OPT Public Relations Intern Jobs
Public Relations Intern roles are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in communications, journalism, or marketing. Most positions involve media outreach, press release drafting, and social monitoring. Your OPT EAD authorizes full-time work, and STEM OPT extensions do not apply to this field.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
THIS POSTING WILL BE USED FOR ONGOING RECRUITMENT AND MAY CLOSE AT ANY TIME. APPLICANT LISTS MAY BE SCREENED MORE THAN ONCE.
All positions at the NM Public Education Department are based in Santa Fe.
MISSION: EQUITY, EXCELLENCE AND RELEVANCE - The New Mexico Public Education Department partners with educators, communities, and families to ensure that ALL students are healthy, secure in their identity, and holistically prepared for college, career, and life.
VISION: ROOTED IN OUR STRENGTHS - Students in New Mexico are engaged in a culturally and linguistically responsive educational system that meets the social, emotional, and academic needs of ALL students.
ABOUT THE JOB
The PED Public Information and Communications Office
The Public Education Department strives to meet the needs of all students, educators and constituents of New Mexico by offering open and transparent communications surrounding our agency's work. The Public Information and Communications Office handles media communications, public relations and requests for public information. Additionally, the Communications Office produces, edits and supports the development of several communications products and publications.
To ensure your application can be fully considered, please provide a complete application and/or resume that includes:
- Dates of employment for each position, including month and year.
- Detailed descriptions of your work experience and job duties.
- Transcripts if a degree is listed on your application. Unofficial transcripts are accepted.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Public Relations Coordinator collaborates with the Communications Manager and Public Information Office (PIO) to develop and implement a digital media and PR strategy to engage families, educators, and other education partners with the agency. This key position on the communications team is critical in managing and increasing brand awareness and in helping to convey and further the mission, vision, and goals of the agency via its various channels to reach a variety of constituents in order to promote transparency, convey a positive image for the agency, and establish the agency as the primary source of information about education in New Mexico.
This position will have key responsibilities in developing and executing strategies for public relations and marketing through the agency's various digital channels. These strategies should be designed with transparency and to convey critical and helpful information to all NMPED constituent groups.
This position will:
- design, schedule, post, monitor and report on branded digital media campaigns as well as posts, web content, and video;
- coordinate, shoot, and edit photographs and video and other digital media within the branding framework;
- update and improve web content via a content management system;
- quickly and efficiently create branded graphics to support various initiatives, campaigns, and programs;
- provide analytics to the PIO, Communications Manager, communications team, NMPED Cabinet, and other partners as needed;
- incorporate strategies and insights to best engage the public;
- assist the communications team in designing and delivering digital assets as needed during events, school visits, and other field work; and
- monitor brand compliance across the agency ensuring that all divisions and bureaus are coherent in their branding and messaging.
- Draft press releases and stories to support agency messaging, edit press releases and other Communications Bureau and agency materials. In addition, they may be responsible for assisting in the coordination of education, awards, and outreach programs.
CUSTOMERS
Educators, families, district and charter school staff, administrators, decisionmakers, legislators, educational experts, child and family advocates, other state agencies, the Office of the Governor, and the public at large.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Associates Degree in Publications, Journalism, Communications, Public Relations, Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing, and/or related field and one (1) year of experience in public relations, mass communications, television, radio, print media, emergency communications, and/or emergency management. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling three (3) years may substitute for the required education and experience.
EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS
Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License. Must possess and maintain a current Defensive Driving Course Certificate from the State of New Mexico or must pass and receive Defensive Driving Course Certification within six (6) months of date of hire as a condition of continued employment.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Office setting, exposure to Visual/Video Display terminal (VDT) and extensive personal computer and telephone usage with extended periods of sitting. Must be able to lift 25 lbs. Travel required.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Do you know what Total Compensation is? Click here
Agency Contact Information: Dr. Janelle Taylor Garcia, 505/ 709-5543 or Email
For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.
Bargaining Unit Position
This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
INTRODUCTION
THIS POSTING WILL BE USED FOR ONGOING RECRUITMENT AND MAY CLOSE AT ANY TIME. APPLICANT LISTS MAY BE SCREENED MORE THAN ONCE.
All positions at the NM Public Education Department are based in Santa Fe.
MISSION: EQUITY, EXCELLENCE AND RELEVANCE - The New Mexico Public Education Department partners with educators, communities, and families to ensure that ALL students are healthy, secure in their identity, and holistically prepared for college, career, and life.
VISION: ROOTED IN OUR STRENGTHS - Students in New Mexico are engaged in a culturally and linguistically responsive educational system that meets the social, emotional, and academic needs of ALL students.
ABOUT THE JOB
The PED Public Information and Communications Office
The Public Education Department strives to meet the needs of all students, educators and constituents of New Mexico by offering open and transparent communications surrounding our agency's work. The Public Information and Communications Office handles media communications, public relations and requests for public information. Additionally, the Communications Office produces, edits and supports the development of several communications products and publications.
To ensure your application can be fully considered, please provide a complete application and/or resume that includes:
- Dates of employment for each position, including month and year.
- Detailed descriptions of your work experience and job duties.
