Entry-Level Public Affairs Associate
Summary of Position:
HPS is seeking entry-level associates to join our dynamic team. They will benefit from immediate client exposure and opportunities for professional development while working in a fun, fast-paced, and challenging environment. Associates support partners and directors on client teams, as well as contribute to internal firm projects. A successful candidate has strong writing and time-management skills and a curious, proactive, high-achieving attitude. Associates typically have experience in writing and creating communications products.
Duties & Responsibilities:
Communications
+ Write communications products like press releases, media advisories, opinion pieces, and social media posts
+ Develop a strong understanding of reporters, policy experts, and policymakers relevant for clients' issue areas
+ Draft explanatory materials on complex policy issues and write concise memos that summarize research, detail a policy landscape, and highlight key findings
+ Develop and manage digital campaigns on platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and Google, and synthesize results
+ Assist with executing events, including press conferences, speaking engagements, editorial board meetings, and media trainings
Research
+ Research and monitor clients' businesses and industries to maintain a current knowledge base and keep team apprised of new and ongoing developments
+ Collect, conduct, and present quantitative and qualitative research and analysis in a variety of communication vehicles, including presentations, reports, infographics, and fact sheets
+ Inform communication and advocacy strategies with policy expertise
+ Perform statistical and economic analyses
+ Provide feedback to managerial insight/analysis
+ Write both short- and large-scale reports, white papers, and blog posts, among other products
Qualifications:
+ Bachelor's degree in Economics, Public Policy, Political Science/Government, Business, Finance, Journalism, or related fields
+ Experience with drafting communications products for a variety of audiences at a communications agency, publicly traded company, media outlet, a federal agency, or on the Hill
+ Expertise and interest in a specific policy field, broader business and economics trends, politics, and the legislative process
+ Willingness to learn new skills and participate in new projects
+ Demonstrated ability to prioritize multiple, competing assignments
+ Excellent verbal and written communication skills
+ Strong data management and analytical skills
+ Ability to take initiative; motivated and self-starting
+ Solid presentation skills and strong attention to detail
+ Proficiency–-and ability to grow skills–-in Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; experience in designing, implementing, and maintaining Excel models that combine multiple data sources is a plus
+ Experience creating graphics and data visualizations is a plus, as is an openness to learn basic graphic design skills
Benefits:
Associates at HPS participate in a structured leadership program focused on training and learning. The program combines formal training sessions for soft and hard skills with on-the-job learning through work on client teams and non-client related research projects. In addition to this overall program, associates enjoy the following benefits:
+ Competitive salary and compensation structure
+ Excellent health care benefits, with 100% of individual employee and 50% of dependent health premiums covered
+ Competitive retirement benefits with 401(k) matching
+ Twelve weeks paid parental leave
+ Generous paid time off and holiday schedule
+ Formalized mentorship program for first six months of tenure
+ Frequent firm-wide social events, networking activities, and educational opportunities
+ Excellent environment for learning and growth
+ Monthly stipend for cell phone
Start Dates & Locations:
For this position, we are primarily considering applicants in the greater Washington, D.C., area. However, select slots will be available for our SF and NYC offices. The associate role will be in-person.