Communications Consultant

Request for Proposal (RFP):

Communications Consultant to Western Propane Gas Association

The Western Propane Gas Association (WPGA), a nonprofit trade association representing the propane industry in California, is seeking proposals from qualified communications professionals to serve as a Communications Consultant.

WPGA’s mission is to promote the safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible use of propane through education and collaboration among our members and key industry partners. The Communications Consultant will play a vital role in advancing this mission by strengthening WPGA’s internal and external communications, supporting member engagement, and amplifying the industry’s voice on key issues.

This is a contract position answering to WPGA’s CEO with a proposed budget of between $60,000 to $80,000 annually, for an estimated 20–25 hours per week. Preference will be given to candidates that are geographically located near WPGA’s headquarters in Sacramento, CA.

Scope of Work

The selected consultant will collaborate closely with the executive team and key staff to provide strategic and tactical communications support. Responsibilities include:

External Communications

·      Develop and implement a cohesive communications plan aligned with organizational goals.

·      Draft and distribute press releases, media pitches, and public statements.

·      Collaborate with internal staff on the development of content for newsletters and quarterly magazine.

·      Manage website and social media content to ensure consistent messaging and brand tone.

·      Strengthen relationships with media, partners, and member organizations.

Internal Communications

·      Support internal messaging to ensure alignment across staff, Board, and membership.

·      Work with association members on drafting testimonials, speakers’ bureau, and talking points for industry communications.

·      Assist in developing briefing materials and internal updates to the Communications Committee of the Board.

·      Help foster a transparent and engaging communications culture within a small, collaborative team.

Strategic Support

·      Advise leadership on communications opportunities and risks.

·      Provide input on events and initiatives to enhance visibility and impact.

·      Ensure communications are data-informed and reflect the organization’s values.

·      Be available to present at quarterly Board Meetings on communications activities.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate (or company) will demonstrate:

·      Proven experience (5 years) in communications, public relations, or related fields.

·      Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills.

·      Familiarity with nonprofit or trade association environments.

·      Ability to work collaboratively in small, agile teams.

·      Proficiency with digital communications tools (e.g., Mailchimp, Canva, CMS platforms, social media management tools).

·      Strategic thinking and comfort working independently with limited supervision.

Contract Details

Contract Value: $60,000–$80,000 annually (commensurate with experience and scope).

Hours: Approximately 20–25 hours per week.

Term: 12 months, renewable based on performance and organizational needs.

Reporting: Direct report to President & CEO.

Proposal Submission Requirements

Interested candidates should submit the following:

·      Brief cover letter summarizing qualifications, approach, and interest,

·      Proposed fee structure and availability (if not included in cover letter),

·      Resume or CV, and

·      No more than three (3) samples of relevant communications work.

References from clients or former employers may be requested after initial screening.

Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on the demonstrated experience and communications expertise of the candidates, their understanding of nonprofit or trade association contexts – particularly those within the energy sector, the quality and creativity of past work, their fit with the organization’s collaborative, mission-driven culture, and the value and feasibility within the proposed budget range.

Contact Information and Submission Deadline

Please submit all materials in Word document or PDF format to:

Colin Sueyres, President & CEO

Western Propane Gas Association

colin@westernpga.org

Subject line should read “Communications Consultant” or some variation thereof

Submission Deadline is December 12, 2025. Proposals will be reviewed as they are received, and shortlisted candidates may be invited for interviews or follow-up discussions before the submission deadline.

Additional Information

WPGA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for engagement without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

WPGA also complies with the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) and all other applicable state and local employment laws. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where all individuals are respected and valued.