Application Guide
How to Apply for Strategic Communications/PR Consultant
at PFLAG National
🏢 About PFLAG National
PFLAG National is the nation's largest organization dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for LGBTQ+ people and their families. Working here means contributing to a mission-driven environment where your communications expertise directly advances equality and inclusion.
About This Role
This role is a unique opportunity to step into a leadership position within a mission-driven nonprofit, either as an interim VP or as a PR consultant. You'll shape the national conversation on LGBTQ+ issues, manage media relations, and guide strategic communications during a critical transition period.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve leading a team meeting to align on messaging, fielding media inquiries from journalists, and drafting talking points for a rapid-response situation. You'd also collaborate with the digital team to ensure consistent messaging across platforms, and perhaps present updates to the COO or board.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who PFLAG National Is Looking For
- Proven experience in strategic communications leadership, ideally within a nonprofit or mission-driven organization, with a track record of developing and executing successful PR campaigns.
- Deep understanding of LGBTQ+ issues and the political/social landscape, with the ability to craft sensitive and impactful messaging.
- Strong crisis communication skills and experience managing media relations during sensitive or high-profile situations.
- Excellent leadership and collaboration abilities, comfortable working with senior leadership and cross-functional teams (digital, creative, etc.) in a remote environment.
📝 Tips for Applying to PFLAG National
Tailor your resume and cover letter to explicitly address both phases of the role, highlighting your ability to step into an interim leadership role and your strategic PR expertise.
Demonstrate your knowledge of PFLAG's mission and recent initiatives, referencing specific campaigns or news to show you've done your homework.
Highlight any experience working with LGBTQ+ communities or on LGBTQ+ issues, even if it's not the primary focus of your background.
Be clear about your availability and whether you are applying for Phase 1, Phase 2, or both, as the job posting allows for flexibility.
Showcase your remote work experience and ability to manage teams and projects in a distributed environment.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Express genuine passion for PFLAG's mission and the LGBTQ+ community.", 'Emphasize your experience in strategic communications leadership and PR, with specific examples of successful campaigns or crisis management.', 'Highlight your ability to step into a leadership role quickly and provide stability during a transition.', 'Mention your collaborative style and experience working with diverse teams and stakeholders.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Review PFLAG National's website, especially recent news releases, blog posts, and their strategic plan.
- → Follow PFLAG National on social media to understand their tone, key messages, and current campaigns.
- → Research recent LGBTQ+ legislative developments and how PFLAG has responded.
- → Look into the backgrounds of the VP of Strategic Communications and the COO to understand leadership style and priorities.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't submit a generic cover letter; make sure it's clearly tailored to PFLAG and this specific role.
- Avoid focusing solely on your technical skills without demonstrating your cultural competence and understanding of LGBTQ+ issues.
- Don't overlook the dual-phase nature of the role; address your interest and availability for each phase clearly.
📅 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:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to PFLAG National!