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.
Purpose:
Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) and Planned Parenthood Action Fund (PPAF) seeks a press officer who will be responsible for the implementation of media relations strategies to inform and influence key audiences on advocacy and policy fights around Planned Parenthood Federation of America and the Planned Parenthood Action Fund’s work. This crucial role will contribute to the success of multiple public health and advocacy campaigns on the state and national levels. The Press Officer is also responsible for creating and executing communications plans, producing material for media, responding to media requests, preparing spokespeople, and proactively reaching out to media outlets.
Delivery:
• Work with Planned Parenthood affiliate staff and relevant departments to help develop and implement strategic communications plans in support of Planned Parenthood’s state advocacy efforts.
• Create and identify opportunities to elevate sexual and reproductive health and rights in the press and drive key local, state. and national narratives.
• Develop proficiency in talking and writing about Planned Parenthood, sexual and reproductive health policy.
• Draft press releases, statements, advisories, op-ed pieces, talking points, briefings, message guidance, fact sheets, and other material that supports media relations efforts.
• Pitch reporters proactively and work with a range of media outlets, local, state, and national.
• Respond to inquiries from reporters, facilitate press stories and interviews.
• Arrange and coordinate logistics around interview requests, bookings, and supporting external parties and partners with message and media guidance.
• Identify journalists to connect more deeply with Planned Parenthood. Maintain media contacts lists and build and maintain relationships with key journalists at a range of outlets.
• Produce or assist with media-related events and training.
• Work with affiliates and relevant departments to ensure that media materials and strategies reflect broader organizational goals related to advocacy, policy, health care services, litigation and elections.
• Actively monitors state-based media outlets and keeps key PPFA & PPAF leadership and staff up to date on breaking news, earned media opportunities, and important developments.
• In partnership with the affiliate and other departments, monitor the movement of key state policies and update PPFA staff on developments.
• Coordinate with coalition partners and other allies to implement shared media relations goals.
• Participate fully in brainstorming and planning sessions on communications work. Proactively identify and create news hooks.
• Act as a media relations point person. Handle day-to-day media relations on a wide range of Planned Parenthood issues and provide direct support related to specific Planned Parenthood issues.
• Complete special projects as assigned.
Education and Experience
2-4 years of work experience, with experience working directly with members of the media, including reporters, producers, bloggers, and writers, preferred.
Engagement:
• Must be a team player, possess a sense of humor, and remain calm under pressure.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to work with multiple departments and teams collaboratively to accomplish desired goals
• Strongly committed to the mission of Planned Parenthood.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):
• Must possess excellent communication skills, in writing, in person, and on the phone.
• Must write and edit proficiently and quickly.
• Must be motivated and a self-starter with excellent customer service/interpersonal relationship skills.
• Must have experience and comfort with public speaking and cold calling reporters.
• Must be organized and able to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
• Must be a team player with a track record of delivering under pressure.
• Must swiftly develop in-depth knowledge of key issues facing PPFA and our affiliates and proficiency speaking and writing about them.
• Preference will be given to candidates with experience communicating about policy issues with the media or the general public.
• Preference will be given to candidates with experience in media writing and media work, including PR software.
• Existing direct relationships with members of the press and extensive knowledge of the operations of the news media (including print, online, blogs, and broadcast) a plus.
• Knowledge of communicating with diverse groups, working with a multicultural workforce, and sensitivity and appreciation to cultural differences is required.
TRAVEL: 20-40% once it is safe to travel again. Currently, no travel is required due to COVID-19 protocols.
$71,000 – $76,000 a year
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.
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*PDN-HR
All roles that are denoted as NYC, DC, or both will be on a hybrid schedule, requiring 2-3 days per week in the office.