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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Get Access To All JobsPosition Summary:
The Development and Alumni Relations Marketing and Communications team at Rice University is seeking a creative, strategic, and highly skilled Videographer and Photographer to produce video, multimedia, and photography content that supports the university's fundraising and engagement goals. Reporting to the Executive Director of Communications and Marketing, this position develops story concepts, plans and executes photo and video shoots, manages post-production workflows, and creates content tailored for social media, events, impact stories, reports, and print publications. A strong understanding of storytelling, filmmaking, editing styles, audience engagement, and platform-specific formats is essential for creating effective content across YouTube, Instagram, ThankView, and other digital channels. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with Marketing and Communications colleagues and partners across Development and Alumni Relations, including Annual Giving, Donor Relations and Stewardship, and Alumni Relations, to support institutional priorities and campaign strategies. Projects may include Giving Day videos (and other content associated with fundraising drives), impact stories, social media campaigns, event recap videos, and donor and student photography for print and digital communications.
Special Instructions to Applicants:
All interested applicants should attach a cover letter and resume in the Supporting Documents section of the application, preferably in PDF format to avoid formatting issues. Applicants should also provide a link to an online portfolio and/or professional social media account showcasing relevant videography, photography, and multimedia work.
Ideal candidate statement:
The ideal candidate will bring expertise in visual storytelling, managing projects from concept through final delivery, and demonstrate a deep understanding of how to tailor content for a variety of platforms, including web, social, and print.
Workplace Requirements:
This position is offered as a hybrid role, combining both in-office and remote work to provide flexibility and support collaboration. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.
Minimum Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- 2+ years of professional experience in video production, photography, multimedia storytelling, documentary filmmaking, and/or visual journalism
Skills:
- Advanced knowledge of professional video production, including camera operation, lighting, and audio capture
- Proficiency in industry-standard post-production tools, including editing and design software such as Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects, and Lightroom
- Strong visual literacy with a keen eye for composition, pacing, and visual storytelling
- Solid ability to develop creative, engaging narratives designed for donor and alumni audiences
- Advanced knowledge of digital asset management systems and post-production workflows
- Advanced knowledge of multimedia storytelling strategies from pre- to post-production, tailored for digital platforms, and experience creating content optimized for social media, web, and print
- Effective ability to produce platform-native content in varied formats, including vertical, square, and widescreen
- Demonstrated ability to transform creative concepts into compelling images and stories that align with institutional messaging
- Advanced knowledge of professional photography (portraits and events)
- Comfort working both independently and within a team in a fast-paced environment
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills to interact effectively with key stakeholders, donors, and volunteers, with a service-oriented mindset
- Ability to respond positively to artistic critique and partner input
- Excellent time management skills with the ability to manage a variety of simultaneous projects within tight deadlines
Preferences:
- 4+ years of professional experience in video production, multimedia storytelling, documentary filmmaking, or visual journalism
- Demonstrated skills in creating motion graphics and illustrations
- Ability to storyboard large-scale projects and draft scripts for videos
- Demonstrated skills in a range of photography techniques and styles
- Familiarity with Asana and other project management and intake tools
- Experience using Adobe graphic design software, such as Photoshop and Illustrator
- Experience working in higher education and/or with higher education clients
Essential Functions:
- Supports marketing and communications initiatives that advance fundraising, donor relations and stewardship, and alumni engagement goals.
- Leads video projects from concept development through final delivery.
- Captures and edits photography and video content for digital, social, web, print, and event-related communications.
- Develops visual stories, creative concepts, and content recommendations aligned with institutional priorities.
- Partners with stakeholders to identify storytelling opportunities and create audience-focused content.
- Produces short-form and long-form multimedia content for campaigns, publications, websites, and social media platforms.
- Adapts content for specific channels using platform best practices and audience engagement strategies.
- Ensures brand consistency, accessibility, and production quality across all content.
- Captures interviews, event coverage, and supporting visual assets for integrated storytelling initiatives.
- Maintains organized media asset libraries and follows established production workflows.
- Supports integrated campaigns through coordinated photo and video content creation.
- Evaluates emerging visual trends, tools, and formats to enhance content effectiveness and seeks innovative approaches to creating compelling content.
- Collaborates with campus partners to ensure content reflects institutional values and priorities.
Additional Functions:
- Works with the graphic design team on art direction and photo shoots for print publications, including the biannual philanthropy magazine
- Contributes to integrated and multichannel storytelling campaigns that spotlight the talent, generosity, and impact of Rice’s alumni, student, and parent communities
- Works with Rice’s Public Affairs division on cross-unit collaborations spanning social media, news, and other projects.
- Produces thank-you videos and short documentary-style videos for select fundraising and volunteer initiatives at key points in the donor lifecycle (giving anniversary videos, alumni birthdays, etc.)
- Must be available to work occasional evenings and weekends to support university events and production schedules.
Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits
Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University
Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. If an applicant requires a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please get in touch with Rice University’s Human Resources Office via email at facstaffada@rice.edu for support.
If you have any additional questions, please email us at jobs@rice.edu. Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.
