Job Description
Job Description
Public Relations Specialist (Contract)
Job Title: Public Relations Specialist
Industry: Nonprofit / Communications
Location (city, state): Arlington, VA
Assignment Type: Contract, 3–6 months
Pay: $35–$42/hour (depending on experience)
Work Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:30am–5pm ET, 40 hours per week, with a 30-minute unpaid lunch. Hybrid schedule.
Benefits: This position is eligible for medical, dental, vision, and 401(k).
About Our Client:
Our client is a national nonprofit organization focused on improving the health and economic security of older adults. The organization works to expand access to resources, promote financial stability and improve quality of life for aging populations across the country.
Job Description:
Addison Group is hiring a Public Relations Specialist for our client’s communications team. This role will help strengthen the organization’s national presence through media outreach, strategic storytelling and thought leadership. The ideal candidate is an experienced communications professional with strong media relationships, excellent writing skills and the ability to identify opportunities to generate positive coverage.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and pitch compelling story ideas to journalists across national, regional and local media outlets.
- Build and maintain relationships with reporters covering public policy, health, aging and economic security.
- Coordinate media interviews and prepare briefing materials, talking points and follow-up communications for senior leaders.
- Write and edit press releases, statements, articles, blog posts and opinion pieces.
- Identify opportunities to promote organizational programs, research and advocacy initiatives.
- Collaborate with internal teams to communicate policy priorities and key messages to external audiences.
- Monitor media coverage, track performance metrics and report on communications results.
- Support executive visibility through speaking engagements, media events and external conferences.
- Monitor media coverage and assist with reputation management and emerging communications issues.
Qualifications:
- 5–7 years of experience in public relations, media relations, communications or journalism.
- Strong writing, editing and verbal communication skills, with experience developing articles, blogs and thought leadership content.
- Knowledge of the U.S. media landscape and established relationships with national, regional and local journalists preferred.
- Demonstrated success pitching stories and securing positive media coverage.
- Experience with media monitoring, tracking and analytics tools; Cision experience is a plus. Familiarity with platforms such as Muck Rack, Onclusive or Meltwater is also valuable.
- Ability to manage multiple projects, meet tight deadlines and work collaboratively across teams.
- Familiarity with advocacy, federal policy and issues affecting adults aged 60 and older preferred.
- Bachelor’s degree in journalism, public relations, communications, marketing or a related field, or equivalent experience.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
Additional Details:
- Contract duration: 3–6 months.
- Target start date: November 9, 2026.
- Hybrid work arrangement in Arlington, VA, near the Crystal City Metro.
- Standard 40-hour workweek, Monday–Friday.
- Overtime may be available with supervisor approval.
Perks:
- Opportunity to contribute to a mission-driven nonprofit organization.
- Collaborative communications team environment.
- Hybrid work flexibility.
- Opportunity to support high-visibility media initiatives and thought leadership.
Addison Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Addison Group provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Addison Group complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. Reasonable accommodation is available for qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.