Manager, State 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 Manager, State Advocacy Communications. This job reports to the Director, State Advocacy Communications in the Communications and Culture division 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 communications manager will offer high-level strategic guidance to affiliates and implement media relations strategies to inform and influence key audiences on advocacy and policy fights around Planned Parenthood Federation of America and the Planned Parenthood Action Fund’s work. This crucial role will contribute to the success of multiple public health and advocacy campaigns on the state and national level and help sharpen the national narrative around abortion and reproductive rights. The communications manager is responsible for creating and executing communications plans, offering 360 communications campaigns support and strategic guidance to Planned Parenthood affiliates, producing material for media, serving as an on-the-record spokesperson, preparing spokespeople, and proactively reaching out to media outlets.

Delivery: 

● Work with Planned Parenthood affiliate staff and relevant departments to help develop and implement strategic communications plans in support of Planned Parenthood’s state advocacy efforts.

● Create and identify opportunities to elevate the fight for sexual and reproductive health and rights at the state level in the press and drive key local, state, and national narratives.

● Draft press releases, statements, advisories, op-ed pieces, talking points, briefings, message guidance, fact sheets, and other communications materials, as well as produce, oversee, or assist with media-related events and trainings.

● Serve as media relations point person to pitch reporters proactively and work with a range of media outlets to facilitate press stories and interviews with other Planned Parenthood spokespeople, as well as take on-the-record and on background interview requests.

● Develop, oversee, and execute earned-media strategies to advance the political work of Planned Parenthood Action Fund and Planned Parenthood Votes for the 2025 and 2026 and beyond ballot initiative fights and elections.

● Provide strategic guidance to affiliates and work with relevant departments to ensure that media materials and strategies reflect broader organizational goals related to advocacy, policy, health care services, litigation, and elections.

● Partner with cross-divisional state fights teams to build 360 national media campaigns that educate and motivate key audiences and stakeholders.

● In partnership with affiliates and other departments, actively monitors state-based media outlets and movement of key state policies to keep key PPFA & PPAF leadership and staff up to date on breaking news, earned media opportunities, and important developments.

● Complete special projects as assigned and required.

Engagement: 

● Serve as a strategic advisor to multiple affiliates on state legislative, electoral, and litigation fights.

● Serve as an internal consultant to teams across the Federation on state advocacy issues, ensuring PPFA is consistent and accurate in how our issues are communicated.

● Serve as a key member of the ballot measure working group table and PPFA comms point of contact at state coalition tables running initiatives in upcoming cycles.

● Build and manage a consistent database of national reporters covering state reproductive health/rights issues and maintain these key relationships. Through consistent outreach, stay apprised of upcoming articles or stories to ensure that Planned Parenthood is considered a “must-have” resource for reporters on reproductive health policy and litigation.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): 

● 3-4 years of work experience, with experience working directly with members of the media, including reporters, producers, bloggers, and writers, preferred.

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

● Must possess excellent communication skills, in writing, in person, and on the phone.

● Must write and edit proficiently and quickly.

● Must be motivated and a self-starter with excellent customer service/interpersonal relationship skills.

● Ability to work with multiple departments and teams collaboratively to accomplish desired goals

● Must have experience and comfort with public speaking and cold calling reporters.

● Must be organized and able to multitask in a fast-paced environment.

● Must be a team player with a track record of delivering under pressure.

● Preferred speaking proficiency in Spanish.

● Knowledge of communicating with diverse groups, working with a multicultural workforce, and having sensitivity and appreciation to cultural differences is required.

● Strongly committed to the mission of Planned Parenthood.

Travel: 

0-25% 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.