Communications Manager

Conservation Voters New Mexico is a statewide, nonpartisan nonprofit committed to connecting the people of New Mexico to their political power to protect our air, land and water for a healthy Land of Enchantment. We do this by mobilizing voters, winning elections, holding elected officials accountable and advancing responsible public policies.

Our vision is for New Mexicans to thrive in just, resilient communities where our conservation and cultural values guide our decision-makers and public policies.

Position Overview

The Communications Manager develops, coordinates, and implements communication strategies to amplify CVNM and CVNM-EF’s vision, mission and goals with decision-makers, the public, and the press. The right candidate for this position will embrace innovation and equity, and be proactive in bringing strategies to the table to engage Millennial, Gen Z, and Gen Alpha audiences in the climate and conservation movement. The Communications Manager incorporates the values of racial equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging in the organization’s day-to-day systems and work, and provides key support for collaboration across internal departments, external audiences, and organizational partnerships.

General Description

• Manage communication projects and strategies, and oversee the production of CVNM’s Conservation Scorecard.
• Coordinate with coalition partners, participate in meetings, and represent CVNM to external stakeholders.
• Design creative content and manage CVNM’s social media platforms, including Bluesky, Facebook, and Instagram.
• Launch and maintain an SMS platform to engage the public and membership with CVNM’s mission and vision.
• Create videos and/or graphics to meet the organization’s policy goals, and connect decisionmakers, donors, subscribers and the public to our work.
• Identify and implement strategies that amplify CVNM’s priorities in the media, including press pitches, organizing editorial board meetings or press events, and other strategies.
• Work with the Chief Operating Officer to design an annual communications plan, and identify communications needs that meet strategic campaign and organizational goals.
• Lead communications strategy for CVNM Action Fund in election years, including managing endorsement social, press communications, and other needs.
• Build and maintain relationships with reporters and newspaper outlets to secure media coverage of our issues.
• Manage day to day communications operations in alignment with CVNM’s organizational commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and ensure DEI principles are at the heart of external communications, graphics, and video design.

Core Qualifications

• Minimum 3+ years of experience in journalism, communications, and/or marketing..
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to deliver creative content (text, image and video).
• Proven ability to balance multiple content projects.
• Ability to work both independently and as a part of a team.
• Comfortable presenting to multicultural audiences and collaborating with people in both group and one-on-one settings.
• Enthusiasm for and commitment to amplifying the voice and leadership of rural and/or communities of color in New Mexico.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion and diversity, and an interest in environmental issues that impact our air, land, water, wildlife and community health.
• Approaches changing deadlines or priorities with flexibility and professionalism.
• Strong understanding of how engaging the public in the political process can create policy change.
• Strong understanding of how voting and civic engagement can create policy change.
• Must be able to work a non-standard work week, including nights and weekends as needed.
• Both in-state and out-of-state travel may be required.
• A valid driver’s license, vehicle insurance, and reliable mode of transportation. Both in-state and out-of-state travel may be required.
• Must have received or be willing to receive the COVID-19 vaccinations and booster by date of hire to be considered. Proof of vaccination required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in advocacy, political or issue campaigns is a plus.
• Familiarity with New Mexico’s diverse cultures and environmental issues.
• Proficiency in Spanish is a plus.
• Working in a non-profit environment is a plus.
• Graphic design and/or video production knowledge is a plus.

Compensation

This is a full-time exempt salaried position, with a starting salary of $75,000 annually. CVNM also offers a benefits package for full-time staff that includes vacation and sick leave, 401k, and 100% employer coverage of the premium for health, dental and vision insurance. We also offer a merit-based sabbatical program and a 35-hour work week. In recent years, we have also expanded our organizational structure to offer more pathways and opportunities for career advancement in advocacy, campaigns, operations, philanthropy, communications, and equity and culture.