OPT Social Media Specialist Jobs
Social Media Specialist roles are among the more OPT-friendly positions in marketing because many employers already hire internationally educated candidates with digital portfolios. STEM OPT extension is not available for this role, so your 12-month OPT window is what you're working with unless you secure H-1B visa sponsorship before it expires.
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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 1,038+ OPT Social Media Specialist Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Social Media Specialist
Lead with your portfolio, not your visa status
Social media hiring managers evaluate work before they think about sponsorship. A strong portfolio showing measurable results, such as follower growth or engagement rate improvements, removes the hesitation employers feel about the paperwork involved in sponsoring an OPT student.
Target mid-size companies in content-heavy industries
Startups and agencies in e-commerce, media, and SaaS hire social media specialists frequently and tend to be more flexible on sponsorship than large corporations with rigid HR processes. These companies also give you broader ownership of channels, which builds your portfolio faster.
Quantify everything on your resume
Employers sponsoring a visa want certainty. Framing your experience with specific metrics, such as percentage increases in reach or conversion rates from organic campaigns, signals that you deliver measurable value and reduces the perceived risk of investing in your sponsorship.
Apply early in your OPT window
H-1B visa sponsorship requires time. If your employer files after your OPT expires, you face an authorization gap. Starting your job search within the first two months of OPT activation gives you enough runway to secure an offer and allow your employer to prepare a petition.
Clarify sponsorship willingness before the offer stage
Raising sponsorship in the final round wastes time for both sides. After a strong first or second interview, ask directly whether the company has sponsored H-1B visas before. Employers who have done it once are significantly more likely to do it again for a strong candidate.
Specialize in a high-demand platform or content format
Employers are more willing to sponsor candidates who fill a specific skill gap. Depth in short-form video, paid social, or community management for a particular platform makes you harder to replace locally and strengthens the case for sponsorship over hiring someone already authorized.
Social Media Specialist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Social Media Specialist on OPT?
Yes. Social Media Specialist roles fall under marketing and communications, which qualifies as employment directly related to most relevant degrees, including marketing, communications, journalism, and business. You must ensure the role connects to your field of study as listed on your I-20. Your DSO can confirm the connection is sufficient before you accept an offer.
Does a Social Media Specialist role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
No. Social Media Specialist is not a STEM-designated occupation, so you cannot use it to apply for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. You are limited to the standard 12-month OPT authorization. If you want to stay beyond that window, you need an employer willing to sponsor an H-1B or another qualifying nonimmigrant visa before your OPT expires.
How do I find Social Media Specialist jobs that sponsor OPT students?
Migrate Mate is the most direct way to find these roles. The platform is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and surfaces Social Media Specialist positions from employers who have a track record of sponsoring international candidates. Browsing on a general job board makes it difficult to filter for sponsorship-willing employers, which wastes application time you do not have on a 12-month clock.
What counts as valid OPT employment for a Social Media Specialist?
Your employment must be at least 20 hours per week, directly related to your degree, and paid. Full-time in-house roles and agency positions both qualify. Freelance or contract work can count toward OPT employment, but you are responsible for tracking hours and ensuring the work relates to your field of study. Unpaid work does not count toward OPT employment requirements.
Can I work remotely as a Social Media Specialist on OPT?
Yes, remote work is permitted on OPT as long as the employer is a legitimate U.S.-based company and the work relates to your degree. There is no geographic restriction on where you perform the work within the United States. If you move to a new address while on OPT, you must update your address with your DSO within 10 days to stay in compliance with reporting requirements.