Communications Campaign Planning

We’re seeking a skilled PR & Marketing professional to help us launch a national campaign introducing the Pauli Murray Awards: 40 Under 40 Black LGBTQ+ Honors (PMAs) to the world. This campaign will not only spotlight the awards themselves, but also inspire people to apply or nominate someone making a powerful impact at the intersection of Black and LGBTQ+ identity.

This is our major public debut, and we want to get it right.

We're asking for support developing and executing a short-term, high-impact communications campaign that:

Builds national visibility and excitement around the PMAs

Drives applications and nominations (starting March 1)

Clearly communicates our mission, values, and selection process

Introduces the Pauli Murray Awards Foundation as a bold new nonprofit dedicated to celebrating and supporting Black LGBTQ+ leaders

The Pauli Murray Awards Foundation exists to uplift, resource, and celebrate Black LGBTQ+ individuals who are transforming their communities—and this project is how we introduce that mission to the world.

Your support on this PR & Marketing campaign will directly help us:

Reach and recognize changemakers whose brilliance is often overlooked or underfunded

Drive applications and nominations for the inaugural Pauli Murray Awards: 40 Under 40 Black LGBTQ+ Honors

Inspire visibility, validation, and connection for Black LGBTQ+ leaders across the U.S.

Build credibility and momentum for a new nonprofit rooted in joy, equity, and legacy

The people we aim to honor are artists, entrepreneurs, educators, healers, policy leaders, scientists, faith leaders, and grassroots organizers. Many are doing the work with very little recognition or support. This campaign is the first step toward changing that.

As a Taproot volunteer, you won’t just be helping us launch an awards program—you’ll be helping build a platform that affirms lives, tells untold stories, and helps Black LGBTQ+ leaders feel seen, celebrated, and resourced.

We believe that visibility is a form of justice—and this project makes that justice possible.

We’re deeply committed to making this a successful, collaborative project—and we’ve already laid the groundwork to ensure you’ll be set up for impact from day one.

We have full internal alignment. This PR & Marketing campaign is one of our top organizational priorities. Our Board of Directors & Executive Director (who will be your primary contact), are all aligned on goals, timeline, and messaging direction.

We’ve built the foundation. Our branding and website are taking their final shape, with clear language around the awards, our selection process, and our organizational mission. You won’t be starting from scratch—we’re inviting you to help amplify, shape, and sharpen what’s already here.

We’re ready to implement. We’ve mapped out a timeline for nominations and applications, beginning March 1. We have the capacity to roll out the PR campaign materials and press strategy you help us create, including a growing email list, active social channels, and a soon-to-launch newsletter. Your work will not sit in a drawer—it will go live, be seen, and make an immediate impact.

We know how to work with volunteers. Our team includes experienced nonprofit leaders who have worked with pro bono talent before. We understand the importance of clear communication, respectful collaboration, and using your time wisely.

We’re looking for a thoughtful partner who can help us introduce the Pauli Murray Awards to the world with the clarity, celebration, and visibility this moment deserves—and we’re ready to make your contributions shine.