Public Relations and Communications Specialist Supporting USCG Museum

Description

Ruchman and Associates, Inc. (RAI) is seeking a Public Relations and Communications Specialist to support communications, media relations, outreach, and digital engagement for the National Coast Guard Museum. The specialist will develop polished communication products for Government review and approval, support public awareness of museum programs and exhibits, and help track the effectiveness of outreach activities. The position does not independently release information or speak on behalf of the USCG.

Responsibilities:

• Draft communication and outreach plans supporting museum programs, rotating exhibits, lectures, community events, and other approved initiatives.
• Prepare press releases, media kits, interview-preparation materials, talking points, and draft responses for Government Public Affairs review.
• Receive and route media inquiries, maintain accurate media-contact information and inquiry logs, and support timely coordination with authorized Government personnel.
• Draft and design content for approved social media channels, websites, blogs, newsletters, graphics, and other digital or print campaigns.
• Coordinate all proposed public-facing materials with USCG Public Affairs personnel and incorporate required reviews and edits before release.
• Apply Associated Press Style and established branding, editorial, accessibility, and quality standards to communications products.
• Track media coverage, web traffic, social media engagement, and other outreach metrics to assess communication effectiveness.
• Prepare recurring analytics reports and recommendations for museum leadership based on public engagement and outreach results.
• Maintain organized communication files, editorial calendars, content schedules, approval records, and supporting documentation.
• Ensure that only authorized Government personnel approve or publish official U.S. Coast Guard content unless written authority is expressly given.

Qualifications:

• A bachelor's degree in communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a closely related discipline.
• 3 to 5 years of full-time professional experience in public relations, media relations, strategic communications, marketing, or a related field.
• Demonstrated mastery of AP Style and professional writing, editing, proofreading, and message development.
• Experience developing press materials, communication plans, digital content, graphics, social media content, and outreach campaigns.
• Proficiency with MS Office and commonly used content-development, graphic-design, social-media, and analytics tools.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments, coordinate stakeholder reviews, meet deadlines, and maintain accurate approval records.
• Strong judgment and discretion when handling media inquiries and drafting messages for the USCG’s review and approval.
• Experience supporting a cultural institution, public-sector organization, military history museum, or DoW / DHS organization is highly desirable.
• General familiarity with USCG terminology, history, and operational missions is highly desirable.

RAI is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and will not discriminate against any application for employment based on age, race, color, gender, national origin, religion, creed, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military status, disability, or sex including pregnancy and childbirth or related medical condition or on any other basis prohibited by law. RAI participates in the E-Verify program to confirm the employment eligibility of all persons hired. This means that we will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. RAI. will not use E-Verify to pre-screen job applicants.