Associate Director; Communications & Operations

VUAA – Associate Director (Communications & Operations) Overview

About Valley Urban Action Alliance (VUAA)

Valley Urban Action Alliance (VUAA) is a policy-driven housing and land use organization advancing zoning reform and regulatory modernization to expand attainable housing and support walkable, transit-connected communities across Phoenix. Our work focuses on policy and code changes that remove development barriers, unlock infill, and align land use with transportation, infrastructure, and climate goals.

As the action arm aligned with the non-profit Urban Phoenix Project, we turn research into implementation by producing data-driven materials for decision-makers, translating complex regulations into clear pathways for reform, and helping move adopted policies into real-world outcomes.

You are motivated by measurable change, comfortable working across communications, data, and operations, and focused on how policy moves from concept to adoption. If you want to shape how housing reform is understood and delivered in one of the fastest-growing regions in the country, this role is built for you.

The Associate Director (Communications & Operations) leads VUAA’s public voice and internal coordination, ensuring the organization’s mission, values, and housing policy priorities are communicated with clarity, consistency, and impact. This role shapes narrative strategy, manages digital presence, and translates complex policy and data into compelling, accessible messaging for community members, partners, funders, and decision-makers.

Working closely with the Executive Director, the Associate Director also supports core operational functions, including reporting, systems development, and budget tracking. This is a high-trust leadership role for a strategic communicator who can build visibility, strengthen organizational infrastructure, and align messaging with measurable outcomes.

• Serve as a knowledgeable and confident representative of VUAA, clearly articulating the organization’s mission, values, goals, and strategic priorities in public, partner, and funder-facing settings.
• Develop and maintain fluency in VUAA’s housing policy priorities, including zoning and land use reform, and related policy areas aligned with the organization’s mission and values.
• Lead the development and execution of VUAA & UPP’s communications strategy across digital, print, and in-person platforms.
• Craft compelling narratives that translate complex housing policy, research, and data into accessible, persuasive messaging.
• Draft and edit public-facing materials including newsletters, website content, press materials, talking points, and organizational updates.
• Prepare presentation materials and briefing documents for board members, partners, and leadership.

• Oversee and manage VUAA’s social media presence across platforms.
• Develop and maintain a strategic content calendar aligned with organizational priorities.
• Create original digital content including graphics, short-form video, policy explainers, and campaign visuals.
• Monitor engagement metrics and adjust strategy to grow audience reach and effectiveness.
• Coordinate bilingual or culturally responsive outreach materials where appropriate.
• Support digital list growth and supporter engagement efforts.

• Conduct basic data analysis to inform communications strategy and organizational planning.
• Synthesize quantitative and qualitative data from internal initiatives and partner organizations.
• Develop clear, accessible charts, summaries, dashboards, and visual materials for board review, funders, and public-facing audiences.
• Support grant reporting and funder communications through data-informed storytelling.

• Support financial tracking and reporting activities, including organizing expense data and assisting with budget summaries in coordination with leadership.
• Prepare financial and operational information for internal review, board materials, and grant reporting.
• Provide general operational and administrative support to…