Pew Research Center
Communications Associate
Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about issues, attitudes and trends shaping the world. It conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, media content analysis and other empirical social science research in U.S. politics and policy views; media and journalism; internet and technology; science and society; religion and public life; race and ethnicity; global attitudes and U.S. social and demographic trends.
Position Summary The communications associate supports communications managers in promoting the Center’s work to the news media, influential voices in new media spaces, key stakeholders and the engaged public. They assist with all aspects of external relations, playing a major supporting role in the promotion and dissemination of research findings through media relations, stakeholder engagement and event planning, including briefings, presentations and panel discussions. The associate reports to the Associate Director of Strategic Communications.
Primary Responsibilities
Support communications managers in outreach efforts for research releases.
Assist in developing outreach plans for priority research publications and support implementation.
Serve as an initial point of contact for external inquiries, especially from media, and respond promptly and accurately.
Coordinate logistics for interviews and presentations of Center experts.
Create, update and maintain lists of media and other key contacts, expanding and diversifying target audiences.
Maintain and update collaborative platforms used to coordinate outreach activities, such as the editorial calendar.
Stay up-to-date with current events and key conversations relevant to supported research areas.
Track media coverage and document outreach results to demonstrate audience impact for reporting purposes.
Identify themes and opportunities for follow‑on visibility and proactive moments.
Participate in special projects and new initiatives supporting the Center’s mission.
Uphold the Center’s core values of independence, objectivity, accuracy, rigor, humility, transparency and innovation.
Knowledge and Skills
Demonstrated interest in the Center’s research topics, news and current events.
Experience with traditional media relations and keeping up with new trends in the evolving information ecosystem.
Excellent writing, editing and verbal communication skills.
Excellent interpersonal and relationship management skills and a customer‑service mindset.
Advanced self‑organization skills and ability to balance multiple time‑sensitive priorities and deadlines.
Ability to work well both independently and in a highly collaborative environment.
Attention to detail and precision in communicating about data and numbers.
Good judgment, self‑awareness and accountability.
Strategic thinking and tactical execution.
Entrepreneurial spirit, initiative and proactivity.
Education, Training & Experience
Bachelor’s degree required; communications, journalism, social science, or related degree preferred.
3–5 years of relevant experience in external relations, including media relations.
Knowledge of U.S. public discourse and the U.S. media landscape.
Experience promoting content through social media and other digital channels.
Proficiency with media outreach and tracking tools such as Salesforce, Meltwater, Cision, MuckRack, and Mailchimp.
Experience managing contact databases such as Salesforce.
Experience with collaborative project‑management platforms like Asana, Trello or Basecamp.
Proficiency with Microsoft productivity software, especially Teams, Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
Location Pew Research Center staff are required to be present in the Center’s Washington, D.C., office three core days per week (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday). Staff may work virtually from remote locations on other days.
Application Procedure Complete the online application and upload a resume and cover letter. Both documents are required.
EEO Statement Pew Research Center makes employment decisions without regard to age, sex, race, ethnicity, religion, disability, marital status, sexual orientation or gender identity, military/veteran status or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. We encourage applications from candidates who represent a variety of backgrounds, perspectives and skills.
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Position Summary The communications associate supports communications managers in promoting the Center’s work to the news media, influential voices in new media spaces, key stakeholders and the engaged public. They assist with all aspects of external relations, playing a major supporting role in the promotion and dissemination of research findings through media relations, stakeholder engagement and event planning, including briefings, presentations and panel discussions. The associate reports to the Associate Director of Strategic Communications.
Primary Responsibilities
Support communications managers in outreach efforts for research releases.
Assist in developing outreach plans for priority research publications and support implementation.
Serve as an initial point of contact for external inquiries, especially from media, and respond promptly and accurately.
Coordinate logistics for interviews and presentations of Center experts.
Create, update and maintain lists of media and other key contacts, expanding and diversifying target audiences.
Maintain and update collaborative platforms used to coordinate outreach activities, such as the editorial calendar.
Stay up-to-date with current events and key conversations relevant to supported research areas.
Track media coverage and document outreach results to demonstrate audience impact for reporting purposes.
Identify themes and opportunities for follow‑on visibility and proactive moments.
Participate in special projects and new initiatives supporting the Center’s mission.
Uphold the Center’s core values of independence, objectivity, accuracy, rigor, humility, transparency and innovation.
Knowledge and Skills
Demonstrated interest in the Center’s research topics, news and current events.
Experience with traditional media relations and keeping up with new trends in the evolving information ecosystem.
Excellent writing, editing and verbal communication skills.
Excellent interpersonal and relationship management skills and a customer‑service mindset.
Advanced self‑organization skills and ability to balance multiple time‑sensitive priorities and deadlines.
Ability to work well both independently and in a highly collaborative environment.
Attention to detail and precision in communicating about data and numbers.
Good judgment, self‑awareness and accountability.
Strategic thinking and tactical execution.
Entrepreneurial spirit, initiative and proactivity.
Education, Training & Experience
Bachelor’s degree required; communications, journalism, social science, or related degree preferred.
3–5 years of relevant experience in external relations, including media relations.
Knowledge of U.S. public discourse and the U.S. media landscape.
Experience promoting content through social media and other digital channels.
Proficiency with media outreach and tracking tools such as Salesforce, Meltwater, Cision, MuckRack, and Mailchimp.
Experience managing contact databases such as Salesforce.
Experience with collaborative project‑management platforms like Asana, Trello or Basecamp.
Proficiency with Microsoft productivity software, especially Teams, Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
Location Pew Research Center staff are required to be present in the Center’s Washington, D.C., office three core days per week (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday). Staff may work virtually from remote locations on other days.
Application Procedure Complete the online application and upload a resume and cover letter. Both documents are required.
EEO Statement Pew Research Center makes employment decisions without regard to age, sex, race, ethnicity, religion, disability, marital status, sexual orientation or gender identity, military/veteran status or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. We encourage applications from candidates who represent a variety of backgrounds, perspectives and skills.
#J-18808-Ljbffr