Public Relations Associate (IT/Cyber)

General Information

• Job Code: PRO-PR-01/PRO-PR-02
• Location: Client/Arlington, VA
• Employee Type: Exempt, Full-Time Regular (may also hire Non-Exempt, Part-Time)
• Telework: Partial
• Citizenship: US Citizenship Required
• Salary Range: $64,281-$88,708 per year

Are you passionate about advancing a mission through strategic communication and outreach that elevate complex IT and cybersecurity initiatives.

Ripple Effect is seeking a Public Relations Associate (IT/Cyber) to support the execution of public affairs and communications initiatives, including strategic communications planning, media relations, campaign execution, and stakeholder engagement. This role supports technology- and cyber-focused programs and requires the ability to translate complex topics into clear, accessible messaging for diverse audiences.

Responsibilities:

• Public Affairs Support: Contribute to public affairs initiatives by developing issue-based content, supporting outreach campaigns, and assisting with stakeholder engagement activities. Provide input into communications strategies and execute tasks under the direction of senior team members.
• Media Relations Activities: Assist with media outreach efforts, draft press materials, and support preparation for interviews and briefings. Monitor media coverage and compile summaries to help inform messaging and track outcomes.
• Communication & Representation: Communicate clearly and professionally in both internal and external settings. Support organizational representation at events, conferences, and engagements, contributing to consistent and effective messaging.
• Schedule & Timeline Coordination: Help manage timelines across multiple public relations tasks and campaigns, ensuring deliverables such as press releases, media outreach, and communications materials are completed on schedule. Escalate risks or delays as needed.
• Documentation & Organization: Maintain organized and up-to-date documentation of PR activities, including press materials, media lists, campaign trackers, and partnership records to support team coordination and knowledge sharing.
• Problem Solving & Continuous Improvement: Identify and address routine communications challenges, seeking guidance for more complex issues. Contribute ideas to improve processes, tools, and campaign effectiveness, and incorporate feedback to strengthen performance.

Minimum Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Public Relations, Communications, or a related field
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience planning and executing comprehensive public relations campaigns, including strategic direction, message development, and implementation
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DHS Fitness Determination

Basic Requirements

• Proven experience collaborating with clients, leadership, and cross‑functional teams to execute public relations initiatives from concept through delivery
• Experience partnering with internal teams and external stakeholders to coordinate PR projects and ensure alignment with communication objectives
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience developing messaging, press materials, and campaign content
• Experience reviewing communications products for quality, consistency, and alignment with organizational standards
• High degree of professionalism, judgment, and discretion when handling sensitive or high‑visibility communications
• Intermediate experience with Microsoft Office productivity software and collaboration tools such as Microsoft Teams and SharePoint
• Must be a U.S. citizen to be eligible for this role

Skills That Set You Apart

• Experience supporting IT, cybersecurity, technology modernization, or digital programs
• Background working in federal, contractor, or highly regulated environments
• Experience coordinating campaigns that involve media outreach, events, or multi‑channel communications
• Ability to translate complex or technical subject matter into clear, compelling messages for varied audiences
• Strong client‑facing skills with experience advising stakeholders on messaging and campaign approaches

Ripple Effect rewards our employees for their contributions to our mission in many ways, from competitive pay and exceptional benefits to a range of work/life programs based on your employment classification and personalized preferences. 

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Ripple Effect is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, political affiliation, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation during the hiring process, please let us know by contacting our HR department at [email protected] or your recruiter. Eligibility for employment will be verified using E-verify.