Communications Manager

Position Summary

The Communications Manager leads New Mexico Wild's comprehensive communications strategy to advance organizational conservation goals by expanding, diversifying, and engaging supporters through strategic media campaigns, digital communications, newsletter, and other print publications, and public outreach. This position manages all aspects of organizational messaging and communications, directs marketing and public relations campaigns, and supervises communications staff to ensure cohesive brand representation across all platforms and campaigns.

Reports to:

Deputy Director Direct Report:
Communications Specialist

• This is a full-time, exempt position.
• Duty location is Albuquerque, New Mexico. Hybrid work environment.

Communications Strategy and Leadership (30%)

• Develop and implement comprehensive communications strategies aligned with organizational conservation goals
• Lead strategic planning for digital engagement, campaign messaging, and public outreach initiatives
• Oversee brand management and ensure consistent messaging across all platforms and materials
• Collaborate with leadership on organizational messaging and public positioning
• Develop communication campaigns and publications that aid fundraising initiatives and donor stewardship
• Conduct ongoing analysis of communications effectiveness and provide strategic recommendations
• Leads production of semi-annual print newsletter.
• Assists in the development of the annual communications budget, manages communications budget and resource allocation

Campaign Communications (25%)

• Manage communications deliverables for multiple major grants
• Lead campaign communications including press releases, op-eds, letters to the editor, and media statements
• Coordinate rapid response communications on policy developments and legislative action
• Develop and execute public education campaigns and advocacy action alerts on conservation issues
• Collaborate with partner organizations on joint communications initiatives
• Support campaigns with communication toolkits and coordinate messaging
• Design visual materials as needed, including print ads, flyers, brochures, stickers

Media Relations and Public Affairs (15%)

• Maintain and expand media contact database and relationships
• Draft and distribute press releases, media advisories, and press statements
• Monitor media coverage and manage crisis communications as needed

Digital Communications Management (20%)

• Create and manage social media content across all platforms, including social media advertising
• Develop and execute monthly Dispatch e-newsletter and specialized email campaigns (action alerts, volunteer newsletter, etc.)
• Oversee content of multiple organizational and campaign websites and ensure messaging alignment
• Coordinate with advancement team on related communications
• Supervise Communications Specialist's daily social media execution and video content creation
• Analyze digital engagement metrics and optimize accordingly

Team Leadership and Collaboration (10%)

• Supervise and mentor Communications Specialist
• Provide strategic direction for video content and multimedia projects
• Coordinate communications support across all organizational programs
• Collaborate with campaign staff, advancement team, and program directors
• Provide communications training and support to staff as needed
• Manage communications workflows and project timelines
• Integrate membership and supporter recruitment and engagement in communications – discuss

• Bachelor's degree and 5 years of media and public relations experience
• Experience working with social media, advocacy and coordinating media relations
• Clear and concise verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent writing and editing skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects
• Detail-oriented and strong organizational skills

• Has up-to-date knowledge on AI use and best practices for social media platforms, particularly Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and You Tube.
• Has skills in creating visually appealing and well-written blogs, social media graphics, and marketing
• Understands the use of social media and communications work for advocacy purposes.