Community Engagement Specialist Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Community Engagement Specialist roles qualify for H-1B visa sponsorship when the position requires a bachelor's degree in communications, social work, public health, or a related field. Employers across nonprofits, healthcare systems, and government contractors regularly sponsor international candidates for these roles. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Get Access To All JobsJob no: 514334
Position type: Staff
Location: New York
Categories: Research, Hybrid
Posting Summary:
The Black Education Research Center (BERC) is seeking a Community Engagement Specialist who will play a key role in supporting community and stakeholder engagement activities as part of the design and development of the PK-12 Black studies curriculum in New York City.
Job Summary/Basic Function:
This research position will play a key role in supporting community and stakeholder engagement activities as part of the design and development of the PK-12 Black studies curriculum in New York City. This individual will gain experience working in a diverse and dynamic team environment while also advancing community-based research related to BERC’s research projects and priorities.
CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Community Networking and Outreach Fieldwork
- Develop, implement, and manage a community engagement plan and strategy as part of NYC's Education Equity Action Plan (EEAP) project
- Serve as a liaison between BERC and community engagement representatives within each EEAP partner organization and the NYC Department of Education
- Serve as a liaison between BERC/TC and non-profit and faith-based organizations, unions, parent and youth groups, and local representatives
- Serve as the lead team member and advocate for the involvement of students, families, and local community members in EEAP's stakeholder engagement activities
- Identify, monitor, and track the community-based educational equity and advocacy activities taking place in NYC with a focus on its implications for EEAP
- Build and develop relationships with members and leaders of educational equity and advocacy efforts in NYC
Capacity-Building and Internal/External Programming
- Conduct outreach, base building training, education, and leadership development in support of the community engagement plan and strategy for EEAP Plan
- Implement community convenings and forums related to EEAP
- Coordinate the delivery of BERC's community engagement and capacity-building strategy in collaboration with BERC team members
- Plan and execute events to engage community members in the implementation of the Black studies curriculum
Administration and Communication
- Maintain an up-to-date database and listserv of education advocacy organizations in NYC
- Assist BERC Research and Evaluation team to identify participants and volunteers for community-engaged research projects
- Develop and review communications from BERC to ensure messaging is culturally relevant and accessible to community stakeholders and constituents
- Communicate regularly with internal and external networks through in-person meeting presentations, newsletters, reports, blogs, podcasts, etc.
Minimum Qualifications:
- BA, BS, in education, social sciences, or related field
- Expertise in community organizing and stakeholder engagement
- Strong communication skills
- Willingness to work independently and with a team
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master’s degree or equivalent and minimum of 10 years related community organizing and engagement
- Experience in working with community-based organizations, non-profit agencies, and parent organizations
Salary Range:
$85,000 - $85,000
Work Modality:
Hybrid
Competitive Compensation and Benefits
The salary range reflects the College’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the compensation for the position at the time of the job posting. Salary decisions are dependent on several factors including but not limited to market and organizational considerations, experience, and qualifications of a selected candidate as well as internal and external equity.
Our benefits contribute significantly to the total compensation package that includes medical, dental, vision, and supplemental insurance plans; flexible and hybrid work schedules; tuition remission; life insurance; short and long-term disability insurance; an exceptional employer retirement matching program; health savings accounts (HSA), flexible spending accounts (FSA), Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility, and a robust Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Hybrid
Teachers College maintains a hybrid work environment, which provides employees with flexible work arrangements while ensuring we preserve the important aspects of our unique in-person college-campus culture. Depending on role and business needs, colleagues will either work onsite or in a hybrid model (a combination of in-office and virtual days). Employees are expected to live within a 150-mile radius of the College.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Teachers College is committed to fostering an inclusive academic community and to providing equal opportunity in employment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration regardless of race, color, sex, religion, creed, national origin, age, citizenship, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other category protected by applicable law.
If you would like to discuss any disability-related accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, or a similar law, related to applying for employment at Teachers College, Columbia University, please email the Office of Access and Services for Individuals with Disabilities: oasid@tc.columbia.edu
Advertised: Jun 16, 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close:
Job no: 514334
Position type: Staff
Location: New York
Categories: Research, Hybrid
Posting Summary:
The Black Education Research Center (BERC) is seeking a Community Engagement Specialist who will play a key role in supporting community and stakeholder engagement activities as part of the design and development of the PK-12 Black studies curriculum in New York City.
Job Summary/Basic Function:
This research position will play a key role in supporting community and stakeholder engagement activities as part of the design and development of the PK-12 Black studies curriculum in New York City. This individual will gain experience working in a diverse and dynamic team environment while also advancing community-based research related to BERC’s research projects and priorities.
CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Community Networking and Outreach Fieldwork
- Develop, implement, and manage a community engagement plan and strategy as part of NYC's Education Equity Action Plan (EEAP) project
- Serve as a liaison between BERC and community engagement representatives within each EEAP partner organization and the NYC Department of Education
- Serve as a liaison between BERC/TC and non-profit and faith-based organizations, unions, parent and youth groups, and local representatives
- Serve as the lead team member and advocate for the involvement of students, families, and local community members in EEAP's stakeholder engagement activities
- Identify, monitor, and track the community-based educational equity and advocacy activities taking place in NYC with a focus on its implications for EEAP
- Build and develop relationships with members and leaders of educational equity and advocacy efforts in NYC
Capacity-Building and Internal/External Programming
- Conduct outreach, base building training, education, and leadership development in support of the community engagement plan and strategy for EEAP Plan
- Implement community convenings and forums related to EEAP
- Coordinate the delivery of BERC's community engagement and capacity-building strategy in collaboration with BERC team members
- Plan and execute events to engage community members in the implementation of the Black studies curriculum
Administration and Communication
- Maintain an up-to-date database and listserv of education advocacy organizations in NYC
- Assist BERC Research and Evaluation team to identify participants and volunteers for community-engaged research projects
- Develop and review communications from BERC to ensure messaging is culturally relevant and accessible to community stakeholders and constituents
- Communicate regularly with internal and external networks through in-person meeting presentations, newsletters, reports, blogs, podcasts, etc.
