Partnership Communications & Narrative Director

ORGANIZATION SUMMARY

Promise Partnership Utah supports youth in their educational journey from cradle to career to ensure they can explore, dream, and take steps to realize their potential. Our approach involves being rooted in data and deeply collaborating with public and private sector partners to transform the education environment, so it produces better outcomes and disparity gaps are eliminated. We operate on the deeply held belief that by working collectively we can have a greater impact for our youth than we could have alone. Promise Partnership Utah, United Way of Salt Lake, and 211 Utah (Salt Lake City team) are part of the Utah’s Promise organization. Together, we are committed to 100% of kids and families thriving.   

Our workplace is fast-paced, friendly, adaptive, and grounded in our core values: relationships, continuous improvement, results, and equity. We offer competitive compensation including a comprehensive benefit package, generous paid time off, and flexible schedules. People with diverse backgrounds and abilities are encouraged to apply. 

POSITION SUMMARY

The Partnership Communications & Narrative Director is responsible for executing and stewarding Promise Partnership Utah’s communications strategy for both internal (partnership members) and external stakeholders (e.g., community leaders, families, youth). This new role translates complex, collaborative work into clear, aligned narratives; enables partners to communicate consistently about shared goals; and coordinates closely with centralized Marketing & Communications to ensure brand alignment and effective use of shared tools. 

This role operates through influence rather than unilateral authority and is a member of the Chief Impact Officer’s department leadership team. 

PRIMARY TASK

Execute the Partnership’s communications strategy by stewarding shared narratives, enabling partner-aligned communications, and coordinating with centralized Marketing & Communications to support clarity, credibility, and momentum for the Partnership’s work. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Steward the Partnership’s narrative and message architecture across audiences and channels 
2. Execute the communications strategy and its measurement framework for Promise Partnership Utah 
3. Develop shared messaging tools (e.g., talking points, FAQs, narrative frames) for external partners engaged in the shared work and for internal use 
4. Create Partnership-facing content (briefs, presentations, web content, reports) 
5. Support partners in aligned communications and joint storytelling 
6. Advise Partnership leadership on communications for key milestones, sensitive moments, and field-building  
7. Coordinate communications that cross organizational brands or use centralized platforms (e.g., newsletters, blogs, media, video) 
8. Implement communications measurement and report on learning and impact 

Boundaries & Coordination

1. Operates within established organizational brand, identity, and communications governance 
2. Works collaboratively and does not make unilateral decisions regarding logos, visual identity systems, or enterprise-wide communications tools 
3. Coordinates with centralized Marketing & Communications on work that crosses brands, uses shared channels, or serves dual organizational and Partnership purposes 
4. Relies on centralized systems and roles (e.g., graphic design, newsletter production, blog workflows) rather than creating parallel processes 

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

7+ years of experience in communications or strategic communications 

Experience working within partnerships, coalitions, or cross-sector initiatives 

Strong understanding of how partnership communications differ from traditional organizational marketing 

Excellent writing and editing skills 

Comfort working in matrixed environments with shared decision-making 

Preferred

Experience with creating communications within collective impact, systems change, or public-sector initiatives 

Familiarity with asset-based and inclusive communications practices 

Experience setting and using communications metrics for learning and adaptation 

What This Role Is Not

Brand marketing for a single organization 

Ownership of organizational branding or centralized communications platforms 

A role that operates independently of partners or internal coordination 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The team member is regularly required to communicate clearly, in oral and written formats, with others in person, over the phone and via other devices. The team member must be able to transcribe, take in new information, prepare and analyze data and figures, constantly operate a computer and other standard office machinery. The team member is required to regularly travel to offsite locations to set-up presentations and displays in physical and electronic mediums. The team member must have the ability to lift, carry, push and/or pull objects weighing up to 50lbs. 

The employee is required to work primarily in-person, in our UP offices during core business hours Monday – Thursday, with the option to work remotely on Fridays. Utah’s Promise is currently piloting a 36-hour work week with Friday afternoons off. 

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

The position is a full-time, exempt position with full benefits. $70,00 – 77,000. Salary commensurate with experience. UWSL/UP provides a wide range of benefits, including:  

• Competitive medical, dental, vision insurance • 6% retirement match  
•  Life, accidental death, and long & short-term disability insurance • FSA • HSA contribution  
•  Free on-site gym & bike storage • Paid parking or public transportation subsidy  
•  Two weeks paid office closure (December & July) • Generous PTO & Health time 
•  Paid parental leave • Onsite coffee shop & café • Paid time to volunteer 

How to apply - please apply directly through our careers page via the link provided: https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/All/39d904b0-f267-43c3-bb31-089e9d6295c8/Promise-Partnership-Utah