Public Relations Associate

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Public Relations Associate

🔹 Company: Vistra Communications

🔹 Location: Alexandria, VA

🔹 Job Type: Hybrid (Remote within 50 miles of Alexandria, VA)

🔹 Category: Public Relations and Communications Services

🔹 Date Posted: May 30, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years

🔹 Remote Status: Remote within 50 miles of Alexandria, VA

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Developing and executing comprehensive communications plans to promote SAPRO's mission.
• Managing outreach initiatives and maintaining high-quality deliverables.
• Providing executive support, including drafting talking points, speeches, and coaching.
• Collaborating with stakeholders and adapting to emerging requirements.

ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong communication skills, adaptability, and the ability to work effectively with various stakeholders.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Develop and execute comprehensive communications plans and social marketing initiatives in support of SAPRO's mission.

✅ Contribute to the development of a plan of action and milestones for SAPRO's internal and external communications activities.

✅ Maintain a SharePoint library of information papers, slick sheets, and educational materials about the SAPRO mission.

✅ Create and update information papers, slick sheets, and educational materials with information provided by the Government.

✅ Implement and maintain SAPRO branding guidelines across all print, audiovisual, and electronic media.

✅ Draft talking points, speeches, and provide executive coaching for public appearances by SAPRO Leadership.

✅ Prepare talking points, briefing materials, and provide executive coaching for DoD press interviews, media round tables, and other press encounters.

✅ Assemble documentation for SAPRO to submit to DoD Public Affairs.

✅ Provide draft executive level meeting summaries and final executive summaries to SAPRO Leadership.

ASSUMPTION: This role may require working on short notice taskers and adapting to emerging requirements.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Communications, Marketing, or a related field.

Experience: One to three years of experience planning, directing, or coordinating comprehensive marketing, public relations, or strategic communications efforts within public or private sector organizations.

Required Skills:

• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with various stakeholders.
• Adaptability and ability to work on short notice taskers.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and SharePoint.

Preferred Skills:

• Prior DOD experience, especially within Defense Human Resources Activity, the Office of Force Resilience (OFR), or with the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness (OUSD-P&R).

ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, familiarity with the Department of Defense and its programs would be beneficial for this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $55,000 - $75,000 per year (Estimated based on industry standards for the role, experience level, and location)

Benefits:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) plan with company match
• Paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays)
• Tuition reimbursement

Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week. Anticipated on-site presence required.

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Vistra Communications operates in the Public Relations and Communications Services industry, focusing on integrated marketing, communications, and consulting services.

Company Size: Vistra Communications is a mid-sized company with 51-200 employees, providing a collaborative and dynamic work environment.

Founded: Vistra Communications was founded in 2007 and is headquartered in Lutz, FL, with an additional office in Alexandria, VA.

Company Description:

• Vistra Communications is an integrated marketing, communications, and consulting agency.
• The company provides solutions to corporate, government, and nonprofit clients.
• Vistra is consistently recognized as one of the top communications companies in the U.S. and an outstanding Veteran-owned, minority-owned small business.

Company Specialties:

• Public Relations
• Communications & Marketing Plans
• Advertising
• Brand Management
• Creative/Graphic Design
• Crisis Communications
• Email Marketing
• Media Relations
• Press Releases
• Social Media Campaigns
• Strategic Communications
• Video Production
• GIS Mapping
• Quantitative & Qualitative Research
• Surveys
• Polling & Focus Groups
• External & Internal Communications
• Public Affairs
• Executive Media Coaching & Training
• Website Development & Management
• Media Buying & Planning

Company Website: www.consultvistra.com

ASSUMPTION: Vistra Communications' diverse range of specialties allows it to provide comprehensive services to its clients.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is at the associate level, offering opportunities for growth and development within the organization.

Reporting Structure: The Public Relations Associate will report directly to the SAPRO Leadership and work closely with various stakeholders within the Department of Defense.

