Public Relations Intern Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Public relations intern roles in the U.S. can come with H-1B visa or OPT sponsorship, but competition is real and most openings require a degree in communications, PR, or a related field. International applicants on F-1 visas can start on OPT before pursuing employer sponsorship. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Get Access To All JobsFor over 35 years, Youth Villages has transformed the lives of children and families nationwide through innovative, research-based programs focused on preserving and restoring families.
As a national leader in children’s mental and behavioral health, we serve more than 47,000 youth, young people, and their families annually across 29 states and Washington, D.C. Our proven treatment models drive long-term success in child welfare, juvenile justice, and mental health systems. At Youth Villages, we do what works — partnering with others to expand our impact and advocate for meaningful, lasting change.
We're seeking purpose-driven individuals who are passionate about making a difference. With a dedicated team of more than 5,000 staff, Youth Villages is committed to investing in and supporting our employees by offering opportunities to build a fulfilling career through professional growth, personal development, and a mission that matters— helping children and families live successfully.
Position Overview:
Under the general supervision of the director of public relations, the Senior Public Relations Coordinator for North Carolina and South Carolina spearheads various communications and public relations plans, programs and projects; conducts media relations; works to build local and regional awareness of Youth Villages among the general public and key stakeholder groups; with focus on PR planning and execution, event promotion, reputation management, campaigns, for the region.
- Supports digital PR strategy for Youth Villages alongside the digital communications team in helping to identify and engage with reporters, social influencers, etc.
- Acts as a connector for internal communications needs and employee engagement
- Performs other related duties as assigned or directed to meet the department's goals
- Works closely North Carolina and South Carolina leadership to meet business goals
- Works with the development department to support fundraising and awareness needs
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Public Relations Coordinator:
- Leads development and implementation of comprehensive, strategic public relations plans for Youth Villages and its various services, programs, and events
- Conducts strategic media relations in key markets to support overall organizational and departmental objectives; works with the news media both proactively and reactively; remains on-call 24/7 for journalists and crisis situations
- Stays apprised of situations in key markets, ensuring PR is conducted accurately, timely, within budget parameters, and in a way that supports operational goals
- Regularly evaluates the effectiveness of PR strategies and tactics, and reports on status of plans and results of work
- Stays apprised of issues affecting the organization (including competitor work)
- Conducts media training and coaches and prepares staff, families, and young people for news media interviews
- Creates media and communications materials such as news releases, news advisories, fact sheets, talking points, speaking points, press kits, etc.
- Conducts planning and execution of PR strategy for campaigns, programs and events, such as news conferences, training classes, ribbon-cuttings, groundbreakings, and fundraisers
- Ability to interview families and young people and write stories for various uses
- Ability to work collaboratively across various teams and departments to ensure integration and sharing of information
- Skilled writer with the ability to write copy, including PSAs, speeches, scripts, news releases, and communications materials; assists with editing and proofreading upon request; follows AP Style
- Works closely with digital strategy, as well as other Youth Villages departments and outside vendors as necessary, to ensure all programs and projects are successful, accurate, and timely
- Supports crisis communications as necessary alongside national communications team and state leadership
- Works closely with development team to identify opportunities to support fundraising efforts, events, volunteer and mentor recruitment and initiatives targeting key stakeholders
- Monitors Youth Villages coverage in the news media, including digital, preparing monthly reports; utilizes media monitoring and database software for tracking and media outreach
- Performs other duties as assigned
Additional Information:
This is a remote position located in North Carolina with priority being given to applicants residing in Asheville, Charlotte, Raleigh/Durham, and Greensboro/Winston-Salem. Some travel within North/South Carolina and to Memphis for training/meetings will be required. Reliable transportation to travel around the region is required.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Communications, or a related field (required)
- Three to five years of experience in public relations and/or communications (required)
- Proven track record of media success and existing relationships with North Carolina media outlets (required)
- Strong media relations, communications planning, and event promotion experience (preferred)
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Excellent written, verbal, and oral skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
- Ability to maintain a flexible schedule
Youth Villages Benefits
- Medical, Dental, Prescription Drug Coverage and Vision
- 401(k)
- Time off:
-
- 2 week paid vacation (full-time) / 1 week paid vacation (part-time)
- 12 paid sick days per year
- 11 paid holidays
- Paid Parental Leave
- Mileage & Cell Phone Reimbursement (when applicable)
- Tuition reimbursement and licensure supervision
- Growth & development through continuous training
- Clinical and administrative advancement opportunities
Benefits are excluded for variable status employees.
