OPT Social Media Manager Jobs
Social Media Manager jobs are well-suited for F-1 OPT students with degrees in marketing, communications, or digital media. Most roles qualify as specialty occupations for H-1B visa sponsorship, giving you a clear path beyond your 12-month OPT window, or 36 months with a STEM extension if your degree qualifies.
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Get Access To All JobsDepartment University Comms and Marketing-258000
Career Area Public Relations/Communications/Marketing
Posting Open Date 08/05/2026
Application Deadline 08/11/2026
Open Until Filled No
Position Type Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)
Working Title Social Media Manager
Appointment Type EHRA Non-Faculty
Position Number 20077757
Vacancy ID NF0009943
Full Time/Part Time Full-Time Permanent
FTE 1
Hours per week 40
Position Location North Carolina, US
Hiring Range $65,000-$75,000
Proposed Start Date 09/28/2026
Be a Tar Heel!
A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.
One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community. University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.
Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit
University Communications and Marketing protects and advances Carolina’s reputation as the nation’s first and best public research university. In partnership with leaders and colleagues across campus, the team is responsible for developing and implementing an integrated strategy to share the impact of our university’s teaching, research and service that improves our state, nation and world. Areas within University Communications and Marketing include Web Planning and Production, Internal Communications, Development Marketing, Executive Communications, Strategic Communications, Marketing, Social Media, Creative Services, and the UNC Visitors Center.
Position Summary
The Social Media Manager will lead the strategic development, creation, management, and execution of social media content for the Chancellor and Provost. At the direction of and partnership between University Communications and Marketing and the Offices of the Chancellor and Provost, this role is responsible for utilizing social media strategy to elevate the visibility, voice, and thought leadership of the University’s senior academic and administrative leaders through compelling storytelling, timely engagement, and platform-specific content strategies that advance institutional priorities and strengthen Carolina’s reputation.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in a discipline related to the area of assignment; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.
Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
The social media manager should have a bachelor’s degree in marketing, advertising, public relations, communications, journalism, or a related field, plus at least two years of relevant professional experience. The manager should have demonstrated knowledge of social media channels such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and TikTok. In addition, the social media manager should have copywriting and editing experience for a brand, an interest in staying current on social media trends, and an ability and eagerness to work with others in University Communications and Marketing and across campus.
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
- Experience managing social media accounts for senior executives, elected officials, corporate leaders, university presidents/chancellors, or other high-profile public figures using LinkedIn, X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and emerging channels.
- Experience in relationship building and directing subjects to help achieve success in developing engaging content that also reflects well on individual brand reputation. This content requires strong writing, photography, videography, and mobile content creation capabilities.
- Experience with social media analytics, audience development, and performance measurement.
- Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Understanding higher education, public affairs, media relations, and reputation management.
Special Physical/Mental Requirements
Campus Security Authority Responsibilities
Not Applicable.
Department University Comms and Marketing-258000
Career Area Public Relations/Communications/Marketing
Posting Open Date 08/05/2026
Application Deadline 08/11/2026
Open Until Filled No
Position Type Permanent Staff (EHRA NF)
Working Title Social Media Manager
Appointment Type EHRA Non-Faculty
Position Number 20077757
Vacancy ID NF0009943
Full Time/Part Time Full-Time Permanent
FTE 1
Hours per week 40
Position Location North Carolina, US
Hiring Range $65,000-$75,000
Proposed Start Date 09/28/2026
Be a Tar Heel!
A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.
One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community. University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.
Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit
University Communications and Marketing protects and advances Carolina’s reputation as the nation’s first and best public research university. In partnership with leaders and colleagues across campus, the team is responsible for developing and implementing an integrated strategy to share the impact of our university’s teaching, research and service that improves our state, nation and world. Areas within University Communications and Marketing include Web Planning and Production, Internal Communications, Development Marketing, Executive Communications, Strategic Communications, Marketing, Social Media, Creative Services, and the UNC Visitors Center.
Position Summary
The Social Media Manager will lead the strategic development, creation, management, and execution of social media content for the Chancellor and Provost. At the direction of and partnership between University Communications and Marketing and the Offices of the Chancellor and Provost, this role is responsible for utilizing social media strategy to elevate the visibility, voice, and thought leadership of the University’s senior academic and administrative leaders through compelling storytelling, timely engagement, and platform-specific content strategies that advance institutional priorities and strengthen Carolina’s reputation.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in a discipline related to the area of assignment; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.
Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
The social media manager should have a bachelor’s degree in marketing, advertising, public relations, communications, journalism, or a related field, plus at least two years of relevant professional experience. The manager should have demonstrated knowledge of social media channels such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and TikTok. In addition, the social media manager should have copywriting and editing experience for a brand, an interest in staying current on social media trends, and an ability and eagerness to work with others in University Communications and Marketing and across campus.
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
- Experience managing social media accounts for senior executives, elected officials, corporate leaders, university presidents/chancellors, or other high-profile public figures using LinkedIn, X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and emerging channels.
- Experience in relationship building and directing subjects to help achieve success in developing engaging content that also reflects well on individual brand reputation. This content requires strong writing, photography, videography, and mobile content creation capabilities.
- Experience with social media analytics, audience development, and performance measurement.
- Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Understanding higher education, public affairs, media relations, and reputation management.
Special Physical/Mental Requirements
Campus Security Authority Responsibilities
Not Applicable.
See all 1,037+ OPT Social Media Manager Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Social Media Manager
Target companies with active H-1B sponsorship histories
Agencies, tech companies, and e-commerce brands file H-1B visa petitions for Social Media Managers regularly. Research employer sponsorship records before applying so you focus your energy on companies that have already proven they'll sponsor this role.
Frame your degree as the foundation for the role
Employers must justify H-1B specialty occupation status for this title. Connecting your marketing or communications degree directly to your job duties, in your resume and interviews, makes their legal argument easier and increases sponsorship willingness.
Apply early in your OPT window, not at the end
H-1B sponsorship takes time to coordinate between you, your employer, and immigration counsel. Starting conversations with employers in month three or four of OPT gives everyone enough runway before your authorization expires.
Specialize in a high-demand platform or content vertical
Employers sponsor roles they can't easily fill locally. Positioning yourself as a specialist in paid social, short-form video, or influencer strategy makes you a stronger candidate and gives sponsors a clearer business case for petitioning.
Bring up OPT and future sponsorship clearly, not apologetically
Employers are often confused about OPT authorization, not opposed to it. Explain that you're authorized to work now and briefly outline what sponsorship involves. Clarity early prevents misunderstandings that kill offers at the offer stage.
Build a portfolio that demonstrates measurable business impact
Sponsoring employers weigh risk carefully. A portfolio showing follower growth percentages, engagement rate improvements, or campaign ROI gives hiring managers concrete evidence your work justifies the cost and effort of sponsorship paperwork.
Social Media Manager OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Social Media Manager role qualify as a specialty occupation for OPT and H-1B purposes?
It can, but it depends on how the role is defined. USCIS requires that the position normally require a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific field. Social Media Manager roles tied to marketing strategy, content analytics, or brand communications generally qualify when the employer documents that a degree in marketing, communications, or a related field is a standard requirement for the position.
Can I work as a Social Media Manager on OPT without my employer sponsoring anything immediately?
Yes. During your OPT period, you're authorized to work without any action from your employer beyond hiring you. OPT is granted by USCIS based on your F-1 status, not by your employer. Sponsorship only becomes relevant when your OPT expires and you need to transition to a long-term visa like the H-1B.
Are Social Media Manager jobs listed on Migrate Mate?
Yes. Migrate Mate's job board focuses specifically on roles at employers open to sponsoring international candidates, including Social Media Manager positions. Browsing Migrate Mate lets you filter for roles relevant to your degree and OPT status rather than sorting through listings from employers who won't sponsor.
Does a STEM OPT extension apply to Social Media Manager roles?
Only if your underlying degree is in a STEM-designated field such as data science, information systems, or a qualifying technical discipline. A degree in marketing or communications is not STEM-designated, so most Social Media Manager candidates won't qualify for the 24-month extension. Check your degree's CIP code with your DSO to confirm your eligibility before planning around a STEM extension.
What should I say when an employer asks about my work authorization status as an OPT student?
Be direct: explain that you hold an F-1 visa with OPT authorization, that you're currently eligible to work full-time in the U.S. for up to 12 months, and that you would need H-1B sponsorship before OPT expires. Providing this clearly upfront, rather than waiting for HR to ask, signals professionalism and prevents the role from stalling later in the process.