Reports To: Senior Director of Strategic Communications

Location: Columbia, South Carolina (4 days in the office; 1 day remote)

Salary Range: $35,000 - $45,500 annually

Position Overview 

The Strategic Communications Associate supports the development and execution of strategic communications initiatives for clients of Compass Global Communications. This role plays a key part in media relations, communications strategy, research, and client engagement, while supporting the firm’s leadership in delivering high-quality public relations and public affairs services. 

The position requires strong writing skills, strategic thinking, professionalism in client interactions, and the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment. 

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Communications Support 

• Assist in the development and implementation of public relations and public affairs strategies for client engagements. 
• Support messaging development and communications planning aligned with client goals.
• Draft press releases, opinion editorials, talking points, memos, one-pagers, digital communications content, and other client-facing media materials. 

Media Relations 

• Identify media opportunities and pitch newsworthy stories to journalists and media outlets. 
• Develop and maintain relationships with reporters, media representatives, bloggers, and influencers. 
• Monitor media placements and news cycles relevant to client interests. 

Client Support 

• Coordinate and support specific communications initiatives or media outreach campaigns for client engagements, including supporting strategy development, drafting messaging, conducting media outreach, and tracking results to ensure timely and effective execution. Participate in client meetings and assist in managing ongoing communications projects. 
• Provide research and briefing materials to support client strategy discussions. 
• Maintain professionalism and responsiveness in all client-facing interactions. 

Research and Policy Monitoring 

• Conduct research on topics including global finance, international trade, legal issues, public policy, agriculture, and economic development. 
• Monitor legislative and policy developments relevant to client priorities. 
• Prepare briefing materials and background research for leadership. 

Project Coordination 

• Assist in coordinating communications projects, events, and media engagements.
• Maintain project timelines and key communications milestones. 
• Support preparation of presentations, proposals, and pitch materials. 

Business Development 

Support business development efforts by assisting with proposal preparation and research for prospective client engagements. 

Executive Support 

• Assist leadership with communications-related projects and special initiatives. 
• Maintain confidentiality and discretion with sensitive client and company information. 

Professional Expectations 

• Maintain high standards of professionalism and integrity in all work. 
• Ability to quickly learn diverse, technical client public policy issues and identify related public affairs opportunities and vulnerabilities
• High level of responsiveness to various requests
• Demonstrate initiative, attention to detail, and strong organizational skills. 
• Translate complex policy issues into language and content digestible by a broad audience.
• Work collaboratively with leadership and team members to deliver timely, high-quality communications services. 

Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Communications, Political Science, Business, or a related field. 
• Minimum of two years of professional experience in communications, public relations, government affairs, public affairs, or related fields. 
• Genuine interest in national politics and public policy issues. 
• Exceptional writing, communication, and organizational skills. 
• Ability to manage multiple projects / clients simultaneously. 
• Strong research and analytical skills. 
• Crisis communications and media relations are non-negotiable.
• Familiarity with media monitoring tools, PR software, and digital communications platforms is preferred. 

Employment Classification 

• Full-time salaried employee. 
• Non-exempt position under the Fair Labor Standards Act. 

Work Environment 

The position is based in Columbia, South Carolina and may include occasional travel to client meetings, professional events, or media engagements. Much of the work is based in Washington, DC and / or international. 

Compass Global Communications is an equal opportunity employer and maintains an at-will employment relationship with all employees.