Communications Officer Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Communications Officer roles qualify for H-1B visa sponsorship as a specialty occupation requiring a bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, or public relations. Employers file a Labor Condition Application before your visa petition, and the annual H-1B cap and lottery apply, making employer selection critical.
Find Communications Officer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 83+ Communications Officer jobs
See all 83+ Communications Officer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Communications Officer roles.
Get Access To All JobsJob Summary
The Division of Public Safety and Security (DPSS) leads all public safety functions within the university, including police, security, and emergency management, and offers an integrated approach to safety and security, operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. DPSS combines Ann Arbor, Dearborn, and Flint operations to provide students, visitors, faculty, and staff with a safe and secure environment. Through our partnerships across the university and local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, we use a blended service model to meet the needs of our community and exceed expectations. We prize proactive engagement with our community and provide compassionate and professional service to enhance the quality of life for all.
Our Dispatch Operations department is seeking to fill several Communications Officer positions. As a Communications Officer, you will report to a Communications Sergeant.
You may be contacted through e-mail by Spark Hire (video interview vendor) to submit a video presentation answering pre-screening questions, if selected.
Salary Information
- The pay range for new external hires is $55,723.20 to $67,787.20 per year, based on education and experience.
- The full pay range for current DPSS Security Officers is $55,723.20 to $70,491.20 per year, based on education and experience.
- This rate reflects the most recent collective bargaining agreement between the University of Michigan and the Police Officers Association of Michigan (POAM).
Responsibilities
Under the direction of your Communications Sergeant and the management team, you will perform the following tasks:
- Answer, evaluate, and prioritize emergency incoming 911 and non-emergency calls, often occurring simultaneously
- Elicit critical information from callers in various states of distress
- Dispatch police and public safety personnel from multiple departments to all University-owned and leased facilities and properties
- Maintain continuous communication with field personnel via radio systems
- Monitor, interpret, dispatch and coordinate responders to campus safety systems, including:
- Fire alarms and life-safety systems
- Access control and intrusion alarms
- Duress/panic alarms
- Video surveillance systems
- Coordinate multi-unit and multi-agency responses during emergencies
- Enter, update, and retrieve data from Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) incident logging software, records systems, and law enforcement databases
- Maintain accurate documentation of all calls, incidents, radio traffic, and additional actions taken
- Provide customer service to students, faculty, staff, and visitors in a high-stress, fast-paced emergency Dispatch Center
- Support large-scale campus events and emergency operations
- Follow established policies, procedures, and protocols
Required Qualifications
- High school or GED equivalent and two (2) years of relevant experience
OR
- Associates degree and one (1) year of relevant experience
AND
- Be able to think quickly and act fast during emergencies while staying calm and compassionate, while gathering the right information from callers to decide the best response and put that plan into action immediately.
- You have mental, visual, and auditory acuity stamina.
- Advanced typing skills for data entry.
- You must pass a comprehensive public safety background investigation, drug screening, psychological evaluation, and physical examination.
- You will be in a uniformed position and required to maintain appearance and grooming standards by following the DPSS uniformed personnel dress code policy.
Why Work at Michigan?
Being part of something greater, of serving a larger mission of discovery and care - that's the heart of what drives people to work at Michigan. In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this outstanding institution. It's adding a purpose to your profession. Work at Michigan and become a victor for the greater good.
Benefits Offered at Michigan
In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future including:
- Generous time off including parental leave
- A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
- Many choices for comprehensive health insurance including "Other Qualified Adult" coverage
- Dental, Vision and Life insurance
- Long-term Disability coverage
- Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
- Tuition Support Program
Modes of Work
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.
These positions work onsite.
Additional Information
All members of the Division of Public Safety and Security (DPSS) are considered Campus Security Authorities (CSAs) under The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. As such, you are required to report Clery reportable offenses that come to your attention. DPSS employees are required to complete Clery Compliance Training within the first 14 days of employment and annually thereafter.
Union Affiliation
This position is covered under the collective bargaining agreement between the U-M and the Police Officers Association of Michigan union which contains and settles all matters concerning wages, benefits, hours and other terms and conditions of employment.
