1

Public Affairs Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Position Summary The Public Affairs Associate supports external affairs, media relations, and public communications, ensuring Prosperity Now's work is effectively represented to external audiences.

Public Affairs Associate

Washington, DC · On-site

$21.59 - $39.95/hr

Position Summary The Public Affairs Associate supports external affairs, media relations, and public communications, ensuring Prosperity Now's work is effectively represented to external audiences.

$63K - $111K/yr

Parsons is looking for an amazingly talented Public Affairs Planner - Journeyman to join our team ... Years of comparable experience can be used in lieu of degree. (HS diploma 8+ years, Associates 6+ ...

Parsons is looking for an amazingly talented Public Affairs Planner - Journeyman to join our team ... Years of comparable experience can be used in lieu of degree. (HS diploma 8+ years, Associates 6+ ...

Parsons is looking for an amazingly talented Public Affairs Planner - Journeyman to join our team ... Years of comparable experience can be used in lieu of degree. (HS diploma 8+ years, Associates 6+ ...

... Associate will help identify new opportunities, prepare leaders for high-impact engagements, and ... Bachelor's degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Government, International Affairs ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Public Affairs Associate information

See salary details

$18

$39

$62

How much do public affairs associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for public affairs associate in the United States is $39.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31.73 and $46.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a Public Affairs Associate typically collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders?

Public Affairs Associates often act as a bridge between their organization and key external stakeholders such as government agencies, advocacy groups, and the media. Internally, they work closely with departments like communications, legal, and government relations to ensure messaging is consistent and aligned with organizational goals. This role requires regular meetings, drafting joint statements, and coordinating responses to policy developments. Building effective relationships and maintaining clear communication are essential for advancing the organization's public policy objectives.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Public Affairs Associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Public Affairs Associate, you need strong written and verbal communication skills, research abilities, and a bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, political science, or a related field. Familiarity with media monitoring tools, social media management platforms, and basic design or data analysis software is often required. Relationship-building, adaptability, and strategic thinking are valuable soft skills that help in managing stakeholders and responding to rapidly changing issues. These skills are essential for effectively shaping public perception, supporting advocacy efforts, and advancing organizational goals in a dynamic public environment.

Is public affairs a good career?

Public affairs is a career that involves managing communication between organizations and the public, often requiring skills in policy analysis, communication, and stakeholder engagement. It can offer opportunities in government, non-profits, and corporate sectors, with roles that may require a background in political science, communications, or public relations. Job stability and growth depend on industry demand and individual qualifications.

What is the difference between Public Affairs Associate vs Communications Coordinator?

AspectPublic Affairs AssociateCommunications Coordinator
CredentialsBachelor's degree in public relations, political science, or related fieldBachelor's degree in communications, journalism, or related field
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, non-profits, advocacy groupsCorporate, nonprofit, or agency communications teams
Employer & IndustryPublic sector, advocacy, policy-focused organizationsBusinesses, nonprofits, government agencies
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

The Public Affairs Associate and Communications Coordinator roles often overlap in skills and work environments, but Public Affairs Associates focus more on policy, government relations, and advocacy efforts, while Communications Coordinators handle broader media and internal communications. Both roles require strong communication skills and relevant degrees, but their specific focus areas differ based on employer needs.

What does a public affairs job do?

A public affairs associate manages communication between an organization and the public, government agencies, and stakeholders. They develop strategies to promote the organization’s interests, monitor policy developments, and often work with media and advocacy groups to shape public opinion and influence policy decisions.

What does a public affairs associate do?

A public affairs associate manages communication between an organization and the public, government agencies, and stakeholders. They develop strategies to promote the organization’s interests, monitor public policy issues, and prepare reports or press materials, often using communication tools like social media and press releases. Strong writing, research skills, and knowledge of public policy are essential for this role.
More about Public Affairs Associate jobs
What cities are hiring for Public Affairs Associate jobs? Cities with the most Public Affairs Associate job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Public Affairs jobs? The most popular types of Public Affairs jobs are:
What states have the most Public Affairs Associate jobs? States with the most job openings for Public Affairs Associate jobs include:
Infographic showing various Public Affairs Associate job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,307 per year, or $39.6 per hour.
Public Affairs Associate

