Program Assistant, Media Relations & Social Media

The Atlantic Council seeks a creative, hard-working, and motivated Program Assistant to support a joint portfolio across Media Relations and the Social Media team in a dynamic, global policy environment. This full-time role is jointly shared between the two teams, with the Director of Strategic Communications serving as the direct manager and day-to-day tasks coordinated closely with the Social Media team.

The ideal candidate is remarkably well-organized and detail-oriented, brings strong writing and digital savvy, and is eager to learn the craft of media outreach and social publishing at scale. You will help amplify the Atlantic Council’s thought leadership by coordinating press engagement, tracking coverage, drafting and distributing press materials, and executing social media publishing, live event coverage, and analytics reporting. This position will work closely with programs and centers across the Council, as well as editorial and digital colleagues.

This position is based at our Washington, DC headquarters and requires 5 days per week in-office. The Atlantic Council offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with experience, education, and organizational equity, with offers from $55,000 to $60,000. Applications submitted by April 22, 2026, will be prioritized for consideration.

Job Responsibilities

Media Relations

• Support development and execution of media relations strategies across programs and centers.
• Maintain and update media contact lists; assist with pitching Council experts, publications, and events to journalists and producers.
• Coordinate press logistics for in-person and virtual events (press briefings, media calls, interviews), including day-of media check‑in and liaison duties.
• Monitor, compile, and distribute daily media clips and rollups; track coverage and produce weekly/monthly media engagement reports.
• Maintain forward-planning calendars and deconflict outreach to ensure consistent journalist engagement across the organization.
• Provide general administrative support for the Media Relations function, including contact management and expense processing as needed.

Social Media

• Draft high-quality social copy and create graphics tailored to platform norms (X, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube), including headlines, captions, and thread/post sequencing; ensure timely publishing aligned with editorial calendars.
• Execute live-clipping and posting during events and major moments (e.g., panels, keynotes, releases), coordinating with Media Relations on real-time press amplification. Assist in social listening, trend monitoring, and community management; surface opportunities for rapid content and expert promotion.
• Assist in creating short videos for social media platforms.
• Support basic asset coordination (images/video) with the editorial/digital team; ensure brand and style consistency in posts.
• Contribute to monthly analytics reports (reach, engagement, top-performing content), translating insights into recommendations for both teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications, Public Relations, International Relations/Political Science, or a related field.
• Approximately 1–2 years of relevant experience (internships included) in media relations, communications, journalism, or digital/social media.
• Strong writing, communication, and analytical skills; proven attention to detail and editorial judgment.
• Familiarity with media relations tools (e.g., Muck Rack, Cision, Google Alerts) and enterprise social platforms (e.g., Sprout, Hootsuite) is preferred.
• Ability to multitask, meet tight deadlines, and work collaboratively across teams in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrable interest in international affairs and global policy.
• Strong understanding of media landscape and experience engaging with journalists is a plus.

Potential applicants are encouraged to apply even if they do not meet all of the qualification requirements. This role also presents an opportunity to learn on the job.

To produce quality work and to successfully achieve our mission, we recognize the need for our staff to maintain a healthy lifestyle and a work/life balance. Our comprehensive benefits package helps to keep costs low for our staff and their families. Benefits include, but are not limited to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, 403(b) plan, FSA options, pet insurance, Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility, and wellness benefits.