Public Affairs Assistant
The public affairs assistant provides administrative and logistical support for the American Historical Association's (AHA) governmental and public affairs work, including the Congressional Briefings program, federal and state advocacy initiatives, and external communications. The public affairs assistant also provides occasional administrative support for the director of communications and public affairs, executive director, and AHA governing Council. The position reports to the director of communications and public affairs.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Coordinate the Congressional Briefings program and related events, including preparing handouts and agendas, providing onsite support, developing marketing materials, and logistical and administrative tasks such as arranging catering and accommodations, processing payments and reimbursements, and providing participant support
- Draft action alerts, memos, and advocacy guides on key issues to support the AHA’s federal and state advocacy efforts, disseminating these materials through email marketing, grassroots advocacy tools, and other digital platforms
- Track legislation, executive orders, and other initiatives at the federal and state levels related to history, history education, and the work of historians, and research and compile relevant policy information
- Support press and media relations by drafting press releases, monitoring media coverage, and compiling media mentions
- Build and update webpages on the AHA website, including posting and revising content, and track website analytics to support communications strategies
- Attend meetings with external stakeholders and provide notes and follow-up support
- Provide administrative support for the director of communications and public affairs, executive director, and AHA governing Council and Executive Committee, including scheduling meetings; preparing agendas, meeting materials, and follow-up reports; processing reimbursements and payments; and responding to email inquiries
- Other duties as assigned
Required qualifications/key attributes
- Bachelor’s degree in history, public policy, or related fields
- Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment, juggle several projects simultaneously, and prioritize assignments from multiple staff members
- Comfortable working on time-sensitive tasks requiring discretion and good judgment
- Excellent writing and communications skills
- Highly organized and detail oriented
- Proficient with Microsoft Office and comfortable with learning new digital tools
- Experience with WordPress and Google Analytics preferred; experience with Beaver Builder a plus
- Experience with CQ Federal, Legislative Connect, or related policy monitoring platforms a plus
- Must have the legal right to work in the United States
SALARY/BENEFITS: $45,000–$49,000. Benefits package includes competitive medical and life insurance and a qualified retirement plan.
LOCATION, SCHEDULE, AND TRAVEL: Washington, DC, AHA Headquarters Office. Full-time, Monday through Friday. Hybrid workplace, with two required days in office per week. Required travel to occasional local, off-site events and once a year to the AHA annual meeting.
FLSA STATUS: Non-exempt
DATE POSTED: August 26, 2026. Review of applications will begin on September 8, 2026, and continue until the position is filled.
APPLICATION: Submit cover letter, resume, and a list of three references. To apply, log into your MY AHA account at historians.org/myaha; click “Available Application Forms” in the AHA Awards, Grants, and Jobs section; and select the "Public Affairs Assistant" link. If you don't have an account, create one for free at historians.org/createaccount.
For more information about the AHA visit www.historians.org. Questions regarding the AHA or the search should be sent to Alexandra Levy, alevy@historians.org.
*This job description is not intended to describe every job duty or responsibility that the AHA requires of the person in this position.
*The AHA is an equal opportunity employer.