Youth Villages is an equal opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Youth Villages is committed to not only advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace but also in our work with children and young adults. We know that children, families and young people of color can face inequity in child welfare and justice systems, and we train our employees to build the skills they need to work with the communities that we serve, as well as, other employees from different cultures and backgrounds. Youth Villages is opposed to racism in any of its forms and is committed to inclusion, equity, and diversity. We believe that respect for each other is crucial in the work that we do each day.
For over 35 years, Youth Villages has transformed the lives of children and families nationwide through innovative, research-based programs focused on preserving and restoring families.
As a national leader in children’s mental and behavioral health, we serve more than 47,000 youth, young people, and their families annually across 29 states and Washington, D.C. Our proven treatment models drive long-term success in child welfare, juvenile justice, and mental health systems. At Youth Villages, we do what works — partnering with others to expand our impact and advocate for meaningful, lasting change.
We're seeking purpose-driven individuals who are passionate about making a difference. With a dedicated team of more than 5,000 staff, Youth Villages is committed to investing in and supporting our employees by offering opportunities to build a fulfilling career through professional growth, personal development, and a mission that matters— helping children and families live successfully.
Position Overview:
Under the general supervision of the director of public relations, the Senior Public Relations Coordinator for North Carolina and South Carolina spearheads various communications and public relations plans, programs and projects; conducts media relations; works to build local and regional awareness of Youth Villages among the general public and key stakeholder groups; with focus on PR planning and execution, event promotion, reputation management, campaigns, for the region.
- Supports digital PR strategy for Youth Villages alongside the digital communications team in helping to identify and engage with reporters, social influencers, etc.
- Acts as a connector for internal communications needs and employee engagement
- Performs other related duties as assigned or directed to meet the department's goals
- Works closely North Carolina and South Carolina leadership to meet business goals
- Works with the development department to support fundraising and awareness needs
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Public Relations Coordinator:
- Leads development and implementation of comprehensive, strategic public relations plans for Youth Villages and its various services, programs, and events
- Conducts strategic media relations in key markets to support overall organizational and departmental objectives; works with the news media both proactively and reactively; remains on-call 24/7 for journalists and crisis situations
- Stays apprised of situations in key markets, ensuring PR is conducted accurately, timely, within budget parameters, and in a way that supports operational goals
- Regularly evaluates the effectiveness of PR strategies and tactics, and reports on status of plans and results of work
- Stays apprised of issues affecting the organization (including competitor work)
- Conducts media training and coaches and prepares staff, families, and young people for news media interviews
- Creates media and communications materials such as news releases, news advisories, fact sheets, talking points, speaking points, press kits, etc.
- Conducts planning and execution of PR strategy for campaigns, programs and events, such as news conferences, training classes, ribbon-cuttings, groundbreakings, and fundraisers
- Ability to interview families and young people and write stories for various uses
- Ability to work collaboratively across various teams and departments to ensure integration and sharing of information
- Skilled writer with the ability to write copy, including PSAs, speeches, scripts, news releases, and communications materials; assists with editing and proofreading upon request; follows AP Style
- Works closely with digital strategy, as well as other Youth Villages departments and outside vendors as necessary, to ensure all programs and projects are successful, accurate, and timely
- Supports crisis communications as necessary alongside national communications team and state leadership
- Works closely with development team to identify opportunities to support fundraising efforts, events, volunteer and mentor recruitment and initiatives targeting key stakeholders
- Monitors Youth Villages coverage in the news media, including digital, preparing monthly reports; utilizes media monitoring and database software for tracking and media outreach
- Performs other duties as assigned
Additional Information:
This is a remote position located in North Carolina with priority being given to applicants residing in Asheville, Charlotte, Raleigh/Durham, and Greensboro/Winston-Salem. Some travel within North/South Carolina and to Memphis for training/meetings will be required. Reliable transportation to travel around the region is required.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Communications, or a related field (required)
- Three to five years of experience in public relations and/or communications (required)
- Proven track record of media success and existing relationships with North Carolina media outlets (required)
- Strong media relations, communications planning, and event promotion experience (preferred)
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Excellent written, verbal, and oral skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
- Ability to maintain a flexible schedule
Youth Villages Benefits
- Medical, Dental, Prescription Drug Coverage and Vision
- 401(k)
- Time off:
-
- 2 week paid vacation (full-time) / 1 week paid vacation (part-time)
- 12 paid sick days per year
- 11 paid holidays
- Paid Parental Leave
- Mileage & Cell Phone Reimbursement (when applicable)
- Tuition reimbursement and licensure supervision
- Growth & development through continuous training
- Clinical and administrative advancement opportunities
Benefits are excluded for variable status employees.