Work Arrangement: This is a hybrid role, requiring remote work within 50 miles of Alexandria, VA, with anticipated on-site presence.

Growth Opportunities:

• Expanding knowledge of the Department of Defense and its programs.
• Developing expertise in strategic communications and public relations within the government sector.
• Potential career progression to senior-level roles within the organization or related fields.

ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within the organization and the broader communications industry.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Vistra Communications has an office in Alexandria, VA, where on-site presence may be required.

Office Location(s): 211 N. Union Street, Suite 100, Alexandria, VA 22314, US

Geographic Context:

• Alexandria, VA, is located in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, offering a mix of urban and suburban living.
• The city is known for its historic district, waterfront, and diverse cultural attractions.
• The cost of living in Alexandria is generally higher than the national average.

Work Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week, with flexible hours to accommodate project demands and stakeholder needs.

ASSUMPTION: The work environment may require adaptability to accommodate short notice taskers and emerging requirements.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screening
• In-person or virtual interview with hiring manager
• Background check and reference check
• Job offer

Key Assessment Areas:

• Communication skills (written and verbal)
• Adaptability and problem-solving skills
• Understanding of the Department of Defense and its programs
• Cultural fit with the organization

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role.
• Demonstrate your understanding of the Department of Defense and its programs in your application materials.
• Prepare examples of your communication skills and adaptability for the interview.

ATS Keywords: Public Relations, Communications, Marketing, Strategic Communications, Content Creation, Social Marketing, Stakeholder Engagement, Executive Support, Writing, Planning, Media Relations, Brand Management, Coaching, Documentation, Research, Analysis, Department of Defense, SAPRO, Defense Human Resources Activity, Office of Force Resilience, Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should tailor their resumes and cover letters to include relevant keywords and demonstrate their qualifications for the role.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• SharePoint
• Social media platforms (e.g., Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook)
• Graphic design tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva)

ASSUMPTION: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and SharePoint is required for this role, while familiarity with other tools and technologies may be beneficial.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Integrity
• Excellence
• Collaboration
• Innovation
• Accountability

Work Style:

• Adaptable and flexible
• Strong communication skills
• Ability to work effectively with various stakeholders
• Results-driven and proactive

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you have strong written and oral communication skills?
• Are you adaptable and able to work effectively with various stakeholders?
• Do you have a proactive and results-driven work style?

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should assess their fit with the company's values and work style to ensure a successful cultural fit.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Working on short notice taskers and adapting to emerging requirements.
• Balancing multiple projects and priorities.
• Navigating the complex landscape of the Department of Defense and its programs.
• Managing stakeholder expectations and providing high-quality deliverables.

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be prepared to address these potential challenges and demonstrate their ability to thrive in a dynamic work environment.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is similar to other Public Relations Associate positions but focuses specifically on supporting the Department of Defense's Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office.
• Compared to other communications roles, this position requires a strong understanding of the Department of Defense and its programs.
• Career progression may involve moving into senior-level roles within the organization or related fields, such as Public Affairs Specialist or Strategic Communications Manager.

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should research similar roles and consider how their skills and experience align with the specific requirements of this position.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing a comprehensive communications plan to promote a specific SAPRO initiative or event.
• Creating and updating educational materials about the SAPRO mission and its programs.
• Managing a media relations campaign to secure coverage for a SAPRO-related story or announcement.

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be prepared to discuss their experience with similar projects and demonstrate their ability to apply their skills to the specific requirements of this role.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe a typical day or week in this role?
• How does this role support the overall mission of SAPRO and the Department of Defense?
• What are the most important priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
• How does the organization support the professional development and growth of its employees?
• What is the anticipated on-site presence for this hybrid role?

ASSUMPTION: Applicants should prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview to demonstrate their interest in the role and the organization.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role.
• Prepare examples of your communication skills and adaptability for the interview.
• Follow up with the hiring manager within one week of submitting your application to confirm receipt.

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.