Senior Political Director

Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) is the national umbrella organization for the nation’s leading network of women’s health care providers, educators, and advocates, serving women, men, teens and families. For over 100 years, Planned Parenthood has done more than any other organization in the United States to improve women’s health and safety, prevent unintended pregnancies, and advance the right and ability of individuals and families to make informed and responsible health care decisions. Planned Parenthood Action Fund (PPAF) is the advocacy and political arm of PPFA. 

PRIMARY FUNCTION/PURPOSE:

Reporting to the Action Fund’s Executive Director, the Senior Political Director is responsible for managing the Action Fund’s political strategies to advance national strategic plans by building influence and advancing Planned Parenthood’s policy positions, activities, and accomplishments amongst DC political leadership. This position will work closely with the Office of the President, Office of the General Counsel, and Government Relations departments to provide strategic guidance and remain in compliance with federal and state law.

On behalf of the Action Fund, the Senior Political Director manages a dynamic team responsible for the oversight of the Action Fund PAC Committee, endorsements of federal candidates, and partners with the Executive Director of the Action Fund to build strategic political relationships with federal candidates, committees, and partner organizations. This role will also serve as a liaison to major donors in partnership with the Political and Development teams to execute grasstops advocacy and electoral strategies, including developing goals, design, and infrastructure for Planned Parenthood Federal PAC’s candidate support efforts. The Senior Political Director will serve as a resource to state and local Planned Parenthood organizations on all aspects of their political and federal candidate engagement work. During election cycles, this position will play an important role in the Action Fund’s Coordinated Electoral Program. 

A successful candidate enjoys outreach, loves picking up the phone, and attending events and has experience working with campaigns, committees, and political parties. Experience with movement and/or progressive political and/or advocacy organizations is also preferred.

ACTION FUND DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

-Manage the long-term strategic vision for the Planned Parenthood Federal PAC and its governing Committee of the Action Fund Board (PAC Committee), working closely with the Executive Director, Government Relations and Development departments and Associate PAC Director. Play a key role in recruiting and onboarding new members to the PAC Committee annually. 

-Direct strategic priorities for the Action Fund’s federal candidate endorsement program, strengthening the organization’s political power and resulting in an excellent experience for endorsed candidates. 

-Lead the strategy to educate candidates on core issues related to sexual and reproductive health and rights, working closely with the Action Fund Communications and Culture division. 

-Partner with the Executive Director of the Action Fund to build and maintain relationships with priority endorsed candidates and their campaign teams, working closely with the Associate PAC Director. 

-Oversee the strategy and execution of coordinated electoral work, including Planned Parenthood Action Fund member communications, working closely with campaigns and organizing teams. 

-Work closely with the Communications and Culture division on political messaging. 

-Partner with the Executive Director to serve and/or establish points of contact to senior staff at national political parties, such as the DSCC, DCCC, DGA, and DNC, and other entities.

-Provide expertise and strategic insight into political fundraising efforts for Planned Parenthood Federal PAC and Action Fund electoral activities, including building out the Federal PAC’s candidate support program. 

-Serve as a public face for Action Fund political work and frequently speak at fundraisers, donor meetings, campaign events, and other public forums.

-Supervise the Political Team and oversee cross-team coordinated staff.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES FOR ACTION FUND:

-Serve as a senior member of the Action Fund and the Organizing and Electoral Campaigns Team, leading in developing key federal and state strategies for the division and organization. 

-Work closely with the Policy, Campaigns and Advocacy senior leadership, the Office of the President, and the Board of Directors to implement Action Fund’s national strategic plans for building influence and advance Planned Parenthood’s policy positions, activities, and accomplishments amongst DC political leadership.

-Work closely with the Communications and Culture division on Planned Parenthood’s messaging. 

-Prepare briefings and provide strategic guidance for internal and external stakeholders, including the Office of the President and Policy, Campaigns and Advocacy Senior Leaders.

QUALIFICATIONS

-10 years leadership/management experience in political campaigns, electoral management, organizing and/or fundraising. Adept at consulting, advising, and training others to increase grassroots activities and strategies.

-Experience managing a team with distinct priorities and workload.

-Experience raising money for candidates and/or for a PAC, or contributing to fundraising strategies for these entities. 

-Extensive experience with innovative, fast-paced, data-driven campaigns and organizing.

-Commitment and track record of advancing racial equity and ensuring it is embedded in the work. 

-Demonstrated track record of setting clear priorities and success in driving a strong, results-oriented progressive agenda that builds power.

-Excellent communication skills and a demonstrated ability to lead complex teams and coalitions.

-Strong commitment to and understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion and the intersection of health and racial justice.

-A proven track record of building strong relationships with multiple high-level stakeholders, including candidates, donors, board members, campaign staff, party committees, partner organizations, and cross-team colleagues, based on effective interpersonal skills.

-Experience successfully managing multi-million dollar budgets and a proven track record of financial stewardship.

-Ability to motivate staff as well as teammates and colleagues who are not directly accountable to you. 

-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.

-Exceptional attention to detail and ability to learn and execute quickly

-Available in off-hours for rapid response and crisis communications.

-Must be available to travel up to 50%, once traveling resumes, following CDC guidelines.

This position is based in Washington, DC.

Starting salary: $155K

Final offers for this job will be based on capabilities and will be made within the parameters of the PPFA compensation program. Total offer package to include generous vacation + sick leave + paid holidays, individual/family provided medical, dental and vision benefits effective day 1, life insurance, short/long term disability, paid family leave and 401k. We also offer voluntary opt in for Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Transportation/Commuter accounts.  

We value a truly diverse workforce and a culture of inclusivity and belonging. Our goal is to attract qualified candidates and encourage applications from all individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.  We're committed to creating a dynamic work environment that values diversity and inclusion, respect and integrity, customer focus, and innovation.

PPFA participates in the E-Verify program and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.