We are hiring!
Title: Communications Director
Reports to: Deputy Director
Position Type: Full-time Exempt Position
Pay: $70,000
Benefits: Health insurance, Life insurance, Short term disability, 401k match, generous PTO
How To Apply:
Send resume and one paragraph on why you are interested to [email protected]
Our Organizations:
ProgressNow New Mexico and ProgressNow New Mexico Education Fund are the premier communications hub for the progressive movement in New Mexico. We fill a unique and critical role in the progressive infrastructure by working year-round with coalitions to promote progressive ideas and causes with creative, earned media strategies, digital organizing, and cutting-edge new media. We work to create an ongoing issue advocacy culture in New Mexico by focusing on amplifying the voices of those systemically excluded, ultimately giving communities the tools they need to shape their own future.
Position Summary:
This position leads the strategy behind what we say, how we say it, and who we say it to — ensuring our messaging is rooted in data, shaped by community voices, and aligned with the values of New Mexicans.
You’ll guide the team to turn policy, research, and media trends into powerful narratives that frame the conversation on key topics and move people to action. This position reports to the Deputy Director.
Qualifications:
- 6+ years of experience in communications, research, or advocacy — preferably in New Mexico or
a similar context - Proven ability to lead a team, set narrative strategy, and manage multiple campaigns at once
- Strong writing and editing skills — able to turn complex data into clear, actionable messages
- Experience working with diverse communities and creating trust and connection via in person and digital mediums
- Comfortable with Google Analytics, social media tools, and basic data analysis
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team — with a sense of humor and a commitment
to equity - Flexible schedule — including occasional nights and weekends.
- Bilingual (English/Spanish)
Key Responsibilities:
- Narrative Strategy & Leadership: Define the overall communications strategy — ensuring all messaging reflects our core values. Lead the Comms team to test, adapt, and scale what works.
- Media & Narrative Monitoring: Track local and national media — including TV, radio, newspapers, and social media — to identify emerging stories, frames, and misinformation. Determine which narratives need to be amplified, corrected, or ignored.
- Message Development & Testing: Turn policy briefs and research findings into clear, compelling messages — testing them to see what resonates with different audiences.
- Op-Eds, LTEs & Media Relations: Draft and place letters to the editor, op-eds, and press statements — often in partnership with community leaders or elected officials. Build relationships with local journalists to shape coverage and hold power accountable.
- Research & Polling: Compile and adapt national polling, research, and case studies for use in New Mexico — making sure our messaging is rooted in data, not assumptions. Translate complex findings into simple, actionable insights.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with Policy Tracking, Creatives, and Distribution teams — handing off tested messages and outlines for multimedia content, and ensuring it gets to the right audiences through email, social media, radio, or events.
- Team Leadership: Manage and mentor the Communications Manager and Distribution Manager and any junior designers or contractors. Set goals, review work, and foster a culture of innovation, equity, and collaboration.
- Data & Reporting: Compile and analyze polling, media coverage, and campaign impact.