Application Guide

How to Apply for Director of Communications

at We the Veterans and Military Families

🏢 About We the Veterans and Military Families

We the Veterans and Military Families is a nonpartisan nonprofit founded by veterans and military families to strengthen American democracy through patriotic participation. Their flagship program, Vet the Vote, recruits veterans as poll workers, and they unite experts to tackle national challenges—offering a unique blend of mission-driven impact and civic innovation.

About This Role

As Director of Communications, you will lead the narrative for Vet the Vote and other initiatives, crafting strategies to engage the veteran and military family community in civic action. This role is pivotal in amplifying the organization's voice nationally, shaping public discourse around patriotic participation, and driving measurable engagement through media, digital, and storytelling.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with reviewing media coverage and social media metrics, followed by a strategy meeting with the team to align on upcoming campaigns. You could spend the afternoon drafting a press release for a Vet the Vote event, pitching stories to journalists, and recording a podcast interview with a veteran leader—all while monitoring the news cycle for opportunities to amplify the mission.

🚀 Application Tools

Generate Cover Letter

AI-powered, tailored for We the Veterans and Military Families

Interview Prep

Practice questions for this role

🎯 Who We the Veterans and Military Families Is Looking For

  • A veteran or military family member with firsthand understanding of the community's values and communication preferences.
  • Proven experience in nonprofit communications, public affairs, or digital strategy, with a track record of leading campaigns that drive action.
  • A skilled storyteller who can translate complex civic concepts into compelling narratives for diverse audiences.
  • Strategic thinker with media relations expertise and ability to manage crisis communications in a politically sensitive environment.

📝 Tips for Applying to We the Veterans and Military Families

1

Highlight any direct involvement with veteran or military family organizations, especially those focused on civic engagement or nonpartisan initiatives.

2

Quantify results from past communications campaigns (e.g., media impressions, engagement rates, volunteer sign-ups) to show measurable impact.

3

Tailor your resume to emphasize storytelling, brand strategy, and experience with mission-driven audiences—avoid generic corporate language.

4

In your cover letter, explicitly connect your personal connection to the military community (if applicable) and your passion for strengthening democracy.

5

Research Vet the Vote and propose a specific idea for amplifying the program’s reach in your application to demonstrate initiative.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your personal connection to the veteran/military family community and why patriotic participation matters to you.', 'Specific examples of how you’ve built communications strategies that mobilized communities or shifted public narratives.', 'Understanding of the nonpartisan nature of the organization and ability to navigate politically charged topics with balance.', 'Your vision for elevating Vet the Vote and engaging younger veterans and military families in civic action.']

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review We the Veterans’ website and blog to understand their tone, key initiatives (Vet the Vote, convenings), and recent press coverage.
  • → Study their social media channels (Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook) to see how they engage the community and what content performs well.
  • → Read about Vet the Vote’s impact (e.g., number of poll workers recruited, partnerships) to speak knowledgeably about the program.
  • → Understand the broader landscape of veteran-focused nonprofits and how We the Veterans differentiates itself (e.g., nonpartisan, civic focus).
Visit We the Veterans and Military Families's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you develop a communications strategy for a nonpartisan civic engagement program in a polarized environment?
2 Describe a time you managed a communications crisis or sensitive issue—how did you balance transparency with organizational values?
3 What metrics would you use to measure success for Vet the Vote’s communications, and how would you report them to stakeholders?
4 How would you tailor messaging to resonate with veterans versus active-duty military families versus civilian allies?
5 What is your experience with digital tools (e.g., CRM, social media management, analytics) and how would you leverage them for this role?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don’t use partisan language or make assumptions about the political leanings of the audience—the organization is strictly nonpartisan.
  • Avoid generic communications experience without tying it to mission-driven work; the role requires passion for the cause, not just skills.
  • Don’t overlook the military family angle—emphasize understanding of both veterans and their families, as the organization serves both.

📅 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 We the Veterans and Military Families!

← Back to Job Listing Apply Now →