Cities are built by people. The creators of industry, makers of place. Visionaries—for what’s next. At the Downtown Denver Partnership, we are building with vision.
We believe the horizon of a great city is always growing, always improving. We believe our city is only as strong as the center. And we know that a thriving, strategic evolution only happens when every voice steps up to the mic. When access allows for unbridled opportunity.
Whether we are talking about mobility and transportation or economic development, our organization focuses on fostering an impactful culture and business community that will support each and every citizen, giving us all a seat at the table.
Building our center city, making our place.
About the PositionWe are looking for a sharp, mission-driven Public Affairs Manager to join our team at the intersection of policy, advocacy, and strategic communications.
The Public Affairs Manager will advance the Downtown Denver Partnership's policy and advocacy agenda through compelling communications, strategic stakeholder engagement, and proactive media relations. This role will translate complex policy issues into clear, powerful narratives that inform, influence, and drive action.
As a key member of the External Affairs team, the Public Affairs Manager will work closely with the Vice President of External Affairs and in collaboration with the Marketing & Communications team to build relationships, shape public narratives, and position the Partnership as the authoritative voice on the policy issues impacting downtown Denver. The role serves as a critical connector between the Partnership, policymakers, business leaders, community stakeholders, and the media to advance a vibrant and economically strong downtown.
About the Job- Leads the creation of policy and advocacy communications, developing content that clearly articulates the Partnership’s positions on legislation, city initiatives, and issues affecting Downtown Denver, including talking points, testimony, policy briefs, stakeholder communications, and editorial content.
- Supports the growth of the Partnership’s relationships with legislative partners, government officials, and key policy stakeholders, serving as a point of contact for outreach and coordination for the organization’s engagement on priority issues.
- Leads the creation and management of the Partnership’s election guides, including coordinating candidate interviews, developing questions, and producing accessible voter resources for the downtown business community.
- Drives earned media strategy, proactively pitching stories, building and maintaining relationships with local and regional reporters, managing inbound media inquiries, and preparing organizational leadership for interviews and media engagements.
- Serves as a messaging leader for the organization, ensuring consistency, clarity, and strategic alignment across all external-facing policy and advocacy communications.
- Supports policy committee management, including coordinating meeting logistics, preparing materials, and tracking follow-up actions
- Collaborates with the Creative Content Specialist on LinkedIn content and B2B communications, ensuring policy narratives are reflected and amplified across the Partnership’s digital channels.
- Supports special projects and other external affairs efforts at needed.
- Minimum of 4 to 6 years of experience in public affairs, government relations, policy communications, advocacy, or a closely related field.
- Understands how government works, including how a bill moves through committee, to building a productive relationship with a legislative staff member; demonstrated ability to navigate political environments with professionalism and discretion.
- Is a strong, versatile writer who can shift from a policy brief to media pitch to stakeholder email without missing a beat.
- Hands-on experience with media relations - you know what makes a story, you offer established reporter relationships, and are comfortable preparing executives for tough questions and high-profile interviews.
- Is energized by the complexity of downtown Denver’s policy landscape, including issues related to economic development, transportation, land use, housing, and public safety.
- Thrives in a fast-paced, lean environment where you can own your work, move quickly, and put your fingerprints on things that matter.
- Has existing relationships in Denver’s policy and civic community, with city and state government, advocacy organizations, or business associations. (Strongly preferred)
- Is a collaborative team player who works across functions and brings others along without losing momentum.
- Expected annual salary range $76,000 - $86,000
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- Paid Time Off
- Paid Holidays
- Employer paid Life Insurance, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
- 401(k) Retirement Plan
- Transportation Benefits
- Personal and Professional Development
Downtown Denver Partnership provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetics, veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. In addition to federal law requirements, Downtown Denver Partnership complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
Downtown Denver Partnership will not discriminate or retaliate against applicants for failing to disclose wage rate history in accordance with applicable law.
Downtown Denver Partnership expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, marital status, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of Downtown Denver Partnership employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.
Skills Required
- 4 to 6 years experience in public affairs, government relations, policy communications, or advocacy
- Deep understanding of government processes and legislative workflow
- Strong, versatile writing skills for policy briefs, media pitches, and stakeholder communications
- Hands-on media relations experience, established reporter relationships, and executive media preparation
- Subject-matter familiarity with economic development, transportation, land use, housing, and public safety issues
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, lean environment and manage multiple projects
- Existing relationships in Denver's policy and civic community (city/state government, advocacy organizations, business associations)
- Collaborative team player who works across functions
What We Do
For more than 60 years, the Downtown Denver Partnership has convened, collaborated and led a bold vision to build an economically powerful center city. With a bias for action, we invest for tomorrow and execute for today, converging the right people at the right time to make an IMPACT.
