PLANNED PARENTHOOD TEXAS VOTES

Role: Public Affairs Director

Position: Full-time, permanent, exempt

Location: Texas (remote, Central Texas strongly preferred)


ORGANIZATION: Planned Parenthood Texas Votes (PPTV) is the statewide advocacy and political arm of the Planned Parenthood affiliates in Texas, referred to as “local Planned Parenthood organizations.” Planned Parenthood Texas Votes works to foster and preserve a social and political climate in Texas favorable to full reproductive health care access, through legislative advocacy, grassroots organizing, and electoral activity, to promote and protect the mission of local Planned Parenthood organizations in Texas. 

The work at PPTV is fast-paced and deals with complex and high-priority matters related to the public policies and politics of reproductive health in Texas. Our programs range from talking to voters about abortion access to advocating at the state legislature, organizing advocates to rally in support of reproductive rights, and training the next generation of movement leaders. We imagine a world where having a uterus is not a pre-existing condition; where people can love who they love, be who they are, and find the care they need when they need it. 

PPTV’s theory of change focuses on engaging and empowering young people, women, people of color, and LGBTQ folks. These demographics represent the majority of Planned Parenthood patients, a significant proportion of Texas’ changing population, those particularly impacted by attacks on reproductive health and rights, and who are also the least engaged and represented in elections, government and politics.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

PPTV is hiring a Public Affairs Director that will work for Planned Parenthood Texas Votes 501(c)(4), Planned Parenthood Advocates of Texas 501(c)(3), and PPTV Political Action Committee (PAC).


The Public Affairs Director is responsible for directing, managing, and implementing the communications, political, and government relations priorities to support the three statewide Planned Parenthood advocacy and political entities. 


The Public Affairs Director is responsible for leading the strategy and direction for the organization’s public policy priorities, government relations, and communications goals, to advance organizational initiatives and engage supporters in a way that demonstrates the political, legislative advocacy, and grassroots power of Planned Parenthood in Texas. 


The position reports to the Deputy Director, Strategic Campaigns and Partnerships, and supervises 3 employees on the Government Relations and Communications teams.


PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

This is a senior-level role. In this position, you will have the opportunity to:


Communications

  • Collaboratively lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive communications strategy for the organization by soliciting cross-departmental and stakeholder feedback. 

  • Provide strategic communication guidance and support for the organizations.

  • Create and drive communications plans, responses, and materials, and ensure quality control of all assets.

  • In conjunction with national-level and affiliate-level staff, formulate objectives, target audiences, key messages, tactics, timeline, and evaluation of communications plans and campaigns.

  • Develop statewide, research-based, messaging tools to effectively mobilize our base in furtherance of our political and mobilization goals. 

  • Direct digital organizing campaigns that engage supporters to win urgent fights while also driving longer-term work of deepening engagement and building a multi-generational and diverse movement.

  • Cultivate and maintain relationships with key media contacts and proactively pitch stories to publishers, journalists, and editorial board staff.

 

Government Relations & Political

  • Lead and manage the relationship development strategies for legislators, legislative staff, candidates for office, various coalitions, workgroups, councils, health policy groups, electoral groups, and advocacy groups.

  • Inform voter and supporter contact strategies and coordinate information with campaigns and partners to best leverage resources in service of electoral outcomes that promote sexual and reproductive health care.

  • Facilitate trainings and briefings for elected officials and candidates on reproductive rights policies and messaging.

  • Manage the planning and execution of legislative events and activities to publicize and promote the goals and mission of Planned Parenthood, including legislative receptions, briefings, and lobby days.


Management

  • Oversee and provide mentorship and coaching to the organization’s Communications and Government Relations teams. 

  • Ensure team members and departments meet programmatic goals and expectations for the year. 

  • Create an environment where a commitment to racial equity, diversity, and belonging are at the center of staff relationships.  

  • Adopt a managerial approach that values the individual and respects differences.

  • Engage and support staff to identify ways to improve DEI efforts within programs and events.


QUALIFICATIONS

  • At least 5 years of full-time, directly-related experience, including at least 2 years of management experience.

  • Deep appreciation for the mission of Planned Parenthood and enthusiasm for public policy, political campaigns, and advocacy, and a vision for how communications and government relations work supports advocacy goals. 

  • Proven government relations experience and ability to work with elected officials and engage community members; proven political or issue-oriented campaign or non-profit experience with an emphasis on grassroots organizing.

  • 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 and editing skills.

  • Strong project management skills, including the ability to manage and track multiple projects at once.

  • Knowledge of the political and electoral landscape and legislative process of Texas. 

  • Sharp media instincts and experience managing complex media stories and narratives.

  • Advanced knowledge of social media, email marketing, and the production of digital materials.

  • Willing and able to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends.

  • Clear and concise communication with team members and senior management.

  • Collaborative work style; able to facilitate amongst diverse communities and individuals.

  • Enjoys operating in a fast-paced and demanding environment, a nimble and flexible work style.


SALARY + BENEFITS

This position is full-time with a salary of $80,000 annually. PPTV is proud to offer a competitive benefits package for full-time employees that includes 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage effective the first day of employment, life, AD&D, short-term disability, and long-term disability for the employee. We also offer optional flexible spending accounts and additional life coverage. 

Full-time employees receive 18 paid holidays, inclusive of a winter break, accrue 14 days of paid time off (vacation and sick time) in their first year of employment, bereavement leave, jury duty pay, professional development opportunities, and the option to participate in a 401(k) retirement plan.

HOW TO APPLY

Please apply online through this link. Planned Parenthood Texas Votes is an equal employment opportunity employer and we value having staff who come from communities that are most impacted by the issues we engage on, including current and former Planned Parenthood patients. We especially encourage people of color, LGBTQ people, women, transgender, gender non-conforming people, and people with disabilities to apply. 

PPTV 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 is committed to creating a dynamic work environment that values diversity and inclusion, respect and integrity, community focus, and innovation.

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