Press Officer, 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. Planned Parenthood organizations serve all people 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, which operate non-profit health centers across the USA. PPFA also works to educate the public on and advocate for issues of sexual and reproductive health. Formed as the advocacy and political arm of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Planned Parenthood Action Fund is a separate non-profit membership organization tax-exempt under section 501(c)(4). The Action Fund engages in educational, advocacy, and limited electoral activity, including grassroots organizing, legislative advocacy, and voter education in furtherance of the Planned Parenthood mission.

Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) and Planned Parenthood Action Fund (PPAF) seek a press officer who will be responsible for the implementation of media relations strategies to inform and influence key audiences on health, advocacy, and litigation fights around Planned Parenthood Federation of America and the Planned Parenthood Action Fund’s work. This job reports to the Director of State Advocacy Communications, in the External Affairs 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 Press Officer, State Advocacy Communications, will contribute to the success of multiple 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 press officer is responsible for 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 and electoral goals.
• 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, briefing notes, message guidance, fact sheets, and other material that support media relations efforts.
• 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.
• Execute earned-media strategies to advance the political work of Planned Parenthood Action Fund and Planned Parenthood Votes for 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 and other duties as assigned.

Engagement:

This role will work with multiple departments and teams, including organizing & electoral campaigns, litigation and law, political & legislative affairs, and research & policy, to accomplish desired goals collaboratively. The press officer will also serve as one of the organization’s lead points of contact for members of the media.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

• 2-3 years of media experience with political, advocacy, and/or nonprofit organizations.
• High school diploma or equivalent associate or bachelor's degree.
• Excellent communication (written & verbal) skills.
• An understanding of the reproductive rights, health, and justice landscape
• Must be motivated and a self-starter with a proven track record of meeting deadlines and deliverables with quick turnarounds.
• Thrives in a campaign-style environment with "rapid fire" deadlines and responses.
• Knowledge of communicating with diverse groups, working with a multicultural workforce, and sensitivity and appreciation to cultural differences is required.
• Must be a team player and remain calm under pressure.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Strongly committed to the mission of Planned Parenthood.

Travel:

0-15% 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.

Planned Parenthood's cultural ethos, "In This Together", reflects our commitment to building a workplace culture that fosters belonging, promotes learning throughout the employee lifecycle, and recognizes individual contributions to our mission.

Planned Parenthood Federation of America participates in the E-Verify program. Planned Parenthood Federation of America is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to maintaining a non-discriminatory work environment, and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Planned Parenthood Federation of America is committed to creating a dynamic work environment that values diversity and inclusion, respect and integrity, customer focus, and innovation.

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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.