Associate, Corporate & Public Affairs

Summary

Associate, Corporate and Public Affairs

Weber Shandwick is more than a leading global PR agency – we're an engagement agency working at the cutting edge of the new media landscape. We're storytellers and content creators who engage people IN the story. Our success is built on a deep commitment to client service and our people, embracing creativity and collaboration to build brands and reputations.

Weber Shandwick is seeking a curious, creative, and collaborative Associate to join our team in Washington, D.C. This role is on our Corporate and Public Affairs team, part of Weber Advisory—a unit delivering trusted, agile C-suite counsel by blending communications expertise with cultural insights to accelerate stakeholder and business value.

In this role, you will execute communications, reputation management, and earned media strategies for clients operating at the complex intersection of business, policy, media, and culture. You will take ownership of assigned workstreams, working directly with senior team members to develop research, create materials, and staff projects while learning to balance multiple shifting priorities and deliver for our clients.

This position will be based in our Washington, D.C. office on a hybrid schedule.

You are curious about how business, policy, and the media intersect, and you adapt well when priorities shift. You are detail-oriented with a knack for organization, and you're committed to delivering an exceptional client experience. You follow current events and news trends closely, excel at translating that knowledge into actionable insights, and do your best work as part of a collaborative team.

Responsibilities:

• Media Relations & Strategy: Build and maintain targeted media lists, draft compelling pitches and press releases, and conduct outreach to reporters across business, policy, and trade publications.
• Content Development: Draft press releases, statements, talking points, social media copy, and briefing materials for senior review and client delivery.
• Monitoring & Analysis: Track client news, issues and policy developments, and compile daily and weekly coverage reports for clients.
• Research & Intelligence: Conduct research on companies, issues, stakeholders and competitors, and summarize findings in clear memos for the team.
• Strategic Ideation: Actively participate in team brainstorms, bringing fresh, culturally resonant ideas to advance client priorities.
• Account Support: Prepare for and participate in client meetings, including drafting agendas, capturing notes and action items, and updating trackers and status documents.
• Growth & New Business: Actively participate in new business efforts by contributing to research and drafting proposals.

Basic Qualifications:

• Entry-level or 1 year of professional/internship experience in communications, PR, or a related field (agency, Capitol Hill, strategic consulting firm, political campaign, trade association, or similar setting).
• Familiarity with PR and media relations fundamentals.
• Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills, with the ability to translate complex policy or corporate issues into clear, compelling narratives for various audiences.
• Bachelor's degree.

Competencies:

• Curiosity & Cultural Acumen: A genuine interest in how business, policy, politics, and the media shape one another; a commitment to staying informed about current events and trends.
• Adaptability: Ability to work effectively when priorities shift or information is incomplete and maintain quality work throughout changing plans.
• Analytical Mindset: Ability to synthesize research and data into strategic, actionable recommendations.
• Detail-Oriented: Meticulous attention to detail with a commitment to delivering clear, precise, and accurate work and meeting deadlines.
• Collaboration & Communication: Strong interpersonal and written communication skills with a collaborative spirit and willingness to support teammates; comfortable asking for help and contributing to team discussions.
• Ownership & Initiative: Resourceful problem-solver who takes ownership of projects, sees them through from start to finish, and proactively takes on challenges as a quick learner.
• Work Ethic: Ability to prioritize multiple tasks, manage deadlines consistently, and maintain a strong work ethic in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment.

Job Description

Associate, Corporate and Public Affairs

Weber Shandwick is more than a leading global PR agency – we're an engagement agency working at the cutting edge of the new media landscape. We're storytellers and content creators who engage people IN the story. Our success is built on a deep commitment to client service and our people, embracing creativity and collaboration to build brands and reputations.

Weber Shandwick is seeking a curious, creative, and collaborative Associate to join our team in Washington, D.C. This role is on our Corporate and Public Affairs team, part of Weber Advisory—a unit delivering trusted, agile C-suite counsel by blending communications expertise with cultural insights to accelerate stakeholder and business value.

In this role, you will execute communications, reputation management, and earned media strategies for clients operating at the complex intersection of business, policy, media, and culture. You will take ownership of assigned workstreams, working directly with senior team members to develop research, create materials, and staff projects while learning to balance multiple shifting priorities and deliver for our clients.

This position will be based in our Washington, D.C. office on a hybrid schedule.

You are curious about how business, policy, and the media intersect, and you adapt well when priorities shift. You are detail-oriented with a knack for organization, and you're committed to delivering an exceptional client experience. You follow current events and news trends closely, excel at translating that knowledge into actionable insights, and do your best work as part of a collaborative team.

Responsibilities:

• Media Relations & Strategy: Build and maintain targeted media lists, draft compelling pitches and press releases, and conduct outreach to reporters across business, policy, and trade publications.
• Content Development: Draft press releases, statements, talking points, social media copy, and briefing materials for senior review and client delivery.
• Monitoring & Analysis: Track client news, issues and policy developments, and compile daily and weekly coverage reports for clients.
• Research & Intelligence: Conduct research on companies, issues, stakeholders and competitors, and summarize findings in clear memos for the team.
• Strategic Ideation: Actively participate in team brainstorms, bringing fresh, culturally resonant ideas to advance client priorities.
• Account Support: Prepare for and participate in client meetings, including drafting agendas, capturing notes and action items, and updating trackers and status documents.
• Growth & New Business: Actively participate in new business efforts by contributing to research and drafting proposals.

Basic Qualifications:

• Entry-level or 1 year of professional/internship experience in communications, PR, or a related field (agency, Capitol Hill, strategic consulting firm, political campaign, trade association, or similar setting).
• Familiarity with PR and media relations fundamentals.
• Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills, with the ability to translate complex policy or corporate issues into clear, compelling narratives for various audiences.
• Bachelor's degree.

Competencies:

• Curiosity & Cultural Acumen: A genuine interest in how business, policy, politics, and the media shape one another; a commitment to staying informed about current events and trends.
• Adaptability: Ability to work effectively when priorities shift or information is incomplete and maintain quality work throughout changing plans.
• Analytical Mindset: Ability to synthesize research and data into strategic, actionable recommendations.
• Detail-Oriented: Meticulous attention to detail with a commitment to delivering clear, precise, and accurate work and meeting deadlines.
• Collaboration & Communication: Strong interpersonal and written communication skills with a collaborative spirit and willingness to support teammates; comfortable asking for help and contributing to team discussions.
• Ownership & Initiative: Resourceful problem-solver who takes ownership of projects, sees them through from start to finish, and proactively takes on challenges as a quick learner.
• Work Ethic: Ability to prioritize multiple tasks, manage deadlines consistently, and maintain a strong work ethic in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment.