Communications Associate

Exempt, full-time

Reports to:  Executive Director, Communications

JOB OBJECTIVE

Coordinate on a wide range of communications and public relations activities and projects, including managing PBS NewsHour and Washington Week’s award submissions, coordinating in person and virtual events, supporting talent and executive events and interviews, and assisting with other writing and media asset projects. 
 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Manage PBS NewsHour and Washington Week’s award submissions including our database of award-worthy reporting, the annual calendar of award competitions, communications with and text/video needs with
• producers and reporters, and the submission process and assist with the planning of NewsHour and Washington Week’s attendance and representation at award ceremonies.
• Assist with writing internal and external communications, including press releases, staff communications, board reports. 
• Coordinate and assist in planning NewsHour (company) and talent (co-anchors and correspondents) events, station visits, and interviews.
• Track press clips and assist with managing our media databases.
• Assist with the presentation, organization and delivery of video, photo, and written brand assets.
• Fill in for NewsHour’s publicist as needed.
• Perform related special projects or other duties as assigned.

SKILLS & ABILITIES REQUIRED

• An interest in working in a mission-driven daily newsroom and for a leading, national news organization.
• Attention to detail and excellent writing and communication skills, including familiarity with AP style.
• Well-informed in a wide range of areas, including politics, policy, foreign affairs, and/or the arts.
• Experience working with different types of digital media, including video and photos and Wordpress.
• Ability to multi-task and juggle multiple deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and a willingness to learn new skills as needed.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or related field, two to three years of experience working in communications/public relations, preferably in the journalism space. Or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Or equivalent combination of education and experience.

LOCATION

WETA and NewsHour Productions are Washington, DC established media and news organizations.  We are a largely local workforce based out of the Campbell Place office in Arlington, VA.  WETA and NewsHour Productions value employee flexibility when possible.  Most positions based in our Arlington, VA office will be onsite or hybrid, depending upon the role.

COMPANY OVERVIEW

WETA and its subsidiary NewsHour Productions LLC serve local and national public media audiences by producing and distributing content of intellectual integrity and cultural merit. Through broadcast, digital and community services, the organization offers compelling, diverse programming on five television channels, including primary channel WETA PBS, and on WETA Classical, the exclusive home for classical music in the nation’s capital; produces a portfolio of national television productions, including PBS NewsHour, recognized globally for bringing balanced, in-depth news coverage to all Americans; creates impactful documentaries with longtime production partners Ken Burns and Prof. Henry Louis Gates, Jr.; features a variety of content offerings on weta.org, WETA Passport, the PBS Video App and the WETA Classical App; and serves communities near and far with education and engagement initiatives that contribute to the company’s mission of public service.

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EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

WETA/NewsHour Productions is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment of any kind. Fostering a culture of mutual respect is a top priority and something we take very seriously. 

Employment at WETA/NewsHour Productions is based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, age, ethnicity or ethnic origin, religion or belief, sex (including pregnancy), physical, mental or sensory ability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.

We are also committed to demonstrating fair and equitable systems, practices, and processes related to how we recruit, develop, retain, promote, reward, compensate, and terminate talent.

We know that Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is fundamental to the success of our business and our people, and we will continue to recognize it as part of our guiding principles.