Application Guide

How to Apply for Director of Communications & Public Relations

at Project Equity

🏢 About Project Equity

Project Equity is a national nonprofit leading the movement to preserve businesses and jobs through employee ownership. They are dedicated to keeping local businesses thriving and building community wealth, offering a unique opportunity to make a tangible social impact while working remotely.

About This Role

As the Director of Communications & PR, you will be the architect of Project Equity's national visibility, translating complex employee ownership concepts into compelling stories that capture media attention and position leadership as thought leaders. Your work will directly amplify the organization's mission and drive engagement with key stakeholders, including investors and the public.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with checking emails and responding to journalist inquiries, followed by a meeting with the PR agency to align on pitches. You might spend the afternoon drafting a thought leadership piece for the CEO or preparing talking points for an upcoming interview, while also coordinating with the marketing team on content strategy.

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🎯 Who Project Equity Is Looking For

  • Seasoned PR strategist with a proven track record of securing top-tier media coverage in business, economic, and trade outlets.
  • Exceptional writer and storyteller who can distill complex topics into engaging narratives for diverse audiences.
  • Skilled in managing external agencies and freelancers to ensure consistent, high-quality output and timely deliverables.
  • A relationship-builder with existing journalist contacts and the ability to cultivate new ones, with a knack for capitalizing on news cycles.

📝 Tips for Applying to Project Equity

1

Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight specific PR wins, especially in the nonprofit or social impact sector, with metrics like media impressions or placement counts.

2

Showcase your writing versatility by including links to published articles, press releases, or thought leadership pieces you've authored.

3

Demonstrate your strategic thinking by proposing a creative media pitch or campaign idea for employee ownership in your cover letter.

4

Research Project Equity's recent media coverage and mention specific outlets or journalists you admire in your application.

5

Since it's a remote role, emphasize your experience working independently and managing cross-functional teams virtually.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your passion for employee ownership and social impact, aligning with Project Equity's mission.", "Specific examples of how you've translated complex topics into compelling stories that resonated with target audiences.", 'Your experience in managing media relationships and securing high-profile placements, with concrete results.', 'Your leadership in developing and executing comprehensive PR strategies that build national presence.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Understand the concept of employee ownership (ESOPs, worker cooperatives) and the challenges small businesses face in transitioning ownership.
  • → Review Project Equity's website, recent press releases, and media mentions to familiarize yourself with their tone and key messages.
  • → Look into the backgrounds of the leadership team, especially the VP of Marketing and CEO, to understand their expertise and public personas.
  • → Research the competitive landscape: other nonprofits or organizations advocating for employee ownership and their media presence.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you approach pitching a story about employee ownership to a major business publication like Forbes or The Wall Street Journal?
2 Describe a time you managed a PR crisis or sensitive issue; how did you handle it?
3 How do you measure the success of PR efforts beyond just media impressions?
4 How would you work with the VP of Marketing to align PR strategy with overall marketing goals?
5 What's your experience with investor relations communications, and how would you apply it here?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't send a generic cover letter; it must clearly connect your experience to the specific requirements of this role.
  • Avoid focusing solely on marketing or lead-gen; this role is about PR, media relations, and storytelling, not driving sales.
  • Don't underestimate the importance of remote work skills; highlight your ability to communicate effectively and manage projects asynchronously.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Project Equity!

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