BMC Public Affairs and Public Relations Associate Director - Washington DC

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Associate Director, Public Affairs and Public Relations (DC Metro)

Brand, Marketing and Communications (BMC) – Americas

Join our Brand, Marketing and Communications (BMC) team as Associate Director – Public Affairs and Public Relations, and play a key role in protecting and enhancing EY’s brand and reputation. Working closely with the Director of Corporate Reputation and Public Affairs, you’ll manage high-impact projects and deliver strategic communications, public affairs, and media relations initiatives to engage a wide range of audiences — including policymakers, regulators, clients, employees, alumni, the media, and the communities in which we operate.

The Opportunity We are seeking an experienced and highly organized Associate Director, Public Affairs and Public Relations, to help shape and execute high-impact strategies that protect and strengthen EY’s brand and reputation. Reporting directly to the Director of Corporate Reputation and Public Affairs, you will be a hands-on project manager and trusted partner, supporting the planning, execution, and measurement of public affairs, media relations, and reputation-focused initiatives. This role offers the opportunity to work closely with senior leadership, provide strategic counsel, and manage projects from concept through completion in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment.

Your Key Responsibilities

Collaborate with the Director to develop and execute public affairs and PR strategies that align with firm priorities and business objectives.

Manage multiple concurrent projects, ensuring deadlines, deliverables, and quality standards are met across media relations, public affairs, and reputation management initiatives.

Coordinate with internal stakeholders — including Public Policy, Internal Communications, Marketing, and the General Counsel’s Office — to align messaging and approach.

Support senior executives in preparing for media engagements, including drafting talking points, briefing documents, and press materials.

Monitor media coverage, legislative developments, and industry trends to identify opportunities and potential risks.

Draft, edit, and distribute press releases, statements, and other external communications.

Build and maintain relationships with key journalists, editors, third parties, and external PR agency partners to help generate positive coverage.

Assist with issues and crisis communications planning and response, ensuring rapid, coordinated execution when needed.

Track, measure, and report on campaign results, media activity, and reputation impact.

Uphold the highest standards of discretion and professionalism when handling sensitive or confidential information.

Skills and Attributes for Success

Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines across multiple workstreams.

Solid understanding of public affairs, regulatory and legislative communications, and reputation management best practices.

Proven media relations skills, with experience pitching and securing positive coverage in top-tier outlets.

Excellent written and verbal communication abilities, with a track record of producing clear, compelling content for diverse audiences.

Ability to work effectively in a highly matrixed organization, building trust and alignment across functions and geographies.

Comfort working under pressure and adapting quickly to changing priorities.

To Qualify, You Must Have

8–10 years of experience in public relations, public affairs, corporate communications, or a related field — preferably in a professional services or large corporate environment.

Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, political science, or related field (Master’s degree a plus).

Demonstrated success in managing projects end-to-end and delivering measurable results.

Familiarity with the U.S. regulatory and legislative environment and its intersection with corporate communications.

Experience working directly with senior leaders and providing strategic communications counsel.

What We Look For We’re seeking a proactive and detail-oriented professional who thrives on managing complex projects and delivering high-quality communications that make an impact. The ideal candidate combines strategic thinking with strong execution, is skilled at building relationships inside and outside the organization, and is motivated by the opportunity to help protect and enhance one of the world’s most respected brands.

What we offer you At EY, we’ll develop you with future-focused skills and equip you with world-class experiences. We’ll empower you in a flexible environment, and fuel you and your extraordinary talents in a diverse and inclusive culture of globally connected teams. Learn more .

We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to the business. The base salary range for this job in all geographic locations in the US is $130,500 to $251,200. The base salary range for New York City Metro Area, Washington State and California (excluding Sacramento) is $156,600 to $285,400. Individual salaries within those ranges are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge, skills and geography. In addition, our Total Rewards package includes medical and dental coverage, pension and 401(k) plans, and a wide range of paid time off options.

Join us in our team-led and leader-enabled hybrid model. Our expectation is for most people in external, client serving roles to work together in person 40-60% of the time over the course of an engagement, project or year.

Under our flexible vacation policy, you’ll decide how much vacation time you need based on your own personal circumstances. You’ll also be granted time off for designated EY Paid Holidays, Winter / Summer breaks, Personal / Family Care, and other leaves of absence when needed to support your physical, financial, and emotional well-being.

Are you ready to shape your future with confidence? Apply today.

EY accepts applications for this position on an on-going basis.

For those living in California, please click here for additional information.

EY focuses on high-ethical standards and integrity among its employees and expects all candidates to demonstrate these qualities.

EY | Building a better working world

EY is building a better working world by creating new value for clients, people, society and the planet, while building trust in capital markets.

Enabled by data, AI and advanced technology, EY teams help clients shape the future with confidence and develop answers for the most pressing issues of today and tomorrow.

EY teams work across a full spectrum of services in assurance, consulting, tax, strategy and transactions. Fueled by sector insights, a globally connected, multi-disciplinary network and diverse ecosystem partners, EY teams can provide services in more than 150 countries and territories.

EY provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity / expression, pregnancy, genetic information, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other legally protected basis, including arrest and conviction records, in accordance with applicable law.

EY is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities including veterans with disabilities. If you have a disability and either need assistance applying online or need to request an accommodation during any part of the application process, please call 1-800-EY-HELP3, select Option 2 for candidate related inquiries, then select Option 1 for candidate queries and finally select Option 2 for candidates with an inquiry which will route you to EY’s Talent Shared Services Team (TSS) or email the TSS at ssc.customersupport@ey.com .

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