📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Public Relations Associate – Entry Level
🔹 Company: New Catalyst
🔹 Location: Louisville, KY
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Marketing & Communications
🔹 Date Posted: June 19, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: Entry Level (0-2 years)
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Driving impactful public relations campaigns to promote social change initiatives
- Building and maintaining strong relationships with local media, community leaders, and partner organizations
- Collaborating with marketing and communications teams to ensure consistent messaging
- Gaining real-world experience and mentorship in a values-driven work environment
- Contributing to a mission-driven organization dedicated to making a positive difference
ASSUMPTION: This role is ideal for recent graduates or early-career professionals seeking to gain experience in public relations, marketing, and community outreach within a social impact organization.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Assist in developing and executing public relations campaigns that promote social change initiatives
✅ Represent the organization at community events, outreach programs, and media engagements
✅ Build and maintain strong relationships with local media, community leaders, and partner organizations
✅ Help craft compelling press releases, social media content, and other communication materials
✅ Support event planning and coordination to maximize community engagement
✅ Monitor and report on media coverage and public response to campaigns
✅ Collaborate with marketing and communications teams to ensure consistent messaging
ASSUMPTION: Successful candidates will have strong written and verbal communication skills, a passion for social causes, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Communications, Marketing, or a related field
Experience: Entry-level (0-2 years) experience in public relations, communications, marketing, or a related field is preferred but not required
Required Skills:
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Passion for social causes and community involvement
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team
- Detail-oriented, organized, and capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously
- Positive attitude with eagerness to learn and grow
Preferred Skills:
- Prior experience or coursework in public relations, communications, marketing, or related fields
ASSUMPTION: While prior experience is not required, candidates with relevant coursework or internships will have an advantage in the application process.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $35,000 - $55,000 per year (based on experience and qualifications)
Benefits:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match
- Paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays)
- Flexible work arrangements
- Professional development opportunities
Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week), with flexibility for event attendance and community engagement
ASSUMPTION: The salary range is based on industry standards for entry-level public relations roles in Louisville, KY, and may vary depending on the candidate's qualifications and experience.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: New Catalyst is a social impact organization focused on driving change through strategic communications, marketing, and community engagement.
Company Size: As a growing organization, New Catalyst offers a collaborative and supportive work environment where employees can make a significant impact.
Founded: New Catalyst was founded in 2015 with a mission to inspire social change and engage communities through effective communication strategies.
Company Description:
- New Catalyst specializes in developing and executing public relations campaigns that promote social change initiatives
- The organization works with a diverse range of clients, including nonprofits, government agencies, and corporate social responsibility initiatives
- New Catalyst is committed to creating a positive work environment that values collaboration, creativity, and continuous learning
Company Specialties:
- Public relations and communications strategy
- Community engagement and outreach
- Media relations and event planning
- Social media management and content creation
Company Website: newcatalystinc.com
ASSUMPTION: New Catalyst's focus on social impact and community engagement makes it an attractive employer for candidates passionate about making a difference.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is an entry-level position, ideal for recent graduates or early-career professionals seeking to gain experience in public relations, marketing, and community outreach.
Reporting Structure: The Public Relations Associate will report directly to the Director of Public Relations and work closely with the marketing and communications teams.
Work Arrangement: This is an on-site position, with flexibility for event attendance and community engagement. The work arrangement offers a blend of independent work and collaborative team projects.
Growth Opportunities:
- Gain real-world experience driving impactful public relations campaigns
- Mentorship from professionals passionate about community engagement
- Career growth opportunities within mission-driven marketing and communications
- Advancement to more senior roles within the organization, such as Senior Public Relations Associate or Director of Public Relations
ASSUMPTION: Successful candidates will have the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally within this role and the organization.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: New Catalyst's office is a collaborative, open-concept workspace that encourages team interaction and creativity.
Office Location(s): Louisville, KY
Geographic Context:
- Louisville is the largest city in Kentucky and offers a vibrant arts and culture scene, with numerous museums, theaters, and festivals throughout the year
- The city is home to several Fortune 500 companies and has a thriving startup ecosystem
- Louisville's cost of living is relatively low compared to other major U.S. cities, offering affordable housing and a high quality of life
Work Schedule: The work schedule is generally Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with flexibility for event attendance and community engagement.
ASSUMPTION: Louisville's affordable cost of living and vibrant cultural scene make it an attractive location for young professionals seeking to launch their careers in public relations and marketing.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application and resume submission
- Phone or video screening with the HR department
- In-person or virtual interview with the Director of Public Relations and other team members
- Final interview with the CEO or another senior leader
- Background check and reference check (if applicable)
Key Assessment Areas:
- Communication skills (written and verbal)
- Passion for social causes and community involvement
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team
- Detail-oriented, organized, and capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously
- Positive attitude and eagerness to learn and grow
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experiences in public relations, marketing, and community outreach
- Prepare examples of your written communication skills, such as press releases or social media content you've created
- Research New Catalyst's mission and values to demonstrate your alignment with the organization's goals
ATS Keywords: Public Relations, Marketing, Community Outreach, Social Impact, Nonprofit, Event Planning, Media Relations, Communications Strategy
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role may take several weeks, depending on the number of applicants and the organization's hiring timeline.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Google Workspace (Gmail, Google Drive, Google Docs)
- Social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn)
- Media monitoring and analytics tools (e.g., Muck Rack, Hootsuite, Brand24)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Monday.com)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools and technologies is not required but may be beneficial for successful candidates.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Passion for social impact and community engagement
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Creativity and innovation
- Continuous learning and growth
- Accountability and results-driven approach
Work Style:
- Fast-paced and dynamic environment
- Flexible and adaptable to changing priorities
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team
- Positive attitude and eagerness to learn and grow
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you share New Catalyst's passion for driving social change through effective communication strategies?
- Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment with changing priorities?
- Do you have a positive attitude and a strong desire to learn and grow both personally and professionally?
ASSUMPTION: Successful candidates will demonstrate a strong alignment with New Catalyst's values and work style, as well as a genuine passion for the organization's mission.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
- Working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with changing priorities
- Adapting to new tools and technologies as the organization grows and evolves
- Balancing event attendance and community engagement with regular work hours
ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong time management skills, adaptability, and a positive attitude.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to other entry-level public relations roles, this position offers a unique focus on social impact and community engagement
- New Catalyst's collaborative work environment and commitment to professional development set it apart from larger, more hierarchical organizations
- This role provides an opportunity for career growth within mission-driven marketing and communications, with potential advancement to more senior roles
ASSUMPTION: Candidates interested in social impact and community engagement will find this role particularly appealing compared to other entry-level public relations positions.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a media relations campaign to promote a local nonprofit's annual fundraising event
- Creating engaging social media content to raise awareness about a community initiative focused on environmental conservation
- Supporting event planning and coordination for a corporate social responsibility campaign aimed at improving employee engagement and retention
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the diverse range of responsibilities and opportunities available to successful candidates in this role.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- What are the most rewarding aspects of working at New Catalyst, according to current employees?
- How does the organization support the professional growth and development of its employees?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days, and how will success be measured?
- How does New Catalyst engage with the local community, and what opportunities are there for involvement in community initiatives?
- What is the typical career path for someone in this role, and what opportunities are there for advancement within the organization?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful questions during the interview process demonstrates your interest in the role and commitment to the organization's mission.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills and experiences in public relations, marketing, and community outreach
- Prepare examples of your written communication skills, such as press releases or social media content you've created
- Research New Catalyst's mission and values to demonstrate your alignment with the organization's goals
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
