Production Director Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Production Director roles qualify for H-1B visa sponsorship as a specialty occupation requiring a bachelor's degree in film, media, or a related field. Employers file a Labor Condition Application before you can start, and many large studios and networks have active LCA filing histories.
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BSD DEV - Communications
About the Department
Medicine and Biological Sciences Development’s mission is to inspire and facilitate philanthropy at the University of Chicago Medicine by building relationships with those who share its goals of advancing excellence in research, education, community, and patient care. We accomplish this mission through expertise, integrity, creativity, and collaboration.
Job Summary
The job uses best practices and knowledge to plan, prepare, and disseminate information designed to keep the public informed of the University's perspectives, programs, and accomplishments. Devises strategy relating to marketing, press relations, creative editorial and design services, and internal communications.
Responsibilities
- The Associate Director, Multimedia Strategy and Production reports to the Senior Director of Communications and is responsible for the strategy, project management, and oversight of video and multi-media content for campaigns, publications, websites, and communications.
- Acts as an experienced creative producer and project manager, partnering with outside production companies and UChicago Creative to develop high-quality video content, and personally filming and editing only small-scale projects, as needed.
- The Associate Director oversees and project manages videos for presentations, campaigns, donor stewardship, gift announcements, and other digital communications. Together with the Senior Director, Communications, the Associate Director develops video strategy and content to support MBSD’s priorities that are used for websites, campaigns, e-news, social media, and other communications.
- They serve as project lead on products such as, but not limited to: Video creative development and project management, including concept and script development, creative briefs, budgets, and timelines; directing outside production companies and UChicago Creative on high-production videos filmed in studio and on location; and directly filming and editing small-scale projects, such as those developed and/or disseminated through apps like Canva and ThankView; Selection and management of production companies and creative vendors, including soliciting proposals and quotes, defining scope, managing contracts and budgets, reviewing cuts, and ensuring brand compliance and quality of final deliverables; Video dissemination through digital marketing campaigns, including use of automated marketing systems, such as Salesforce Marketing Cloud, and social media; Overseeing video production that portrays faculty research and other work for outreach events and other communications; Overseeing video production that supports grant applications.
- In partnership with the Outreach and Volunteer Engagement team and UCM Communications, the Associate Director manages digital platforms, publication content, and milestone campaigns that share alumni and institutional stories. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Management of the UChicago MBSAA website and other campaign or event microsites, including timely content updates, analytics, and brand compliance; Project management of website rebuilds and redesigns with external web developers (e.g., Sandstorm), including requirements, timelines, content migration, and launch; Coordination of MBSD content for Medicine on the Midway magazine, including story development and communications with featured alumni; Seasonal communications from the Dean of the Pritzker School of Medicine, including New Year, Match Day, and White Coat Ceremony messages; Story strategy and creative deliverables for institutional milestones, anniversaries, and major celebrations, including interviews with alumni, faculty, and students; coordination of timelines, budgets, and approvals; and partnership with UChicago Creative and other vendors on related video, web, and print content.
- Develops, plans, and disseminates information designed to keep the public informed of the organization's programs, accomplishments, or point of view.
- Solves moderate to complex problems related to the writing, preparation, and/or delivery of information from or about the unit.
- Performs other related work as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Certifications:
Preferred Qualifications
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, public relations, marketing, advertising, or business management.
Experience:
- At least five or more years of progressively responsible experience in multi-media communications, video storytelling, and creative project management is required, including demonstrated experience managing production companies and creative vendors, budgets, and timelines.
- Working knowledge of video production, including the ability to operate a camera and edit short-form video using tools such as Premiere Pro.
- Familiarity with graphic design software, such as Adobe Illustrator and After Effects.
- Experience managing website content and website redesign projects.
- Experience with digital marketing and communications systems, such as Salesforce Marketing Cloud.
Preferred Competencies
- Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills, as well as a demonstrated ability to think creatively.
- Meticulous attention to detail, the ability to respond to constantly shifting priorities, to exercise sound judgment, to anticipate problems and create solutions, and to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
- Strong organizational skills as evidenced by a record of meeting or exceeding deadlines.
- Strong project management skills, including managing vendors, budgets, and multiple concurrent timelines.