Youth Villages is an equal opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Youth Villages is committed to not only advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace but also in our work with children and young adults. We know that children, families and young people of color can face inequity in child welfare and justice systems, and we train our employees to build the skills they need to work with the communities that we serve, as well as, other employees from different cultures and backgrounds. Youth Villages is opposed to racism in any of its forms and is committed to inclusion, equity, and diversity. We believe that respect for each other is crucial in the work that we do each day.
See all 1,438+ Public Relations Intern Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Public Relations Intern roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as a Public Relations Intern
Target agencies over in-house teams
PR agencies hire interns in larger cohorts and are more experienced navigating visa paperwork than most in-house corporate teams. Agencies with international clients are especially accustomed to sponsoring foreign national employees at the intern and entry level.
Lead with your OPT timeline upfront
Employers need to know how much runway they have before sponsorship becomes necessary. Being transparent about your OPT end date early in conversations prevents wasted time and signals that you've thought through the logistics on their behalf.
Highlight bilingual and multicultural skills
PR firms serving international clients or multilingual markets actively value interns who speak more than one language. Positioning your cultural fluency as a competitive asset makes sponsorship feel like an investment rather than an administrative burden for the employer.
Look for internships that convert to full-time roles
Sponsorship at the intern stage is rare. The more viable path is landing an internship that leads to a full-time offer, at which point the employer sponsors your H-1B. Ask hiring managers explicitly about conversion rates before accepting an offer.
Confirm your degree qualifies as a specialty occupation
H-1B eligibility requires the role to be a specialty occupation tied to a specific degree field. A PR internship supported by a communications, journalism, or marketing degree is a strong fit. A mismatch between your degree and the role weakens sponsorship eligibility significantly.
Use Migrate Mate to find sponsorship-open internships
Not every internship posting discloses visa sponsorship availability. Migrate Mate filters specifically for roles open to international applicants, saving you the effort of applying to positions that will reject you at the sponsorship conversation before an offer is made.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a public relations internship sponsor an H-1B visa?
Yes, but it's uncommon at the intern level. Most H-1B visa sponsorship for PR roles happens when an internship converts to a full-time position. The role must qualify as a specialty occupation, which requires a direct connection between the job duties and a specific degree field like communications, public relations, or journalism. Larger PR agencies are most likely to have the infrastructure to sponsor.
Does a public relations intern role qualify as an H-1B specialty occupation?
Generally yes, if the internship requires a bachelor's degree in communications, PR, marketing, or a closely related field. The qualifying pattern USCIS looks for is a theoretical and practical application of a body of specialized knowledge. Generic internships that accept any degree regardless of field are harder to support. Your employer's immigration attorney will assess the specific job description before filing.
Can I work as a public relations intern on OPT or CPT?
Yes. F-1 students can work as PR interns through Curricular Practical Training during their degree or through Optional Practical Training after graduation. CPT requires the internship to be directly tied to your program of study. OPT gives you up to 12 months of post-graduation work authorization, extendable to 36 months for STEM fields, though PR itself is not a STEM designation.
What degree do I need to get visa sponsorship for a PR internship?
A bachelor's degree in public relations, communications, journalism, or marketing is the strongest foundation for sponsorship eligibility. Some employers also accept degrees in English or business with a concentration relevant to PR. If your degree is in an unrelated field, three years of documented work experience can substitute for one year of education, though this is harder to apply at the intern level.
Where can I find public relations internships open to international applicants?
Migrate Mate lists internships and entry-level PR roles specifically filtered for visa sponsorship openness, so you're not wasting applications on positions that won't consider international candidates. PR agencies with global clients, entertainment companies, and large consumer brands tend to appear most frequently as sponsorship-willing employers in this category.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Public Relations Intern 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.