OPT Public Relations Manager Jobs
Public Relations Manager roles are among the stronger options for F-1 OPT students with degrees in communications, journalism, or marketing. Most positions qualify as specialty occupations for H-1B visa sponsorship, and your 12-month OPT window (29 months with STEM OPT extension, if eligible) gives you real time to build the media relationships employers value.
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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 292+ OPT Public Relations Manager Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Public Relations Manager
Target agencies over in-house roles first
PR agencies hire in higher volume and are more accustomed to sponsoring international talent. Getting agency experience on your resume also makes you a stronger candidate when you later pursue in-house roles at companies with established immigration support.
Frame your multilingual skills as a business asset
Fluency in a second language makes you valuable for multicultural campaigns and international media outreach. Highlight specific languages and the markets they open up. Employers who need that reach are far more motivated to sponsor your visa long-term.
Build a media list before your interviews
Hiring managers for PR roles want proof you can execute, not just strategize. Coming in with a sample targeted media list for their industry shows initiative and shortens the ramp-up time employers worry about when sponsoring international candidates.
Get your OPT employment authorization card before applying
Apply for your EAD at least 90 days before your program end date. You cannot legally start work until USCIS approves it. Having it in hand removes a common employer hesitation and lets you accept offers without delay.
Focus applications on PR roles tied to your degree field
USCIS requires OPT work to be directly related to your major. A communications degree supports most PR Manager roles clearly. If your degree is in a less obvious field, prepare a brief explanation of how your coursework connects to the position.
Identify H-1B sponsors early using disclosure data
Companies that have previously sponsored H-1B visas for PR or communications roles are more likely to do it again. Prioritize these employers in your outreach. Migrate Mate surfaces sponsorship-friendly employers so you can focus where it matters most.
Public Relations Manager OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Public Relations Manager role qualify for OPT work authorization?
Yes, if your degree is in communications, journalism, marketing, or a closely related field. USCIS requires that OPT employment be directly related to your major area of study. Most PR Manager positions at agencies and corporations meet this requirement clearly, but roles at smaller firms with vague job descriptions may warrant a closer review with your DSO before accepting an offer.
Can I work as a Public Relations Manager on a STEM OPT extension?
Only if your underlying degree is a qualifying STEM field. Most communications and PR degrees do not appear on the STEM Designated Degree Program list, so the standard 12-month OPT period applies. If your degree is in a qualifying field like data analytics or information science and you're working in a PR role with a technical component, speak with your DSO to assess eligibility.
How do I find Public Relations Manager jobs that sponsor visas?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and surfaces PR Manager roles at employers with a demonstrated history of visa sponsorship. General job boards don't filter by sponsorship willingness, which means you spend time applying to roles that won't support your long-term status. Searching on Migrate Mate narrows your list to employers who are actually open to sponsoring international candidates.
What happens to my OPT status if I'm laid off from a Public Relations Manager role?
You have a 60-day grace period from the date your employment ends to find new OPT-qualifying work, transfer to a different visa status, or depart the United States. During this window you cannot work. Report the employment change to your DSO promptly so your SEVIS record stays current. If you secure a new PR role within the grace period, you can continue working under your existing EAD.
Do Public Relations Manager roles typically lead to H-1B sponsorship?
Many do, particularly at mid-size and large agencies, corporations, and nonprofits with HR infrastructure familiar with immigration filings. PR Manager positions generally qualify as specialty occupations under H-1B rules because they require a bachelor's degree in a specific field. Employers who already sponsor other international employees are the most realistic targets. Your OPT period is your window to prove your value and make the sponsorship case before the H-1B deadline.