- Ability to maintain confidential information.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities with minimal direction.
Working Conditions
- Office environment.
- Hybrid schedule, 3 days in-office, 2 days remote.
Application Documents
- Resume/CV (required)
- Cover letter (preferred)
The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.
When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Job Family
Communications
Role Impact
Individual Contributor
Scheduled Weekly Hours
37.5
Drug Test Required
No
Health Screen Required
No
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No
Pay Rate Type
Salary
FLSA Status
Exempt
Pay Range
$80,000.00 - $110,000.00
The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.
Benefits Eligible
Yes
The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.
Posting Statement
The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.
All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.
The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.
Department
BSD DEV - Communications
About the Department
Medicine and Biological Sciences Development’s mission is to inspire and facilitate philanthropy at the University of Chicago Medicine by building relationships with those who share its goals of advancing excellence in research, education, community, and patient care. We accomplish this mission through expertise, integrity, creativity, and collaboration.
Job Summary
The job uses best practices and knowledge to plan, prepare, and disseminate information designed to keep the public informed of the University's perspectives, programs, and accomplishments. Devises strategy relating to marketing, press relations, creative editorial and design services, and internal communications.
Responsibilities
- The Associate Director, Multimedia Strategy and Production reports to the Senior Director of Communications and is responsible for the strategy, project management, and oversight of video and multi-media content for campaigns, publications, websites, and communications.
- Acts as an experienced creative producer and project manager, partnering with outside production companies and UChicago Creative to develop high-quality video content, and personally filming and editing only small-scale projects, as needed.
- The Associate Director oversees and project manages videos for presentations, campaigns, donor stewardship, gift announcements, and other digital communications. Together with the Senior Director, Communications, the Associate Director develops video strategy and content to support MBSD’s priorities that are used for websites, campaigns, e-news, social media, and other communications.
- They serve as project lead on products such as, but not limited to: Video creative development and project management, including concept and script development, creative briefs, budgets, and timelines; directing outside production companies and UChicago Creative on high-production videos filmed in studio and on location; and directly filming and editing small-scale projects, such as those developed and/or disseminated through apps like Canva and ThankView; Selection and management of production companies and creative vendors, including soliciting proposals and quotes, defining scope, managing contracts and budgets, reviewing cuts, and ensuring brand compliance and quality of final deliverables; Video dissemination through digital marketing campaigns, including use of automated marketing systems, such as Salesforce Marketing Cloud, and social media; Overseeing video production that portrays faculty research and other work for outreach events and other communications; Overseeing video production that supports grant applications.
- In partnership with the Outreach and Volunteer Engagement team and UCM Communications, the Associate Director manages digital platforms, publication content, and milestone campaigns that share alumni and institutional stories. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Management of the UChicago MBSAA website and other campaign or event microsites, including timely content updates, analytics, and brand compliance; Project management of website rebuilds and redesigns with external web developers (e.g., Sandstorm), including requirements, timelines, content migration, and launch; Coordination of MBSD content for Medicine on the Midway magazine, including story development and communications with featured alumni; Seasonal communications from the Dean of the Pritzker School of Medicine, including New Year, Match Day, and White Coat Ceremony messages; Story strategy and creative deliverables for institutional milestones, anniversaries, and major celebrations, including interviews with alumni, faculty, and students; coordination of timelines, budgets, and approvals; and partnership with UChicago Creative and other vendors on related video, web, and print content.
- Develops, plans, and disseminates information designed to keep the public informed of the organization's programs, accomplishments, or point of view.
- Solves moderate to complex problems related to the writing, preparation, and/or delivery of information from or about the unit.
- Performs other related work as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Certifications:
Preferred Qualifications
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, public relations, marketing, advertising, or business management.
Experience:
- At least five or more years of progressively responsible experience in multi-media communications, video storytelling, and creative project management is required, including demonstrated experience managing production companies and creative vendors, budgets, and timelines.
- Working knowledge of video production, including the ability to operate a camera and edit short-form video using tools such as Premiere Pro.
- Familiarity with graphic design software, such as Adobe Illustrator and After Effects.
- Experience managing website content and website redesign projects.
