Policy and Communications Associate

Position Title:                     Policy and Communications Associate

Job Classification:             Full-time or part-time, with flexible hours within reason

FLSA Status:                       Non-Exempt

Reports to:                           VP of Policy and Community Development

Revised:                               05/26/26

Summary:           

Growing Up New Mexico (GUpNM) seeks to ensure every young child thrives through high-quality early learning, family support and lasting systems change by partnering with families, the adults in their lives, communities, and leaders. GUpNM is comprised of programs and services that integrates home visiting, early intervention, early care and education, and wraparound support in a cohesive, accessible, and sustainable system for children, families, early childhood professionals, and our communities.

Growing Up New Mexico is seeking an organized, collaborative, and community-minded Policy and Communications Associate to support policy efforts, communications, community outreach, program coordination, and statewide events across multiple early childhood initiatives.

This is a dynamic, fast-paced position for someone who is highly organized, takes initiative, enjoys learning across policy, communications, and program work, and is comfortable managing multiple moving pieces. The position will include a mix of policy support, communications, administrative coordination, event and travel logistics, partner engagement, and project management.

Key Areas of Responsibility:

• Provide administrative and coordination support for events, meetings and policy-related work such as: scheduling, preparing materials, tracking next steps, and supporting statewide outreach efforts.
• Assist with event logistics, including travel planning, invite tracking, vendor coordination, and day-of support.
• Support outreach and coordination with community partners, coalitions, educators, families, policymakers, and other stakeholders.
• Develop public-facing communications as needed, including event promotion, basic content, photography, and social media.
• Help manage communications documents in shared folders, including updating contact lists regularly.
• Collaborate with staff across departments and programs to support communications and outreach efforts.

Requirements and Qualifications

• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong attention to detail and follow-through.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong writing, editing, and photography skills.
• Experience supporting events, outreach, programs, communications, or community engagement efforts.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Canva, and digital communication tools.
• Comfort using spreadsheets, shared drives, calendars, email platforms, and project tracking tools.
• Experience with social media, content creation, or digital communications preferred.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Interest in early childhood education, public policy, nonprofit work, communications, or community-based programs preferred.
• Ability to work collaboratively and professionally with staff, partners, and community members.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.
• Pass a mandatory background clearance required of all childcare workers in the State of NM.

• Reliable transportation with valid New Mexico driver’s license, current automobile registration and proof of auto insurance.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk, stand, drive, sit for long periods of time 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 50 pounds.
• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of things an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Environmental stress may occur
  • Exposure to chemicals in the workplace environment
  • Exposure to infectious diseases in the workplace environment
  • The noise level in the environment is usually moderate to loud
• Growing Up New Mexico is committed to creating an inclusive and supportive workplace that reflects the communities we serve.