Freelance Media and Communications Specialist

About Akoya

We’re a woman-owned small business that delivers big results in strategic communications. For 25 years, Akoya has thrived in the government consulting landscape helping agencies launch new programs, leverage internal and external support, and drive their missions forward. Our strategic approach to communications increases the quality of services and makes Akoya a comfortable home for motivated communications professionals who value and rely on the idea-sharing and collaboration inherent in our corporate culture.

Freelance Media and Communications Specialist

We're looking for a reliable freelance media communications specialist to support our team on an as-needed basis. In this freelance role, you'll be called on to support specific client projects and to help absorb overflow work when our internal team's capacity is stretched, such as during high-volume news cycles, launches, or when multiple client deadlines land at once. We're looking for someone who can jump in quickly, deliver quality work with minimal ramp-up time, and scale their involvement up or down as our needs shift.

What You'll Be Doing

• Building and executing media strategies
• Writing press releases
• Pitching to the media
• Preparing written responses to media inquiries
• Maintaining media lists and building relationships with reporters
• Tracking, measuring, and reporting the performance of media and communications campaigns
• Working collaboratively with other media teams, while also independently serving the client
• Diving deep into complex subject matter and relaying key messages to members of the media and other audiences
• Writing a variety of other engaging communications materials including fact sheets, flyers, brochures, blog posts, social media posts, etc.
• Contributing to or writing longer-form technical content such as research reports and white papers, ensuring clarity and accessibility for target audiences
• Drafting talking points for leadership

Requirements

• Must have a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and at least 5 years of experience. Alternatively, must have a Master’s degree in a relevant field and 3 years of experience.
• U.S. citizenship is required with verbal and written fluency in English
• Must be able to receive and maintain a federal security clearance (public trust level)
• Familiarity with responsible AI principles and practices.

Desired Qualifications

• Based in Washington, D.C for occasional onsite support.
• Prior federal contracting experience is preferred. 
• Experience in the energy sector preferred.

Akoya is committed to an equitable, diverse, inclusive, and accessible environment that has a positive effect on the hiring, retention, and ongoing support of all employees. Akoya is an Equal Opportunity Employer and, in compliance with applicable laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations, affords equal opportunities for all qualified persons without regard to race, color, religion, age, creed, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.