Communications Assistant

Position Title: Communications Assistant, Strategic Communications Organization overview Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping the world. It conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, media content analysis and other empirical social science research in the areas of U.S. politics and policy views; media and journalism; internet and technology; science and society; religion and public life; race and ethnicity; global attitudes and U.S. social and demographic trends. Pew Research Center does not take policy positions. It is a subsidiary of The Pew Charitable Trusts. The Center’s work is carried out by a staff of more than 160 people. Position Summary The communications assistant provides essential support to the Strategic Communications team in promoting the Center’s work to the news media, influential voices in new media spaces, key stakeholders and the engaged public. This entry-level role focuses on foundational tasks that strengthen the team’s ability to execute its mission and maintain the Center’s “gold-standard” brand reputation. The assistant plays a key role in maintaining and improving the Center’s outreach database, managing incoming inquiries from the media, stakeholders and the public, and supporting day-to-day communications operations. They will occasionally also assist with media tracking, list-building, and logistics for outreach activities. This position offers exposure to the Center’s research operations, global media landscapes and opportunities to learn about strategic communications in a dynamic environment. The ideal candidate is meticulous, diligent, and curious about a career in communications. They derive satisfaction from accuracy and logical structure, enjoy creating order and efficiencies, and are interested in global media landscapes. The assistant is a member of the 16-person Strategic Communications team, working closely with communications associates, managers, and other colleagues across the Center. The assistant reports to the Associate Director of Strategic Communications. This is a term-limited, grant-funded position expected to extend three years. Primary Responsibilities The communications assistant: Maintains and updates the Center’s outreach database, including systematic review of media contacts to ensure relevant outreach. Conducts recurring updates to inactive media contacts and adds new contacts as priority audiences evolve. Works closely with communications managers and associates to ensure the database serve the Center’s overall priorities. Ensures media contacts who engage with the Center (via info@ or direct outreach) are entered into the database. Manages incoming media, stakeholder and public inquiries and provides timely, accurate responses. Assists and supports communications managers and associates during research release activities (e.g., list-building, coverage tracking). Provides logistical support for presentations, briefings, and other outreach events. Serves as backup for the Enterprise team’s assistant when needed, including assisting with daily media clips tracking. Participates in special projects and new initiatives in support of the Center’s mission. Upholds the Center’s core values of independence, objectivity, accuracy, rigor, humility, transparency and innovation. Knowledge and Skill Requirements Excellent attention to detail and commitment to accuracy. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including written communication, with a customer service mindset. Strong ability to adopt and improve efficient, logic-based workflows. Demonstrated strength in process-oriented problem solving. Strong contact research skills. Good organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities. Ability to work well both independently and collaboratively. Good judgment, accountability, and willingness to learn. Familiarity with Microsoft productivity tools (Teams, Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Experience with databases or CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and collaborative platforms (e.g., Asana, Trello) is a plus. Interest in current events, global media landscapes and evolving news consumption trends a plus. Education/Training/Experience Bachelor’s degree required; fields emphasizing systems thinking, data management, or process optimization preferred (e.g., information science, business administration, data analytics, mathematics, or related disciplines). 0-2 years of relevant experience; internships or entry-level roles in data management, operations, information systems, project coordination, or other process-oriented fields welcome. FLSA Status: Non-exempt The typical starting salary for the position is $57,000 annually. Location Pew Research Center staff are required to be present in the Center’s Washington, D.C., office three core days weekly (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday). Staff may work virtually from remote locations on other days in a typical work week. Application Procedure Click on the Apply button, and complete required fields. Both cover letter and resume are required. When requested, please upload a copy of your resume/cv, as well as a copy of your cover letter in the section labeled Resume/Cover Letter. If the documents have successfully uploaded, you should see two attached files beneath the “Drop files here” box. Please make sure you have uploaded a resume AND a cover letter before moving on to the next page Total Rewards In addition to competitive pay, Pew Research Center’s employees enjoy a robust total rewards package that includes: Affordable, comprehensive health care that includes medical, dental (including adult orthodontia) and vision benefits. Generous paid annual leave plan, including a winter break between Dec. 25 and Jan. 1 Employer-paid disability, life insurance and paid family leave plans Up to a 12% employer 401(k) contribution, with vesting at the end of the first year. A 37.5-hour workweek. Health savings or flexible spending account options with employer funding component. Flexibility to telework a portion of each week, with an additional four telework “flex weeks” each year for most staff. EEO: Pew Research Center makes employment decisions without regard to age, sex, race, ethnicity, religion, disability, marital status, sexual orientation or gender identity, military/veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. We encourage applications from candidates who represent a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. Pew Research Center is a great place to work, learn and grow. Our culture is open, collegial, collaborative, supportive and down-to-earth. Our staff is made up of more than 180 smart, talented, mission-driven people who care deeply about the work they do. We hire people from a wide variety of backgrounds, including social science researchers, data scientists, survey methodologists, journalists, graphic artists, web developers, communications professionals, and administrative support and operations staff. In our work we value independence, objectivity, accuracy, rigor, humility, transparency, and innovation.  An extension of these values is our vision of a positive, welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration, openness, accountability, and community building – one where everyone can thrive and contribute to the mission.

Salary : $57,000