Strategic Advocacy and Communications Manager

POSITION SUMMARY
The Strategic Advocacy and Communications Officer is responsible for advancing the Thornburg Foundation’s public policy goals through coordinated advocacy and strategic communications. Approximately 80% of this role is focused on policy advocacy—developing and executing public-facing campaigns, supporting messaging across coalition partners, and supporting policy officers in translating technical policy work into persuasive public narratives. The remaining 20% covers digital communications, including social media, newsletters, and digital content production.

This role is ideal for a seasoned advocacy professional who understands New Mexico’s legislative and policy environment, brings experience building and coordinating coalitions, and can operate as both a strategist and a hands‑on communicator.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Policy Advocacy (approx. 80%)

Develop and execute advocacy strategies in support of the Foundation’s five policy initiative areas: K–12 education, water, land and agriculture, homelessness, affordable housing, and nonprofit capacity building

Design and lead public‑facing policy campaigns, including message development, stakeholder mobilization, and legislative engagement

Coordinate advocacy messaging and strategy across coalition partners, grantees, and allied organizations working in the Foundation’s issue areas

Track legislative and regulatory developments relevant to Foundation initiatives and develop timely, well‑crafted public responses and position statements

Support policy officers in preparing testimony and advocacy materials for legislative hearings, agency proceedings, and stakeholder convenings

Build and maintain relationships with legislators, agency staff, advocacy organizations, and other policy stakeholders across the Foundation’s issue areas

Support grantees in developing their own advocacy capacity, messaging, and public engagement strategies

Digital Communications (approx. 20%)

Manage day‑to‑day social media publishing across the Foundation’s platforms, ensuring consistent voice, timely posting, and alignment with advocacy priorities

Draft and produce the Foundation’s digital newsletter, coordinating content contributions from policy officers and the President

Develop short‑form digital content—graphics, video clips, social copy—to support advocacy campaigns and policy milestones

Coordinate with the Foundation’s external communications agency on website content, earned media, and longer‑form materials

Maintain and update the Foundation’s website with current initiative information, grantee stories, and advocacy resources

QUALIFICATIONS
Required

5+ years of experience in policy advocacy, public affairs, legislative affairs, or issue‑based campaigning

Demonstrated ability to develop and execute advocacy campaigns, including message development, coalition coordination, and legislative engagement

Deep familiarity with New Mexico’s legislative process, state agency landscape, and policy environment

Experience translating complex technical policy content into persuasive public‑facing communications

Strong written communication skills across formats: position statements, op‑eds, testimony, social media, and email communications

Experience coordinating across multiple organizations or stakeholder groups toward shared advocacy goals

Preferred

Experience working in or with philanthropy, and understanding of the role and limitations of private foundations in advocacy

Undergraduate degree in public policy, social sciences, communications, or related field; Master’s degree preferred

Familiarity with one or more of the Foundation’s issue areas: education, water, agriculture, housing, or nonprofit capacity

Experience with digital content creation, including graphic design, light video production, or social media management tools

Spanish language proficiency; experience working with Tribal, Hispanic, or rural New Mexico communities

Compensation and Benefits
Salary $90 – $110k, commensurate with experience. The Thornburg Foundation offers a competitive benefits package including health insurance, retirement contributions, and paid leave.

Location
This position is based out of the Thornburg Foundation office in Santa Fe, NM. The position allows for hybrid work, and staff schedule 3 days per week in the office. The Foundation does not offer remote work options.

All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, disability, age, or veteran status.

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