Minimum Qualifications:
- BA, BS, in education, social sciences, or related field
- Expertise in community organizing and stakeholder engagement
- Strong communication skills
- Willingness to work independently and with a team
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master’s degree or equivalent and minimum of 10 years related community organizing and engagement
- Experience in working with community-based organizations, non-profit agencies, and parent organizations
Salary Range:
$85,000 - $85,000
Work Modality:
Hybrid
Competitive Compensation and Benefits
The salary range reflects the College’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the compensation for the position at the time of the job posting. Salary decisions are dependent on several factors including but not limited to market and organizational considerations, experience, and qualifications of a selected candidate as well as internal and external equity.
Our benefits contribute significantly to the total compensation package that includes medical, dental, vision, and supplemental insurance plans; flexible and hybrid work schedules; tuition remission; life insurance; short and long-term disability insurance; an exceptional employer retirement matching program; health savings accounts (HSA), flexible spending accounts (FSA), Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility, and a robust Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Hybrid
Teachers College maintains a hybrid work environment, which provides employees with flexible work arrangements while ensuring we preserve the important aspects of our unique in-person college-campus culture. Depending on role and business needs, colleagues will either work onsite or in a hybrid model (a combination of in-office and virtual days). Employees are expected to live within a 150-mile radius of the College.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Teachers College is committed to fostering an inclusive academic community and to providing equal opportunity in employment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration regardless of race, color, sex, religion, creed, national origin, age, citizenship, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other category protected by applicable law.
If you would like to discuss any disability-related accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, or a similar law, related to applying for employment at Teachers College, Columbia University, please email the Office of Access and Services for Individuals with Disabilities: oasid@tc.columbia.edu
Advertised: Jun 16, 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close:
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as a Community Engagement Specialist
Target employers with a sponsorship track record
Large nonprofits, hospital networks, and government contractors sponsor Community Engagement Specialists far more often than small local organizations. Focus your search on employers with 500+ employees who have filed H-1B LCAs in this role category before.
Make your degree field explicit in applications
Sponsorship approval depends on proving specialty occupation status. Clearly state your degree in communications, public health, social work, or sociology on your resume and cover letter so hiring managers can immediately assess your H-1B eligibility.
Emphasize measurable community impact over general responsibilities
Employers sponsoring visas take on legal and financial risk. Quantify your past work: partnerships built, programs launched, populations reached. Concrete outcomes signal you're worth the sponsorship investment and strengthen any future petition.
Understand the specialty occupation argument for this role
USCIS scrutinizes whether community engagement roles truly require a degree. Roles tied to public health outreach, grant compliance, or policy-driven programs have a stronger specialty occupation case than general community liaison positions.
Ask about sponsorship timing before the offer stage
Some employers will sponsor but only after a probationary period. Others require OPT or another valid status as a bridge. Clarify the employer's timeline early so it aligns with your current visa status and any upcoming expiration dates.
Browse Migrate Mate for pre-screened sponsoring employers
Migrate Mate filters community engagement roles by employers who have demonstrated willingness to sponsor visas. This removes the guesswork of cold applications to organizations that may not have a sponsorship process in place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Community Engagement Specialist role qualify for H-1B sponsorship?
It can, but it depends on how the role is defined. USCIS requires the position to qualify as a specialty occupation, meaning a bachelor's degree in a specific field must be a standard requirement. Roles tied to public health outreach, grant management, or policy programs tend to qualify. Generalist community liaison positions without a defined degree requirement face higher denial risk.
What degree do I need for a Community Engagement Specialist to get H-1B sponsorship?
Most successful H-1B visa petitions for this role cite degrees in communications, public health, social work, sociology, or a closely related field. The degree must be relevant to the specific job duties. A business or general liberal arts degree may not satisfy USCIS if the job is framed around public health or social services program delivery.
Which types of employers sponsor Community Engagement Specialists?
Hospital systems, federally qualified health centers, nonprofits managing government grants, and university extension programs are among the most active sponsors. These organizations often have HR teams experienced with visa processes and existing relationships with immigration attorneys. Smaller community organizations rarely have the infrastructure to sponsor, even when willing. Browse Migrate Mate to find employers in this role category who are actively sponsoring.
Can I qualify for an O-1 visa as a Community Engagement Specialist?
The O-1 visa is possible but requires demonstrating extraordinary ability, which is a high bar for this field. Published research, nationally recognized awards, leadership of large-scale public programs, or media recognition of your community work could support a case. Most community engagement professionals pursue H-1B or, if eligible, the TN visa for Canadians and Mexicans rather than attempting the O-1 visa route.
What happens to my sponsorship if I change employers in this role?
Your visa status is tied to your sponsoring employer, not the job title. If you change employers, the new organization must file a new H-1B petition before or when you start. If you're in H-1B status and have an approved I-140, you may qualify for portability protections. Always consult an immigration attorney before accepting a new offer to understand the gap risk.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Community Engagement Specialist 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.