Position Summary:
The Development and Alumni Relations Marketing and Communications team at Rice University is seeking a creative, strategic, and highly skilled Videographer and Photographer to produce video, multimedia, and photography content that supports the university's fundraising and engagement goals. Reporting to the Executive Director of Communications and Marketing, this position develops story concepts, plans and executes photo and video shoots, manages post-production workflows, and creates content tailored for social media, events, impact stories, reports, and print publications. A strong understanding of storytelling, filmmaking, editing styles, audience engagement, and platform-specific formats is essential for creating effective content across YouTube, Instagram, ThankView, and other digital channels. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with Marketing and Communications colleagues and partners across Development and Alumni Relations, including Annual Giving, Donor Relations and Stewardship, and Alumni Relations, to support institutional priorities and campaign strategies. Projects may include Giving Day videos (and other content associated with fundraising drives), impact stories, social media campaigns, event recap videos, and donor and student photography for print and digital communications.
Special Instructions to Applicants:
All interested applicants should attach a cover letter and resume in the Supporting Documents section of the application, preferably in PDF format to avoid formatting issues. Applicants should also provide a link to an online portfolio and/or professional social media account showcasing relevant videography, photography, and multimedia work.
Ideal candidate statement:
The ideal candidate will bring expertise in visual storytelling, managing projects from concept through final delivery, and demonstrate a deep understanding of how to tailor content for a variety of platforms, including web, social, and print.
Workplace Requirements:
This position is offered as a hybrid role, combining both in-office and remote work to provide flexibility and support collaboration. Per Rice policy 440, work arrangements may be subject to change.
Minimum Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- 2+ years of professional experience in video production, photography, multimedia storytelling, documentary filmmaking, and/or visual journalism
Skills:
- Advanced knowledge of professional video production, including camera operation, lighting, and audio capture
- Proficiency in industry-standard post-production tools, including editing and design software such as Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects, and Lightroom
- Strong visual literacy with a keen eye for composition, pacing, and visual storytelling
- Solid ability to develop creative, engaging narratives designed for donor and alumni audiences
- Advanced knowledge of digital asset management systems and post-production workflows
- Advanced knowledge of multimedia storytelling strategies from pre- to post-production, tailored for digital platforms, and experience creating content optimized for social media, web, and print
- Effective ability to produce platform-native content in varied formats, including vertical, square, and widescreen
- Demonstrated ability to transform creative concepts into compelling images and stories that align with institutional messaging
- Advanced knowledge of professional photography (portraits and events)
- Comfort working both independently and within a team in a fast-paced environment
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills to interact effectively with key stakeholders, donors, and volunteers, with a service-oriented mindset
- Ability to respond positively to artistic critique and partner input
- Excellent time management skills with the ability to manage a variety of simultaneous projects within tight deadlines
Preferences:
- 4+ years of professional experience in video production, multimedia storytelling, documentary filmmaking, or visual journalism
- Demonstrated skills in creating motion graphics and illustrations
- Ability to storyboard large-scale projects and draft scripts for videos
- Demonstrated skills in a range of photography techniques and styles
- Familiarity with Asana and other project management and intake tools
- Experience using Adobe graphic design software, such as Photoshop and Illustrator
- Experience working in higher education and/or with higher education clients
Essential Functions:
- Supports marketing and communications initiatives that advance fundraising, donor relations and stewardship, and alumni engagement goals.
- Leads video projects from concept development through final delivery.
- Captures and edits photography and video content for digital, social, web, print, and event-related communications.
- Develops visual stories, creative concepts, and content recommendations aligned with institutional priorities.
- Partners with stakeholders to identify storytelling opportunities and create audience-focused content.
- Produces short-form and long-form multimedia content for campaigns, publications, websites, and social media platforms.
- Adapts content for specific channels using platform best practices and audience engagement strategies.
- Ensures brand consistency, accessibility, and production quality across all content.
- Captures interviews, event coverage, and supporting visual assets for integrated storytelling initiatives.
- Maintains organized media asset libraries and follows established production workflows.
- Supports integrated campaigns through coordinated photo and video content creation.
- Evaluates emerging visual trends, tools, and formats to enhance content effectiveness and seeks innovative approaches to creating compelling content.
- Collaborates with campus partners to ensure content reflects institutional values and priorities.
Additional Functions:
- Works with the graphic design team on art direction and photo shoots for print publications, including the biannual philanthropy magazine
- Contributes to integrated and multichannel storytelling campaigns that spotlight the talent, generosity, and impact of Rice’s alumni, student, and parent communities
- Works with Rice’s Public Affairs division on cross-unit collaborations spanning social media, news, and other projects.
- Produces thank-you videos and short documentary-style videos for select fundraising and volunteer initiatives at key points in the donor lifecycle (giving anniversary videos, alumni birthdays, etc.)
- Must be available to work occasional evenings and weekends to support university events and production schedules.
Rice University HR | Benefits: https://knowledgecafe.rice.edu/benefits
Rice Mission and Values: Mission and Values | Rice University
Rice University is committed to ensuring Equal Employment Opportunity and welcoming the fullness of diversity into our candidate pools. Rice considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status. Rice also provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. If an applicant requires a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, please get in touch with Rice University’s Human Resources Office via email at facstaffada@rice.edu for support.
If you have any additional questions, please email us at jobs@rice.edu. Thank you for your interest in employment with Rice University.
See all OPT Videographer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Videographer Jobs.
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.