Austin Montoya

About Austin Montoya

I am an experienced communications and advocacy professional with 15+ years advancing health equity, reproductive justice, LGBTQ rights, and democratic values through strategic storytelling, coalition-building, and philanthropy.I discovered my passion for advocacy at Colorado State University, serving as President of Students United for Reproductive Justice, a Planned Parenthood–affiliated student group. Since then, I’ve held leadership roles at the Colorado Consumer Health Initiative, One Colorado Education Fund, The Colorado Health Foundation, and the Gill Foundation—where I managed multimillion-dollar grant portfolios, built cross-sector partnerships, and led communications strategies that shaped public opinion and policy outcomes.I thrive at the intersection of strategic communications, philanthropy, and advocacy, with expertise in- Grantmaking & Philanthropy: Managing large portfolios, supporting nonprofits with capacity building, and moving resources to underinvested communities- Strategic Communications: Leading narrative strategy, public opinion research, and integrated campaigns to shift culture and policy- Leadership & Collaboration: Building and mentoring teams, fostering cross-sector coalitions, and guiding organizations through growth and change.Currently, I’m seeking my next opportunity in a senior-level role in communications, advocacy, philanthropy, or government, where I can leverage my skills to protect democracy, advance equity, and create measurable impact.Outside of work, I enjoy yoga and CrossFit, experimenting with photography and design, and spending time with my partner, Topher, and our two cats, Lucy Lou and Ophelia.

Experience

1. Managing Director

   Flatirons Strategies

   Jan 2026 — Present · Denver, CO, US

   I lead Flatirons Strategies, a communications and digital consulting practice that helps organizations, campaigns, and funders sharpen their message, expand their reach, and move people to action.My work sits at the intersection of strategy, storytelling, and power-building—supporting clients with- Strategic communications and narrative development- Digital campaigns, paid media, and audience targeting- Political and issue-based messaging- Research-informed messaging and public opinion strategy- Brand positioning, creative direction, and content developmentI partner with small businesses, nonprofits, foundations, advocacy organizations, and political actors to translate complex ideas into compelling, values-driven communications—especially on equity, democracy, and social change.I’m open to projects ranging from campaign strategy and message development to digital execution, creative production, and rapid-response support, as well as longer-term advisory roles for organizations navigating growth, change, or moments of heightened public attention.

Education

• Colorado State University

  Journalism & Technical Communication, Computer-Mediated Communication

  2009 — 2013

Skills

• Reproductive Health
• Nonprofits
• Website Promotion
• Adobe Creative Suite
• Customer Service
• Phone Banking
• Pc
• Web Design
• Event Planning
• Youtube
• Youth Mentoring
• Public Speaking
• Social Media
• Public Policy
• Editing
• Microsoft Word
• Health Care Reform
• Typing
• Time Management
• Student Development
• Html
• Leadership Development
• Apple
• Jda
• Social Media Marketing
• Powerpoint
• Microsoft Excel
• Dreamweaver
• Student Affairs
• Critical Thinking
• Email Marketing
• Creative Writing
• Community Outreach
• Web Development
• Evernote
• Videography
• Blogging
• 10 Key
• Social Networking
• Student Activism