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Job Opening ID
285586
Working Title
Communications Officer
Job Title
COMMUNICATIONS OFCR
Work Location
Ann Arbor Campus
Ann Arbor, MI
Modes of Work
Onsite
Full/Part Time
Full-Time
Regular/Temporary
Regular
FLSA Status
Nonexempt
Organizational Group
Division Pub Saf Sec
Department
DPSS DISPATCH OPERATIONS
Posting Begin/End Date
11/11/2026 - 11/24/2026
Salary
$55,723.20 - $70,491.20
Career Interest
Security/Police (POAM/COAM Union)
Job Summary
The Division of Public Safety and Security (DPSS) leads all public safety functions within the university, including police, security, and emergency management, and offers an integrated approach to safety and security, operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. DPSS combines Ann Arbor, Dearborn, and Flint operations to provide students, visitors, faculty, and staff with a safe and secure environment. Through our partnerships across the university and local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, we use a blended service model to meet the needs of our community and exceed expectations. We prize proactive engagement with our community and provide compassionate and professional service to enhance the quality of life for all.
Our Dispatch Operations department is seeking to fill several Communications Officer positions. As a Communications Officer, you will report to a Communications Sergeant.
You may be contacted through e-mail by Spark Hire (video interview vendor) to submit a video presentation answering pre-screening questions, if selected.
Salary Information
- The pay range for new external hires is $55,723.20 to $67,787.20 per year, based on education and experience.
- The full pay range for current DPSS Security Officers is $55,723.20 to $70,491.20 per year, based on education and experience.
- This rate reflects the most recent collective bargaining agreement between the University of Michigan and the Police Officers Association of Michigan (POAM).
Responsibilities
Under the direction of your Communications Sergeant and the management team, you will perform the following tasks:
- Answer, evaluate, and prioritize emergency incoming 911 and non-emergency calls, often occurring simultaneously
- Elicit critical information from callers in various states of distress
- Dispatch police and public safety personnel from multiple departments to all University-owned and leased facilities and properties
- Maintain continuous communication with field personnel via radio systems
- Monitor, interpret, dispatch and coordinate responders to campus safety systems, including:
- Fire alarms and life-safety systems
- Access control and intrusion alarms
- Duress/panic alarms
- Video surveillance systems
- Coordinate multi-unit and multi-agency responses during emergencies
- Enter, update, and retrieve data from Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) incident logging software, records systems, and law enforcement databases
- Maintain accurate documentation of all calls, incidents, radio traffic, and additional actions taken
- Provide customer service to students, faculty, staff, and visitors in a high-stress, fast-paced emergency Dispatch Center
- Support large-scale campus events and emergency operations
- Follow established policies, procedures, and protocols
Required Qualifications
- High school or GED equivalent and two (2) years of relevant experience
OR
- Associates degree and one (1) year of relevant experience
AND
- Be able to think quickly and act fast during emergencies while staying calm and compassionate, while gathering the right information from callers to decide the best response and put that plan into action immediately.
- You have mental, visual, and auditory acuity stamina.
- Advanced typing skills for data entry.
- You must pass a comprehensive public safety background investigation, drug screening, psychological evaluation, and physical examination.
- You will be in a uniformed position and required to maintain appearance and grooming standards by following the DPSS uniformed personnel dress code policy.
Why Work at Michigan?
Being part of something greater, of serving a larger mission of discovery and care - that's the heart of what drives people to work at Michigan. In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this outstanding institution. It's adding a purpose to your profession. Work at Michigan and become a victor for the greater good.
Benefits Offered at Michigan
In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family and plan for a secure future including:
- Generous time off including parental leave
- A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
- Many choices for comprehensive health insurance including "Other Qualified Adult" coverage
- Dental, Vision and Life insurance
- Long-term Disability coverage
- Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses
- Tuition Support Program
Modes of Work
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.
These positions work onsite.
Additional Information
All members of the Division of Public Safety and Security (DPSS) are considered Campus Security Authorities (CSAs) under The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. As such, you are required to report Clery reportable offenses that come to your attention. DPSS employees are required to complete Clery Compliance Training within the first 14 days of employment and annually thereafter.
Union Affiliation
This position is covered under the collective bargaining agreement between the U-M and the Police Officers Association of Michigan union which contains and settles all matters concerning wages, benefits, hours and other terms and conditions of employment.
