Strategic Communications and Public Affairs Fellow

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Strategic Communications and Public Affairs Fellow

🔹 Company: Avōq

🔹 Location: New York, United States

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time, Hybrid

🔹 Category: Public Relations and Communications Services

🔹 Date Posted: April 7, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: Entry-level (0-2 years)

🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (Remote and On-site)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Working directly with senior staff to meet client needs
• Assisting with core work areas such as research, public affairs campaign management, and media relations
• Handling various office responsibilities
• Gaining hands-on experience in public affairs and corporate communications
• Potential for extension beyond the initial six-month fellowship and promotion based on performance

ASSUMPTION: This role is ideal for recent graduates or current seniors looking to gain practical experience in strategic communications and public affairs. The hybrid work arrangement allows for flexibility while still providing opportunities for in-person collaboration and learning.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Assist with the firm's core work areas, including:

• In-depth research
• Public affairs campaign management
• Media and public relations
• Strategic consulting
• Tactical messaging
• Corporate positioning
• Grassroots advocacy
• Digital campaigning
• Issue advocacy

✅ Daily responsibilities may include researching, preparing reports, assisting staff on client requests, and helping with office responsibilities

✅ Work directly with senior staff to meet client needs

ASSUMPTION: The wide range of responsibilities allows fellows to gain diverse experience and develop a broad skill set in strategic communications and public affairs.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Current college senior or recent graduate (1-3 years)

Experience: None specified, but relevant experience in politics, economics, business, or journalism is strongly desired

Required Skills:

• Exceptional writing and research skills
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills
• Knowledge of local and national policies and current events
• Proficiency with Mac OS and Microsoft Office programs

Preferred Skills:

• An interest in/aptitude for digital advocacy techniques, including online marketing and media production
• Experience with the basics of digital and social media marketing
• Experience on campaigns
• Experience with digital media, including video and graphic editing

ASSUMPTION: While specific experience is not required, candidates with relevant experience in politics, economics, business, or journalism will have an advantage in this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $39,000 per year

Benefits:

• 100% Company-paid Medical, Dental and Vision insurance
• Paid parental leave
• 401(k) contributions
• Flexible, hybrid work arrangements
• 12 paid company holidays per year
• Up to 39 days individual paid time off
• Winter break: Offices close the last week of the year

Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week)

ASSUMPTION: The salary and benefits package is competitive for entry-level positions in the public relations and communications industry. The flexible, hybrid work arrangement allows for a good work-life balance.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Avōq is a public relations and communications services firm that helps companies, organizations, and industries elevate ideas, build brands, and tackle reputational or policy challenges.

Company Size: Avōq has 201-500 employees, providing a mid-sized company environment where fellows can gain experience working with a diverse team.

Founded: Avōq was founded in 2024, making it a relatively new but rapidly growing firm in the industry.

Company Description:

• Avōq combines communications and advocacy to creatively shape narratives, manage brand reputation, influence national debates, and engage the audiences clients need to reach.
• The firm embraces an ethos of creative advocacy, informed thinking, fresh perspectives, and unique solutions to drive outcomes with the right audiences at the right time.
• Avōq's network of over 200 professionals expertly meets today's complex communications and policy challenges with a thoughtful, evidence-based approach that blends data, insights, and creativity.

Company Specialties:

• Strategic communications
• Public affairs
• Media relations
• Issue advocacy
• Digital campaigning

Company Website: teamavoq.com

ASSUMPTION: Avōq's focus on creative advocacy and unique solutions sets it apart in the public relations and communications industry, providing fellows with an opportunity to learn and grow in a dynamic environment.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Entry-level (Fellowship)

Reporting Structure: Fellows will report directly to senior staff and work closely with them to meet client needs.

Work Arrangement: Hybrid (Remote and On-site) with flexible work arrangements.

