Job Announcement

Position: External Affairs Manager
Reports to: Executive Director
FLSA: Exempt
Location: Salt Lake County, Utah (hybrid with some evenings/weekends required)
Salary Range: $65,000 – $80,000 (commensurate with experience)

About Wasatch Advocates for Livable Communities

Wasatch Advocates for Livable Communities (WALC) champions community development in the Wasatch Region through programs and public policies focused on community planning, housing, local governance, and transportation. We believe that everyone deserves a safe, affordable home in a vibrant, connected community. Our work focuses on reforming outdated zoning codes, advancing mixed-use and sustainable development, supporting affordable housing policies, and ensuring all residents have a voice in shaping their neighborhoods.

We are part of a growing national movement to address the housing shortage, build equitable and opportunity-rich communities, and dismantle barriers that prevent people from finding a place to live.

Position Summary

The External Affairs Manager leads WALC’s outward-facing work in communications, brand-building, fundraising, and community engagement. This position is responsible for strengthening the organization’s voice, cultivating donors and partners, and telling the story of WALC’s work to our community.

The External Affairs Manager will manage the communications, donor relations, fundraising, and public engagement goals of the organization. This is a senior role for a strategic, creative, and highly organized leader with strong communication skills and a passion for advancing housing justice.

Key Responsibilities

Communications & Public Engagement

• Develop and implement an annual communications and marketing plan.

• Manage external communications including newsletters, email campaigns, press releases, social media, and website updates.

• Build program- and campaign-specific messaging and materials, grounded in best practices for effective pro-housing messaging. 

• Serve as a media contact; build and manage press relationships; secure earned media coverage.

• Produce high-quality publications and collateral, including annual reports, advocacy toolkits, and event materials.

• Train and support staff, board, and volunteers to effectively represent the organization’s mission.

• Ensure communications strategies highlight WALC’s impact and advance housing policy goals.

Fundraising & Donor Stewardship

• Support the Executive Director in cultivating and stewarding individual, foundation, and corporate donors.

• Draft and manage appeals, fundraising campaigns, and donor communications.

• Oversee donor database management, reporting, and acknowledgments.

• Assist with grant prospecting, research, and reporting.

• Develop sponsorship strategies and secure financial and in-kind support for events.

• Manage donor recognition and personalized stewardship opportunities.

Events & Community Engagement

• Plan and execute major fundraising and community engagement events, including annual celebrations, homes tours, and advocacy-focused gatherings.

• Manage logistics for donor cultivation events, community forums, and coalition partner activities.

• Recruit and support volunteers, event committees, and community partners.

• Oversee budgets, contracts, vendors, and day-of-event logistics.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, nonprofit management, or related field; or equivalent experience.

• Minimum 5–7 years’ experience in communications, fundraising, or external affairs.

• Demonstrated success managing communications campaigns and/or fundraising events.

• Excellent writing, editing, and storytelling skills across multiple platforms.

• Strong project management skills with ability to manage multiple priorities.

• Experience with donor databases, email marketing, and social media tools.

• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and community-based advocacy.

Preferred:

• Experience in housing, land use, planning, or social justice advocacy.

• Experience managing staff, interns, or volunteers.

• Graphic design, web design, or digital strategy skills.

• Comfort with public speaking and serving as a spokesperson.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $65,000 – $80,000, DOE.

• Benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance; paid time off; retirement match; and professional development support.

• Flexible work environment with hybrid in-office and remote work options.

Additional Information

For additional information about the organization, visit www.slcneighbors.org/the_future. 

How to Apply

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, and three references (PDF format) to apply@civicutah.org with the subject line: External Affairs Manager – [Your Last Name].