Communications Specialist

Community Relations Manager

A nonprofit affordable housing organization in Albuquerque is seeking an experienced communications professional to advance its mission through clear, accurate, and compelling written communications. This role will support affordable housing development while strengthening communications with staff, leadership, the Board, funders, residents, partners, and the broader community.

The Community Relations Manager will lead written communications across internal and external channels. The position will develop grant and funding narratives, website and social media content, reports, newsletters, press materials, Board and leadership communications, and other written resources.

This role will also improve communication workflows, maintain consistent messaging, and provide communications and administrative support for affordable housing development and organizational priorities. The position is primarily writing-focused and is not responsible for face-to-face outreach or serving as the organization's primary external representative.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop clear, accurate, and compelling written content for internal and external audiences, including website copy, social media posts, newsletters, brochures, annual reports, presentations, award submissions, press releases, and organizational updates.
• Support affordable housing development and funding efforts by drafting, editing, and coordinating narratives and supporting materials for grants, Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) applications, and other complex submissions.
• Work with leadership and subject-matter experts to translate technical, operational, and housing-related information into accessible written materials for funders, residents, partners, public officials, and community audiences.
• Create and maintain an organization-wide communications calendar, editorial workflow, content library, templates, and approval processes.
• Develop internal communications that keep remote staff informed and aligned on priorities, decisions, responsibilities, deadlines, and organizational changes.
• Draft leadership and Board communications, meeting materials, talking points, correspondence, reports, and follow-up documentation.
• Maintain consistent branding, voice, messaging, and factual accuracy across all communications materials.
• Coordinate written responses and supporting materials for media, stakeholder, resident, and partner inquiries in consultation with the Executive Director.
• Review communications performance and recommend improvements based on organizational goals, audience needs, and channel effectiveness.
• Provide administrative, research, editing, proofreading, and project support for communications initiatives and other priorities assigned by the Executive Director.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Exceptional writing, editing, proofreading, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to adapt tone and content for different audiences and purposes.
• Demonstrated ability to write persuasive narratives for grants, LIHTC or other funding applications, technical documents, reports, or professional communications.
• Strong research skills and the ability to synthesize complex information, identify key messages, and maintain accuracy across multiple sources.
• Experience developing content for websites, social media, newsletters, public relations, executive communications, or nonprofit publications.
• Strong organizational and project-management skills, attention to detail, and the ability to independently manage multiple deadlines in a fully remote environment.
• Sound judgment and discretion when working with sensitive, proprietary, or leadership-level information.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, shared digital workspaces, website content-management tools, social media platforms, and design tools such as Adobe Creative Suite or Canva.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with staff, leadership, Board members, consultants, and subject-matter experts without relying on direct supervisory authority.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, English, marketing, nonprofit management, or a related field. An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.
• Three or more years of professional experience in communications, writing, editing, public relations, marketing, grants, or nonprofit communications.
• Experience with affordable housing, community development, LIHTC applications, grants, or other detailed funding submissions is strongly preferred.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

This is a fully remote position that requires reliable internet access and consistent availability during normal business hours. Occasional in-person staff or Board meetings, site visits, or evening and weekend work may be required.

Some tasks may require the ability to lift or move 20–40 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Responsibilities and requirements may change as organizational needs evolve.

We hope you feel enthusiastic about this opportunity after reading the description. Even if you do not meet every criterion, we encourage you to apply. Research has shown that women and people of color often apply only when they believe they can perform every task listed. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the role, and that individual may come from a less conventional background.