- Transcripts if a degree is listed on your application. Unofficial transcripts are accepted.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Public Relations Coordinator collaborates with the Communications Manager and Public Information Office (PIO) to develop and implement a digital media and PR strategy to engage families, educators, and other education partners with the agency. This key position on the communications team is critical in managing and increasing brand awareness and in helping to convey and further the mission, vision, and goals of the agency via its various channels to reach a variety of constituents in order to promote transparency, convey a positive image for the agency, and establish the agency as the primary source of information about education in New Mexico.
This position will have key responsibilities in developing and executing strategies for public relations and marketing through the agency's various digital channels. These strategies should be designed with transparency and to convey critical and helpful information to all NMPED constituent groups.
This position will:
- design, schedule, post, monitor and report on branded digital media campaigns as well as posts, web content, and video;
- coordinate, shoot, and edit photographs and video and other digital media within the branding framework;
- update and improve web content via a content management system;
- quickly and efficiently create branded graphics to support various initiatives, campaigns, and programs;
- provide analytics to the PIO, Communications Manager, communications team, NMPED Cabinet, and other partners as needed;
- incorporate strategies and insights to best engage the public;
- assist the communications team in designing and delivering digital assets as needed during events, school visits, and other field work; and
- monitor brand compliance across the agency ensuring that all divisions and bureaus are coherent in their branding and messaging.
- Draft press releases and stories to support agency messaging, edit press releases and other Communications Bureau and agency materials. In addition, they may be responsible for assisting in the coordination of education, awards, and outreach programs.
CUSTOMERS
Educators, families, district and charter school staff, administrators, decisionmakers, legislators, educational experts, child and family advocates, other state agencies, the Office of the Governor, and the public at large.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Associates Degree in Publications, Journalism, Communications, Public Relations, Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing, and/or related field and one (1) year of experience in public relations, mass communications, television, radio, print media, emergency communications, and/or emergency management. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling three (3) years may substitute for the required education and experience.
EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS
Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License. Must possess and maintain a current Defensive Driving Course Certificate from the State of New Mexico or must pass and receive Defensive Driving Course Certification within six (6) months of date of hire as a condition of continued employment.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Office setting, exposure to Visual/Video Display terminal (VDT) and extensive personal computer and telephone usage with extended periods of sitting. Must be able to lift 25 lbs. Travel required.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Do you know what Total Compensation is? Click here
Agency Contact Information: Dr. Janelle Taylor Garcia, 505/ 709-5543 or Email
For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.
Bargaining Unit Position
This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
See all 291+ OPT Public Relations Intern Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Public Relations Intern
Target agencies over in-house teams first
PR agencies hire interns in higher volume and rotate cohorts regularly. They're more familiar with OPT paperwork than a brand's internal HR team, which may encounter international hires less frequently.
Lead with your EAD, not your visa status
When asked about work authorization, say you have an Employment Authorization Document valid through your OPT end date. Framing it as existing authorization rather than a sponsorship request removes the initial objection.
Align your degree field to the role explicitly
OPT requires employment related to your degree. Communications, journalism, marketing, and public affairs degrees map cleanly to PR intern roles. Make that connection explicit in your cover letter to reassure employers.
Apply before your OPT start date if possible
You can interview and receive an offer before your EAD arrives. Starting the process early gives you time to negotiate a start date that aligns with your authorized period without rushing employers on paperwork.
Clarify the internship structure upfront
Some PR internships are unpaid or stipend-only. OPT regulations require paid employment for most situations. Confirm compensation terms before accepting an offer to ensure the role satisfies your work authorization requirements.
Track your OPT unemployment days carefully
F-1 OPT students are limited to 90 aggregate unemployment days. Gaps between PR internships count against that total. Keeping a simple log of employment start and end dates protects you if USCIS ever audits your record.
Public Relations Intern OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Public Relations Intern on OPT without employer sponsorship?
Yes. OPT is pre-authorized work authorization tied to your F-1 status, not employer sponsorship. Your employer does not file any petition or pay USCIS fees. They simply verify your EAD, complete an I-9, and confirm the role relates to your degree field. You can browse open PR intern positions on Migrate Mate filtered specifically for OPT-authorized students.
Does a Public Relations Intern role qualify for STEM OPT extension?
No. Public relations does not appear on the STEM Designated Degree Program List maintained by the Department of Homeland Security. If your degree is in a STEM field and you accepted a PR internship, the role itself does not qualify you for the 24-month STEM extension. Extensions require both a qualifying degree and a qualifying job.
What degree fields make a PR internship valid under OPT rules?
OPT requires that employment be directly related to your major field of study. Communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, and advertising degrees align clearly with PR intern duties. A business or psychology degree may qualify with the right framing. If your degree is in an unrelated field, consult your DSO before accepting the offer.
Can I do multiple short-term PR internships during my OPT period?
Yes, multiple internships are allowed, but each gap between positions counts toward your 90-day unemployment limit. Standard OPT allows up to 90 aggregate unemployed days. If you plan to work several short contracts, track your timeline carefully. Back-to-back internships with minimal breaks are the safest approach for staying within the limit.
Can a Public Relations Intern position lead to H-1B sponsorship?
It depends on the employer. Large PR agencies and corporate communications departments do sponsor H-1B visas, but the role must qualify as a specialty occupation requiring a bachelor's degree in a specific field. PR roles generally do qualify. Cap-gap protection applies if your employer files an H-1B petition before your OPT expires, letting you continue working through the transition.