Communications Assistant

Public Interest Legal; Alexandria (VA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Public Interest Legal Foundation in Alexandria, VA, seeks a Communications Assistant to support the director of communications with press, social media, and outreach. The role is based in our Old Town office near King Street Metro.

This position can be full-time or part-time and offers a collaborative environment with room for creativity while contributing to election-law-focused initiatives and public education efforts.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred in communications, journalism, political science, public policy, or government.
• Excellent written communication, editing, and proofreading skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines with accuracy.

Responsibilities

• Draft, edit, and proofread correspondence, reports, newsletters, and press materials.
• Develop and distribute organizational statements and public materials, including podcasts.
• Prepare briefing materials, talking points, and summaries for internal and external use.
• Maintain calendars, deadlines, and distribute materials to stakeholders.
• Monitor news coverage and prepare summaries for leadership and staff.

Skills

Excellent writing

Editing

Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Project management

Interpersonal skills

Discretion with sensitive information

Initiative

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Political Science, Public Policy, Government, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Outlook

Job description

The Public Interest Legal Foundation, the nation’s most active public interest law firm focused on election law, the constitutional arrangement of elections and election integrity, seeks a skilled Communications Assistant to assist the director of communications with press, social media, and outreach.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who cares about the freedom movement and the rule of law to assist an organization with a long track record of success. The role is based in our office near the King Street Metro in historic Old Town Alexandria, VA. We offer a positive, collaborative workplace with room for creativity.

This position is Full-Time or Part-Time

Key Responsibilities:

Communications and Content Development:

• Draft, edit, and proofread correspondence, reports, newsletters, press materials, and other communications.
• Assist in developing and distributing organizational statements, public-facing materials, and communications including the production and editing of our podcast.
• Prepare briefing materials, talking points, background documents, and summaries for internal and external use.
• Ensure written materials are accurate, clear, properly sourced, and consistent with organizational messaging.
• Maintain communications calendars, track publication deadlines, and coordinate the preparation and distribution of materials.

Research and Media Monitoring:

• Monitor news coverage, public statements, legislative developments, litigation, and policy changes related to election integrity and election administration.
• Prepare concise summaries of relevant developments for organizational leadership and staff.
• Conduct background research to support communications initiatives, reports, and public education efforts.
• Maintain organized records of media coverage, relevant research, and election-related resources.
• Identify emerging issues and bring relevant developments to the attention of appropriate team members.

Public Outreach and Stakeholder Coordination:

• Assist with communications and outreach to policymakers, partner organizations, researchers, journalists, and other relevant contacts.
• Support the preparation of materials for meetings, briefings, events, and public engagements.
• Maintain contact lists, distribution lists, and records.
• Coordinate follow-up communications and track outstanding requests and deliverables.
• Assist with planning and executing public education initiatives, events, and organizational campaigns.

Administrative and Operational Support:

• Provide administrative support to the communications team and organizational leadership as needed.
• Coordinate meetings, manage scheduling requests, prepare agendas, and compile meeting materials.
• Track assignments, deadlines, and project deliverables to ensure timely completion.
• Maintain organized digital files, communications records, and research materials.
• Assist with special projects and other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Political Science, Public Policy, Government, or a related field preferred.
• Excellent written communication, editing, and proofreading skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and competing deadlines with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate professionally with internal and external stakeholders.
• Sound judgment and discretion when handling confidential or sensitive organizational information.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and anticipate organizational needs.
• Can-do positive attitude and willingness to learn.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in communications, public policy, journalism, government, legal, nonprofit, or public-interest environments.
• Familiarity with election administration, election law, voting systems, or related policy issues.
• Experience monitoring media coverage and preparing research summaries or briefing materials.
• Experience supporting public outreach, stakeholder engagement, or organizational events.
• Exceptional writing and editing
• Research and fact-checking
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Political and policy awareness
• Organization and project management
• Professionalism and discretion
• Initiative and follow-through
• Clear and effective communication

Measures of Success:

Success in this position will be demonstrated through the timely production of accurate and polished communications, effective monitoring and summarization of developments, reliable coordination of outreach initiatives, and consistent administrative support for the organization’s communications and objectives.

Depending on full or part time can range from $30,000 to $65,000 per year.

Location:

Based in our Old Town Alexandria office, a short walk from King Street Metro, Amtrak, and VRE.