Communications Associate

Job Description

General Information

• Job Code: PRO-CM-02
• Location: Ripple Effect Headquarters – Rockville, MD
• Employee Type: Exempt, Full-Time Regular
• Telework: This role is fully remote
• Salary Range: $64,281 - $69,189 (how we pay and promote)

Position Overview

Are you passionate about using communication to advance a mission that matters?

Ripple Effect is seeking a Communications Generalist with two years of experience to support mission-driven communications initiatives. In this role, you will help develop and execute communication strategies, create engaging content and outreach materials, support events and stakeholder engagement activities, and contribute to efforts that inform audiences and promote a positive organizational image.

If this position sounds of interest, there’s a place for you here at Ripple Effect! We are a diverse, progressive, and engaging work environment. We offer a multitude of incentives and flexible work options that work for you and your lifestyle.

While not an exhaustive list, the key duties for the position include:

• Develop and deliver a wide variety of communications products, including communications plans, newsletters, messaging, presentations, blogs, social media content, infographics, fact sheets, multimedia assets, and marketing collateral.
• Support the planning, execution, and evaluation of communications strategies and campaigns that effectively disseminate information and promote a positive organizational image.
• Assist with the coordination and execution of virtual and in-person meetings, events, outreach activities, and stakeholder engagement efforts.
• Build and maintain knowledge of client missions, programs, priorities, and stakeholder audiences to develop targeted and impactful communications approaches.
• Collaborate with writers, editors, designers, web developers, and project teams to ensure communications products are accurate, consistent, and aligned with project objectives.
• Track communications activities, action items, and project deliverables; provide regular status updates and proactively communicate schedule risks or challenges.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of branding standards, style guides, quality assurance processes, and communications best practices.
• Review communications products for quality, consistency, accessibility, and adherence to branding and editorial standards.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret communications-related data from sources such as social media platforms, website analytics, surveys, and stakeholder engagement activities.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in marketing, communications, business or relevant fields.
• 2+ years of relevant experience, additional education substitutes for experience.

Basic Requirements

• Foundational knowledge of content development in areas including ability to translate complex information into plain language for a variety of audiences and versatility across formats such as web, social media, and technical writing.

• Foundational knowledge of communications strategy and planning in areas including campaign planning, change management, message development and omnichannel strategies.

• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office productivity software and collaboration tools such as Microsoft Teams and SharePoint.

• Ability to prioritize among multiple tasks in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for face-to-face interactions with clients, co-workers, and program stakeholders.

• Ability to learn quickly and condense complex information from diverse sources into concise, attractive, user-friendly formats.

• Strong attention to detail and demonstrated ability to execute instructions.

Skills That Set You Apart

• Certificate in communications, marketing, or public relations such as PRSA.
• Foundational knowledge of communications research methods in areas including usability testing; digital analytics; and market and consumer research.
• Foundational knowledge of conference and event management in areas including event planning and publicity; exhibit management; pre-, on-site and post-meeting logistics; and speaker management.
• Foundational knowledge of accessibility in areas such as 508 compliance for a wide range of digital communications materials.
• Experience managing social media accounts and knowledge of social media best practice.
• Intermediate experience with AI tools, including their limitations and risks, and how they can be applied to support project management tasks.

About Ripple Effect

Ripple Effect is a woman-owned, 200-person company of communicators, scientists, researchers, and analysts. Established in 2003, and named as one of the “Best and Brightest Companies to Work For” in 2024 and 2025 by the NABR, Ripple Effect has earned acclaim for delivering unparalleled consulting services and top-tier talent across federal, private, and non-profit sectors.

At Ripple Effect, we reward our employees for their contributions to our mission. Our comprehensive total rewards package includes competitive pay, exceptional benefits, and a range of programs that support your work/life balance and personalized preferences.

Learn more about our benefits and culture here.