POSITION: Government Relations & Political Director

STATUS: Full-time, permanent, exempt

LOCATION: Austin, TX

SALARY: $75,000

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.

POSITION: The Government Relations & Political Director will be responsible for directing the cultivation and stewardship of positive relationships with elected officials and candidates for office and managing the day-to-day activities to advance PPTV’s public policy and electoral strategies. The Government Relations & Political Affairs Director leads the development of program goals and priorities in collaboration with local Planned Parenthood organizations, Planned Parenthood Action Fund and Planned Parenthood Federation of America, external consultants and movement partners. This position supervises the Government Relations & Political Affairs Coordinator and reports to the Deputy Director of Strategic Campaigns and Partnerships.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

  • Lead legislative and municipal strategies to achieve public policy outcomes that optimize the ability of Planned Parenthood health centers to provide care to Texans in need of access to sexual and reproductive health care.

  • Identify and prioritize public policy and political opportunities at the local, state and federal levels to advance the mission of Planned Parenthood in Texas.

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

  • Inform voter 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.

  • Manage the candidate endorsement process. 

  • Stay abreast of developments in state and local elections, including special elections, municipal and county level elections of interest to the organization.

  • Facilitate candidate and elected official trainings on reproductive rights policies and messaging.

  • Direct 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.

  • Keep Planned Parenthood staff, at the affiliate, state and national level, informed of legislative and policy developments.

  • Track all lobbying expenses and maintain appropriate documentation in compliance with Texas Ethics Commission requirements.

  • Track all political contributions and expenditures and maintain appropriate documentation in compliance with Texas Ethics Commission requirements.

  • Manage, support and coach the Government Relations and Political Coordinator. Create an environment where a commitment to racial equity, diversity, and belonging are at the center of the managerial relationship. Adopt a managerial approach that values the individual and respects difference.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • 3-5 years of full-time, directly-related experience

  • Deep appreciation for the mission of Planned Parenthood and enthusiasm for public policy, political campaigns, and advocacy.

  • 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 and elections.

  • 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. 

  • Familiarity with IRS and Texas Ethics Commission reporting requirements and procedures for lobbying and political activities.

  • 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 navigate a variety of diverse situations and groups.

  • 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 $75,000 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 form. 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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