Part-Time Public Relations Specialist

American University; United States; On-site; USD 28,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

American University in Washington, DC seeks a part-time Public Relations Specialist to support publicity and media outreach for the 2026 Anacostia Youth Media Festival, Sept. 26–27 at THEARC.

This temporary role focuses on developing and executing a targeted communications plan to boost festival visibility and audience engagement. The ideal candidate is organized with strong writing skills and experience in public relations, media outreach, arts or youth programs, capable of coordinating

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent required.
• Strong writing, communication, media relations, organization, and independent project-management skills required.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a focused PR and media outreach plan for the 2026 Anacostia Youth Media Festival.
• Research and build a targeted list of local, regional, arts, education, youth, and community media contacts.
• Draft and distribute press releases, media advisories, pitches, and other promotional materials.
• Pitch festival stories, youth filmmakers, screenings, exhibitions, and special events to media outlets.
• Coordinate interviews and media attendance during the September 26–27 festival.
• Support social media and digital promotion in coordination with the festival team.
• Track media outreach, responses, coverage, and publicity results, and provide a brief final report summarizing outreach and media coverage.
• Maintain consistent festival messaging and branding across communications.

Skills

Strong writing

Media relations

Communication skills

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Job description

American University is a student-centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly-ranked schools and colleges, internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world.

Department: School of Communication

Time Type: Part time

Job Type: Temporary (Fixed Term)

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Work Modality: Union: Excluded

Job Description: Summary: The Public Relations Specialist will support publicity and media outreach for the 2026 Anacostia Youth Media Festival, taking place September 26 - 27, 2026, at THEARC in Congress Heights. This short-term, 25-hour position will develop and execute a targeted communications strategy to increase festival visibility and audience engagement. The specialist will identify and contact media outlets, pitch festival stories and youth filmmakers, draft press materials, coordinate interviews and media attendance, and support digital promotion. The ideal candidate is an organized, strong communicator with experience in public relations, media outreach, arts, film, youth programs, or community-based initiatives. The position requires initiative, professionalism, and strong writing skills.

Essential Functions:

• Develop and implement a focused PR and media outreach plan for the 2026 Anacostia Youth Media Festival.
• Research and build a targeted list of local, regional, arts, education, youth, and community media contacts.
• Draft and distribute press releases, media advisories, pitches, and other promotional materials.
• Pitch festival stories, youth filmmakers, screenings, exhibitions, and special events to media outlets.
• Coordinate interviews and media attendance during the September 26–27 festival.
• Support social media and digital promotion in coordination with the festival team.
• Track media outreach, responses, coverage, and publicity results, and provide a brief final report summarizing outreach and media coverage.
• Maintain consistent festival messaging and branding across communications.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

Part-time. 7 hours per week.

This position is supporting the 2026 Anacostia Youth Media Festival, taking place September 26 - 27, 2026, at THEARC in Congress Heights. Continuation of the program/position is contingent upon external funding. This is a temporary part-time position ending on or before September 30, 2026.

Salary Range:

$20.00 per hour.

Required Education and Experience:

Bachelor's degree or equivalent. Strong writing, communication, media relations, organization, and independent project-management skills are required.

Preferred Education and Experience:

1 - 3 years of relevant experience. Experience with arts, film, youth media, or community-based projects is preferred.

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Benefits:

Benefits.

Other Details:

Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check. Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university. Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. American University is an E-Verify employer.

Contact Us:

For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email [e-mail].

Equal Opportunity Statement:

American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.

American University is a student centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly-ranked schools and colleges, internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world.