$21.59/hr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

About Prosperity Now
Since 1979, Prosperity Now has been a trusted leader in strengthening financial security, expanding access to capital, and ensuring economic stability for businesses, families, and communities. We work across sectors to develop practical, scalable solutions that create lasting change. Through innovation, strategic investment, and collaboration, we build the infrastructure needed to sustain small business growth, housing opportunities, and financial well-being in an evolving economic landscape.
Position Summary
The Public Affairs Associate supports external affairs, media relations, and public communications, ensuring Prosperity Now's work is effectively represented to external audiences. Reporting to the Senior Director of Marketing & Public Affairs, this role monitors media coverage, prepares press materials, and assists in stakeholder engagement. The associate translates complex policy issues into accessible content and supports the organization's narrative and reputation management.
Core Responsibilities
Media Monitoring & Communications
  • Track and summarize media coverage, compiling press clips and coverage trends.
  • Draft press materials, talking points, and external communications in collaboration with the Communications team.
  • Assist in preparing briefings, presentations, and reports for media inquiries and external engagements.
  • Support external engagement with journalists and stakeholders in a nonpartisan, educational capacity.
  • Coordinate with the Communications team to ensure policy-related messaging aligns with organizational priorities.

Public Affairs Coordination
  • Support the development and execution of public-facing campaigns, announcements, and events.
  • Maintain records of media engagement and public affairs efforts.
  • Prepare internal briefings on media and policy developments for Prosperity Now leadership and staff.
  • Assist in coordinating logistics for policy-related meetings, convenings, and stakeholder events.
  • Maintain the department's communications calendar, coordinating deadlines for media outreach, social media campaigns, publications, speaking engagements, and organizational announcements.

Internal Collaboration & Support
  • Provide research and logistical support across departments, ensuring staff have access to timely policy and media insights.
  • Collaborate with Public Policy staff to ensure accuracy in public messaging and media content.
  • Coordinate with Programs, Business Development, and executive leadership to gather information and develop communications materials that accurately reflect organizational priorities and outcomes.
  • Assist in maintaining Prosperity Now's library of communications assets, including biographies, organizational fact sheets, boilerplate language, presentations, photography, and approved messaging.

Social Media & Digital Communications
  • Draft, schedule, publish, and monitor social media content across Prosperity Now's digital channels in accordance with the organization's editorial calendar and brand standards.
  • Coordinate with internal subject matter experts to translate research, policy, programs, events, and organizational announcements into engaging digital content tailored to priority audiences.
  • Monitor social media engagement, identify emerging trends and audience feedback, and recommend opportunities to increase visibility, engagement, and thought leadership.
  • Assist in maintaining the organization's content calendar, ensuring timely publication of campaigns, events, reports, press releases, and executive communications.
  • Support the development of graphics, short-form videos, and other digital assets in collaboration with internal staff and external creative partners.
  • Prepare routine social media performance reports and analytics to help evaluate campaign effectiveness and inform future communications strategies.

Organizational Culture & Internal Communications
  • Model clear, collaborative and timely communication in a remote, cross-functional environment with colleagues, partners, vendors, and funders; represent Prosperity Now's values in all interactions.
  • Take part in 1:1s, goal setting, and feedback cycles; complete required trainings and apply feedback.
  • For non-exempt compliance: record hours daily, follow overtime pre-approval, code time to the correct project
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements
Reports To: Senior Director of Marketing & Public Affairs
Supervisory Responsibility: None
Work Environment: This is a remote position. This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment.
Physical Expectations: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate and exchange information. The employee must frequently remain stationary and constantly operate computers and other office productivity machinery.
Expected Travel: ~ 25%. This role requires travel for company events, including our annual Prosperity Summit, and quarterly in-person meetings in Washington, D.C.
FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt
Salary Grade: Salary Grade 1. The hourly range for this position is $21.59 per hour to $39.95 per hour, with a midpoint of $30.77 per hour.
Prosperity Now is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that diversity of background and perspective are strengths, and seek to continue to grow a diverse, highly committed, skilled, and collaborative staff. We encourage candidates from various backgrounds to apply.
Salary Description
$21.59 per hour to $39.95 per hour