Senior Political Director

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. With more than 600 health centers across the country, Planned Parenthood organizations serve all patients 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 operating health centers across the U.S. Planned Parenthood Action Fund is an independent, nonpartisan, not-for-profit membership organization formed as the advocacy and political arm of Planned Parenthood Federation of America. The Action Fund engages in educational, advocacy, and electoral activity, including grassroots organizing, legislative advocacy, and voter education.

The Senior Political Director will report to the National Campaigns Director. This position will work closely with the Office of the President, Office of the General Counsel, Development Department, Communications Department, and Government Relations departments to provide strategic guidance and comply with federal and state law. This position serves as the primary liaison to the PPAF Board on federal political work and power-building, including federal endorsements. This person manages the Associate Director of Political Programs and works closely with the Political Coordinator on day-to-day PAC operations. Additionally, the Senior Political Director will direct cross-functional teams in managing major political events.

Purpose: 

The Senior Political Director drives the strategy and manages the day-to-day federal political relationships at the candidate, committee, and staff levels; will develop and direct the Federal PAC’s new candidate fundraising program; and manage complex, cross-functional projects and programs for the Political Team. This individual will be a highly organized and skilled strategist and project manager who thrives in a fast-paced work environment with superior communication skills and who knows how to build internal and external relationships to move the work forward.

The Senior Director also plays a leadership role in Planned Parenthood Action Fund’s electoral coordinated program, overseeing national engagement with federal (and priority state) campaigns. The Senior Director will also be a strategist, partner, and consultant on other areas of work, including but not limited to state campaigns and power building, federal and state legislative accountability, and principal engagement strategies.  

Delivery:

●Direct the management of the Planned Parenthood Action Fund’s federal endorsement program ●DirectAction Fund’s c4 sponsorships and membership dues,  ●Oversee the creation of the Federal PAC budget and the tracking and reporting of PAC and c4 expenditures ●Oversee and manage the strategy, planning, and implementation of Planned Parenthood Action Fund’s national coordinated electoral program, including directing the work of a cross-divisional team to provide direct support to endorsed candidates ●Develop and direct the Federal PAC’s candidate fundraising program, including:  ○Draft and create the strategic program plan for candidate fundraising  ○Work with key partners, senior staff, and board members to raise money for target candidates and achieve program goals. ○Support the Associate Director of Political Programs in managing a cross-divisional team to execute a series of fundraising appeals and events  ●Support the creation and execution of the Action Fund president’s electoral strategy, ensuring opportunities to cultivate relationships and grow her brand as a political leader and ensuring abortion and SRHR remain a central component of priority campaign’s messaging.  ●Travel with PP Action Fund’s president (and other PCA senior staff) to provide direct support through surrogacy to priority candidate and ballot initiative campaigns. 

Engagement:   ●Manage the Political Team members and its day-to-day operations ●On behalf of the Action Fund, support strategic planning with state and local PP advocacy and political organizations, and otherwise support their efforts to secure electoral victories for champions of sexual and reproductive health ●Manage partner relationships with key committee and campaign staff, including but not limited to.  ○Build relationships with key political partners to grow the Federal PAC and Action Fund’s beltway presence with these key political strategists. ○Build relationships with campaign managers, political directors and other senior staff to ensure reproductive healthcare is a central issue in their campaigns ○Act as an organizational representative to the party committees, pushing forward organizational priorities and driving the organization’s engagement service.  ●Maintain regular contact with local c4 organization leadership to provide strategic support in state and local electoral strategy and ensure local leaders are given opportunities to collaborate directly with priority federal (and state) campaigns and candidates.  ●Work closely with the Office of the President and the President’s Communications Director to provide strategic direction for the president’s travel, talking points, etc, as it relates to electoral and political work. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):   ●8-10 years of related political leadership, issue advocacy, organizing, electoral campaign experience that includes management, strategic planning, training, racial equity skill development, and conflict resolution  ●Must be able to work effectively with leaders from associated affiliates and local political and advocacy organizations. A track record of creating and maintaining strong work relationships with a diverse set of colleagues is required. ●Must be able to motivate staff as well as teammates and colleagues who are not directly accountable to you.  ●Must be able to work effectively with leaders from external organizations and internal executive stakeholders ●Experience as a grassroots organizer; adept at consulting, advising, and training others to increase grassroots activities and strategies  ●Proven ability in developing electoral budgets and executing strategies like direct voter contact, mail, and digital. ●Proven ability and fluency in long-term power-building with a movement lens  ●Proficient trainer and communicator and possess assessment and analytical skills that allow effective coaching and consulting. ●Ability to identify priorities, work independently and develop tactics for addressing issues or requests and extensive knowledge of public policies at the state and federal level.  ●Fluency in racial equity frameworks and proven track record of working with diverse communities. ●Must be willing and able to work extended hours as needed.  ●Extensive travel is required. ●Experience in a campaign/advocacy environment working with diverse communities preferred.

Other Requirements:

●Passionate about the mission of Planned Parenthood and the role of health provision and advocacy ●This position will need to respond to the needs of a fast-paced operation ●Schedule flexibility to meet the demands and hours of East Coast-based colleagues ●Work as a team player in a high-pressure work environment ●Self-starter with a high level of creative initiative

Travel: 25-50% as applicable