OPT Visual Designer Jobs
Visual Designer roles qualify for F-1 OPT when your degree is in graphic design, visual communication, interaction design, or a closely related field. Most employers expect a strong portfolio site alongside your resume. OPT authorization covers full-time in-house, agency, and contract positions, and STEM OPT extension may apply if your program qualifies.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
The Connecticut Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) Governing Board has an exciting opportunity for a CJIS Technical Writer and Administrative Coordinator (Visual Media Designer 2) to join the team.
What We Can Offer You
Visit our NEW State Employee Benefits Overview page!
Professional growth and development opportunities
A healthy work/life balance to all employees
The State of Connecticut is an eligible Public Service Loan Forgiveness employer, meaning you may be eligible to have qualifying student loans forgiven after 10 years of service. Click here for more information.
Position Highlights
In this role, you will work directly with the Executive Director and the staff to prepare executive communications, legislative reports, technical documentation, presentations, website content, and other written and visual materials that communicate complex technology initiatives to a variety of audiences.
The position also supports Governing Board operations by coordinating meetings, preparing agendas and supporting materials, maintaining the agency's website and digital communications, and assisting with stakeholder outreach and public communications.
This position offers the opportunity to collaborate with executive leadership and stakeholders across Connecticut's criminal justice community while supporting statewide technology initiatives that enhance information sharing, transparency, and the effective administration of justice.
CJIS supports a collaborative hybrid work environment, with opportunities for remote work and flexible scheduling consistent with agency needs, operational requirements, and State of Connecticut telework policies.
About us
The CJIS Governing Board develops and supports statewide information-sharing services that connect law enforcement, the Judicial Branch, prosecutors, public defenders, correctional agencies, and other criminal justice partners, including researchers, to improve public safety and the administration of justice.
DESPP is committed to protecting and improving the quality of life for all by providing a broad range of public safety services, training, regulatory guidance, and scientific services utilizing enforcement, prevention, education and state of the art science and technology. DESPP is structured on three key Strategic Pillars created by Commissioner Ronnell Higgins.
- Operational Efficiency, Efficacy and Excellence
- Making decisions through the thoughtful and informed use of data
- Challenging the "that's the way it's always been done" construct—i.e., thinking outside the box as to how we can improve
-
Constantly seeking better results
-
Shared Fiscal Responsibility
- Recognizing our collective responsibility to steward the agency's resources
- Realigning planned budgetary actions to ensure that they are in taxpayers' interests
-
Preparing together for potential budget stresses and fiscal challenges
-
Ethics and Accountability
- Critically and constantly measuring our practices against our policies
- Performing quarterly performance evaluations agency-wide to measure success and flag areas needing improvement
- Regularly engaging external partners for feedback and assessments
- Opening our doors to Connecticut students and workers for apprenticeships, internships, and career pathways
SELECTION PLAN
BEFORE YOU APPLY:
Meet Minimum Qualifications: Ensure you meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the job opening by the job closing date. You must specify your qualifications on your application. The minimum experience and training requirements listed must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.
Educational Credits: List your earned credits and degrees from accredited institutions accurately on your application. To receive educational credits towards qualification, the institution must be accredited. If the institution of higher learning is located outside of the U.S., you are responsible for providing documentation from a recognized USA accrediting service which specializes in determining foreign education equivalencies to the contact listed below.
Resume Policy: Per Public Act 21-69, resumes are not accepted during the initial application process. As the recruitment process progresses, candidates may be required to submit additional documentation to support their qualification(s) for this position. This documentation may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the request and discretion of the hiring agency.
Preferred Shift/Location: Select all location(s) and shift(s) you are willing to work on your application. Failure to do so may result in not being considered for vacancies in that specific location or shift.
Timely Submission: All application materials must be received by the job posting deadline. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State. Late submissions are rarely accepted, with exceptions only for documented events that incapacitate individuals during the entire duration of the job posting. Request exceptions by emailing DAS.SHRM@ct.gov.
