Public Affairs Associate Jobs

Overview

This is a full-time, in-house position. We will not consider freelancers or recruiters.

Gard Communications is looking for a Public Affairs Associate to join our team of experienced and respected public affairs specialists. We are looking for someone with an interest in public affairs and excellent communications skills who thrives in a team environment.

This position reports to the Senior Public Affairs Account Manager and will be part of the Account Management team (we call it the A-Team). Our team is made up of junior and senior staff, all learning from and supporting each other with the goal of developing each team member’s skills and abilities while also helping our clients be successful. We’re a close-knit team that enjoys working together and collaborating

Skills, Experience and Education

• A bachelor’s degree
• Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills via email, online meetings, in-person meetings and phone.
• General knowledge of the Oregon political landscape (local, state and national)
• Project management and time management
• Excellent research skills
• Ability to be proactive, take initiative and ask questions
• Strong writing skills
• Organization with attention to detail
• Can-do attitude and drive
• Public affairs interest
• Creative problem-solving and critical thinking

Nice to Have

• Experience in the Oregon Legislature or other public affairs work.
• Knowledge of Associated Press style

Responsibilities

This person will work on primarily public affairs-focused accounts with some overlap with creative, web and public relations, interfacing with clients, managing projects and supporting account managers. Gard will train the associate on any new or developing skills. The ideal candidate will be eager to learn and apply new skills, and work in a team environment.

• Working on a collaborative team with colleagues.
• Attending client meetings, writing notes, and following up on tasks assigned.
• Researching different topics, organizations and industries for media audits and background.
• Drafting content for clients’ news releases, social media posts, newsletter content and more.
• Assisting with the writing of: communications plans, community engagement plans, talking points, press releases, op-eds, pitches, emails to clients, proposals and more.
• Participating in client meetings, sometimes leading them or reporting out. Meetings usually occur over Zoom and conference calls, and occasionally they are in person.
• Helping develop content for social media, managing social channels for clients and overseeing paid social campaigns, including placement and reporting.
• Collaborating with account managers to prepare meeting agendas and other materials as needed.
• Managing creative and advertising projects and serving as a liaison to the production team. Collaborating with the creative team on deadlines, expectations and more.
• Assisting with the research and compilation of stakeholder lists for specific locations and topics, and updating as needed.
• Using technology, online resources and news monitoring to generate opportunities for clients.
• Preparing weekly/bi-weekly internal newsletter on current political topics relevant to Gard and our clients.
• Providing administrative support.

How We Support You

• We’ll help you grow professionally by providing an environment in which you can continue to explore and learn. We also offer professional development support, such as for conference attendance and membership to professional associations.
• We’re an established firm with a track record of retaining employees for many years. We understand that a sustainable work environment is one that values, supportsand respects each individual.
• Our structure is egalitarian, and we value initiative and self-motivation.
• We are committed to work-life balance. We stay focused on the work and manage our client projects with efficiency so that overtime is rarely required.
• We are a helpful, responsive, collaborative lot, and we unfailingly support each other to bring the best to each client.

Compensation and Benefits

Gard offers a competitive salary and premium health and dental benefits for you and your family. Employees qualify for 401K, disability and life insurance plans after six months.

About Gard Communications

Established in 1979, Gard provides advertising, public relations, and public affairs services to clients primarily in the sectors of healthcare, transportation, education, and energy.

The work we do has depth and, often, the power to change public thinking. We are centrally located in downtown Portland, Oregon in a bike-friendly area right on the light rail just blocks from museums, parks, restaurants and bars. We maintain a hybrid work environment that is adjustable to each employee’s needs.

Equal Opportunity

We hold ourselves to high ethical standards at Gard. Part ofour ethical practice includes the recognition that traditional hiring practices and operations disproportionately hurt the most marginalized people in society, including people of color, people from working class backgrounds, women and LGBTQ people. We are committed to making Gard a workplace that is both profitable and productive, and that advances the needs of clients and employees. We strongly encourageall applications.

To apply, please email one PDF file with the following:

• A brief cover letter that makes the case for why you are the right fit for this position and why you want to join Gard. If you have gaps in your resume or a non-traditional background, please explain how this would serve our clients.
• Resume and/or link to website/LinkedIn
• Two writing samples. We are open to thoughtful emails, written collateral, PR materials or other examples of your work. We are looking for content that demonstrates your thinking.

Send applications to [email protected] with the subject line: PA Associate Application.

Applications and interviews will occur on a rolling basis.