41 Communications Associate Jobs in Washington, DC
ASSOCIATION OF AMERICAN RAILROADS is Hiring a Communications Associate Near Washington, DC
The Association of American Railroads (AAR), the world's leading railroad policy, research, standard-setting, and technology organization, is focused on enhancing the safety and productivity of the U.S. freight rail industry, seeks a motivated Communications Associate. Positioned in the communications department, this role spans critical areas such as reputation management, issue advocacy, media outreach, public affairs and integrated communications. The ideal candidate is proactive, adept at multitasking, keenly detail-oriented, and thrives in a collaborative team setting. This role is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the public narrative and stakeholder engagement strategies within the rail industry.
This position offers unparalleled exposure to a broad spectrum of communications disciplines, providing an excellent platform for the right candidate to lay the groundwork for substantial career advancement in the field. If you are driven, articulate, and eager to contribute to a dynamic team, we welcome your application.
This position reports to the Senior Vice President, Communications and supports the Communications division.
Principle Accountabilities:
Media Support
- Monitor industry and related news and compile daily media clips and media and issue assessment. Assess media coverage to identify trends, challenges, and opportunities for correcting the record or future engagement
- Maintain and update media contact and distribution lists, including researching and identifying journalists, outlets, podcasts and other channels for proactive engagement
- Assist with the maintenance and upkeep of the e-newsletter distribution list, social media monitoring lists and others as appropriate
- Assist in the development and dissemination of press releases, op-eds, LTEs, speeches, newsletter articles, and other materials designed to inform and engage public and media interests, including conducting research and analysis to support the preparation of public information and media content, ensuring accuracy and relevance
- Efficiently triage and track media inquiries and coordinate responses in collaboration with senior team members, maintaining consistent and strategic messaging
- Maintain and update AAR's message repository
- Conduct analyses of reports, opinions and communications from key industry stakeholders to guide the creation of policy briefs, inform external communications strategies, explore potential collaboration opportunities and understand opposition positions
- Build and maintain relationships with relevant stakeholders, assisting in AAR's coalition and mobilization efforts
- Work with the State Relations Committee to monitor and track relevant state policy and coordinate committee activities
- Create and refine compelling content for a variety of channels, including newsletters, website, and social media, ensuring alignment with AAR's mission and goals
- Assist with the team's editorial calendar, ensuring timely planning, tracking, and coordination of content across various channels
- Compile and draft regularly scheduled updates, including weekly communications update, quarterly member reports, annual budget submissions and other items as assigned.
- Facilitate team meetings and event logistics, offering comprehensive administrative support to ensure smooth operations
- Assist in managing department budgets, including invoice processing, budget forecasting and contract management tasks
- Display a strong initiative in broadening job-related skills and responsibilities, actively seeking opportunities for professional development
Qualifications:
- Preferably 2-3 years of experience in communications, especially in roles in high-profile media environment and working on advocacy issues
- Previous media, public relations, agency, public affairs or Capitol Hill experience strongly preferred
- Exceptional oral and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information in an accessible manner
- Strong analytical, organizational, and time management skills, with a proven ability to prioritize tasks effectively
- Familiarity with Microsoft Office suite, Meltwater, WordPress, MailChimp, and other media/social monitoring platforms is highly desirable
- Previous public relations, public affairs or Capitol Hill experience strongly preferred
- An enthusiastic approach to taking on expanded responsibilities and pursuing continuous learning and professional growth
- Exceptional candidates with less experience, including ambitious recent college graduates with relevant skills and a keen interest in communications, will also be considered
Job Summary
Full Time
$82k-101k (estimate)
04/28/2024
05/15/2024
aar.org
WORTH, IL
500 - 1,000
1934
FRANK HIRSCH
$50M - $200M
Professional Associations
Related Companies
About ASSOCIATION OF AMERICAN RAILROADS
America's freight railroads operate the safest, most efficient, cost-effective and environmentally sound freight transportation system in the world and at the Association of American Railroads (AAR) we are committed to keeping it that way. Operating over a private, 140,000 mile network stretching across the far reaches of North America, AAR members include the major freight railroads in the United States, Canada and Mexico, as well as Amtrak. Working with elected officials and leaders in Washington, D.C. on critical transportation and related issues, AAR ensures that the freight rail industry... will continue to meet Americas transportation needs today and tomorrow. As the standard setting organization for North America's railroads, AAR is also focused on improving the safety and productivity of rail transportation. AAR helps advance these goals through its two subsidiaries, the Transportation Technology Center Inc.(TTCI) and the Railinc Corp. TTCI is the world's leading research, development and testing facility, and develops next-generation advancements in safety and operation efficiency. Railinc serves as the rail industrys leading resource for rail data, information technology and information services, and uses one of the world's largest data networks to track customer shipments. AAR also supports the Railroad Research Foundation (RRF), a world-class policy research organization dedicated to sustaining a safe, secure and technologically advanced rail network.
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The following is the career advancement route for Communications Associate positions, which can be used as a reference in future career path planning. As a Communications Associate, it can be promoted into senior positions as a Communications Representative IV that are expected to handle more key tasks, people in this role will get a higher salary paid than an ordinary Communications Associate. You can explore the career advancement for a Communications Associate below and select your interested title to get hiring information.
If you are interested in becoming a Communications Associate, you need to understand the job requirements and the detailed related responsibilities. Of course, a good educational background and an applicable major will also help in job hunting. Below are some tips on how to become a Communications Associate for your reference.
Step 1: Understand the job description and responsibilities of an Accountant.
Quotes from people on Communications Associate job description and responsibilities
Communication associates work towards generating awareness of their employers' agenda.
02/25/2022: Fresno, CA
They are responsible for a broad range of duties related to content and messaging.
04/02/2022: Green Bay, WI
A communications associate assists the marketing or advertising team with a variety of tasks.
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Communications associate assists in designing and coordinating company internal/external communications.
02/22/2022: Wichita, KS
Should develop their communication skills and learning how to use technology to communicate effectively.
04/05/2022: Louisville, KY
Step 2: Knowing the best tips for becoming an Accountant can help you explore the needs of the position and prepare for the job-related knowledge well ahead of time.
Career tips from people on Communications Associate jobs
A communications specialist should also be a part of the various networking groups and achieve these common professional certifications.
02/23/2022: Canton, OH
Communications associates can have a variety of career paths.
02/04/2022: Beaumont, TX
Communications associate will need to be familiar with branding concepts and how to apply them to their work.
02/03/2022: Concord, NH
Learn to have an excellent written and communication skills.
04/14/2022: Everett, WA
Must be able to exercise sound judgment and confidentiality.
04/15/2022: Tallahassee, FL
Step 3: View the best colleges and universities for Communications Associate.
