Communications Manager

About SPUR

SPUR is a nonprofit public policy organization in the San Francisco Bay Area. Through research, education, and advocacy, SPUR works to create an equitable, sustainable, and prosperous region where all people thrive. We bring people together from across the political spectrum to develop solutions to the big problems facing our region, with a special emphasis on the largest three cities: San Francisco, Oakland, and San José. We are recognized and respected for our independent and holistic approach to urban issues.

The Opportunity

The Communications Manager will be responsible for executing SPUR’s plan to elevate its organizational profile with key audiences through consistent communication and strategic outreach. This involves understanding target audiences, creating compelling stories, selecting appropriate media channels, and building relationships with press and media outlets. The Communications Manager will oversee all press engagement, digital communications, and social media to advance SPUR’s mission to create an equitable, sustainable, and prosperous region where all people thrive. They execute and project-manage the organization's public relations strategy, in partnership with contractors. Ultimately, their role is to amplify SPUR’s policy and advocacy impact and expand SPUR’s audience and membership. 

Experience and expertise will be pivotal in strategically allocating resources across a spectrum of projects, all while delineating ambitious short-term targets and enduring long-term aspirations. We are looking for a candidate who understands the power of publicity to help achieve policy and fundraising goals. The Communications Manager will report to the Chief Advancement Officer.

Core Responsibilities

Media and Public Relations

• Oversee and execute SPUR’s press and media engagement, including creating press releases and proactively reaching out to press contacts to highlight SPUR's policy insights and research findings. 
• Craft talking points, media statements, and response plans in close partnership with leadership for rapid response external communications. 
• Utilize strong judgment in time-sensitive messaging, balancing speed with precision.
• Collaborate with other departments and stakeholders to ensure alignment of public relations efforts with overall organizational goals, including close coordination with SPUR's Policy, Engagement, and Development teams. 
• Monitor policy and advocacy issues, news events, and legislative cycles to ensure responsive storytelling that adapts to changing circumstances and external events.

Communications

• In collaboration with the CEO, CPO, and CAO, proactively identify, build, and deploy integrated, multi-channel communications campaign strategies to promote and advance select policy initiatives.
• Implement SPUR’s communications plan to broaden awareness and break through echo chambers. 
• Use various marketing channels (e.g., email and print marketing, social media, events, digital ads) to promote our organization, increase awareness of our mission and programs, and advance SPUR's policy insights.
• Collaborate in drafting, editing, and/or proofing emails, web content, digital newsletters, social media posts, donor-facing communications, and other marketing collateral.
• Partner with Engagement and Development staff to design communications that strengthen donor stewardship and drive fundraising goals.
• Utilize SPUR’s mass marketing platform, Pardot, to deliver digital communications.
• Track and report on performance of digital marketing and communications efforts. 
• Ensure SPUR’s brand message is strong and consistent across all channels.
• Manage the organization-wide external communications calendar. 

Social Media and Digital Content

• In partnership with the CAO and contractors, develop and implement the organization’s social media strategy to expand reach, increase engagement, and strengthen brand visibility across platforms.
• Manage day-to-day social media activity, including content planning, posting, monitoring, and analytics, ensuring alignment with overall communications goals.
• Work with a contractor to create and curate social media content, including short-form video and graphic design, that amplifies our policy priorities by translating complex research into accessible, engaging posts to drive public awareness, engagement and membership. 
• Track and report performance of all digital and social media platforms to assess the effectiveness of different outreach strategies and adjust messaging accordingly.

Administrative 

• Manage contractors and consultants engaged in communications and marketing projects, ensuring timely deliverables and successful project outcomes.
• In partnership with the CAO, develop and manage the organization's external affairs budget, allocating resources effectively to meet its communications needs.

Key Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in communications and/or public relations, preferably in a nonprofit organization, government entity, or media outlet 
• Exceptionally strong writing skills
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Strong project manager experience with proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and on schedule
• Proven experience implementing successful public relations strategies and marketing campaigns
• Experience with CRM and mass email marketing platforms
• Experience managing graphic design, illustration, photography, and/or short-form video projects
• Skilled in Google Analytics, content management systems (Drupal or similar), mass email (Pardot or similar), CRM databases (Salesforce or similar)
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to set and prioritize goals
• Graphic design experience a plus
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to use data to inform decisions
• Knowledge of various marketing channels and best practices
• Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, or a related field

The salary range for this position is $90,000-$110,000 and will be based on experience and commensurate with skills and qualifications. This is a full-time, exempt position. SPUR offers a generous and comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, dental insurance, vision care, basic life insurance, pre-tax commuter benefits, work from home stipend, employee assistance program (EAP), and retirement plan with twenty-five percent contribution matching. SPUR offers 6 months of paid maternity or paternity leave to bond with a newborn or adopted child within the first year of birth or adoption.

Hybrid Work Environment

SPUR has a hybrid workplace model defined by a combination of remote and in-person work. We have mandatory all-staff in-person days on Monday and Wednesday, and as the job requires. Staff will be required to attend other in-person meetings, events, and programs around the Bay Area region as needed. All policies are subject to change.

Equal Opportunity Employer

SPUR is an equal opportunity employer with a strong organizational commitment to respecting differences of all kinds. SPUR prohibits unlawful discrimination against any employee or applicant for employment based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, political orientation or disability or any other basis prohibited by law. In that spirit, we strongly encourage applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, women, LGBTQ applicants and others that will contribute to the diversity of our staff.

Applicants With Disabilities

Reasonable accommodations will be made so that qualified disabled applicants may participate in the application process. Please advise in writing of special needs at the time of application.

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so assigned.