Strategic Advocacy and Communications Officer

Groundworks New Mexico; Santa Fe (NM); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement contributions

Paid leave

Job summary

Groundworks New Mexico is seeking a Strategic Advocacy and Communications Officer in Santa Fe. This role involves developing advocacy strategies and leading public campaigns, along with managing social media and digital content.

The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of experience in policy advocacy and a deep understanding of New Mexico's legislative landscape. The position offers a competitive salary range of $90k–$110k, with a hybrid work model requiring three days in the office.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in policy advocacy, public affairs, or issue-based campaigning.
• Deep familiarity with New Mexico’s legislative and agency landscape.
• Strong writing skills across various formats.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute advocacy strategies.
• Design and lead public-facing campaigns.
• Track legislative and regulatory developments.

Skills

Policy advocacy

Public affairs

Messaging

Coalition coordination

Legislative engagement

Digital content skills

Spanish proficiency

Job description

Strategic Advocacy and Communications Officer

Develop and execute advocacy strategies across the Foundation's policy areas; design and lead public-facing campaigns, including messaging, stakeholder mobilization, and legislative engagement; track legislative and regulatory developments; prepare testimony and advocacy materials; build relationships with legislators, agency staff, and allied organizations; and support grantees in growing their own advocacy capacity and public engagement.

Additional Areas of Responsibility:

Digital Communications (approx. 20%)

Manage day-to-day social media across the Foundation's platforms; draft and produce the digital newsletter with contributions from policy officers and the President; develop short-form content like graphics, video clips, and social copy; coordinate with the external communications agency on website content and earned media; and maintain the Foundation's website.

Other Information/Requirements:

5+ years in policy advocacy, public affairs, or issue-based campaigning, with a proven ability to develop campaigns through messaging, coalition coordination, and legislative engagement; deep familiarity with New Mexico’s legislative and agency landscape; and strong writing across formats. Philanthropy experience, digital content skills, and Spanish proficiency preferred.

How to Apply:

The Foundation offers a competitive benefits package including health insurance, retirement contributions, and paid leave. This Santa Fi‑based position allows hybrid work, with three days per week in the office; no remote options. Read the full job description and application instructions at https://www.thornburgfoundation.org/job-openings/ . Applications are due July 24, 2026.

Salary Range:

Salary $90 – $110k commensurate with experience.