Public Relations Project Coordinator

Association of Social Work Boards; Virginia; Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Paid time off

Parental leave

Retirement plan

Job summary

Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) is seeking a Public Relations Project Coordinator to advance the organization's visibility and reputation. You will coordinate media relations, support thought leadership initiatives, and assist with speaking engagements and conference participation across the organization.

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, thrives on managing multiple moving parts, and builds relationships with external partners to translate expertise into public-facing

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• 3-5 years of experience in communications, event coordination, public relations, or a related role.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Attention to detail and quality assurance.
• Proofreading and editing competencies.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Expert level skills in the Microsoft Office software suite.
• Willingness and ability to learn new computer software and adapt to department needs.
• Comfort working across internal teams and with external partners, including media contacts, conference organizers, and vendors.
• Experience in the nonprofit or association sector.
• Familiarity with media monitoring or press release distribution tools.
• Experience supporting conference or event logistics.

Responsibilities

• Support the development and distribution of press releases, media advisories, and pitches.
• Help maintain and grow relationships with relevant journalists, editors, and media outlets.
• Monitor relevant media coverage and industry news and compile coverage reports.
• Respond to routine media inquiries and route others to the appropriate spokespeople.
• Assist in the preparation of briefing materials and talking points ahead of media interviews.
• Assist in the development and placement of op-eds, bylined articles, blog posts, and other thought leadership content within profession-appropriate outlets and platforms.
• Coordinate with internal colleagues, including ASWB staff leadership, members, and volunteers, to gather insights and source content for thought leadership initiatives.
• Track industry trends and conversations to help identify timely opportunities for the association to contribute its perspective.
• Work with the Senior Manager and Director to maintain an editorial calendar for owned and placed thought leadership content.
• Identify, track, and help secure speaking opportunities for association leadership and subject matter experts at conferences, panels, and industry events.
• Coordinate logistics for speaking engagements, including submissions, scheduling, travel confirmation, communications/marketing materials, and briefing information.
• Maintain a calendar of relevant conferences and events, and flag strategic opportunities for department and association leadership.
• Support the development of speaker talking points, bios, and presentation materials in partnership with subject matter experts.
• Maintain department records, including media contact lists, speaker rosters, and media outlets.
• Support the planning and execution of public relations-related events or campaigns.
• Assist with reporting on public relations and communications metrics (media placements earned, speaking engagements secured, thought leadership output executed, etc.).
• Collaborate with the broader Public Relations and Communications Strategy team on integrated messaging and campaigns.

Skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Editing/Proofreading

Organizational skills

MS Office

Project management

Nonprofit experience

Relationship building

Public relations

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or related field

Tools

MS Office Suite

Media monitoring tools

Job description

The Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) provides support and services to the social work regulatory community to advance safe, competent, and ethical practices to strengthen public protection.

The Public Relations and Communications Strategy team works to elevate the association's voice, build relationships with media outlets and industry partners, and position our leadership and members as trusted voices in the profession.

The Public Relations Project Coordinator supports the Public Relations and Communications Strategy team in advancing the association's visibility and reputation. This role focuses on coordinating media relations, supporting thought leadership initiatives, and assisting with speaking engagements and conference participation across the organization. The ideal candidate is a detail-oriented communications professional who thrives on managing multiple moving parts, building relationships with external partners, and helping translate organizational expertise into public-facing opportunities.

THIS IS NOT A FULLY REMOTE POSITION. Because this is a hybrid position, preferred candidates will reside in Virginia, Washington, DC, and Maryland, and be able to commute to the office for in-person meetings and team activities a minimum of two days a month.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

Media Relations

• Support the development and distribution of press releases, media advisories, and pitches
• Help maintain and grow relationships with relevant journalists, editors, and media outlets
• Monitor relevant media coverage and industry news and compile coverage reports
• Respond to routine media inquiries and route others to the appropriate spokespeople
• Assist in the preparation of briefing materials and talking points ahead of media interviews

Thought Leadership

• Assist in the development and placement of op-eds, bylined articles, blog posts, and other thought leadership content within profession-appropriate outlets and platforms
• Coordinate with internal colleagues, including ASWB staff leadership, members, and volunteers, to gather insights and source content for thought leadership initiatives
• Track industry trends and conversations to help identify timely opportunities for the association to contribute its perspective
• Work with the Senior Manager and Director to maintain an editorial calendar for owned and placed thought leadership content

Speaking Engagements and Conferences

• Identify, track, and help secure speaking opportunities for association leadership and subject matter experts at conferences, panels, and industry events
• Coordinate logistics for speaking engagements, including submissions, scheduling, travel confirmation, communications/marketing materials, and briefing information
• Maintain a calendar of relevant conferences and events, and flag strategic opportunities for department and association leadership
• Support the development of speaker talking points, bios, and presentation materials in partnership with subject matter experts

General Department Support

• Maintain department records, including media contact lists, speaker rosters, and media outlets
• Support the planning and execution of public relations-related events or campaigns
• Assist with reporting on public relations and communications metrics (media placements earned, speaking engagements secured, thought leadership output executed, etc.)
• Collaborate with the broader Public Relations and Communications Strategy team on integrated messaging and campaigns

WHAT YOU WILL BRING

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience
• 3-5 years of experience in communications, event coordination, public relations, or a related role
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Attention to detail and quality assurance
• Proofreading and editing competencies
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
• Expert level skills in the Microsoft Office software suite
• Willingness and ability to learn new computer software and adapt to department needs
• Comfort working across internal teams and with external partners, including media contacts, conference organizers, and vendors
• Experience in the nonprofit or association sector
• Familiarity with media monitoring or press release distribution tools
• Experience supporting conference or event logistics

Competitive Salary & Benefits Package

including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, PTO, paid parental leave, retirement, and more!

WORK ENVIRONMENT, TRAVEL AND EXPECTED WORK HOURS

ASWB is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace culture that welcomes and appreciates all individuals regardless of race, gender, gender identity/expression, age, ethnicity, ability, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, religious affiliation, or national origin and culture.

ASWB operates a hybrid work model, offering flexibility between in-office and remote work. Typical business hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; however, ASWB emphasizes results-based productivity. Reliable high-speed internet is required for remote work. Occasional travel (up to several times per year) may be required to support association meetings or business needs.

EEO STATEMENT

ASWB provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals in this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. ASWB reserves the right to modify the scope of this position based on business needs, organizational changes, or other factors.