ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Public Relations Associate Jobs in Madison, WI (NOW HIRING)

Outrider Foundation

Program Associate

Madison, WI · On-site

Outrider Foundation is hiring a Program Associate to coordinate events and build fundraising ... Background in event planning, philanthropy, journalism, communications, public relations, public ...

Cabela's

Customer Relations Team Lead

Sun Prairie, WI · On-site

... relations and a productive team-oriented work environment. * Resolves customer and associate ... Managers, associates, customers, and the general public * Ability to conduct meetings and ...

U.S. Navy

DESIGN & COMMUNICATION MANAGER

Madison, WI · On-site

Work directly with local news media organizations to release stories and develop public relations ... College credit hours toward a bachelor's or associate degree through the American Council on ...

Gentiva

AVP of Operations - Hospice

Madison, WI · On-site

Public and Community Relations: Serve as a visible ambassador for the organization in the community ... Associates (Full-Time, Part-Time & Per Diem): * Competitive Pay * 401(k) with Company Match

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPublic Relations Associate JobsPublic Relations Associate Jobs in Madison, WI

Public Relations Associate information

See Madison, WI salary details

$13

$27

$72

How much do public relations associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for public relations associate in Madison, WI is $27.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.49 and $31.01 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.

What is 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.

More about Public Relations Associate jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Public Relations jobs in Madison, WI? The most popular types of Public Relations jobs in Madison, WI are:
What job categories do people searching Public Relations Associate jobs in Madison, WI look for? The top searched job categories for Public Relations Associate jobs in Madison, WI are:
What cities near Madison, WI are hiring for Public Relations Associate jobs? Cities near Madison, WI with the most Public Relations Associate job openings:
Public Relations Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Relations Associate job openings in Madison, WI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,021 per year, or $27.9 per hour.

Program Associate

Outrider Foundation

Madison, WI • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Outrider Foundation is hiring a Program Associate to coordinate events and build fundraising infrastructure. You will plan media training sessions and conferences, manage communications, and seek new partners and co-funders to expand our impact.


We are in the early phases of building a formal fund development program to expand our work supporting journalism and storytelling about nuclear threats and climate change. The Program Associate will be key to helping Outrider thrive by building strong relationships with sponsors, funding partners, like-minded foundations, and major-gift donors.


Event Coordinator

Event planning and project management are big parts of this job. Each year, we organize conferences and training for journalists in our issue areas. The Program Associate helps run these programs, handles outreach and communication with speakers and guests, and works with our team and partners to manage logistics. Duties include managing catering and hotel logistics, preparing event spaces, setting up and taking down event materials, and coordinating programs in collaboration with the CEO and Chief Climate Officer.


Development Associate

Another important part of this job is researching and finding foundations that could help fund journalism projects and reporting fellowships. Outrider’s fellowship program partners with organizations such as The New York Times, TIME magazine, Science Friday, The Guardian, Inside Climate News, Vox, CNN, and the Associated Press to support investigative reporting and analysis. Duties include researching and identifying prospective donors, engaging new and existing funders, and working closely with the CEO to secure partnerships and co-funding for Outrider programs.


We want someone self-motivated, creative, and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously. You should be organized, comfortable using cloud-based project management tools, and able to work well both remotely and in person. We value team players who can also work independently.


The ideal candidate cares about Outrider’s mission, understands philanthropy, and is experienced in event planning. Familiarity with advancement programming, alum/donor relations, stewardship, and engagement would be a plus.


Specific duties include:


Programmatic

  • Event training, coordination, and materials preparation
  • Event coordination and management, including negotiating vendor rates
  • Events development and project planning (virtual and in-person)
  • Scheduling meetings/travel for Outrider events and programs


Fundraising

  • Identifying prospective donors and developing ways to engage future funders
  • Outreach and engagement with co-funders and prospects to secure funding
  • Coordinating advancement meetings for the CEO and Chief Climate Officer
  • Managing and maintaining a database and CRM management


Administrative

  • Board meeting planning and materials preparations
  • Preparing grant reports and proposals, and annual impact reports
  • Coordinating payments and documentation with the front office


Role Requirements

  • Background in event planning, philanthropy, journalism, communications, public relations, public policy, science communications, or related fields.
  • Experience in planning and executing various communications initiatives that meet or exceed goals and impact an organization.
  • Excellent project management skills and experience overseeing/collaborating with vendors and partners.
  • Communication and content skills, including writing, editing, proofreading, and verbal skills, with the ability to articulate complex topics into easily understandable content and messaging for various audiences.
  • Proficient knowledge of Google Workspace, Microsoft Office Suite, social media, CRM and CMS, and email marketing platforms.


Featured benefits

  • Medical insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • 401(k)


Although Outrider is based in Madison, Wisconsin, we are open to remote employment for the right person.

Apply