Director, Federal Advocacy Communications

Planned Parenthood is the nation’s leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable sexual and reproductive health care for all people, as well as the nation’s largest provider of sex education. With more than 600 health centers across the country, Planned Parenthood organizations serve all patients with care and compassion, with respect, and without judgment, striving to create equitable access to health care. Through health centers, programs in schools and communities, and online resources, Planned Parenthood is a trusted source of reliable education and information that allows people to make informed health decisions. We do all this because we care passionately about helping people lead healthier lives.

Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that supports the independently incorporated Planned Parenthood affiliates operating health centers across the U.S. Planned Parenthood Action Fund is an independent, nonpartisan, not-for-profit membership organization formed as the advocacy and political arm of Planned Parenthood Federation of America. The Action Fund engages in educational, advocacy, and electoral activity, including grassroots organizing, legislative advocacy, and voter education. Planned Parenthood values the experience of employees, and our cultural ethos is “In This Together” which aims to support a workplace culture that centers on belonging, learning, and individual recognition.

Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) and Planned Parenthood Action Fund (PPAF) seek a Director of Federal Advocacy Communications who will lead communications and media strategy for federal, electoral, and legislative work. This job reports to the Senior Director of Advocacy Communications in the Communications and Culture department of PPFA. The role of the Communication and Culture division is to enhance Planned Parenthood's visibility, image, and influence and to educate the public about key health, prevention, and advocacy issues. We also engage in national-level work and provide the tools and assistance necessary for affiliate-level work.

Purpose:

The Director of Federal Advocacy Communications will lead the team that supports the direct message, media, and communications strategy for Planned Parenthood’s federal, electoral, and legislative work. This crucial role works to create and execute communications plans to win elections, win legislative fights, and give hope and energize Planned Parenthood’s millions of supporters.

Delivery:

● Direct the overarching message, strategy, vision, and deliverables for the federal advocacy communications team as it implements an earned media strategy to advance Planned Parenthood’s political, legislative, and electoral goals.

● Build and manage relationships with coalition partners and serve as point person for coalition-led coordinated federal and electoral communications efforts to drive media coverage and position support for sexual and reproductive health as a defining electoral issue.

● Develop a network of influential voices for Planned Parenthood by cultivating and deepening relationships with key political reporters, pundits, and surrogates, as well as communications staff at coalition groups, political committees, and Congressional leadership offices, including presentations and trainings on key messaging and strategies for members of Congress and their staff.

● Ensure Planned Parenthood is seen as an influential player within the political and policy spheres. Work to build strategies to elevate key staff people’s profiles in influential spaces.

● Oversee the production of press materials, ensuring they meet the organization's brand and overall message frame and goals. Draft, review, and edit other material to ensure it reflects political strategies and is consistent across multiple media platforms, including broadcast, digital, public remarks, briefings, etc.

● Contribute to broader strategies and direction of the Communications Division and support the successful execution of communications campaigns and initiatives as a member of the senior management team within the media division.

Engagement: 

The director is tasked with bringing a political lens to a broad range of work, protecting the Planned Parenthood brand, and collaborating with multiple departments, including Government Relations, Organizing and Campaigns, Public Policy, and Litigation and Law, to accomplish desired goals. The director will serve as an on-the-record spokesperson and train senior spokespeople for the Action Fund, federal candidates and elected officials, and coalition partners on messaging and press engagement. They will also be an advisor/collaborator to affiliate staff on political communications matters and special projects as needed, including providing on-the-ground support for electoral-related press events and engagements.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): 

● At least 7 years of experience in communications related to political advocacy campaigns (either directly for candidates or at political committees) and/or in Congress.

● High school diploma or equivalent associate or bachelor's degree.

● Thrives in a campaign-style environment with rapid-fire deadlines and responses.

● Extremely sharp, proven, and battle-tested political instincts.

● Deep familiarity with the federal legislative process, political campaign functions, and the intersections between the two.

● Strong existing relationships with DC-based policy and political media and influencers.

● Demonstrated ability to develop communications plans that are ambitious and achievable and that both deepen public understanding/awareness about critical issues and promote organizations.

● Superb writing, editing, and project management skills.

● Proven staff management skills. Demonstrated ability to work with a wide range of people and provide support, guidance, and mentorship.

Travel: 

0-20 % domestic

Total offer package to include generous vacation + sick leave + paid holidays, individual/family provided medical, dental and vision benefits effective day 1, life insurance, short/long term disability, paid family leave and 401k. We also offer voluntary opt-in for Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Transportation/Commuter accounts.   

We value a truly diverse workforce and a culture of inclusivity and belonging. Our goal is to attract qualified candidates and encourage applications from all individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.  We're committed to creating a dynamic work environment that values diversity and inclusion, respect and integrity, customer focus, and innovation.

PPFA participates in the E-Verify program and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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*PDN-HR

Roles that are denoted as NYC, DC, or both will work a hybrid schedule and are expected to work in their assigned PPFA office a minimum 2 days per week unless the role is denoted as onsite, which requires working onsite full time or 5 days per week.