Communications Coordinator or Associate Counselor

Start Date: May 2026

McDougall Communications is seeking a communications coordinator or associate counselor to support the firm’s various global, national, and regional clients.

Responsibilities may include:

• Monitoring, analyzing and reporting on stories, trends and topics occurring in a variety of trade and consumer media outlets, as well as across social / digital platforms

• Conducting background research and developing recommendations in support of client and internal initiatives

• Conceiving, developing, and posting content for multiple digital and social media platforms

• Drafting fact sheets, news releases, media alerts, client talking points and tip sheets, advertorials and other editorial-style content

• Developing relationships with trade and consumer journalists plus independent influencers across various industries

• Creating multiple story angles and narratives in conjunction with teammates and clients that will be of interest to trade and consumer journalists

• General project management

Success at McDougall Communications is equal parts skill and attitude: we challenge ourselves, our partners and our clients to be braver, bolder and better every day. The ideal person will also thrive in a close-knit team environment that fosters and celebrates collaboration with individual accountability. As hard as everyone works, we also find time to inject large doses of fun and enjoy each other’s company.

The candidate must be able to travel domestically, including by plane, and have the flexibility to work during daytime business hours plus accommodate clients in multiple time zones (and the realities of today’s news environment: news stories or deadlines may occasionally require urgent response times). The firm provides a high degree of flexibility for all employees to help balance personal, family, and other lifestyle needs with public relations demands. In short, we treat everyone as adults—a simple but highly effective way of doing business.

The position includes a broad spectrum of benefits typically reserved for large organizations, including (at the time of posting) paid vacation, up to 10 scheduled company holidays, summer hours, an annual company retreat (to give you an idea—2025 was in Palm Springs, Calif.), healthcare and dental insurance, a 401(k) plan with matching contributions, performance bonuses, professional development including paid PRSA membership and more. The role (communications coordinator vs. associate counselor) and salary are commensurate with experience, ranging from $40,000 to $50,000 annually.

A mastery of common digital tools (e.g., MS Office) is a must, as is impeccable editorial and creative writing (short- and long-form). Knowledge of social media best practices for B2B and B2C is essential, including emerging platforms. Basic Excel knowledge as well as a desire to learn various analytics models and systems is needed. Skills in visual design / graphic design / video production are a plus. Experience using multiple AI platforms is crucial: knowing when AI can accelerate or improve your work and being able to implement it, as well as knowing when using AI may pose a risk to confidentiality, quality, or transparency, will be imperative.

For the entry-level role of communications coordinator, at least one year of related experience, which may include structured / professional internships, is strongly recommended. Associate counselors must have two to four years of prior, directly applicable work.

Employees work onsite in our Rochester, N.Y. office Monday through Thursday, with the option to work remotely on Fridays. Limited regional and domestic travel will be required from time to time.

To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume to careers@mcdougallpr.com.