Part-Time Public Relations Specialist

American University; Washington, Northern (District of Columbia, KY); Hybrid; USD 23,000 - 32,000; Part time

Job summary

American University is seeking a Part-time Public Relations Specialist to support publicity for the 2026 Anacostia Youth Media Festival at THEARC (Sept 26–27, 2026). The 25-hour/term role involves media outreach, drafting press materials, coordinating interviews, and assisting with digital promotion.

Strong writing and media relations skills are essential. Requirements include a bachelor's degree or equivalent and 1–3 years of relevant experience; the position is non-exempt and on-site in

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement PR/publicity plan for the festival.
• Identify and contact local media, pitch stories and youth filmmakers.
• Draft press materials and coordinate interviews and media attendance.
• Support digital promotion and social media coordination.
• Track outreach and provide a final publicity report.

Skills

Writing

Media relations

Organization

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Job description

## Part-Time Public Relations SpecialistApply: Main Campus (Washington, DC): Part time: Posted Today: R4896American 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. Learn more about American University**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**Click here to learn about American University's unique benefit options.**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.