Associate Specialist, Corporate Communications

SHRM•Alexandria, VA

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Associate Specialist, Corporate Communications supports the development and execution of internal and external communications initiatives, including executive communications, employee engagement, analyst relations, and corporate communications projects. As part of the Communications Team, this role helps create written and digital content, coordinate communications activities, and support initiatives aligned with SHRM's mission and organizational objectives. The position works collaboratively with internal stakeholders to support communications projects, employee engagement activities, and the communications needs of SHRM subsidiaries. It requires strong writing, organizational, and coordination skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple assignments in a fast-paced environment. The role supports CEO communications, including research, talking points, briefing materials, presentations, and internal staff communications. It contributes to employee communications and engagement, including the weekly newsletter, staff communications, events, meetings, and intranet maintenance. It also supports the administration of SHRM's industry analyst relations program and analyst activities at SHRM's annual conference. The Associate Specialist coordinates corporate communications and marketing projects, maintains project plans and schedules, works with stakeholders and vendors, and helps develop print and digital materials. The role reviews materials for accuracy and brand alignment, recommends process improvements, and assists with special projects and other departmental priorities. This is a hybrid position with Tuesday through Thursday in the office and Monday and Friday remote. Employees must be available during standard business hours; core hours begin between 8:00–9:00 a.m. and conclude between 5:00–6:00 p.m. local time. Occasional travel of 0–10% is expected. The hiring salary range is $65,000 to $75,000 per year.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required.
Zero to three years of experience in corporate communications, public relations, marketing, or a related field.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to develop clear, concise, and engaging content for various audiences.
Strong editing and proofreading skills, with attention to grammar, accuracy, consistency, and tone.
Ability to organize multiple assignments, manage competing priorities, and meet established deadlines.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook.
Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills, including the ability to work effectively across departments and with various levels of management.
Professionalism, discretion, and the ability to handle confidential or sensitive information appropriately.
Strong attention to detail and organizational skills, and ability to follow established processes and guidelines.
Ability to conduct research, gather information, and organize materials to support communications initiatives.
Demonstrated resourcefulness, adaptability, and willingness to learn new processes and technologies.
Ability to work independently on assigned tasks while seeking guidance and direction as appropriate.
Commitment to high standards of customer service, professionalism, integrity, and ethics.
Ability to effectively leverage artificial intelligence (AI) tools and technologies to streamline workflows, enhance productivity, and improve work quality.
Ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
Ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds as needed.
Availability during standard business hours, with core hours beginning between 8:00–9:00 a.m. and concluding between 5:00–6:00 p.m. local time.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, or a related field, or relevant equivalent experience in lieu of a degree.
Experience drafting, editing, or coordinating written and digital communications.
Experience supporting communications projects, employee engagement activities, or events.
Experience with content management systems, intranet platforms, or project management tools.

Responsibilities

Support the Executive Communications team in preparing materials for CEO speaking engagements, including research, talking points, briefing materials, and PowerPoint presentations.
Draft internal staff communications on behalf of the CEO for review and approval.
Assist with communications-related special projects for the Chief Marketing Officer, coordinating materials, timelines, and deliverables.
Support the development and production of the weekly employee newsletter by gathering content, drafting articles, coordinating submissions, and preparing materials for distribution.
Collaborate with HR and other departments to draft and distribute employee communications.
Assist with planning and coordinating employee engagement activities, including social events, staff meetings, and all-hands meetings.
Maintain and update internal communications platforms, including the SHRM intranet, to ensure content is accurate, current, and accessible.
Draft and coordinate internal and external communications related to SHRM news, organizational initiatives, and relevant events impacting SHRM audiences.
Support the coordination and administration of SHRM's industry analyst relations program.
Assist with communications, scheduling, and logistical coordination involving industry analysts and external agency partners.
Coordinate materials, communications, and logistical arrangements for analyst participation at SHRM's annual conference.
Collaborate with the Events team to support planning and execution of analyst-related conference activities.
Coordinate activities, track timelines, and monitor deliverables for multiple corporate communications and marketing projects.
Maintain project plans, schedules, and status updates to support timely completion of assigned initiatives.
Coordinate with internal stakeholders, subject matter experts, and external vendors to gather information and support project execution.
Assist with the development and coordination of print and digital communications materials for campaigns and organizational initiatives.
Review communications materials for accuracy, consistency, and alignment with established brand and messaging guidelines.
Identify opportunities to improve communications processes, workflows, and content delivery, and share recommendations with management.
Collaborate with team members and cross-functional stakeholders to support departmental goals and initiatives.
Assist with special projects, time-sensitive communications, and other departmental priorities as assigned.
Perform other duties as assigned.