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 the 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 women, women 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 Communications 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 Communications Director is responsible for directing, managing and implementing the communications priorities to support the three statewide Planned Parenthood advocacy and political entities. The Communications Director is responsible for leading the strategy and direction of the Communications department’s campaigns that support organizational initiatives and engage supporters in a way that demonstrates the political, legislative advocacy, and grassroots power of Planned Parenthood in Texas. This role will oversee communications strategy, guidance, and support for all aspects of the work, including innovative digital campaigns, electoral work, proactive and reactive earned media efforts, influencer engagement and crisis communications.

The position reports to the Co-Executive Director over Campaigns and Programming and supervises three employees.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

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

• 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 to elevate affiliates’ sexual and reproductive health services and education programs.

• 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.

• Produce content for and disseminate traditional affirmative media relations assets such as media advisories, statements, and press releases, ensuring they meet the organization's brand and overall message frame and goals. 

• Lead media relations program including placing proactive stories, cultivating relationships with media contacts, and reviewing and editing materials to ensure that it reflects communications goals and strategies, is legally compliant and conforms with the Planned Parenthood style and branding guides, and providing training for spokespeople as needed. 

• Develop, manage and execute various strategies for mobilizing supporters over all digital channels, including: web, social media, mobile, text and email.

• Oversee digital marketing and organizing strategies including managing and overseeing execution of various strategies for mobilizing supporters over all digital channels, including: web, social media, mobile, text and email.

• Develop reporting tools and systems to and support a team that manages reporting on digital organizing activities to help define and refine engagement pathways for supporters.

• Manage a diversely skilled communications team to ensure they meet goals, and are coached for growth and long term career development.

• Oversee the day to day activities of employees within the communications department.

QUALIFICATIONS

• At least 5 years of directly-related experience, including 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 work supports advocacy goals. 

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

• Ability to develop effective and inclusive messaging that brings together brand, patient, supporters, and opposition lenses.

• 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 production of digital materials (written, graphical and video).

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

• Experience working with a diverse workforce and with/for communities of color.

• Awareness of and proficiency with communications technologies.

• Experience in stakeholder/community engagement.

• 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 $85,000 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 and AD&D and short-term 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 17 days 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 and 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.