Salary Calculations: For current state employees, salary calculations are not necessarily comparable from one of the three branches of state government (i.e., Executive, Legislative, Judicial) to the other.
Note:* The only way to apply to this posting is via the ‘Apply’ or ‘Apply Online’ buttons on the official State of Connecticut Online Employment Center job posting.
AFTER YOU APPLY:
Some email providers may experience delays or issues delivering messages. To avoid missing important updates—such as referral questionnaires or interview scheduling links—please check your Personal Status Board regularly. For added convenience, you can also enable text (SMS) notifications. To do this, log in to your Personal Status Board and select “Update My Contact Information.”
Referral Questions: This posting may require completion of additional Referral Questions (RQs), which must be completed by the questionnaire’s expiration date. If requested, RQs can be accessed via an email sent to you after the job close date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section).
Prepare For An Interview: Interviews are limited to those whose experience and training are most aligned with the role. To prepare, review this helpful Interview Preparation Guide to make the best impression!
Stay connected! Log in daily to your JobAps Personal Status Board to track your status and check email (including spam/junk folders) for updates and tasks.
The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.
Note: This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules. Candidates who are offered and accept a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State employees, available at www.ct.gov/ethics.
* This employer may participate in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I9 information to confirm work authorization.
Candidates selected for an interview must provide the following at the time of interview:
State Employees:
Two (2) most recent performance evaluations
Cover letter
* A copy of your unofficial transcript(s)
Non-State Employees:
Two (2) professional references contact information including name, email and phone number (at least one being a current and/or previous supervisor)
Completed CT-HR-13
Cover letter
A copy of your unofficial transcript(s)
Candidates who have been selected for employment with the Department of Emergency Services & Public Protection are subject to a detailed background investigation, including a fingerprint supported state and federal criminal history record check along with reference checks. Selection for employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion of the background investigation. Any pending disciplinary history within the past 2 years and review of attendance records are also considered in this selection process.
Click here to complete the Criminal Convictions addendum (CT-HR-13). The CT-HR-13 can also be found on the DAS website by typing in "CT-HR-13" into the "Search Department of Administrative Services" search field.
QUESTIONS? WE’RE HERE TO HELP:
Due to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt or provide status updates directly. For recruitment updates, please check your Personal Status Board and review our Frequently Asked Questions. If you have additional questions about the recruitment process, reach out to Mackenzie Robinson at Mackenzie.Robinson@ct.gov.
Join the State of Connecticut and take your next career step with confidence!
PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)
In a state agency this class is accountable for performing the most complex tasks in the design and preparation of hardcopy and electronic print formats for use on websites and printed materials and in the creation of visual representation or supporting media for complex engineering projects.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
Performs the most complex duties in design and preparation of hardcopy and electronic graphic artwork using various media, including representation of or creation of supporting media for engineering projects;
Confers with supervisors and others as to most appropriate media and method of design;
Makes freehand sketches and designs for special projects;
Provides consultation and instruction in special media techniques necessary to obtain the desired results;
Designs and prepares camera-ready material;
Produces displays including posters and film slides and builds three-dimensional scale models for either departmental use or public exhibit;
Performs a full range of graphic art activity;
May design and maintain websites;
* Performs related duties as required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY
Considerable knowledge of the most effective techniques and methods used in graphic art, including freehand drawing, media materials such as water colors and oils, photographic art, and three-dimensional presentations;
Knowledge of and ability to utilize computer software including publishing and graphic design software;
Skills
+ interpersonal skills;
+ oral and written communication skills;
Ability to
+ comprehend and interpret plans and cross-section and contour data;
+ do highly creative work.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE
Five (5) years of experience in commercial or illustration art, or engineering drafting.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SPECIAL EXPERIENCE
One (1) year of the General Experience must have been in planning, designing, and preparing scale models and/or exhibits for public events or display.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED
College training in fine arts or commercial art may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Experience preparing written communication such as technical reports, executive correspondence, policies, procedures, manuals, or other business publications.
