Associate, Social Impact & Sustainability

WSA IPG DXTRA; Washington; Hybrid; USD 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

Job summary

Weber Shandwick in Washington, DC is seeking a curious Associate to join the Social Impact & Sustainability team. You will contribute to developing and executing communications strategies for nonprofit, foundation, and corporate clients aiming to drive tangible change.

Based in our DC office on a hybrid schedule, you will coordinate multiple projects, draft messaging, build media lists, and analyze trends. Ideal candidates have 1–3 years in PR, strong MS Office skills, and a Bachelor’s degree.

Qualifications

• 1–3 years of professional experience in communications, public relations, or public affairs.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite.
• Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate multiple client projects, handling scheduling, logistics, timelines, notes, and follow-up actions.
• Identify and build relationships with reporters across national, trade, local, and emerging outlets.
• Draft internal and external messaging, press releases, pitches, and media lists.
• Research social impact trends, opportunities, and policy developments; analyze client and competitor media coverage.
• Support creative communications strategies to meet client objectives.
• Contribute to new business by researching and drafting proposals.
• Foster relationships with clients and internal colleagues.

Skills

MS Office proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Public Relations, or related field

Job description

Agency:

Weber Shandwick

Job Function:

Communications and PR

Job Subfunction:

Public Relations

Job Description:

Title: Associate, Social Impact & Sustainability

Who We Are

Weber Shandwick is more than a leading global PR agency – we’re an engagement agency working at the cutting edge of the new media landscape. We’re storytellers and content creators who engage people IN the story. Our success is built on a deep commitment to client service, creativity, collaboration, and our people. We engage stakeholders in new and creative ways to build brands and reputations that last.

About the Role

Weber Shandwick is seeking a curious, purpose-driven, and media-savvy Associate to join our integrated Social Impact & Sustainability team. In this role, you will contribute to the development and execution of communications strategies for a diverse portfolio of nonprofit, foundation, and corporate clients seeking to make a tangible impact. You will operate at the intersection of social change, business, policy, media, and culture, helping clients navigate a complex and rapidly evolving landscape.

This position will be based in our Washington, D.C. office on a hybrid schedule.

About You

You are a collaborative and detail-oriented professional with a passion for driving change and a foundational understanding of how to build and protect a brand's reputation. You bring a strong work ethic, solid time management skills, and an eagerness to contribute to high-performing teams in a fast-paced environment. Armed with a resilient mindset, deep curiosity, and a healthy sense of humor, you take initiative and are always looking for ways to support your team and drive the work forward.

What You'll Do

• Account & Project Coordination: Contribute to multiple client projects simultaneously, providing essential client service administration support (e.g., handling scheduling, logistics, developing timelines, preparing notes, and drafting follow-up actions) while keeping senior leaders informed of project status.
• Media Relations: Identify and build relationships with key reporters across national, trade, local, and emerging outlets.
• Content Development: Draft and develop high-quality internal and external messaging, including press releases, media pitches, and targeted media lists.
• Research & Insights: Conduct thorough research and analysis on social impact trends, business opportunities, and policy/social developments. You will also compile and analyze client and competitor media coverage.
• Strategic Support: Support the creation and execution of creative communications strategies that effectively meet and exceed client objectives.
• Growth & New Business: Actively participate in new business efforts by contributing to research and drafting proposals.
• Relationship Building: Foster and build strong, trusted relationships with both clients and internal colleagues.

What You'll Bring

• Basic Qualifications: 1–3 years of professional experience in communications, public relations, or public affairs (ideally within an agency, nonprofit, government, Capitol Hill, Executive Branch, political campaign, or media setting).
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite.
• Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field.

Competencies

• Subject Matter Passion: A strong background, interest in, and understanding of environmental sustainability, social impact, public affairs, and current events (including political or social issues).
• Communication & Precision: Exceptional attention to detail combined with strong interpersonal and written/verbal communication skills.
• Agility & Task Management: Proven ability to manage multiple tasks, deliver quality work on a deadline, and adapt seamlessly to change.
• Future-Forward Mindset: An interest in continued learning opportunities and a proactive desire to leverage AI to drive communications objectives.
• Drive & Initiative: A strong work ethic with a resilient, solutions-oriented mindset.

$50,000 USD - $55,000 USD

Omnicom’s policy requires employees to work in the office for a minimum of three days a week, unless additional in-office days are directed by their agency or manager. Our objective is to increase this requirement over time, and many of our agencies as well as Omnicom’s corporate group already require five days of in-office attendance.

We make our careers website accessible to any and all users. If you need an accommodation to participate in the application process, please contact us at [e-mail]. This email address is not for general employment inquiries or vendors; rather it is strictly for applicants who require special assistance accessing our employment website. Due to volume, messages sent to this email address that are not related to an accommodation cannot be answered.

Weber Shandwick is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Weber Shandwick recruits qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, ethnic or national origin, protected veteran status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status or citizenship status. We’re passionate about expanding the boundaries of what we offer our clients by bringing diverse perspectives to the table. We’re always looking for new colleagues who reflect the best of our values: curiosity, inclusion, courage and impact.

We will process your personal data in accordance with our Recruitment Privacy Notice.

Link to Recruitment Privacy Notice: https://www.omc.com/privacy-notice

For US Job Seekers:

It is the policy of Omnicom and any of its affiliates to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, ethnic origin, gender, gender identity, age, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, disability, or any other basis prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local law. EOE/AA/M/D/V/F.