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Public Affairs Associate Jobs in Silver Spring, MD

Narrative Strategies LLC

Associate

Washington, DC · Hybrid

Narrativeseeks a Strategic Communications Associate to join our team of communications and public affairs professionals. The ideal candidate will coordinate daily operations and execute various ...

Narrative Strategies LLC

Associate

Washington, DC · On-site

$55K - $62K/yr

Narrativeseeks a Strategic Communications Associate to join our team of communications and public affairs professionals. The ideal candidate will coordinate daily operations and execute various ...

DCI Group

Account Associate - Digital

Washington, DC · On-site

$60K/yr

Our team includes public affairs strategists who have held positions at the most senior levels within government, politics, and corporate communications. Each has extensive experience in managing ...

DCI Group

Account Associate -- Digital

Washington, DC

$60K/yr

Our team includes public affairs strategists who have held positions at the most senior levels within government, politics, and corporate communications. Each has extensive experience in managing ...

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Public Affairs Associate information

See Silver Spring, MD salary details

$18

$38

$61

How much do public affairs associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for public affairs associate in Silver Spring, MD is $38.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31.20 and $46.11 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.

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 do you do in a public affairs associate job?

A public affairs associate manages communication between an organization and the public, government agencies, and stakeholders. They often handle media relations, develop advocacy strategies, monitor policy changes, and prepare reports or briefings, using skills in communication, research, and policy analysis. The role typically requires strong writing, interpersonal skills, and familiarity with public policy or government processes.

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 presentations. Strong communication skills and knowledge of media relations are essential for this role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Public Affairs jobs in Silver Spring, MD?

The most popular types of Public Affairs jobs in Silver Spring, MD are:

What cities near Silver Spring, MD are hiring for Public Affairs Associate jobs?

Cities near Silver Spring, MD with the most Public Affairs Associate job openings:

Public Affairs Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Affairs Associate job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,980 per year, or $38.9 per hour.

Senior Associate Director, Campaigns & Advocacy (Healthcare & Legislative Affairs)

APCO Worldwide

Washington, DC • On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description


We have an immediate opportunity for a mid-level public affairs and strategic communications professional with strong issue advocacy, coalition building, stakeholder engagement, issues management, writing, and project management skills. This experienced professional will join our growing Campaigns & Advocacy practice in our Washington, D.C. office.
What we're looking for: The consummate "do it all" public affairs professional with a strong background in issues management. You are self-directed, proactive and driven to win for your clients every day. You create opportunities to drive the message and position issues using the full spectrum of communications and engagement channels and tactics. You have experience managing work streams. You have a desire to learn and grow - both across industries and communication mediums, such as traditional media, social/digital media, issues advocacy, and stakeholder communications. You know how to work with clients and have a positive, go-getter attitude that wins the confidence of clients and inspires teams, and you have an established and trusted network. Political/campaign experience is a plus.
Responsibilities:
  • Support and implement a wide range of strategic communication and issue advocacy campaigns for our high profile, globally-recognized clients
  • Support the design and implementation of multi-faceted, integrated communications and issue campaigns to position client issues and priorities with key audiences that may include elected officials, media, consumers and external and internal stakeholders
  • Create effective messages and produce and edit high-quality written deliverables, such as issue backgrounders, press materials, messaging toolkits, and social media content often under tight deadlines
  • Develop compelling advocacy communications and content to convey complex policy issues - particularly in healthcare - to the general public
  • Practical experience with coalition building and management efforts including stakeholder mapping, recruitment, engagement, and activation; state level advocacy engagement with field team management skills strongly preferred
  • Support media relations efforts including cultivating relationships with media (national, state, and local), drafting op-eds and talking points, preparing clients for speaking opportunities, organizing press conferences, and more
  • Monitor and decipher developments in key client issue areas - with a focus on healthcare policy and congressional activity - and flag opportunities for further client engagement
  • Participate in business development activities including writing proposals and developing pitch decks

Qualifications:
  • 8-12 years of experience in public affairs, issue advocacy campaigns, earned media, and/or political campaigns
  • Experience working on or with congressional healthcare committees (e.g., Senate Finance Committee, Senate HELP Committee, House Energy & Commerce Committee) is strongly preferred. Candidates with backgrounds in healthcare legislative affairs, health policy development, or healthcare-related advocacy on Capitol Hill will be prioritized.
  • Experience with state and federal legislative, regulatory, or issues-based campaigns and lobbying is a plus
  • Solid project management experience and a proven ability to help manage multiple projects and client initiatives in a fast-paced environment while able to think quickly
  • Proven expertise in developing and supporting development of strategies and plans (issues management, crisis protocols, advocacy, positioning, etc.) across various industries and subject areas (financial services, health care, food and consumer goods, technology, transportation, energy, etc.)
  • Demonstrate exceptional critical thinking skills, as well as the ability to develop presentations; write compellingly; create messaging, position papers, digital and media content; leverage AI responsibly; and work efficiently under tight deadlines
  • Experience participating in business development opportunities a plus - industry research, proposal development and drafting, staffing plan management, and pitching
  • Excellent client and interpersonal skills; ability to manage independent client relationships and communicate effectively by phone, email, and in-person
  • Well-versed in current events and headline news at local, national, and international levels
  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited university

Compensation Range
The US base salary for this position ranges from $120,000/year to $140,000/year. Our compensation range for this role is inclusive of several US geographic markets. APCO targets an employee's pay within this range to be based on several factors, which include but are not limited to relevant education, skills, job-related knowledge, qualifications, work experience, credentials, internal equity and/or geographic location.
Careers at APCO
Through our recruitment, hiring and retention efforts, APCO is committed to building teams who bring the best possible expertise and robust perspectives to our clients. We embrace differences in experience, viewpoint and ideas, starting with our values and extending to our behaviors, policies and practices. We aim to create a positive work experience and welcoming environment where everyone feels they belong and can thrive.
We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourage applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, national origin, citizenship, native language, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital or parental status, religion, age, veteran status, neurodivergence, mental or physical disability, medical history, pregnancy, political belief or affiliation or any other characteristic protected by law.
EOE M/F/V/D
About Us
About APCO
APCO is a global advisory and advocacy firm helping leading corporations, foundations and governments navigate a complex world and create lasting impact.
Founded in 1984, with one woman's vision and bold action, APCO has grown into an independent, majority women-owned firm of more than 1,200 employees with work spanning 80 markets around the world.
Headquartered in Washington, D.C., APCO is comprised of strategic advisers, consultants and creators, working together across borders and functions, to provide services and expertise on financial, competitive, political and societal issues.
APCO is a trusted partner to bold purpose-led leaders, lawmakers, government officials, NGOs, the media and other stakeholders in the health, energy, technology, transportation & infrastructure and food & consumer products sectors. For 40 years, the firm has provided public affairs, crisis & reputation, impact, corporate reputation and global solutions services.
APCO is renowned for its ability to champion clients' interests and permission to operate, build their reputation and strengthen their standing. APCO's integrated approach and team of tenacious and empathic talent create connections and winning strategies that accelerate progress and deepen impact.
By bringing diverse people and ideas together, and working beyond traditional boundaries, APCO builds the un/common ground upon which progress is made.

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