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.

🎯 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

1

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.

2

Demonstrate your knowledge of PFLAG's mission and recent initiatives, referencing specific campaigns or news to show you've done your homework.

3

Highlight any experience working with LGBTQ+ communities or on LGBTQ+ issues, even if it's not the primary focus of your background.

4

Be clear about your availability and whether you are applying for Phase 1, Phase 2, or both, as the job posting allows for flexibility.

5

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.
Visit PFLAG National's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you approach the first 30 days as interim VP, building trust with the team and COO?
2 Describe a time you managed a communications crisis; what was your strategy and outcome?
3 How do you ensure messaging is inclusive and resonates with diverse LGBTQ+ audiences?
4 How would you balance the need for rapid response in PR with long-term strategic planning?
5 What metrics do you use to measure the success of communications and PR efforts?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ 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:

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 PFLAG National!