 1 billion patients around the world annually and touching all of life's moments, from birth to the end of life, acute conditions to chronic diseases.
We have been included on a number of award lists that demonstrate the impact we are making.
Every day, we rise to the challenge to make a difference and here’s how the role will make an impact:
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead Paid Media capability across the US portfolio, providing senior expertise, investment accountability, and guidance in support of integrated Digital Marketing strategies set by the Digital Strategy lead
- Partner with Digital Marketing Strategy leads to ensure brand objectives, priority audiences, customer journeys, and business needs are all represented in Paid Media plans
- Set expectations with the Media AOR for what good output looks like, challenging recommendations and holding the agency accountable for quality, performance, innovation, and delivery
- Provide oversight and guidance across Paid Media investments, including monitoring budget allocation, pacing, and overall portfolio-level efficiency
- Establish & maintain Paid Media standards, benchmarks, and best practices across brands and campaigns
- Evaluate emerging media channels, partners, capabilities, and approaches; serve as an advisor to Digital Marketing & Brand teams on opportunities proactively, outside of the media planning cycle
- Partner with all stakeholders to ensure media performance is properly correlated to business impacts and customer insights
- Partner across teams such as Policy/Government Affairs, Legal/Compliance, and Brand teams to ensure Viatris media is compliantly on the cutting edge of innovation
- Build the Paid Media capability within the Digital Marketing org through education and application of cross-portfolio learnings
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Minimum of a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) and 2-4 years of experience. However, a combination of experience and/or education will be taken into consideration.
- Must possess knowledge of paid media planning and buying; media investment management, budget pacing, and performance measurement; HCP and consumer media audiences; pharmaceutical advertising requirements; agency operations and cross-channel media integration. Preferred: audience segmentation approaches, media measurement and attribution methodologies, and emerging media capabilities.
- Ability to evaluate and challenge media agency recommendations; monitor budgets, pacing, and campaign performance; translate media insights into actionable recommendations; coordinate cross-functional stakeholders; and establish consistent processes and benchmarks. Preferred experience with omnichannel campaign planning, audience segmentation, media analytics platforms, and pharmaceutical media agency management.
- Position functions autonomously within assigned paid media responsibilities and collaborates closely with Digital Marketing Strategy leads, agency partners, and cross-functional teams. Direct supervisory responsibilities, if any, to be evaluated on an individual basis.
- Ability to read and interpret complex business and/or technical documents. Ability to write comprehensive reports and detailed business correspondence. Ability to work with managers or directors and communicate ambiguous concepts. Ability to present to groups across the organization.
- Ability to perform computations such as percentages, ratios, and rates.
- Ability to solve problems with complex variables through non-standardized solutions that require independent judgment and analysis. Ability to draw inferences and use deductive reasoning with no prescribed procedures to solve complex problems.
- Typically sitting at a desk or table. Intermittently sitting, standing, walking or stooping. Periodic travel is required.
- Normal Office Environment
- Proficiency in speaking, comprehending, reading and writing English is required.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and location. The salary range for this position is $95,000 - $193,000 USD.
At Viatris, we offer competitive salaries, benefits and an inclusive environment where you can use your experiences, perspectives and skills to help make an impact on the lives of others.
Viatris is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.
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INTRODUCTION
Viatris is a global healthcare company uniquely positioned to bridge the traditional divide between generics and brands, combining the best of both to more holistically address healthcare needs globally. With a mission to empower people worldwide to live healthier at every stage of life, we provide access at scale, currently supplying high-quality medicines to approximately 1 billion patients around the world annually and touching all of life's moments, from birth to the end of life, acute conditions to chronic diseases.
We have been included on a number of award lists that demonstrate the impact we are making.
Every day, we rise to the challenge to make a difference and here’s how the role will make an impact:
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead Paid Media capability across the US portfolio, providing senior expertise, investment accountability, and guidance in support of integrated Digital Marketing strategies set by the Digital Strategy lead
- Partner with Digital Marketing Strategy leads to ensure brand objectives, priority audiences, customer journeys, and business needs are all represented in Paid Media plans
- Set expectations with the Media AOR for what good output looks like, challenging recommendations and holding the agency accountable for quality, performance, innovation, and delivery
- Provide oversight and guidance across Paid Media investments, including monitoring budget allocation, pacing, and overall portfolio-level efficiency
- Establish & maintain Paid Media standards, benchmarks, and best practices across brands and campaigns
- Evaluate emerging media channels, partners, capabilities, and approaches; serve as an advisor to Digital Marketing & Brand teams on opportunities proactively, outside of the media planning cycle
- Partner with all stakeholders to ensure media performance is properly correlated to business impacts and customer insights
- Partner across teams such as Policy/Government Affairs, Legal/Compliance, and Brand teams to ensure Viatris media is compliantly on the cutting edge of innovation
- Build the Paid Media capability within the Digital Marketing org through education and application of cross-portfolio learnings
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Minimum of a bachelor's degree (or equivalent) and 2-4 years of experience. However, a combination of experience and/or education will be taken into consideration.