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Job Opening ID
285586
Working Title
Communications Officer
Job Title
COMMUNICATIONS OFCR
Work Location
Ann Arbor Campus
Ann Arbor, MI
Modes of Work
Onsite
Full/Part Time
Full-Time
Regular/Temporary
Regular
FLSA Status
Nonexempt
Organizational Group
Division Pub Saf Sec
Department
DPSS DISPATCH OPERATIONS
Posting Begin/End Date
11/11/2026 - 11/24/2026
Salary
$55,723.20 - $70,491.20
Career Interest
Security/Police (POAM/COAM Union)
See all 83+ Communications Officer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Communications Officer roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Communications Officer Jobs
Frame your portfolio around measurable outcomes
USCIS adjudicators evaluate whether a Communications Officer role genuinely requires a specific bachelor's degree. Documenting campaigns with quantified results, reach, engagement, conversion, strengthens the specialty occupation argument beyond a job title alone.
Target employers with active LCA filing history
Use Migrate Mate to find employers who have filed Labor Condition Applications for communications roles. Prior LCA activity signals an established sponsorship process, reducing the risk of an employer backing out mid-petition due to unfamiliarity with DOL requirements.
Distinguish your degree field from generic marketing
H-1B petitions for communications roles face RFEs when the degree field is too broad. A degree in communications, journalism, or public affairs maps more directly to the role than a general business degree, so highlight relevant coursework and specialized concentrations in your credential documentation.
Verify prevailing wage tier before accepting an offer
Your employer's LCA must certify a wage at or above the prevailing wage for your location and role. Check the OFLC Wage Search for the applicable wage level before you negotiate, so the offer your employer submits to DOL won't require a last-minute revision.
Confirm your employer is not cap-exempt before the lottery
Universities, nonprofits affiliated with higher education, and government research organizations are exempt from the H-1B cap and lottery. Communications roles at these institutions can begin at any time of year, bypassing the annual registration window entirely.
Get foreign credential equivalency documented early
If your communications degree is from outside the U.S., obtain a formal equivalency evaluation before the petition is filed. USCIS requires evidence that your credential is equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's degree, and delays in this step can push your filing past critical deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Communications Officer role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
Yes, provided the employer can demonstrate the position normally requires a bachelor's degree in a specific field such as communications, journalism, or public relations. Generic communications roles that accept any bachelor's degree can draw a Request for Evidence from USCIS. Job descriptions that specify a directly related degree field and involve specialized duties, such as crisis communications, government affairs, or investor relations, have a stronger specialty occupation argument.
Which visa types realistically cover Communications Officer roles?
The H-1B is the most common path for Communications Officers. Australian citizens can use the E-3 visa, which has a separate cap and no lottery. Chilean and Singaporean nationals may qualify under the H-1B1 visa. TN visa status does not cover communications roles, as the USMCA profession list does not include that occupation. Each option requires the employer to file a Labor Condition Application with DOL before the visa application proceeds.
How do I find employers who actively sponsor communications roles?
Migrate Mate lists employers with verified LCA sponsorship history for communications positions, searchable by city and role type. This lets you focus your applications on organizations that have already navigated the DOL and USCIS filing process, rather than approaching employers who may be unfamiliar with sponsorship requirements.
Does a three-year communications degree from Australia satisfy USCIS degree requirements?
USCIS does not automatically accept a three-year degree as equivalent to a U.S. four-year bachelor's degree. However, a credential evaluation from a recognized evaluation service can establish equivalency, particularly if the degree is paired with relevant work experience. Your employer's immigration counsel will typically specify which evaluation organizations USCIS accepts for the petition. Getting this evaluation completed before the petition is filed avoids delays.
Can a Communications Officer on OPT switch to H-1B status with the same employer?
Yes. If your employer files an H-1B petition on your behalf during the annual registration period and you're selected, your OPT can bridge the gap until October 1 through the cap-gap rule, provided your OPT end date falls between April 1 and September 30. You don't need to leave the country or interrupt employment, but your employer must file before your OPT expires to maintain your work authorization during any cap-gap period.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Communications Officer jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.