Press Associate, Communications and Public Engagement

Public Service; Washington, Northern (District of Columbia, KY); Hybrid; USD 53,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work environment

401(k) with 4% employer match

15 days annual leave + 10 sick days +

Job summary

The Partnership for Public Service in Washington, DC seeks a Press Associate to support media relations and strategic communications that advance public service missions.

In this entry‑level role, you will draft press releases, advisories and talking points, identify press opportunities, and nurture relationships with journalists, contributing to high‑impact storytelling across programs and campaigns.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, public relations, communications, marketing or similar field or equivalent professional work or military experience.
• 1–2 years of experience, including internships or coursework.
• Familiarity with AP style preferred.

Responsibilities

• Drafts and distributes media collateral including press releases, advisories, and talking points.
• Support planning and execution of ongoing media campaigns for programs.
• Prepares and circulates daily news clips.
• Maintains and updates press lists and tracks media coverage.
• Builds relationships with journalists and media outlets.

Skills

Strong writing

Editing

Proofreading

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in journalism or communications

Tools

Muckrack

Job description

Press Associate, Communications and Public Engagement

Washington, DC

ORGANIZATION

The Partnership for Public Service is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to building a better government and a stronger democracy. We believe that our future and our democracy depend on our ability to solve big problems—and that we need an effective federal government to do so. For 25 years, we have helped make this vision a reality by helping our government—the public institution most fundamental to our democracy—address current and future challenges.

Our staff is diverse in experience and perspective, but at our core, we share a lot of the same traits. We are mission-driven, creative, collaborative, optimistic and inclusive.

Our work is strategic, fast-paced and guided by our values:

• Passion for public service and our work toward a more effective government.
• People who promote a culture of learning, leadership, collaboration, inclusion and respect.
• Persistence to drive change, take strategic risks and deliver results.
• Promise to be trustworthy, nonpartisan and fiscally responsible.

We hire smart and friendly people who are great at what they do and good to one another in the process.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Partnership for Public Service is looking for a dynamic, creative Press Associate to help amplify our mission and elevate the organization’s national profile. In this entry‑level role, you’ll support media relations and strategic communications initiatives that highlight our programs, engage key audiences, and advance a stronger, more effective public service.

You’ll play an important role in identifying and coordinating press opportunities, developing communications materials including press releases, media advisories, and talking points, and cultivating meaningful relationships with journalists and media outlets. This is an excellent opportunity for an emerging communications professional to gain hands‑on experience, contribute to high‑impact storytelling, and help shape the conversation around the future of government and public service.

The Press Associate will be an integral member of an interdisciplinary communications team that includes marketing, graphic design, social media, editorial, media relations, and events professionals. Success in this role will require a collaborative spirit, strong relationship‑building skills and a willingness to contribute new ideas. The Press Associate will also partner closely with teams across the organization, taking ownership of assigned projects and guiding them from start to finish.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collaborates with the Senior Media Relations Manager on day-to-day media outreach and serves as a primary point of contact on select media inquiries.
• Drafts and distributes media collateral, including email pitches, media advisories, news releases, public service announcements, talking points, statements, among others.
• Support planning and execution of ongoing media campaigns for the Partnership’s signature programs and other initiatives.
• Prepares and circulates daily news clips.
• Maintains and updates comprehensive press lists and tracks media coverage for the Partnership and its programs.
• Assists the Senior Media Relations Manager in developing creative tactics to help the Partnership’s mission and programs breakthrough in a crowded media landscape.
• Helps cultivate and strengthen the Partnership’s long‑term relationships with the news media – traditional and nontraditional.
• Provides planning and logistical support for media briefings and Partnership events as needed.
• Willing to be available after business hours as needed to keep pace with busy news cycles.
• Other duties as necessary.

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Strong attention to detail, exceptional writing, editing and proofreading skills.
• Ability to translate complex concepts into easy‑to‑understand, compelling messages.
• Strong organizational skills, ability to work in a fast‑paced environment, juggle multiple projects, work efficiently and meet deadlines.
• Willingness to problem‑solve and remain calm in stressful situations.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a proven track record collaborating on projects in a team environment.
• Excellent customer service skills on the phone, in person and responding to emails.
• Flexibility, a can‑do attitude and willingness to pitch in.
• Demonstrated political savviness and judgment.
• Commitment to the values of public service and the mission of the Partnership for Public Service.

REQUIRED/PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, public relations, communications, marketing or similar field or similar field or equivalent professional work or military experience.
• One to two years of experience, which may include internships, co‑curricular activities and/or relevant coursework.
• Preferred experience using Muckrack and other media monitoring platforms and media databases.
• Familiarity with AP style preferred.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY/REPORTING STRUCTURE

This position reports to the Senior Media Relations Manager. This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities of full‑time staff but may supervise an intern.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This job operates in a hybrid (remote + office) environment in Washington, DC. The successful candidate must be a permanent resident in the Washington, DC, Maryland or Virginia area. The person in this role is expected to work in the office, on average, three days per week – with Wednesday as the required day in‑office. This position requires consistent use of office equipment such as computer, telephone, printer/scanner and MS Office.

In assessing employee performance at the Partnership, we consider collaboration, results, and demonstration of our values.

POSITION TYPE/EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK

This is a full‑time, exempt position with regular work hours Monday‑Friday. Willing to be available after business hours and on weekends, as needed, to keep pace with busy news cycles. Please note that the Partnership allows flexibility in work schedules.

TRAVEL

If travel occurs, it is usually during the business day. Very little out of the area and/or overnight travel will be required.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

The starting salary range for this position is $52,500 - $54,500. The Partnership offers a compensation package that includes a competitive salary; medical, dental and vision coverage; life insurance; long‑and short‑term disability insurance; a 401(k) program with a 4 percent employer match; opportunities for training and development; commuter benefits; 15 days of annual leave per year, 10 days of sick leave per year, plus all federal holidays and the day after Thanksgiving off; and use of an on‑site exercise facility.

EEO STATEMENT

The Partnership adheres to all federal, state, and local employment laws. Partnership for Public Service is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any applicants for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, caste, national origin, citizenship, immigration status, veteran status, disability; or on any other basis prohibited by law.