Policy and Communications Associate

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Join an incredible team! Make a difference in our community!

Position Title: Policy and Communications Associate

Department: Administration

Job Classification: Full-Time (1.0 FTE) - Negotiable

FLSA Status: Non - Exempt

Reports To: V.P. for Policy & Community Development

Revision Date: May 29, 2025

For more information and to complete an application please go to call View phone number on us.edajobs.com, or visit us at 440 Cerrillos Road, Santa Fe, NM.

Growing Up NM provides a very comprehensive total compensation package including a great work environment, competitive salaries and benefits including those listed below.

• PTO
• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurances
• Employer Paid Short/Long term disability.
• Employer Paid Group Term Life and AD&D Insurance
• Dependent Life Insurance
• Employer Matched Savings Plan (403b)
• 10 Paid Holidays
• Bilingual Differential (5%)

About Us: Growing Up New Mexico is a 501(c)3 organization located in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Growing Up New Mexico is dedicated to engaging the whole community, bringing together people and resources to create increased opportunities for young children and the adults in their lives to achieve their dreams and aspirations.

The focus of our work is to demonstrate and implement effective and proven early childhood and family support strategies, prenatal to age five, focused on quality, equity, and access. Growing Up NM utilizes two parallel, mutually informed strategies in all we do: a local programmatic approach and a state-wide policy approach, with each continually informing the other.

Summary:

Growing Up New Mexico is seeking a highly organized and motivated Policy and Communications Associate to join our team. The Policy and Communications Associate will play a crucial role in supporting our policy efforts and statewide initiatives.

The Policy and Communications Associate requires excellent oral and written communication, adherence to deadlines, management of administrative and organizational needs, and multi-tasking. Reliability and accuracy in note taking and follow up communications are essential. Local travel is required for meetings, errands, or events.

The ideal candidate is a quick and curious learner, takes initiative and thinks critically, is comfortable with change and having to adapt quickly to new information or direction, listens carefully, communicates clearly and works to build shared understanding with colleagues and partners. This position involves a mix of administrative duties, drafting regular e-communications, and coordination efforts to ensure projects run smoothly and effectively.

Growing Up New Mexico is a 501(c)3 organization located in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Inherent in our mission are guiding principles that center on the belief that all families are capable of success if given the right opportunities and resources at the right time. The focus of our work is to demonstrate and implement effective and proven early childhood and family support strategies, prenatal to age five, focused on quality, equity, and access. Growing Up NM utilizes two parallel, mutually informed strategies in all we do: a local programmatic approach and a state-wide policy approach, with each continually informing the other.

Core Competencies

• Strong commitment to improving opportunities and equity for children and families.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills; ability to use professional judgment and practice patience; ability to tailor messaging for a variety of stakeholders (e.g. policymakers, families, providers, funders), and communicate to a wide range of audiences.
• Experience creating policy briefs, press releases, newsletters, social media content and other communications materials that convey complex ideas in accessible ways.
• Experience with meeting facilitation.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with partner organizations, coalitions, funders, advocates, and media outlets.
• Ability to work efficiently to meet grant deliverables and deadlines.
• Ability to track timelines, deliverables, and coordinate with cross-functional teams.
• Ability to respond to emerging policy issues with flexibility and creative thinking.
• Strong commitment to co-creation of a collaborative work environment.

Key Areas of Responsibility:

• Administrative Support:

• Handle correspondence, including emails and phone calls, with partners and stakeholders.
• Prepare and organize documents, reports, and presentations.

• Communications Support:

• Develop and implement communication strategies, plans, and campaigns to boost and promote the work of Growing Up NM and tell the story of the organization. Maintain a comprehensive communications calendar for all external communication activities.
• Assist with the development and execution of content (Website, email blasts, social media, press releases, video, and other communication materials) that best conveys key messages and meets the goals of Growing Up New Mexico.

• Meeting Facilitation and Coordination:
  • Facilitate and coordinate meetings, including preparing agendas, taking minutes, and following up on action items.
  • Organize and manage logistics for collaborative meetings and events.

• Collaboration and Partnerships:
  • Coordinate with various partners and stakeholders to support collaborative initiatives.
  • Assist in building and maintaining relationships with community organizations, government agencies, and other relevant entities.

• Other Duties:
  • Assist with special projects and other tasks as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Policy, Education, Social Sciences, or a related field preferred.
• Excellent and courteous customer service to diverse stakeholders and the community
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Constant Contact, social media platforms or other relevant software.
• Knowledge of early childhood education policies and practices is preferred.
• Experience in policy, research, or administrative role.
• Ability to analyze pertinent data and prepare preliminary related reports and policies.
• Spanish/English bilingual is a plus.

• Ability to pass a mandatory background clearance required of all childcare workers in the State of New Mexico.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, or sit for prolonged periods, and use computer equipment and cell phones. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must be able to lift 40 pounds. Occasional local travel is required for meetings, events, and errands.
• Ability to work well in culturally diverse setting and knowledge of local population served.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.

STATEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING

I have read and understand the above position description. I assert that I am able to perform the essential job functions, meet the physical requirements of this position, and satisfy the expectation for regular attendance.