Communications Assistant

Pew Research Center has its origins in a research project created in 1990 by the Times Mirror newspaper company and called the Times Mirror Center for the People & the Press.

The Communications Assistant is a member of the Pew Research Center’s communications team who assists in media relations; handles general email and phone correspondence; updates contact databases; monitors a variety of quantitative indicators related to dissemination; and provides administrative and logistical support for events and other activities. The position reports to the Director of Communications.

• Assist with media relations by monitoring and compiling daily press clips, distributing press releases and adding to press lists. Build press lists using Cision, Leadership Directories and other tools.
• Assist with stakeholder/public relations by answering the communications phone line, checking general information email accounts and following up with communications colleagues and researchers as appropriate; responding to requests for information and permissions; maintaining stakeholder mailing lists; and assisting in the distribution of publications.
• Update, maintain and help build communications contact lists using Salesforce and Excel.
• Assist with editorial outreach by copy-editing and fact-checking, as needed.
• Assist with internal communications efforts, as needed.
• Assist with external events and meetings. Update materials tables. Maintain collateral materials.
• Assist Communications Director with administrative tasks, as needed.

Education/Training/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in journalism or communications.
• One to two years related experience.
• Washington experience is a plus.

Knowledge & Skills Requirements

• Excellent writing and editing skills. Familiarity with AP Style is a plus.
• Excellent verbal and interpersonal skills. Ability to build and cultivate relationships with colleagues within communications and across functional teams. Confident telephone manner; comfortable making calls to and fielding calls from media organizations and the public.
• Demonstrated knowledge and interest in media and current topics.
• Ability to prioritize, manage time, plan and identify resources for projects. Comfortable asking questions and adopting a proactive, client-oriented approach.
• Flexibility to work as part of a team as well as independently to meet goals. Self-directed to take action and resolve issues.
• Ability to maintain high quality of work under tight deadlines.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Microsoft Excel and Word.
• Familiarity with Cision, Leadership Directories, Salesforce a plus.