Public Affairs Associate

PUBLIC AFFAIRS ASSOCIATE

Oklahoma City, OK

ABOUT THE FIRM

Cornerstone Government Affairs, Inc. (Cornerstone) is a full-service, bipartisan consulting firm specializing in federal and state government relations, public affairs and strategic communications, and business advisory services. Utilizing a shared vision, philosophy, and complete team approach, Cornerstone – with 16 offices and over 200 professionals – stands as one of the industry’s most effective and respected consulting firms. We are proud of our professional standards and team culture that provide clients with the full depth and breadth of our expertise, experience, and relationships, resulting in meaningful and highly valuable partnerships.

Recognizing the ability to better serve our clients, the firm established a public affairs and strategic communications practice, in April 2017 to integrate with the existing government relations and regulatory strategy services. Now with a presence in Atlanta, Concord, Des Moines, Houston, Oklahoma City, and Washington, DC, we give clients a complete offering that fosters collaboration and increases the resources available to achieve success. We specialize in developing and implementing public affairs strategies that complement government affairs initiatives and amplify communications efforts with local audiences; garner national media attention; advance an organization’s public policy goals; train leaders for press engagement; and organize and execute public events. We provide bespoke counsel, develop and implement thoughtful communications strategies, advise on messaging and reputation management, overcome crises, and assist in building long-term engagement plans.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Summary/Objective

Cornerstone seeks a full-time Associate to support senior staff professionals with content creation and client services management. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Client Service & Team Support

• Support senior staff in high-level meetings through preparation of materials, note-taking, and logistical planning.
• Track client deliverables, develop client reports, and communicate with team members to ensure timely completion.
• Assist with scheduling, preparing call agendas, and various administrative tasks as needed.
• Provide administrative support for business development efforts.
• Demonstrate curiosity and initiative in understanding each client’s needs, goals, and context.
• Support senior staff as needed across a range of projects and priorities.

Communications & Media Relations

• Produce written materials on a wide range of issues, including press releases, social media content, internal and external memos, op-eds, newsletters, and briefings.
• Manage multiple social media accounts and monitor digital metrics to support engagement efforts.
• Develop and maintain media lists to support outreach efforts.
• Conduct media research to identify opportunities and trends within the news cycle.
• Target and execute strategic media pitching opportunities to elevate client visibility.

Research, Analysis & Reporting

• Conduct internal and external information gathering and interpret findings to support client objectives.
• Execute research and create content for a wide range of client communications and deliverables.
• Track deadlines and competing priorities, managing both short- and long-term projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Possess a base-level understanding of public affairs and client services to inform written and verbal communication.

Event Planning & Execution

• Assist in planning and executing events, including logistics, coordination, and on-site support to ensure successful outcomes.

Competencies

The ideal candidate for this position is a skilled multitasker who is reliable and committed to consistently meeting deadlines. Key qualities for candidates in this position include:

• Proactiveness: Works independently in a busy environment;
• Flexibility: Able to work early mornings and late evenings;
• Dependability: Arrives to work on time, follows instructions, pays close attention to detail, responds promptly, and solicits feedback to improve performance;
• Adaptability: Able to adapt to changes in the work environment on a day-to-day basis, comfortable with ambiguity, and manage relationships with multiple client service professionals in the office;
• Time Management: Thrives in a fast-paced environment and can manage competing priorities;
• Communication: Possess strong written and verbal communication skills; and
• Teamwork: Able to work within a team, is approachable, and willing to help others.

Key Requirements

The ideal candidate for this position is someone who has a bachelor’s degree, background in communications, journalism, or public relations, and has a strong interest in public affairs, media, and writing. `The candidate must have at least 2-4 years of work-related experience. Excellent writing, organizational, and communication skills are essential, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment is vital. Knowledge of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, and Excel), Microsoft Teams, and Adobe Acrobat are required.