Communications Associate, Temporary

ProPublica is an independent, nonprofit newsroom that produces investigative journalism in the public interest. 

We will stop accepting applications for this role on Monday, September 21st at 11:59PM ET.

At ProPublica, the communications team amplifies the reach and impact of our journalism. As the media ecosystem continues to fracture and become more diffuse, we recognize the opportunity to find new ways to break through to audiences. We are seeking a versatile communications associate to help us be more targeted in the local distribution of our award-winning journalism and expertise.

The person in this role will build strong relationships with print, digital, radio and television outlets across the country, respond to inbound media requests, support staff media appearances and meet other day-to-day public relations needs to advance the organization’s goals.  

Our ideal candidate is someone with proven PR experience, a track record of reaching target audiences, demonstrated success in crafting sharp, compelling narratives out of complex subject matter, and experience pitching modern media channels (podcasts, newsletters, creators, etc.). Experience in local television production or localizing stories for TV markets is a plus. 

This is a two-year, temporary position and will report to the director of communications.

What You’ll Do Here:

• Develop and execute PR campaigns for major investigations from our national newsroom and Local Reporting Network in alignment with the organization's messaging and campaign goals.
• Pitch our journalists and their reporting to TV and radio shows, podcasts, print and online publications, and newsletters; strengthen and grow new and existing relationships with members of the press.  
• Respond to inbound media requests and schedule media interviews in person or virtually; prepare staff for media interviews; work with staff and editorial leaders on media talking points for our investigations and initiatives.
• Draft and disseminate press releases related to staff hires, major initiatives and awards.
• Ensure ProPublica’s republishing guidelines are met while building and maintaining relationships with frequent republishers.
• Facilitate inbound requests to republish articles, including liaising with the media rights team about rights to photographs and illustrations.
• Collaborate with other communications team members on responding to reader feedback and other inbound messages.

You Should Apply if You Have:

• Minimum three years of experience in communications, marketing or public relations; ideally, at least some experience working for a news organization.
• Superb written and verbal communication skills.
• Impeccable news judgment and experience vetting and verifying information.
• Experience working with a content management system, media reporting tools (Meltwater, Cision or Muck Rack) and databases (such as Airtable).
• Strong organizational and time management skills. 
• Comfort with working on deadlines for multiple projects and pivoting between them quickly.
• Experience as a strong team player, and a desire to collaborate with others.

We know there are great candidates who may not fit into what we’ve described above or who have important skills we haven’t thought of. If that’s you, don’t hesitate to apply and tell us about yourself.              

This is a full time, two-year role and includes benefits. ProPublica is based in New York, but we’re open to remote candidates. We have offices in New York City; Washington, D.C.; Atlanta; Chicago; Phoenix; and Berkeley, California. Applicants must be eligible to work in the U.S.

This job is covered under the terms of a collective bargaining agreement with The NewsGuild of New York, Local 31003, CWA, AFL-CIO.

The expected salary range for this position is $75,000 to $87,000.    

This is a good-faith estimate of what we expect to pay for this position. The final salary figure will take into account a person’s experience, accomplishment and location. ProPublica is committed to paying its staff equitably, and these ranges should not be considered career salary limits or caps.

We will begin reviewing applications as we receive them, but we will continue to consider candidates as long as the posting remains live on our site.

Questions? Send an email to [email protected]. 

No phone calls, please.

We know there are great candidates who may not fit into what we’ve described above or who have important skills we haven’t thought of. If that’s you, don’t hesitate to apply and tell us about yourself.

We are dedicated to improving our newsroom, in part by better reflecting the people we cover. (Here is a breakdown of our staff.) We are committed to diversity and building an inclusive environment for people of all backgrounds and ages. And we are taking steps to meet that commitment. We especially encourage members of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply, including women, people of color, LGBTQ+ people and people with disabilities. We are an equal opportunity employer and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age or any other status protected under applicable law.