Experience coordinating meetings, committees, governing boards, or executive-level activities, including preparing agendas, presentation materials, meeting minutes, and meeting documentation.
Experience developing, maintaining, or publishing content for websites, intranets, or other digital communication platforms, including experience with accessibility standards and content management practices.
Experience creating presentations, graphics, newsletters, infographics, or other visual communication products using presentation, publishing, graphic design software.
* Experience managing concurrent projects or assignments in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders, including developing project schedules, tracking milestones, prioritizing work based on deadlines, and preparing written reports, correspondence, or other project documents.
INTRODUCTION
The Connecticut Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) Governing Board has an exciting opportunity for a CJIS Technical Writer and Administrative Coordinator (Visual Media Designer 2) to join the team.
What We Can Offer You
Visit our NEW State Employee Benefits Overview page!
Professional growth and development opportunities
A healthy work/life balance to all employees
The State of Connecticut is an eligible Public Service Loan Forgiveness employer, meaning you may be eligible to have qualifying student loans forgiven after 10 years of service. Click here for more information.
Position Highlights
In this role, you will work directly with the Executive Director and the staff to prepare executive communications, legislative reports, technical documentation, presentations, website content, and other written and visual materials that communicate complex technology initiatives to a variety of audiences.
The position also supports Governing Board operations by coordinating meetings, preparing agendas and supporting materials, maintaining the agency's website and digital communications, and assisting with stakeholder outreach and public communications.
This position offers the opportunity to collaborate with executive leadership and stakeholders across Connecticut's criminal justice community while supporting statewide technology initiatives that enhance information sharing, transparency, and the effective administration of justice.
CJIS supports a collaborative hybrid work environment, with opportunities for remote work and flexible scheduling consistent with agency needs, operational requirements, and State of Connecticut telework policies.
About us
The CJIS Governing Board develops and supports statewide information-sharing services that connect law enforcement, the Judicial Branch, prosecutors, public defenders, correctional agencies, and other criminal justice partners, including researchers, to improve public safety and the administration of justice.
DESPP is committed to protecting and improving the quality of life for all by providing a broad range of public safety services, training, regulatory guidance, and scientific services utilizing enforcement, prevention, education and state of the art science and technology. DESPP is structured on three key Strategic Pillars created by Commissioner Ronnell Higgins.
- Operational Efficiency, Efficacy and Excellence
- Making decisions through the thoughtful and informed use of data
- Challenging the "that's the way it's always been done" construct—i.e., thinking outside the box as to how we can improve
-
Constantly seeking better results
-
Shared Fiscal Responsibility
- Recognizing our collective responsibility to steward the agency's resources
- Realigning planned budgetary actions to ensure that they are in taxpayers' interests
-
Preparing together for potential budget stresses and fiscal challenges
-
Ethics and Accountability
- Critically and constantly measuring our practices against our policies
- Performing quarterly performance evaluations agency-wide to measure success and flag areas needing improvement
- Regularly engaging external partners for feedback and assessments
- Opening our doors to Connecticut students and workers for apprenticeships, internships, and career pathways
SELECTION PLAN
BEFORE YOU APPLY:
Meet Minimum Qualifications: Ensure you meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the job opening by the job closing date. You must specify your qualifications on your application. The minimum experience and training requirements listed must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.
Educational Credits: List your earned credits and degrees from accredited institutions accurately on your application. To receive educational credits towards qualification, the institution must be accredited. If the institution of higher learning is located outside of the U.S., you are responsible for providing documentation from a recognized USA accrediting service which specializes in determining foreign education equivalencies to the contact listed below.
Resume Policy: Per Public Act 21-69, resumes are not accepted during the initial application process. As the recruitment process progresses, candidates may be required to submit additional documentation to support their qualification(s) for this position. This documentation may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the request and discretion of the hiring agency.
Preferred Shift/Location: Select all location(s) and shift(s) you are willing to work on your application. Failure to do so may result in not being considered for vacancies in that specific location or shift.
