Entry Level Communications Associate Jobs in Bethesda, MD

Dewey Square Group (DSG), one of the nation’s leading public affairs firms with a focus on grassroots engagement and issue advocacy, is looking to fill a position for an associate in our Communications Practice. This entry-level hybrid position is an excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic, reliable self-starter to gain experience in D.C. and national public affairs.

We are looking for someone passionate about media and the news business and who wants to develop the skills to be strategic about communicating policy and political issues in traditional and new media.

The Communications Associate role at Dewey Square Group consists of supporting the senior team and our client work in a dynamic environment. Day to day, this includes drafting various materials such as press releases, social media posts, and talking points, creating and managing media and outreach lists, and assisting in handling daily operations and details for client accounts (drafting meeting agendas, taking meeting notes, scanning/monitoring news sources, daily news clips, and proofing and finalizing material).

Overview:

• Role responsibilities: The associate drafts client collateral such as op-eds, blog posts, newsletters, and social media content. They will handle research projects and assist with overseeing interns. They manage daily operations like meeting notes and news monitoring and support the senior team in delivering excellent consulting services.
• Client work and environment: The role requires fast-paced, real-time responses including news clipping, media pitching, press release drafting and dissemination, attendance at client events, and managing technical details for client projects, often with short deadlines and on-call availability.

Qualifications:

• A passion for the news and media business. We are looking for someone who both absorbs the news daily and understands the news landscape; for instance, they get their information from various outlets and formats including newsletters and podcasts. The ideal candidate stays on top of the news cycle and is willing to learn what different reporters and media outlets are covering so our outreach is smart and strategic.
• The ability to absorb and synthesize complex policy issues for drafting press releases, social media posts, and talking points, while on tight deadlines.
• Must be a strong writer with an interest in further developing their written communication skills.
• Thrives in a fast-paced public relations/media environment, with the ability to juggle multiple tasks while meeting tight deadlines. The ideal candidate knows that in this type of environment, internal communication is key and is proactive in coordinating with colleagues.
• A self-starter who will proactively pick up assignments and move a project forward. This looks like not just completing what is asked, but looking for opportunities to provide your valuable additions to an assignment and raising your hand to contribute when able.
• The ability to successfully operate in an environment where ambiguity exists. The ideal candidate knows how to exercise judgment when faced with ambiguity, including knowing when to ask for help.
• Must be an articulate and confident verbal communicator, comfortable speaking with clients and other stakeholders we interact with.
• Immaculate attention to detail when editing, proofing, and reviewing documents – as communicators, this is essential.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, capable of keeping track of multiple streams of client work and prioritizing tasks independently. The candidate must want to learn how to effectively manage up.
• Must understand and have experience with utilizing social and multi-media tools for an organization or third-party (versus personal use).
• Be willing and available to attend in-person events in D.C. as needed, including client meetings, policy events and briefings, and press conferences.
• A four-year college degree.

We are committed to building a team from a variety of backgrounds and experiences. If you are excited about this role but worried you may not fit every qualification, we still encourage you to apply.

For information on how we process your personal data, view our privacy notice .

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Dewey Square Group does not discriminate against applicants or employees because of their race, creed, color, age, religion, sex, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, military status, national origin, ancestry or any other status protected by federal, state or local law.