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential extension beyond the initial six-month fellowship
• Eligibility for promotion based on performance and department availability
• Opportunities to work on diverse projects and gain experience in various aspects of strategic communications and public affairs

ASSUMPTION: The fellowship program offers a clear path for growth and development, with the potential for extension and promotion based on performance.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid (Remote and On-site)

Office Location(s): New York, NY

Geographic Context:

• New York, NY is a major hub for public relations, communications, and media industries.
• The city offers a vibrant and dynamic work environment with numerous networking opportunities.
• New York, NY is known for its diverse culture, arts, and entertainment scene.

Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week) with flexible work arrangements.

ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work environment in New York, NY provides fellows with the opportunity to gain experience in a dynamic and fast-paced industry while enjoying the benefits of a flexible work arrangement.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
• In-person or virtual interview with senior staff
• Background check and reference check
• Job offer and onboarding

Key Assessment Areas:

• Writing and research skills
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Knowledge of local and national policies and current events
• Cultural fit and alignment with Avōq's values

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this fellowship role.
• Demonstrate your understanding of Avōq's mission and values in your application materials.
• Prepare examples of your writing and research skills to showcase during the interview.
• Research Avōq's clients and industry to show your knowledge and enthusiasm for the role.

ATS Keywords: Strategic Communications, Public Affairs, Fellow, Research, Writing, Media Relations, Digital Campaigning, Issue Advocacy, Avōq

ASSUMPTION: The application process for this fellowship role is competitive, and candidates should tailor their application materials to highlight their relevant skills and experiences.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Mac OS
• Microsoft Office programs
• Digital and social media marketing tools
• Video and graphic editing software

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with Mac OS and Microsoft Office programs is essential for this role, while experience with digital and social media marketing tools, video, and graphic editing software is preferred.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Creative advocacy
• Informed thinking
• Fresh perspectives
• Unique solutions

Work Style:

• Collaborative
• Adaptable
• Results-driven
• Innovative

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you embrace an ethos of creative advocacy and unique solutions?
• Are you able to work independently and manage multiple priorities?
• Do you thrive in a dynamic and fast-paced work environment?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates who align with Avōq's values and work style will be more likely to succeed in this fellowship role and contribute to the firm's success.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously
• Adapting to a fast-paced and dynamic work environment
• Working with diverse clients and stakeholders
• Gaining experience in a competitive and rapidly evolving industry

ASSUMPTION: While this fellowship role presents numerous opportunities for growth and development, it also comes with challenges that candidates should be prepared to face.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Compared to other entry-level fellowship programs, Avōq's fellowship offers a unique opportunity to gain experience in strategic communications and public affairs while working with a diverse team of professionals.
• Avōq's focus on creative advocacy and unique solutions sets it apart from other firms in the industry.
• This fellowship role provides a clear path for growth and development, with the potential for extension and promotion based on performance.

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should research other entry-level fellowship programs and compare them to Avōq's fellowship to determine which opportunity best aligns with their career goals and interests.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing a strategic communications plan for a corporate client
• Conducting research and analysis on a public policy issue
• Assisting with the planning and execution of a digital campaign
• Preparing reports and presentations for clients and stakeholders

ASSUMPTION: The sample projects listed above are representative of the types of tasks and responsibilities fellows may encounter in this role.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• What are the most important qualities and skills for success in this fellowship role?
• How does Avōq support the professional development and growth of its fellows?
• What are the most challenging aspects of working in strategic communications and public affairs at Avōq?
• How does Avōq approach creative advocacy and unique solutions in its work with clients?
• What opportunities are there for fellows to work on diverse projects and gain experience in various aspects of strategic communications and public affairs?

ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and insightful questions during the interview process demonstrates a candidate's interest in and enthusiasm for the role.

📌 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 for this fellowship role.
• Prepare examples of your writing and research skills to showcase during the interview.
• Research Avōq's clients and industry to show your knowledge and enthusiasm for the role.
• Follow up with the hiring manager within one week of submitting your application to express your interest in the position.

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