Timely Submission: All application materials must be received by the job posting deadline. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State. Late submissions are rarely accepted, with exceptions only for documented events that incapacitate individuals during the entire duration of the job posting. Request exceptions by emailing DAS.SHRM@ct.gov.
Salary Calculations: For current state employees, salary calculations are not necessarily comparable from one of the three branches of state government (i.e., Executive, Legislative, Judicial) to the other.
Note:* The only way to apply to this posting is via the ‘Apply’ or ‘Apply Online’ buttons on the official State of Connecticut Online Employment Center job posting.
AFTER YOU APPLY:
Some email providers may experience delays or issues delivering messages. To avoid missing important updates—such as referral questionnaires or interview scheduling links—please check your Personal Status Board regularly. For added convenience, you can also enable text (SMS) notifications. To do this, log in to your Personal Status Board and select “Update My Contact Information.”
Referral Questions: This posting may require completion of additional Referral Questions (RQs), which must be completed by the questionnaire’s expiration date. If requested, RQs can be accessed via an email sent to you after the job close date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section).
Prepare For An Interview: Interviews are limited to those whose experience and training are most aligned with the role. To prepare, review this helpful Interview Preparation Guide to make the best impression!
Stay connected! Log in daily to your JobAps Personal Status Board to track your status and check email (including spam/junk folders) for updates and tasks.
The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.
Note: This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules. Candidates who are offered and accept a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State employees, available at www.ct.gov/ethics.
* This employer may participate in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I9 information to confirm work authorization.
Candidates selected for an interview must provide the following at the time of interview:
State Employees:
Two (2) most recent performance evaluations
Cover letter
* A copy of your unofficial transcript(s)
Non-State Employees:
Two (2) professional references contact information including name, email and phone number (at least one being a current and/or previous supervisor)
Completed CT-HR-13
Cover letter
A copy of your unofficial transcript(s)
Candidates who have been selected for employment with the Department of Emergency Services & Public Protection are subject to a detailed background investigation, including a fingerprint supported state and federal criminal history record check along with reference checks. Selection for employment is contingent upon satisfactory completion of the background investigation. Any pending disciplinary history within the past 2 years and review of attendance records are also considered in this selection process.
Click here to complete the Criminal Convictions addendum (CT-HR-13). The CT-HR-13 can also be found on the DAS website by typing in "CT-HR-13" into the "Search Department of Administrative Services" search field.
QUESTIONS? WE’RE HERE TO HELP:
Due to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt or provide status updates directly. For recruitment updates, please check your Personal Status Board and review our Frequently Asked Questions. If you have additional questions about the recruitment process, reach out to Mackenzie Robinson at Mackenzie.Robinson@ct.gov.
Join the State of Connecticut and take your next career step with confidence!
PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)
In a state agency this class is accountable for performing the most complex tasks in the design and preparation of hardcopy and electronic print formats for use on websites and printed materials and in the creation of visual representation or supporting media for complex engineering projects.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
Performs the most complex duties in design and preparation of hardcopy and electronic graphic artwork using various media, including representation of or creation of supporting media for engineering projects;
Confers with supervisors and others as to most appropriate media and method of design;
Makes freehand sketches and designs for special projects;
Provides consultation and instruction in special media techniques necessary to obtain the desired results;
Designs and prepares camera-ready material;
Produces displays including posters and film slides and builds three-dimensional scale models for either departmental use or public exhibit;
Performs a full range of graphic art activity;
May design and maintain websites;
* Performs related duties as required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY
Considerable knowledge of the most effective techniques and methods used in graphic art, including freehand drawing, media materials such as water colors and oils, photographic art, and three-dimensional presentations;
Knowledge of and ability to utilize computer software including publishing and graphic design software;
Skills
+ interpersonal skills;
+ oral and written communication skills;
Ability to
+ comprehend and interpret plans and cross-section and contour data;
+ do highly creative work.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE
Five (5) years of experience in commercial or illustration art, or engineering drafting.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SPECIAL EXPERIENCE
One (1) year of the General Experience must have been in planning, designing, and preparing scale models and/or exhibits for public events or display.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED
College training in fine arts or commercial art may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Experience preparing written communication such as technical reports, executive correspondence, policies, procedures, manuals, or other business publications.
