Public Affairs Director

JOB SUMMARY: The Public Affairs Director is responsible for the strategic planning and operations of agency public affairs and communications. Public affairs and communications responsibilities include handling government relations (federal, state, and local) and public policy, advocacy and grassroots organizing activities, public relations and media, most internal and external publications and web communications for the agency, and marketing oversight.

1.       In collaboration with the VP of External Affairs, develop an annual operational plan including objectives, policy strategies, timelines, and cost estimates for departmental activities to further the agency mission for both 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) organizations.

2.       Designs and establishes strong communication strategies statewide.

3.       Curates, implements, and manages fundraising and community events to increase advocacy and awareness for the organization.

4.       Ensure consistency with state and federal laws, rules and regulations governing lobbying, ethics, IRS status, and electoral activities for both 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4).

5. Work directly with board members to coordinate and serve as primary staff liaison for PPDE 501(c)(3) public affairs committee and 501(c)(4) activities.

6.       Responsible for independent expenditure of 501(c)(4) funds. As such, the Public Affairs Director may not volunteer or otherwise coordinate campaigns in elections in which PPAFD may take a position.

7. Track public policy and the political climate affecting the reproductive rights movement. Support the Board of Directors and staff with research and interpretation of legislation, public policy, changes in government, and public perception of PPDE. Coordinate agency response to issues.

8. Create and maintain a statewide public affairs advocacy network by using alerts, email listservs, and social media to communicate with volunteers and activists.

9. Collaborate with the VP of HR and the Development department to recruit, onboard, and train volunteers working in advocacy.

10. Direct, manage, and advise on crisis communications under the direction of the VP of External Affairs and President/CEO as appropriate.

11. Plan, direct, and/or facilitate collaborative efforts with private and non­governmental organizations on matters related to legislative initiatives and/or relevant issues. Represent PPDE in coalitions.

12. Work collaboratively with PPFA and regional Planned Parenthood affiliates to strategize for national, state, and local reproductive health public policy.

13. Develop and cultivate relationships with decision-makers and those who influence them, lobbying as indicated.

14. Work collaboratively with Development Department staff to cultivate advocates and volunteers, fundraising activities, newsletter and website development.

15. Works collaboratively with Development Department to plan, create, and launch successful social media campaigns related to fundraising events, galas, and donor cultivation.

16. Develop annual communications calendar.

17. Work collaboratively with Education Department staff to coordinate PPDE’s presence at community outreach events to promote PPDE’s advocacy goals, health services, and educational programs.

18. Provide oversight for marketing activities for PPDE including social media, online store, print, and other mechanisms for enhancing market share.

19. Create and supervise production of printed advocacy materials, voter information, and social media.

20. Act as a spokesperson and prepare others to speak about issues, including the development of message points and presentations to be used by the President and CEO, Board President and/or other members of senior management at the request of the President and CEO.

21. Establish and cultivate a relationship with the local, state, and national media, serving as primary contact person.

22. Oversee internal communication, in consultation with the VP of External Affairs, which informs and engages PPDE employees and volunteers around public policy issues, the PPDE mission, and business strategies. Allow for timely, accurate and collaborative communications.

23. Models a positive approach and excellent customer service skills. Promotes a spirit of teamwork among all staff.

24. Abide by the mission of PPDE.

25. Perform other duties as assigned.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

· Bachelor’s degree in public policy, government relations, political science, communications, or other related discipline is required, or an equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and abilities can be acquired.

·    Three to Five years’ minimum experience required in public affairs with proven familiarity with legislative and governmental process.

·         Non-profit management experience preferred.

·         Experience in 501(c)(4) and/or lobbying preferred.

·         Media relations experience.

·         Working knowledge of reproductive health preferred.

·         Demonstrated strong leadership skills.

Must have the ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to multi-task and to work effectively under pressure due to conflicting demands is required. Must be flexible, highly organized, creative, and detail-oriented with the ability to set and meet deadlines.

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals in a professional manner. Requires excellent verbal and written communication skills, including strong power of persuasion, listening, and interpersonal relationship communication skills. This must include strong presentation and public speaking skills with a strong comfort level speaking with media discussing controversial issues in a debate format. Must have the ability to appropriately and professionally respond to questions from internal and external customers, Board of Directors, and the general public.

Must possess the ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ration, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs required. Must have the ability to manage a budget, along with familiarity with basic accounting principles.

Excellent keyboarding skills with high level of accuracy required. Proficiency in Internet usage and Microsoft Office required. Must possess capacity to learn software programs required for specific position and access electronic communications, including e-mail, internet, and intranet, on a regular basis.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. All of the job functions listed within this job description involve to greater and lesser degrees the following physical demands: close vision; hearing/listening; clear speech; walking; lifting and carrying up to 10 pounds; stooping; kneeling; bending; sitting; standing; and use of hands to finger, handle, feel and use keyboard.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

·         Work in a diverse environment, build productive relationships, and effectively work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.

·         Work in an environment where protestors may be present at work and related sites.

·         Work when needed on an irregular schedule, which could include some weekends, early mornings, and evenings.

·         Work in a cost-effective and flexible manner, multi-task, and work effectively under pressure due to conflicting demands.

·         Work in an environment where the noise level is occasionally low but usually moderate.

·         Be willing and able to travel to local, statewide, regional, and national destinations. A valid driver’s license and insurance coverage for bodily injury and property damage as required by the State of licensing or other ability to provide own reliable transportation is required for local, regional, and statewide travel.