- Experience with digital marketing and communications systems, such as Salesforce Marketing Cloud.
Preferred Competencies
- Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills, as well as a demonstrated ability to think creatively.
- Meticulous attention to detail, the ability to respond to constantly shifting priorities, to exercise sound judgment, to anticipate problems and create solutions, and to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
- Strong organizational skills as evidenced by a record of meeting or exceeding deadlines.
- Strong project management skills, including managing vendors, budgets, and multiple concurrent timelines.
- Ability to maintain confidential information.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities with minimal direction.
Working Conditions
- Office environment.
- Hybrid schedule, 3 days in-office, 2 days remote.
Application Documents
- Resume/CV (required)
- Cover letter (preferred)
The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.
When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Job Family
Communications
Role Impact
Individual Contributor
Scheduled Weekly Hours
37.5
Drug Test Required
No
Health Screen Required
No
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No
Pay Rate Type
Salary
FLSA Status
Exempt
Pay Range
$80,000.00 - $110,000.00
The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.
Benefits Eligible
Yes
The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.
Posting Statement
The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.
All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.
The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.
See all 37+ Production Director Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Production Director roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Production Director Jobs
Map your degree to the role
Production Director is a specialty occupation under H-1B, but only if your degree directly relates to the role. Pull your O*NET profile and match your field of study to the listed knowledge requirements before applying.
Target studios with LCA filing history
Not every production company sponsors visas. Search OFLC public disclosure data for employers who have filed LCAs for production or media management roles, then prioritize those companies in your outreach.
Use Migrate Mate to surface verified sponsors
Find Production Director roles at employers with verified LCA sponsorship history on Migrate Mate. Filtering your search this way saves weeks of cold outreach to companies that have never filed for this role type.
Get your prevailing wage tier right
Production Directors often fall at Wage Level III or IV on the OFLC Wage Search, depending on scope of team and budget. Confirm your tier before negotiating an offer so your LCA wage meets DOL certification requirements.
Prepare a creative portfolio alongside standard documents
USCIS reviewers evaluate specialty occupation through the lens of job duties. A production reel or project credits list that maps directly to your degree discipline strengthens the employer's I-129 petition narrative.
Clarify PERM timing if green card is on the table
Some studios bundle H-1B offers with EB-2 or EB-3 green card sponsorship. If your offer includes PERM, confirm the employer has prior experience filing PERM for creative roles, as the job description drafting process is more complex than technical occupations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Production Director role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
Yes, if the position requires a bachelor's degree or higher in a directly related field such as film production, media studies, communications, or broadcast management. The employer must demonstrate through the I-129 petition that the role routinely requires that specific degree, not just any bachelor's degree. Roles with vague or generalist degree requirements have faced Requests for Evidence from USCIS, so a tightly drafted job description matters.
What visa options are available for a Production Director beyond H-1B?
If you're Australian, the E-3 visa is a strong alternative with no lottery and a cap that has never been fully used. Canadian or Mexican nationals can explore the TN visa if production management appears on the USMCA profession list. For candidates with an extraordinary body of work, the O-1A or O-1B visa may apply, particularly if you've received industry awards, produced nationally distributed content, or led projects of significant scope.
How do I find Production Director jobs where the employer will sponsor a visa?
Migrate Mate lists Production Director roles at employers with verified LCA filing histories, so you're only looking at companies that have already committed to sponsorship paperwork. This is the most efficient way to avoid applying to studios and networks that handle sponsorship on a case-by-case basis or not at all.
Does the type of production company affect my sponsorship odds?
Yes, in a practical sense. Major broadcast networks, streaming platforms, and large advertising agencies typically have dedicated immigration counsel and established sponsorship processes. Smaller independent production companies may be willing but lack in-house HR infrastructure to manage the LCA and I-129 process efficiently, which can add delays or complications even after an offer is extended.
Can a Production Director on H-1B change employers mid-project?
Yes. H-1B portability means you can start working for a new employer once they file a new I-129 petition on your behalf, without waiting for USCIS approval. However, your production project commitments and any contractual obligations are separate from your immigration status. The new employer must still file a fresh LCA and I-129 that accurately reflects your new role's duties and prevailing wage level.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Production Director 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.