Communications Manager

About SPUR

SPUR is a nonprofit public policy organization serving the San Francisco Bay Area. Its work combines research, education, and advocacy to help build a region that is equitable, sustainable, and prosperous for everyone. The organization brings together people from across the political spectrum to solve major regional challenges, with particular attention to San Francisco, Oakland, and San José. SPUR is known for an independent, broad-based approach to urban policy issues.

Role Overview

The Communications Manager will lead the execution of SPUR’s communications strategy to strengthen the organization’s visibility with priority audiences through consistent messaging and targeted outreach. The role requires identifying audience needs, shaping compelling narratives, choosing the right communication channels, and developing relationships with press and media contacts. The position oversees press relations, digital communications, and social media, and supports the organization’s public relations work in partnership with contractors. The goal is to increase SPUR’s influence on policy and advocacy, while also expanding audience reach and membership.

This role also involves making thoughtful decisions about how to allocate time and resources across multiple initiatives, while balancing short-term priorities with long-range objectives. SPUR is seeking someone who understands how media visibility can support policy outcomes and fundraising efforts. The Communications Manager reports to the Chief Advancement Officer.

Media and Public Relations

• Lead SPUR’s press outreach and media relations work, including preparing press releases and proactively connecting with media contacts to spotlight policy research and insights.
• Develop talking points, media responses, and rapid-response communication plans in close coordination with leadership.
• Apply sound judgment when messaging under tight deadlines, ensuring communications are both timely and accurate.
• Work with internal teams and stakeholders to align public relations activity with organizational priorities, especially across Policy, Engagement, and Development.
• Track policy developments, legislation, and news events so messaging stays relevant and responsive to changing conditions.

Communications

• Partner with the CEO, CPO, and CAO to design and launch integrated, multi-channel campaigns that advance selected policy initiatives.
• Carry out SPUR’s communications plan to expand awareness and cut through information silos.
• Use channels such as email, print, social media, events, and digital advertising to promote the organization, grow mission awareness, and elevate policy work.
• Support the creation, editing, and proofreading of emails, website copy, newsletters, social posts, donor communications, and other marketing materials.
• Work with Engagement and Development teams to create communications that improve donor stewardship and contribute to fundraising goals.
• Use Pardot as the organization’s mass marketing platform for digital communications.
• Measure and share results from digital marketing and communications efforts.
• Maintain a clear, consistent brand voice across all communication channels.
• Oversee the organization-wide external communications calendar.

Social Media and Digital Content

• In collaboration with the CAO and contractors, create and implement a social media strategy that grows reach, engagement, and brand recognition across platforms.
• Handle daily social media operations, including planning content, publishing posts, monitoring activity, and reviewing analytics in line with communication objectives.
• Coordinate with a contractor to produce and curate content such as short-form video and graphics that translate complex policy research into engaging, accessible posts that support awareness and membership growth.
• Review performance across digital and social platforms and refine outreach approaches based on what the data shows.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Supervise contractors and consultants working on communications and marketing assignments, ensuring deliverables are completed on time and with strong results.
• Partner with the CAO to build and manage the external affairs budget and allocate resources to meet communications needs effectively.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of experience in communications and/or public relations, ideally within a nonprofit, government, or media environment.
• Excellent writing ability.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated project management experience with the ability to run several priorities at once and keep work on schedule.
• Proven success with public relations strategy and marketing campaigns.
• Experience using CRM systems and mass email marketing tools.
• Experience overseeing graphic design, illustration, photography, and/or short-form video work.
• Proficiency with Google Analytics, content management systems such as Drupal, mass email platforms such as Pardot, and CRM databases such as Salesforce.
• Strong leadership skills and the ability to set priorities effectively.
• Graphic design experience is an advantage.
• Strong analytical thinking and the ability to use data to guide decisions.
• Understanding of marketing channels and current best practices.
• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, or a related discipline.

Compensation and Benefits

The salary for this role is $90,000 to $110,000, based on experience and aligned with skills and qualifications. This is a full-time exempt position. SPUR provides a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, dental, and vision insurance; basic life insurance; pre-tax commuter benefits; a work-from-home stipend; an employee assistance program; and a retirement plan with 25% contribution matching. The organization also offers 6 months of paid maternity or paternity leave to support bonding with a newborn or adopted child within the first year after birth or adoption.

Work Arrangement

SPUR uses a hybrid work model that combines remote and in-person work. All staff are expected to attend in person on Mondays and Wednesdays, and additional in-person attendance may be required for meetings, events, and programs throughout the Bay Area as needed. Organizational policies may change over time.

Equal Opportunity and Accessibility

SPUR is committed to equal employment opportunity and values respect for differences of all kinds. The organization does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, age, sexual orientation, political orientation, disability, or any other legally protected status. SPUR encourages applications from people of color, people with disabilities, women, LGBTQ applicants, and others who will add to the diversity of the staff. Reasonable accommodations are available for qualified applicants with disabilities; special needs should be communicated in writing at the time of application.

Additional Information

This summary is intended to describe the general nature and level of the work, but it is not a complete list of every duty, responsibility, or skill that may be required.