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Communications Assistant Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

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Communications Assistant information

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$20.3K

$51K

$73.9K

How much do communications assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for communications assistant in Reston, VA is $51,044.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,200.00 and $57,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a communications assistant do?

A communications assistant typically works in public relations and performs a range of administrative tasks to help their company or organization communicate with the public. As a communications assistant, your duties include scheduling media communications, drafting marketing content, assisting with social media strategy, and taking care of basic correspondence. Positions are available with private companies and nonprofits in a variety of fields, and some high-profile individuals hire internal public relations teams. The career typically requires a bachelor’s degree in communications, media studies, or a related field, and on-the-job training. Additional qualifications include sales and marketing experience, as well as excellent clerical and writing skills.

What does a communications assistant do?

A Communications Assistant supports the communications team by helping to create, edit, and distribute content such as press releases, newsletters, and social media posts. They assist in maintaining the organization's public image by coordinating media inquiries, monitoring media coverage, and updating websites or intranet pages. Their role often includes administrative duties, event planning, and collaborating with other departments to ensure consistent messaging. This entry-level position is key for those interested in public relations, marketing, or corporate communications careers.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a communications assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Communications Assistant, you need strong written and verbal communication skills, attention to detail, and typically a degree in communications, public relations, or a related field. Familiarity with content management systems, social media platforms, and basic graphic design tools like Canva or Adobe Creative Suite is often required. Excellent organization, teamwork, and adaptability are standout soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure effective message delivery, brand consistency, and smooth support of broader communications strategies.

What are some common challenges communications assistants face when managing multiple projects?

Communications Assistants often juggle several projects at once, such as drafting press releases, updating social media, and coordinating internal communications. Balancing these tasks can be challenging, especially when deadlines overlap or require input from various departments. Effective time management and strong organizational skills are crucial for meeting expectations and ensuring clear, consistent messaging. Proactively communicating with team members and setting realistic timelines help manage workload and prevent bottlenecks.

What is the difference between Communications Assistant vs Public Relations Assistant?

AspectCommunications AssistantPublic Relations Assistant
Required CredentialsAssociate's or Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, or related fieldSimilar educational background, often with coursework in PR or media relations
Work EnvironmentOffice settings, media organizations, corporate communications departmentsPublic relations firms, corporate PR teams, nonprofit organizations
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across various industries including corporate, nonprofit, governmentPrimarily in PR agencies, corporate PR, and media relations roles
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles, responsibilities, and career paths in communicationsDistinguishing PR-specific roles from general communications roles

While both roles involve communication strategies, a Communications Assistant supports broader internal and external messaging, whereas a Public Relations Assistant focuses specifically on managing public image and media relations. The roles often overlap, but the PR Assistant typically has a more specialized focus on media outreach and reputation management.

What are the most commonly searched types of Communications jobs in Reston, VA?

The most popular types of Communications jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Communications Assistant jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Communications Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Communications Assistant job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,044 per year, or $24.5 per hour.

U.S Communications Assistant

GUTTMACHER INSTITUTE

Washington, DC • On-site

$53K - $59K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

Title: US Communications Assistant


Status: Full-time, Non-exempt

Reports to: Director of US Communications
Location: New York City or Washington D.C. (Hybrid)

Organization

Founded in 1968, the Guttmacher Institute is a global leader in advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights. Through a unique and interrelated program of high-quality research, evidence-based advocacy and strategic communications, the Institute works to generate new ideas, encourage enlightened public debate, and promote sound policy and program development; its overarching goal is to ensure the highest standard of sexual and reproductive health and rights for all people worldwide. The Institute is engaged in building a more inclusive, transparent and equitable organization.

Position Summary

The U.S. Communications Assistant is an important part of Guttmacher’s domestic communications team, working collaboratively with mid and senior-level staff across divisions to help implement strategies to inform and shape public debate on sexual and reproductive health and rights issues in the United States. This position works closely with the rest of the communications team, as well as the domestic research and policy teams, by assisting in the creation and dissemination of communications materials across various communications channels (including the Guttmacher website, email list and social media accounts), monitoring and documenting the impact of these efforts, and providing other project support (such as media list building and other research support). This position reports to the Principal US Communications Strategist.

Responsibilities

Communications Support

  • Help draft and project manage the production of communications materials,including digital products,in collaboration with senior communications staff and cross-divisional project members
  • Assist in disseminating communications materials to the Institute’s email list,website, social media channels and media contacts
  • Assist with preparing materials for publication on our website
  • Provide research assistance to the domestic communications and policy team, retrieving and synthesizing information from internal and external sources as appropriate (including from previously published Guttmacher materials and news coverage we have shaped or generated);
  • Help with researching and drafting articles and materials, including having a by line as appropriate, and assisting with facilitating review processes and other project management
  • Contribute to rapid response efforts and support preparing for major events like relevant Supreme Court decisions
  • Monitor and document news coverage and other impacts of domestic communication team’s work, including tracking media citations, reporter requests and other relevant metrics
  • Research journalists and assist in updating media lists
  • In coordination with other staff,help with social media scheduling,posting, and monitoring; draft scripts and otherwise support planning and production of video content for digital channels
  • Assist with preparing event materials,including presentations,backgrounders and briefing materials for speaking engagements, meetings and conferences as needed
  • Respond to info inbox email requests for Institute materials and general information
  • Prepare project reports for staff,board,funders and keystakeholders as needed
  • Represent the Institute at relevant coalition meetings and conferences


    Administrative Support
  • Prepare and review expense reports as needed
  • Coordinate participation ofcommunications staff at domestic conferences and shipping of Guttmacher materials for events as needed
  • Provide internal meeting support through scheduling,note-taking,tracking needed follow-up and keeping colleagues up-to-date on project timelines and responsibilities
  • Coordinate meeting logistics for internal and external meetings
  • Maintain the US Comms Guttmacher publication tracker
  • Create and maintain Asana boards for US comms-related projects
  • Perform other job-related tasks asassigned.

Qualifications:

  • Minimum of 1-2years of relevant experience
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills,organizational skills with careful attention to detail
  • Demonstrated ability to multi-task and handle a range of time-sensitive administrative and communications responsibilities
  • Demonstrated ability to collaborate cross-functionally, follow direction from multiple stakeholders, and work independently with initiative
  • Experience working in a fast-paced environment
  • Comfortable liaising with a variety of audiences while representing the Guttmacher Institute in a professional and culturally competent manner
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Word,Excel,Outlook,andPowerPoint
  • Experience using social media platforms and AI tools responsibly
  • Familiarity with web content management systems (e.g. Drupal), email marketing platforms (e.g. Mailchimp), and design tools (e.g. Canva) is a plus

Salary starting at $53,572 to $59,236, commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits that include medical, dental, vision and life insurance; vacation, personal and sick time, paid parental leave; tuition reimbursement; commuting subsidy; and 401(k) with employer match. The Guttmacher Institute strives to provide the training and support staff need to be successful in their positions and to grow professionally.

Please note that telephone inquiries will not be acknowledged. No agencies, please. The Guttmacher Institute seeks to foster a diverse, inclusive and equitable environment, where every employee’s unique talents are valued and recognized as an asset to the achievement of our mission.