OPT Videographer Jobs
Videographer jobs on OPT require employers who can support F-1 work authorization, either through a standard 12-month OPT period or a 24-month STEM extension for qualifying technical roles. Production companies, agencies, and corporate media teams regularly hire OPT students for full-time videography positions.
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Overview/Purpose:
The Good Newsroom is the award-winning, digital news outlet of the Archdiocese of New York. With stories published in English and Spanish, the platform is designed to evangelize and engage audiences daily through timely editorial content. The newsroom highlights the array of services the archdiocese delivers (religious, educational, healthcare, charity, etc.), the many Catholics in our region (and beyond) who work to spread goodwill, and features stories on where faith and culture meet.
The Videographer creates video news stories that will be distributed through digital channels to support The Good Newsroom. The Videographer partners with the editorial staff, marketing, and communications colleagues, and with many from throughout the organization. They work as a reporter and bring experience from previous roles in news and video production.
Reports to: Multimedia Video Producer
Main Work Location: 488 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10022
Responsibilities:
- Develop story ideas and angles for segments. Write scripts, record voice-overs, conduct interviews and film/shoot. Editing and publication of final videos
- Create a variety of styles of videos and ensure high-quality video production
- Partner with colleagues for optimal distribution across digital channels
- Collaborate with marketing colleagues to ensure growth in viewers and engagement
- Embrace and adhere to The Good Newsroom’s brand voice and editorial style guide
- Other related duties as needed
Education, Experience, and Skills:
- Bachelor’s Degree in journalism, mass communications, or related field
- Experience in a television, film, or broadcast news environment
- Experience producing YouTube/Vimeo videos, capturing video and using editing software (Adobe After Effects, Adobe Premiere, Photoshop, and Illustrator)
- Experience with digital content development and distribution, websites, and content management systems
- Familiarity with the Catholic Church is preferred
- Experience with interviewing and fact-checking for news stories
- Able to set goals, communicate with diverse audiences, and meet deadlines in a large organization
- Fluency in Spanish is preferred
- Valid driver’s license and must be able to travel to all regions within the Archdiocese of New York for reporting on events and initiatives
Compensation range for this position is: $85,000 - $90,000 annually.
This position is considered exempt and not eligible for overtime.
Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to:
TheGoodNewsRoom@archny.org
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Videographer
Lead with your technical stack
Employers hiring videographers want to see specific tools upfront. List your proficiency with cameras, lighting rigs, and editing software like Adobe Premiere or DaVinci Resolve in your resume header and portfolio introduction before anything else.
Target corporate media teams first
In-house media departments at larger companies often have HR infrastructure to support OPT work authorization. They hire videographers for recurring content needs, which means more stable employment than project-based agency or freelance work during your OPT period.
Check if your degree qualifies for STEM OPT
Some videography and digital media programs qualify for the 24-month STEM extension under CIP codes related to digital communication or computer science. Confirm with your DSO early, as this significantly expands your authorized work window and employer appeal.
Build a portfolio that shows professional output
Employers assessing OPT candidates want proof of professional-level work, not just class projects. Include video samples with real clients, clear production credits, and results where possible. A strong portfolio reduces perceived hiring risk for employers unfamiliar with OPT.
Be direct about your OPT timeline in early conversations
Mention your OPT status and remaining authorized period before reaching the offer stage. Employers need time to confirm payroll compliance. Bringing it up early filters out employers who won't hire on OPT and saves time for both parties.
Target employers with a history of hiring international talent
Companies that have previously hired on OPT or H-1B visa understand the process and are far less likely to withdraw offers over authorization concerns. Migrate Mate surfaces these employers specifically, so you spend less time educating hiring managers from scratch.
Videographer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a videographer on OPT?
Yes, F-1 students with approved OPT can work as videographers in their field of study. Your employment must be directly related to your degree, so a film, communications, or digital media background typically satisfies this requirement. Keep your EAD card active and confirm the job aligns with your DSO's guidance before starting.
Does a videographer role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree's CIP code, not the job title itself. If your program falls under an approved STEM CIP code, such as digital communication technologies or a related technical field, and the employer is E-Verify registered, you may qualify for a 24-month extension. Check with your international student office to confirm eligibility before assuming the role qualifies.
What types of employers hire videographers on OPT?
Corporate media teams, video production companies, marketing agencies, universities, and broadcast organizations are among the most common employers. Larger corporations tend to have HR experience handling OPT paperwork, while smaller production studios may need more guidance. Migrate Mate lists videographer roles specifically from employers familiar with F-1 work authorization, which shortens your search significantly.
Can I work on a freelance or contract basis as a videographer during OPT?
Self-employment is technically permitted on OPT, but it comes with strict conditions. You must be actively working in your field, not simply available for gigs, and you cannot work for a single client for more than a year in a way that resembles regular employment without proper authorization. Many DSOs recommend salaried positions for clarity and compliance. Consult your DSO before pursuing a purely freelance arrangement.
How do I find videographer jobs that support OPT work authorization?
Filtering by OPT-friendly employers is the most efficient approach. General job boards rarely indicate sponsorship willingness, which means you spend significant time contacting employers who won't move forward with F-1 candidates. Migrate Mate is built specifically for OPT students and surfaces videographer roles from employers already familiar with F-1 work authorization requirements.