Communications Assistant-Vanguard Communications (Washington, DC)

Communications Assistant

Vanguard Communications is a Hispanic-woman owned, full-service advocacy communications firm located in Washington, D.C., that develops and implements campaigns on critical social issues. We are seeking a full-time bilingual (English/Spanish) Communications Assistant with strong writing skills and familiarity with media to provide support to our account services and media teams. This position is an excellent entry-level opportunity for someone seeking a career in public relations.

Primary Responsibilities Include:

* Promoting client stories to Hispanic and other diverse media.
* Writing media materials, including press releases, advisory and pitch letters.
* Proofreading and editing.
* Developing and coordinating timelines and task charts.
* Scheduling meetings with clients and staff.
* Coordinating tasks and creating budget sheets for projects.
* Managing and updating media and contact lists.
* Participating in the development of culturally and linguistically competent educational materials for multicultural audiences.
* Managing clips and producing coverage reports.
* Providing direct administrative support to the Vice President of Account Services and the Account Services Department.
* Providing data entry support.
* Providing logistics support (including preparation/reproduction of materials, minutes’ taking and report draft preparation; travel arrangements) for meetings, teleconferences, focus groups, photo shoots and other events.
* Communicating by e-mail and telephone with client contacts, other contractors, local grantees and partners.
* Coordinating and assisting with production of monthly reports for various accounts.
* Traveling offsite when necessary.
* Aiding in materials production: research, fact checking (names, dates, addresses, etc.); format, proofread and produce reports, correspondence and fliers, including charts and graphs, using Microsoft Office programs.
* Providing reception support, including receiving packages, welcoming guests and answering the phones on a scheduled and backup basis.
* Maintaining (update and improve) filing systems, including master copies of products and other deliverables.
* Duplicating, assembling and mailing materials.

Additional Duties May Include:

* Backing-up administrative staff when necessary.
* Contributing to other corporate initiatives as requested/required.
* Coordinating timely submission of administrative forms, timesheets and travel expenses.
* Researching cost information for materials, equipment and services as needed.
* Maintaining logs and other records of contract deliverables, mailings and purchase orders.

Qualifications and Experience Required:

* BS/BA degree in journalism, communications, public relations, social sciences or other related field
* Minimum two years of office experience (including internships) and interest in communications
* Strong organizational skills, including follow-through and attention to detail
* Strong writing and interpersonal skills
* Fluency in Spanish (written and oral)
* Punctuality and reliability
* Commitment to client service
* Excellent proofreading skills (will be tested)
* Ability and desire to work as a team member
* Ability to juggle several projects/activities at one time and perform well under pressure
* Proficiency in Microsoft Office software. Familiarity with InDesign and PowerPoint is a plus

Salary and Benefits:
Commensurate with experience
Excellent benefits, including public transportation subsidy

Contact Information:
Candidates should send a cover letter, résumé, salary requirements and three references to:

Communications Assistant Position
Vanguard Communications
2121 K Street, NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20037
Fax: 202-331-9420
E-mail: openings@vancomm.com

No phone calls, please. Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE)

For more information about Vanguard Communications, please visit our Web site, www.vancomm.com.