Experience coordinating meetings, committees, governing boards, or executive-level activities, including preparing agendas, presentation materials, meeting minutes, and meeting documentation.
Experience developing, maintaining, or publishing content for websites, intranets, or other digital communication platforms, including experience with accessibility standards and content management practices.
Experience creating presentations, graphics, newsletters, infographics, or other visual communication products using presentation, publishing, graphic design software.
* Experience managing concurrent projects or assignments in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders, including developing project schedules, tracking milestones, prioritizing work based on deadlines, and preparing written reports, correspondence, or other project documents.
See all 185+ OPT Visual Designer Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Visual Designer
Lead with your portfolio, not your resume
Visual Designer hiring decisions hinge on your work. Publish a clean, curated portfolio site before applying. Employers review it before your resume, so weak or missing portfolio work will disqualify you faster than visa status ever will.
Target companies with established design systems
Mid-size and enterprise companies with product teams, brand guidelines, and dedicated design operations are far more likely to sponsor OPT. Startups without a design function often lack the HR infrastructure to process work authorization paperwork efficiently.
Address OPT proactively but briefly
When asked about work authorization, say you're authorized to work on OPT and eligible for H-1B visa sponsorship. Avoid lengthy explanations. Framing it as a routine administrative step rather than a burden keeps the conversation focused on your qualifications.
Align your portfolio to the employer's visual language
Before interviews, study the company's design output and reference it specifically. Showing awareness of their brand voice, color systems, or UI patterns signals cultural fit and reduces perceived risk for employers unfamiliar with sponsoring international candidates.
Highlight tools that match the job description
Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, and Sketch proficiency are frequently required. Ensure your resume and portfolio explicitly name the tools you've used on real projects. Generic mentions of design software carry less weight than demonstrated, project-specific usage.
Network inside design communities, not just job boards
Design team leads and creative directors often hire through referrals. Participating in critique sessions, design meetups, or online communities puts you in front of hiring managers before a role is posted, reducing competition and increasing your OPT sponsorship odds.
Visual Designer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Visual Designer on F-1 OPT?
Yes, if your degree is in graphic design, visual communication, interaction design, or a related field, Visual Designer roles qualify for F-1 OPT. Your position must be directly related to your major. Full-time, part-time, contract, and freelance work all count toward your OPT period, provided each engagement is documented and reported through your DSO.
Does a Visual Designer role qualify for STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your specific program. Students who graduated from a CIP-coded STEM program, such as Human-Computer Interaction or certain Computer Science concentrations with a design track, may qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Pure graphic design or fine arts programs typically do not carry a qualifying STEM CIP code, so confirm your program's classification with your international student office before assuming eligibility.
How do I find Visual Designer jobs that sponsor OPT?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and surfaces Visual Designer roles from employers experienced with work authorization. Browsing Migrate Mate lets you filter for positions where sponsorship is realistic, saving you time you'd otherwise spend applying to companies that routinely decline OPT candidates. Starting your search there is the most efficient path for international students in design.
What should I say about my OPT status during a Visual Designer interview?
State clearly that you're authorized to work in the U.S. on OPT and that you'll be eligible for H-1B sponsorship in the future. Keep the explanation brief and factual. Most design hiring managers are not immigration experts, so framing OPT as a standard temporary authorization, rather than a complex legal matter, tends to land better and avoids unnecessary anxiety on the employer's side.
Can I do freelance or contract Visual Design work on OPT?
Yes, freelance and contract work is allowed on OPT, but each client engagement counts as a separate employer and must be reported to your DSO. You cannot work more than 20 hours per week in pre-completion OPT. During post-completion OPT, full-time freelancing is permitted. All work must remain within your field of study to satisfy USCIS requirements for authorized OPT employment.