Director, Public Policy and Government Affairs

Job Description

Job Description

We are Planned Parenthood of Southern New England, one of the region’s largest and most trusted providers of reproductive health care. We are recognized for the wide array of services we provide, the outstanding sexual health education we deliver, and our strong commitment to social justice. Working for Planned Parenthood is more than a job; it is being a part of a powerful movement. Together, we take pride in shaping the future of sexual health and reproductive rights for all people. Planned Parenthood Votes! Connecticut (PPV!CT) and Planned Parenthood Votes! Rhode Island (PPV!RI) are the advocacy and political arms of PPSNE; PPV!CT and PPV!RI engage in educational, advocacy and electoral activity, including grassroots organizing, legislative advocacy, and voter education. As a voice for reproductive freedom, PPV!CT and PPV!RI supports legislation and policies that ensure all people have access to the full range of sexual and reproductive health care and education.

What You will Be Doing :

The Director, Public Policy and Government Relations at Planned Parenthood Southern New England (PPSNE) is responsible for strategic leadership of the organization’s legislative advocacy, policy research, government relations, and elections work in Rhode Island. This role advises the Chief Policy and Advocacy Officer and PPSNE executive leadership team on local, state, and federal policies and politics that directly or indirectly relate to sexual and reproductive health care and public health that impact the mission of PPSNE and PPV!RI. The Director facilitates the advancement of the organization’s policy, advocacy, and electoral priorities in Rhode Island and works closely with the Director, Organizing and Campaigns to advance the goals of the Public Policy, Advocacy and Organizing (PPAO) team, advance reproductive freedom, and promote health equity in the state.

The Director oversees government relations in Rhode Island including direct and indirect (grassroots) lobbying of the legislative and administrative branches of the RI government and develops strategies for meeting with and influencing key decision makers and lawmakers to embrace policies that protect Planned Parenthood’s health care operations and our mission as well as serving as lobbyist representing PPSNE at the State House. This role will coordinate the development of strategic legislative, governmental, and political activities with the Chief Policy and Advocacy Officer.

The Director will be part of an integrated team that works closely across departments to manage key relationships internally and externally and programs to advance reproductive health, rights, and freedom in Rhode Island. It is imperative that they be autonomous and thrive while managing ambiguity and shifting priorities.

Essential Functions : In collaboration with the Chief Policy and Advocacy Officer (CPAO) the Director develops goals and objectives in support of strategic priorities and advancement of the mission :

• Build support for PPSNE and PPV!RI by cultivating relationships with decision makers and those who influence them including state and municipal administrative officials, lawmakers, political candidates, members of the media and other key influencers to achieve our mission and expand reproductive rights organizing across Rhode Island.
• Implement PPSNE’s approach to all relevant government agencies and entities, including the Administration (Governor’s office and functional departments and commissioners, i.e. : Executive Office of Health and Human Services and its leadership), the General Assembly, legislative leadership and legislative staff, and all other key decision makers in RI state government and any relevant municipal leadership.
• Identify, research, and analyze relevant legislative and regulatory issues that do or may impact PPSNE and the health care services we provide and other relevant issues.
• Prepares an annual state legislative agenda for the agency and implements the plan to achieve its stated legislative and administrative goals with the CPAO.
• Monitor changes in health care and public health finance and healthcare delivery at the state and federal levels.
• Advance community coalition building for health equity and reproductive freedom.
• Serve as an expert spokesperson and representative for PPSNE and PPV!RI with external partners and media as a point of contact for media relations in Rhode Island.
• Collaborate with Communications and Brand Marketing leadership to prepare to messaging and communications guidance about  issues relevant to Rhode Islanders, to be used by the President / CEO, Chief Medical Officer, and other PPSNE spokespeople.
• Collaborate with the Director, Organizing and Campaigns (“DOC”) to implement new and innovative ways to inform and engage the public about reproductive rights, health, and access in Rhode Island.
• Collaborate with the DOC, to guide and support Rhode Island-based organizing staff.

Essential Functions : Engagement and Partnerships

Essential Functions : Organizational Management and Finance

Key Requirements

Work Schedule

Salary Range : MIN : $73,364 MID $97,818 MAX $122,273 and is based on full years of experience.

PPSNE is committed to equal opportunity in all areas of its operations, including patient care and employment. Employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and business needs. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, marital status, genetics, veteran status, or any other protected category. Discrimination and retaliation are strictly prohibited.

PPSNE offers a comprehensive benefit package which includes health, dental and vision insurance, retirement savings, paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement, generous paid time off, a flexible spending account, wellness program and more.