Job Description
Job Description
Position Title: Public Affairs Specialist
Grade Level: 4 – FLSA Exempt
Reports to: Director of External Communications
About NED
The National Endowment for Democracy supports freedom around the world.
At NED, we deliver on the belief that freedom is a universal aspiration. Headquartered in Washington, DC, NED is a private, nonprofit foundation, mandated by Congress, dedicated to strengthening democratic institutions worldwide.
NED reflects an enduring American commitment to stand with those striving for dignity, justice, and opportunity. In 2025, NED made 1,552 grants totaling $271 million to support the work of nongovernmental organizations advancing democratic goals in more than 90 countries, including some of the world’s most challenging and repressive environments.
We seek talented, entrepreneurial professionals motivated by purpose and committed to excellence. At NED, you will join a dynamic team of experts who bring their skills, curiosity, and judgment to a consequential mission at a critical moment for democracy around the world. Our work is guided by our shared values: excellence, respect, empathy, accountability, and adaptability.
Position Summary:
The Public Affairs Specialist is a communications professional seeking to build experience across public affairs, media, digital communications, events, government relations, and institutional storytelling. The Specialist contributes to the development and execution of public-facing communications materials and supports the content, coordination, and day-to-day workflows that underpin NED’s external engagement, including with Congress and the Executive Branch. This position will support the production of NED external communication products; hold responsibility for administrative, financial, and logistics support functions for the Comms team; and support planning and coordination for NED internal and external events. The Specialist will also provide support to the GR team’s Congressional engagement and advocacy efforts with policy/legislative research as needed.
This role is well suited to a detail-oriented professional with strong organizational skills, sound judgment, and the ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment. It offers hands-on exposure to media, events, digital content, and institutional communications in support of NED’s broader mission.
This is a hybrid position based in Washington, DC., and is part of the bargaining unit.
Primary ResponsibilitiesCommunications and Content Support
• Support drafting, formatting, proofreading, and distribution of communications materials, including event notices, press materials, website updates, and related copy.
• Assist with the posting or distribution of public-facing content, including website updates, event notices, press materials, and social media content, as needed.
• Help maintain press and stakeholder contact lists and other outreach infrastructure.
• Support daily media monitoring and related production needs, including clip distribution and internal circulation.
• Help manage and triage communications-related inbound requests, including info@ned inquiries and internal requests for support.
• Provide research, background preparation, and general coordination support for media, events, government relations, and related public affairs needs.
Media, Digital, and Storytelling Support
• Assist with background research, story development, and content preparation tied to media outreach, digital communications, and public affairs priorities.
• Help capture and organize photos, short videos, quotes, and other materials from events and partner engagements for use in communications products.
• Support website updates, basic digital publishing tasks, and content organization as needed.
• Contribute to the preparation of materials tied to grantee storytelling, events, and external communications opportunities.
Event and External Engagement Support
• Provide communications and logistical support for events, meetings, and public programs.
• Staff events, help manage real-time needs, support guest coordination, and assist with post-event follow-up.
• Support the Events Lead with guest lists, communications follow-through, and event-related coordination.
• Assist with content capture and event-related materials that can support broader communications efforts.
Operational Support
• Support administrative processes including preparing, routing, and tracking contracts, invoices, forms, and other internal documentation.
• Help manage vendor onboarding and payment-related documentation in coordination with relevant internal departments.
• Maintain organized files for contracts, agreements, invoices, event materials, and other team records.
• Assist with scheduling, internal coordination, and follow-up related to team projects, meetings, and external engagements.
Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public affairs, political science, international relations, or a related field required.
• 2–4 years of relevant experience in communications, public affairs, administration, events, or a related field.
• Broad understanding of democracy support space, U.S. government, foreign policy, communications, and related topics.
• Strong organizational skills and close attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments, follow established processes, and meet deadlines reliably.
• Experience supporting administrative workflows such as contracts, invoices, scheduling, travel coordination, budget tracking, or document management.
• Ability to work collaboratively across teams and maintain professionalism in a fast-paced environment.
• Comfort supporting events and handling occasional on-site logistical responsibilities.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office and standard workplace tools required; experience with CMS platforms, contact databases, or digital asset management tools is a plus.
• Interest in or familiarity with international affairs, democracy support, public policy, or nonprofit communications preferred.
• Demonstrated alignment with NED’s values of excellence, respect, empathy, accountability, and adaptability.
Talent in Action
Consistent with NED’s talent statement, and grounded in our values, the successful individual in this role will demonstrate the following competencies in the delivery of their work while supporting NED’s efforts to advance democratic change:
• Purpose-Driven
• Reliable
• Expertise
• Respectful Collaboration
• Curiosity
• Results-Oriented
• An Optimistic Mindset
NED Total Compensation
The anticipated compensation range for this position is $51,750 to $80,250.
The salary for this position is determined based on a wide variety of factors, including but not limited to an individual’s professional experience, qualifications, education, and other business needs along with internal equity considerations. Employees are not typically hired at the top of the range for their role, and compensation decisions are based on the aforementioned circumstances.
NED also offers a generous benefits package that demonstrates its commitment to employee health and well-being.
To apply, please attach a resume and cover letter to your application.