- Must possess knowledge of paid media planning and buying; media investment management, budget pacing, and performance measurement; HCP and consumer media audiences; pharmaceutical advertising requirements; agency operations and cross-channel media integration. Preferred: audience segmentation approaches, media measurement and attribution methodologies, and emerging media capabilities.
- Ability to evaluate and challenge media agency recommendations; monitor budgets, pacing, and campaign performance; translate media insights into actionable recommendations; coordinate cross-functional stakeholders; and establish consistent processes and benchmarks. Preferred experience with omnichannel campaign planning, audience segmentation, media analytics platforms, and pharmaceutical media agency management.
- Position functions autonomously within assigned paid media responsibilities and collaborates closely with Digital Marketing Strategy leads, agency partners, and cross-functional teams. Direct supervisory responsibilities, if any, to be evaluated on an individual basis.
- Ability to read and interpret complex business and/or technical documents. Ability to write comprehensive reports and detailed business correspondence. Ability to work with managers or directors and communicate ambiguous concepts. Ability to present to groups across the organization.
- Ability to perform computations such as percentages, ratios, and rates.
- Ability to solve problems with complex variables through non-standardized solutions that require independent judgment and analysis. Ability to draw inferences and use deductive reasoning with no prescribed procedures to solve complex problems.
- Typically sitting at a desk or table. Intermittently sitting, standing, walking or stooping. Periodic travel is required.
- Normal Office Environment
- Proficiency in speaking, comprehending, reading and writing English is required.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and location. The salary range for this position is $95,000 - $193,000 USD.
At Viatris, we offer competitive salaries, benefits and an inclusive environment where you can use your experiences, perspectives and skills to help make an impact on the lives of others.
Viatris is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Paid Media Specialist
Lead with platform certifications
Google Ads and Meta Blueprint certifications signal job-ready skills before an interview starts. Hiring managers in paid media move fast, and credentials that prove hands-on platform experience reduce friction around your OPT status early in the process.
Target performance-focused teams
In-house growth teams and performance marketing agencies are more likely to sponsor than generalist marketing departments. They hire for measurable ROI skills, which means your technical expertise often outweighs the administrative overhead of OPT work authorization.
Show ROAS and CPA results upfront
Quantify your campaign results before the interview, not during it. Employers weighing OPT authorization costs need a clear reason to proceed. Specific return on ad spend and cost per acquisition figures from previous work or internships make that case immediately.
Apply before your OPT clock starts
Paid media hiring moves quickly, and onboarding timelines can stretch two to four weeks. Submit applications before your EAD arrives so offers can be structured around your actual start date without putting you in a gap between graduation and employment.
Check if your degree qualifies for STEM OPT
Degrees in data-driven marketing, information systems, or statistics often qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. That extra runway changes the sponsorship conversation significantly, as employers get more time before needing to file an H-1B visa petition.
Target mid-size companies with dedicated paid media budgets
Companies spending actively on paid search and social tend to have structured marketing teams with recurring hiring needs. They are less bureaucratic than large enterprises about OPT paperwork and more motivated than early-stage startups to hire proven paid media talent.
Paid Media Specialist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Paid Media Specialist roles qualify as specialty occupations for OPT purposes?
Yes. Paid Media Specialist positions routinely qualify as specialty occupations because they require a bachelor's degree or higher in marketing, advertising, communications, or a directly related field. USCIS evaluates this on a case-by-case basis, but roles involving strategic ad buying, performance analysis, and campaign management across platforms like Google Ads or Meta consistently meet the standard. Your offer letter should reflect those specialized responsibilities.
Can I use my F-1 OPT EAD to work as a Paid Media Specialist without employer sponsorship?
Yes. During your OPT period, your Employment Authorization Document allows you to work for any employer in a role related to your degree without the employer needing to file a petition. The employer does not sponsor your OPT itself. Sponsorship only becomes relevant if you need an H-1B or other visa after OPT expires. That said, it is worth confirming the employer is familiar with OPT before accepting an offer.
How do I find Paid Media Specialist jobs that are open to OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters for employers with a history of hiring international candidates. Searching there surfaces paid media roles where OPT work authorization is already understood, which saves time compared to applying broadly and screening for sponsorship willingness manually. Filtering by role type and industry on Migrate Mate narrows results to the positions most likely to move forward with OPT candidates.
Does a STEM OPT extension apply to Paid Media Specialist roles?
It depends on your degree, not the job title. If you graduated with a degree in a STEM-designated field such as marketing analytics, information systems, or statistics, you may qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension even if the role itself is in paid media. Your university's Designated School Official confirms eligibility. The extension requires your employer to be E-Verify enrolled and submit a formal training plan.
What should I do if my OPT expires before my employer files an H-1B petition?
If you applied for H-1B before your OPT expired and your case is pending, the cap-gap rule automatically extends your work authorization through September 30 of that year. If your employer missed the filing window, you would need to stop working until another status is available. Planning the H-1B timeline well in advance of your OPT end date is essential, and targeting employers who already have H-1B filing experience reduces that risk significantly.