Communications Associate, Media Relations

National Consumers League; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

National Consumers League seeks a Communications Associate to drive media relations, pitch stories, and raise the visibility of advocacy work. The role includes drafting press materials, coordinating with reporters, and supporting digital channels including WordPress, newsletters, and social media.

The ideal candidate has 1–3 years in nonprofit communications, strong writing skills, and experience with media monitoring tools. The position is hybrid in downtown DC with standard nonprofit benefits.

Qualifications

• Excellent writing, editing, and storytelling skills with a portfolio across web, social, and newsletters.
• Experience drafting press releases and managing media inquiries.
• Familiarity with WordPress for web content and SEO basics.
• Experience using Meltwater or similar media monitoring platforms.
• Proven ability to pitch stories to print, broadcast, and digital outlets.

Responsibilities

• Lead media relations with reporters, editors, and influencers to secure coverage.
• Draft and distribute press releases, media advisories, and pitches; coordinate interviews.
• Publish and manage content on WordPress News section; upload recent coverage.
• Draft social posts across X, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
• Coordinate media attendance for events and prepare talking points.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Press releases

Press events

Media relations

Social media

Content creation

Initiative

Project management

Time management

Creativity

Adaptability

Deadline-driven

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications

Tools

WordPress CMS

Meltwater

Email marketing platforms

Social media scheduling tools

Job description

Overview

The National Consumers League (non-profit) is seeking a dynamic Communications Associate to join our team with a strong focus on media relations and press outreach. This individual will be responsible for pitching NCL’s work to the media, managing relationships with reporters, and increasing visibility for our key advocacy issues. The ideal candidate will have excellent writing skills, experience in media relations, and a proven ability to secure coverage in top-tier outlets. In addition, the Communications Associate will support communications functions, including website updates, social media, e-newsletters, and event promotion.

Key Requirements and Qualifications

• Superb, professional verbal and written communications skills
• Experience in drafting press releases, hosting press events, and vetting media inquiries
• Experience with WordPress CMS and email marketing platforms.
• Experience in creating social media content and managing social media channels.
• Ability to work independently and on a team.
• Ability to take initiative to develop new strategies and outside-the-box ideas.
• Demonstrated project management and time management skills.
• Creativity, adaptability, and ability to receive receiving feedback
• Self-motivated with a positive and professional approach to management and colleagues
• Comfortable with a long to-do list and tight deadlines
• Comfortable working in a hybrid work environment and/or reporting to a remote supervisor.

Responsibilities

Media Relations & Pitching

• Lead efforts to pitch stories, op-eds, and news related to the organization’s policy work to print, broadcast, and digital outlets.
• Cultivate relationships with journalists, editors, and influencers, maintaining and expanding the media contact database.
• Draft and distribute press releases, media advisories, op-eds, news advisories, statements, and pitches to secure media coverage for events, campaigns, and policy initiatives.
• Respond to media inquiries, coordinate interviews, and prepare talking points for spokespeople.
• Monitor and track media coverage using Meltwater to report on press engagement and campaign impact.
• Assist with developing press kits, fact sheets, and other materials for program and policy areas.

Web and Social Media, and E-Newsletters

• Write, edit, and publish content for the News section of the website using WordPress, uploading press releases, statements, and recent media coverage.
• Draft and schedule social media posts across multiple platforms (X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, to optimize social engagement.
• Write articles and produce e-newsletters, collaborating with department staff to produce compelling and timely content.

Event Communications

• Support communications for annual fundraising and program events.
• Coordinate media attendance and coverage of events, including handling logistics for press registrations and interviews.
• Draft event promotional materials, including media alerts, and handle follow-up press outreach.

Web, Digital, and Social Media

• Write and edit content for the organization’s websites and landing pages, using WordPress.
• Draft and schedule social media posts across multiple platforms (X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram), including editing short-form videos to optimize social engagement.
• Write articles for e-newsletters, collaborating with department staff to produce compelling and timely content.

Program Support

• Write and edit content, attend meetings, and support events for the organization’s program areas.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing or a related field.
• 1-3 years of experience in communications, social media, or public relations, preferably in a nonprofit or advocacy setting.
• Excellent writing, editing, and storytelling skills with a portfolio of work demonstrating versatility across formats (web, social media, newsletters).
• Familiarity with WordPress for web content management and basic SEO principles.
• Experience using Meltwater (or similar platforms) for media monitoring and reporting.
• Proficiency in social media platforms and content scheduling tools.
• Ability to work collaboratively across teams and manage multiple projects with tight deadlines.
• Interest in public policy, or experience working on issues related to Capitol Hill

Preferred Qualifications

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• Video editing skills, with experience creating short-form content for social media (experience with Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro, or similar).
• Knowledge of media pitching and press outreach strategies.
• Experience with Meltwater or other media platforms.
• Understanding of current communications trends, especially in digital and social media landscapes.
• Ability to edit videos for short term social media use

Location

This position is Hybrid and is based in downtown DC. You will be required to be in the office a minimum of two days per week.

Salary and Benefits

Salary range ($55K - $65K) based on experience and education, competitive with other nonprofit public interest organizations. Excellent benefits, including health, dental, long-term disability, life insurance, 401(k), employer transportation contributions, annual and sick leave, hybrid work model, and federal holidays. NCL is an equal opportunity employer.