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Public Relations Associate Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Akima, LLC

Logistics Analyst / PR Creator

Dahlgren, VA · On-site

$55K - $67K/yr

Manage PR activities working with various types of funding requests including Incremental, OFDs ... Associate degree (AA) in a related business field, OR three (3) plus years of progressively ...

Akima, LLC

Logistics Analyst / PR Creator

Dahlgren, VA · On-site

$55K - $67K/yr

Manage PR activities working with various types of funding requests including Incremental, OFDs ... Associate degree (AA) in a related business field, OR three (3) plus years of progressively ...

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Public Relations Associate information

See Virginia salary details

$12

$27

$71

How much do public relations associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for public relations associate in Virginia is $27.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.20 and $30.53 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a Public Relations Associate typically collaborate with other departments within an organization?

As a Public Relations Associate, you'll frequently work with teams such as marketing, social media, and customer service to ensure consistent messaging and effective communication strategies. Collaboration often involves coordinating on campaigns, sharing media insights, and preparing unified responses to public inquiries or crises. Building strong working relationships across departments helps enhance the organization's reputation and ensures that all external communications align with broader business goals. Expect regular meetings and cross-functional projects to be a core part of your routine.

What does a Public Relations Associate do?

A Public Relations Associate helps manage and improve the public image of a company or organization. They assist with writing press releases, coordinating media outreach, managing social media presence, and organizing events. Their goal is to foster positive relationships with the media and the public, ensuring that their employer’s message is communicated effectively. Public Relations Associates often work closely with other communications professionals to develop and implement PR strategies.

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

To thrive as a Public Relations Associate, you need strong written and verbal communication skills, media relations experience, and typically a bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, or a related field. Familiarity with media monitoring tools, press release distribution platforms, and social media management systems is often required. Creativity, adaptability, and relationship-building are essential soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure effective brand messaging, positive media coverage, and successful collaboration in a fast-paced environment.

Are PR jobs well paid?

Public Relations Associate positions typically offer median salaries that vary by experience, location, and industry, with entry-level roles starting around $40,000 to $50,000 annually and more experienced professionals earning over $70,000. Skills in communication, media relations, and strategic planning can influence earning potential, and certifications like APR may enhance salary prospects.

What Is the Job of a Public Relations Associate?

A public relations associate meets with the press to create and develop a favorable image of an organization. Responsibilities include the design of advertising materials on a variety of platforms including social media. You must have experience with marketing and ad campaigns along with knowledge of analytics, media relations strategies, and current technologies to succeed in this job. Excellent verbal and communication skills are imperative to implement the vision of a client with creative solutions. Duties also involve advanced written documentation such as case studies, media talking points, and presentations. Work is full-time with most employers preferring individuals with experience in public relations.

What careers can you do with public relations?

A Public Relations Associate can pursue careers in corporate communications, media relations, marketing, event planning, and social media management. These roles often require strong communication skills, media knowledge, and familiarity with PR tools and platforms.

What does a PR associate do?

A Public Relations Associate helps manage a company's or organization's public image by creating press releases, coordinating media outreach, and developing communication strategies. They often monitor media coverage, build relationships with journalists, and use tools like media databases to promote positive publicity. Strong communication skills and familiarity with social media are essential for this role.

Which is better, HR or PR?

A Public Relations Associate focuses on managing an organization's public image and communication strategies, while HR professionals handle employee relations, recruitment, and workplace policies. Both roles require strong communication skills, but PR emphasizes media and public outreach, whereas HR centers on internal personnel management.
More about Public Relations Associate jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Public Relations jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Public Relations jobs in Virginia are:
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What job categories do people searching Public Relations Associate jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Public Relations Associate jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Public Relations Associate jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Public Relations Associate job openings:
Public Relations Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Relations Associate job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 30% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,088 per year, or $27.4 per hour.

Public Relations Associate (IT/Cyber)

Ripple Effect

Arlington, VA • On-site

$64K - $88K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

General Information

  • Job Code: PRO-PR-01/PRO-PR-02
  • Location: Client/Arlington, VA
  • Employee Type: Exempt, Full-Time Regular (may also hire Non-Exempt, Part-Time)
  • Telework: Partial
  • Citizenship: US Citizenship Required
  • Salary Range: $64,281-$88,708 per year

Are you passionate about advancing a mission through strategic communication and outreach that elevate complex IT and cybersecurity initiatives.

Ripple Effect is seeking a Public Relations Associate (IT/Cyber) to support the execution of public affairs and communications initiatives, including strategic communications planning, media relations, campaign execution, and stakeholder engagement. This role supports technology- and cyber-focused programs and requires the ability to translate complex topics into clear, accessible messaging for diverse audiences.

Responsibilities:

  • Public Affairs Support: Contribute to public affairs initiatives by developing issue-based content, supporting outreach campaigns, and assisting with stakeholder engagement activities. Provide input into communications strategies and execute tasks under the direction of senior team members.
  • Media Relations Activities: Assist with media outreach efforts, draft press materials, and support preparation for interviews and briefings. Monitor media coverage and compile summaries to help inform messaging and track outcomes.
  • Communication & Representation: Communicate clearly and professionally in both internal and external settings. Support organizational representation at events, conferences, and engagements, contributing to consistent and effective messaging.
  • Schedule & Timeline Coordination: Help manage timelines across multiple public relations tasks and campaigns, ensuring deliverables such as press releases, media outreach, and communications materials are completed on schedule. Escalate risks or delays as needed.
  • Documentation & Organization: Maintain organized and up-to-date documentation of PR activities, including press materials, media lists, campaign trackers, and partnership records to support team coordination and knowledge sharing.
  • Problem Solving & Continuous Improvement: Identify and address routine communications challenges, seeking guidance for more complex issues. Contribute ideas to improve processes, tools, and campaign effectiveness, and incorporate feedback to strengthen performance.

Requirements

Minimum Education and Experience

  • Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Public Relations, Communications, or a related field
  • Minimum of three (3) years of experience planning and executing comprehensive public relations campaigns, including strategic direction, message development, and implementation
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DHS Fitness Determination

Basic Requirements

  • Proven experience collaborating with clients, leadership, and cross‑functional teams to execute public relations initiatives from concept through delivery
  • Experience partnering with internal teams and external stakeholders to coordinate PR projects and ensure alignment with communication objectives
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience developing messaging, press materials, and campaign content
  • Experience reviewing communications products for quality, consistency, and alignment with organizational standards
  • High degree of professionalism, judgment, and discretion when handling sensitive or high‑visibility communications
  • Intermediate experience with Microsoft Office productivity software and collaboration tools such as Microsoft Teams and SharePoint
  • Must be a U.S. citizen to be eligible for this role

Skills That Set You Apart

  • Experience supporting IT, cybersecurity, technology modernization, or digital programs
  • Background working in federal, contractor, or highly regulated environments
  • Experience coordinating campaigns that involve media outreach, events, or multi‑channel communications
  • Ability to translate complex or technical subject matter into clear, compelling messages for varied audiences
  • Strong client‑facing skills with experience advising stakeholders on messaging and campaign approaches

Benefits

Ripple Effect rewards our employees for their contributions to our mission in many ways, from competitive pay and exceptional benefits to a range of work/life programs based on your employment classification and personalized preferences.

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Ripple Effect is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, political affiliation, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation during the hiring process, please let us know by contacting our HR department at HR@rippleeffect.com or your recruiter. Eligibility for employment will be verified using E-verify.