Public Affairs Associate

SM+K is seeking a Public Affairs Associate to serve in a key support role working on the day-to-day operations of a diverse array of client accounts.

• A strategic and creative thinker that can quickly understand and analyze complex challenges.
• A constant innovator who prefers change and progress over routine.
• Is inspired to make a change in the world through storytelling.
• Thrives in fast-paced, growth-oriented environments.

• Support day-to-day client interaction and strategy implementation for a portfolio of clients;
• Develop compelling content, such as website copy, social media posts, stakeholder communications, presentations, reports, memos, letters to the editor, and op-eds;
• Oversee market research projects, including, but not limited to: (1) creating and/or updating existing stakeholder, influencer and media lists by identifying new and relevant contacts, (2) media activity reports using in-house monitoring tools, and (3) social media sentiment analysis reports;
• Develop and execute innovative digital advertising strategies;
• Contribute to creative brainstorming;
• Implement public affairs and public relations campaigns for corporations, advocacy groups and non-profits; and
• Assist in the proposal writing process.

As a qualified candidate, you have experience in all areas below:

• Demonstrate a deep understanding of social/political/economic issues relevant to client work;
• Demonstrate ability to leverage social media platforms (Facebook/Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.) and show knowledge/interest in social media trends; 
• Demonstrate knowledge of the basics of digital advertising;
• Collaborate with managers and designers to develop compelling content and creative products;
• Manage timelines, budgets, vendors and personnel for a fast-paced office in highly organized and efficient fashion;
• Communicate professionally – this role will include interfacing with clients, media and other external audiences, in addition to colleagues;
• Have superior writing skills and verbal skills;
• Manage trainees on large projects;
• Distill critical data points and narratives through research; and
• Meet simultaneous deadlines, troubleshoot and manage multiple projects at once.

As an exceptional candidate, you possess many of the following attributes:

• 1-3 years of work experience related to media relations, communications, and/or digital and social media strategy;
• Political campaign, governmental and/or PR agency experience;
• Intellectual curiosity about policy issues, business and media and where the three intersect;
• Knowledge about digital communications tools and social media;
• Hands-on digital advertising experience is a plus;
• Superior organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail;
• A proven track record of successfully completing multiple projects under tight deadlines;
• Excellent writing, editing, research and presentation skills; and
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PPT, Outlook).

Candidates need not possess every attribute listed above to qualify for a role. If you identify with this profile but don’t quite meet all of the criteria we strongly encourage you to apply to joining our winning team!

Subject Matter+Kivvit, where creative advocacy meets data-driven communications.

Our diverse skill sets deliver unexpected solutions that break through a complicated communications and policy landscape. We are an integrated consultancy, offering strategic communications, data analytics & insights, government relations, digital strategy, creative content, and advertising services. 

As one of the largest independent agencies, we provide clients with the attention they expect of a boutique firm, with the resources of a national agency.

We are here for what is now, and what is next. 

Subject Matter+Kivvit prides itself on the kind of innovation that is only achieved through inclusive collaboration and equal opportunity. Maintaining a diverse staff of first-class talent (including those from BIPOC, LGBTQ communities, and others from traditionally underrepresented groups), and conferring a sense of value and belonging on each team member is central to our mission as expert communicators.

We offer a uniquely rich benefits package to support our team’s quality of life outside of work that includes: 

• Medical, Dental and Vision insurance
• Fully paid parental leave
• 401(k) contributions
• Flexible, hybrid work arrangements
• 12 paid company holidays per year, up to 39 days individual paid time off 
• Winter break: Offices close the last week of the year

SM+K is also committed to providing necessary assistance or modifications to the application process for prospective candidates. If you need support, please reach out to [email protected] and include your full name and the accommodation needed to assist you with the Talent Acquisition process. Decisions to grant reasonable accommodations are made on a case-by-case basis.