Strategic Communications/PR Consultant

Overview

PFLAG National is seeking a strategic communications/PR consultant(s) (Consultant) to support the PFLAG National Strategic Communications & External Relations (StratComms) team.

There are two phases to this work:

• Phase 1 runs for just over three months (est. 9/16/26-1/3/27) while the VP, Strategic Communications & External Relations is out of the office and is a leadership-focused phase, serving as an interim VP.
• Phase 2 runs through the rest of the fiscal year (through 9/30/27) moving focus to the PR/media/press/strategy space, in consultation with the VP and Sr Mrg, Public Relations.

We are open to either one provider filling both roles from phase 1 to phase 2 OR two separate providers: one filling the interim VP role for Q1, and the second provider working in the PR consultant role (phase 2) for the entirety of our fiscal year.

StratComms is responsible for the visibility of the organization, and includes two distinct connected streams of work reporting up to the VP:

• Public Relations (including strategy, messaging, press/media, thought leadership), which is headed up by the Sr. Mgr., Public Relations; and
• Digital/Creative (website, email, social media, branding, creative), which is led by a Director, Digital & Creative, with a Sr. Coordinator, Digital Content as supporting staff.

Phase I: Oct 1, 2026 - Jan 3, 2027

Scope of Work

During this phase of work, while the VP is out of the office, the Consultant—in partnership with the COO—will serve as the point person on the team, providing leadership support and ensuring smooth communication.

You can review the full VP job description at this link.

• Consultant will partner with the COO (who will serve as final word for the team while the VP is out) and collaborate/consult with the two senior members of the team to ensure the StratComms teamʼs work and communication—both intra- and interdepartmental—run smoothly.
• Consultant will support the StratCommsʼ team work across the organization: all departments, individual staff, The PFLAG National Board of Directors, and the PFLAG Chapter Network.
• The Consultant will attend all meetings involving the Senior Leadership Team, bringing in the Sr. Mgr., Public Relations and Director, Digital & Creative as needed, especially in meetings involving FY27 workplanning.
• The Consultant will ensure that FY27 Q1 (Oct 1-Dec 31) major projects are delivered on time and as planned. Major projects currently planned for are:
  • Possible Legal Developments
    • This is ongoing work, with the Sr. Mgr., Public Relations filling in for the VP onthe project, in consultation with the COO.
      • The Consultant may be tasked with other work needing to be completed so that the Sr. Mgr., Public Relations can focus on this specific and timely need
  • FY27 Workplanning and Implementation
    • COO, Consultant, Sr Mgr, Public Relations and Director, Digital & Creative will work together on the FY27 Strategic Communications work plan.
      • This is the work plan of the department, aligned with the work of other departments, targeted to organizational goals, and Board-determined Strategic Priorities (year two of a three-year SP plan)
      • The Sr Manager, PR will partner with Consultant and COO and consult with Director, Digital & Creative, to lead on StratComms work plan strategy and big picture across the organization as plans are determined and finalized.
      • Consultant will bring their expertise to the process, ensuring it is smooth across the department and across the organization
    • The COO will review each team memberʼs individual work plans, which capture the daily tasks of their roles both in support of all other departments AND StratComms-led projects
    • The consultant will then lead and support the team in meeting the goals and objectives of the workplan.
  • Elections: Voting and Outcomes
    • Elections: Voting/GOTV
      • The PFLAG Votes 2026 program campaign, Turning Pride Into Power, is led by the VP, Advocacy, who consults with the StratComms team on messaging, website resources, social media, and more
      • The Consultant will ensure communications and tasks run smoothly, and collaborate with the COO, Sr. Mgr., Public Relations, and Director, Digital & Creative on big picture ahead
    • Elections: Outcomes
      • The Consultant will ensure communications and tasks run smoothly, and collaborate with the COO, Sr. Mgr., Public Relations and Director,Digital & Creative on big picture ahead
  • The PFLAG Banner: Jan 2027 Newsletter
    • The tasks of this project will be assigned out to existing staff, with Consultant informed and ensuring project remains on track, in consultation with the team and the COO.

In addition to the major projects noted above, the Consultant will also ensure that the day-to-day work of the department flows smoothly, and that the team has the support they need. Prior to departure, the VP will assign out the daily tasks of her role to ensure they are covered during her absence.

The VP, Strategic Communications & External Relations returns to the office on Monday, January 4. At that time, the Consultant, COO, and VP will set up critical check-in times to ensure the smooth hand off of leadership of the team.

Phase II: Jan 4-Sept 30, 2027

Consultantʼs work will focus on collaborating with and supporting the work of the Sr. Mgr., PublicRelations, including (but not limited to):

• Earned media related to SCOTUS cases (Partners for Ethical Care, Inc. v. Ferguson; St. MaryCatholic Parish v. Roy)
  • Tracking cases, both LGBTQ+ cases as well as other cases where our voice might be included.
  • Identifying & training "real people" tied to PFLAG to speak out in media, social and rallies for each case (2-3 distinct times, most likely — PFLAG Amicus, Arguments, Decision Day)
    • Develop and execute a media plan for them/act as their publicist. Ideas include podcast & other interview pitching; op-ed writing, pitching/placing,speech prep (for rallies, panels, etc.), etc.
  • PFLAG National statements/quotes for partner releases (ex. amici announcements)
  • Press releases (draft, pitch, distribute) + social content recommendations for key case events (arguments/decision day or relevant date, such as child abuse awareness month)
  • Toolkits for chapters for each case/relevant topic (ex., swiss cheese content for media outreach, newsletters, social, talking points and relevant stats & resources)
• Media Monitoring
• Updated bi-weekly for a monthly report to the board and regional directors that captures the stories, especially local chapter stories, and national PR work ofPFLAG. (The metrics are flashy, but the stories matter.)
• Media Intelligence Strategy Advising
• Helping us work through a media intelligence plan thatwould be useful and actionable for PFLAG National.

As noted, PFLAG National is open to considering either one Consultant serving in the interim roleand then moving into the other after handoff Q1 OR two separate Consultants.

If interested, please send a cover letter and resume to jobs@pflag.org.