Director of Government Relations

Planned Parenthood Northern California (PPNorCal) is seeking a Director of Government Relations for our Concord Administrative Office in Todos Santos Plaza. This role is full-time, 40 hours per week. PPNorCal provides a comprehensive benefits package including 100% employer paid medical insurance for the employee, 50% employer paid medical insurance for dependent children, dental and vision coverage, employer paid life and long-term disability insurance, 15 days of paid time off to start, 10 paid holidays, and a 403(b) retirement plan with up to 4% employer match after 12 months of service.

SUMMARY

The Planned Parenthood Northern California (PPNorCal) Director of Government Relations will work under the guidance of the Vice President of Government Relations and Communications (GRC), to manage all Government Relations and community grassroots efforts. The Director will also provide key support to the Planned Parenthood Northern California Action Fund entity to help elect Reproductive Freedom Champions as well as promote advocacy and volunteer activities in targeted candidate and issue-based campaigns.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• The Director of Government Relations will work as a liaison for local, state, and federal elected officials and their staff in the appropriate counties; the Director helps identify and resolve local and state legislative issues.
• Provides support to the VP of GRC to develop and implement PPNorCal’s public policy and legislative work.
• Develops PPNorCal Action Fund’s political and electoral strategy and priorities, including candidate endorsements and field activity; ensures PPNorCal and PPNorCal Action Fund adherence to reporting requirements for agreements between the two organizations and appropriate state and federal agencies; provides electoral support to the PPNorCal Action Fund Board of Directors.
• Under the direction of the VP of GRC, interfaces with community partners to broaden support for PPNorCal’s priorities. Working with the Government Relations team, the Director will develop a community partners program to establish strong, long-term relationships with relevant organizations, in particular the reproductive freedom and reproductive justice movement.
• Under the direction of the VP of GRC provides oversight of PPNorCal’s Government Relations staff and coordinates grassroots activity and communication around community, legislative and electoral issues. Leads special projects as required.
• As directed, works closely with Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California (PPAC) and Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) on political and legislative strategy.
• Assists with media relations as needed, particularly on political issues.
• As assigned, serves as a resource to media on government relations issues and may act as spokesperson at conferences and events.
• Supports PPNorCal and PPNorCal Action Fund fundraising and special events.
• Works to meet annual department budget and performance goals.
• Demonstrates consistent commitment in advancing PPNorCal’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Manages the Senior Government Relations Officer, Senior External Affairs Officer, and Volunteer Coordinator. Responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of these positions. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

QUALIFICATIONS

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.

• Advanced writing and editing skills.
• Strong networking/interpersonal relationship skills.
• Ability to manage/navigate/direct complex individuals and group dynamics.
• Ability to maintain a high degree of flexibility and creativity within a constantly changing environment.
• Strong political campaign, organizing, and advocacy experience.
• Passion for PPNorCal’s mission.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Advanced degree or ten years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Five years of Managerial experience. A minimum of ten years working in any capacity within the public policy, legislative, or political fields.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community. Ability to write speeches and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format. Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, and percentages. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

COMPUTER SKILLS

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Word, Excel, and be Web savvy including basic knowledge of social media.

PROTECTED HEALTH INFORMATION (PHI) ACCESS REQUIREMENT

No access to PHI is required by this position.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Must have reliable automobile transportation and a valid California Driver's License and insurance.

OTHER SKILLS, ABILITIES, QUALIFICATIONS

• Proven government relations experience and ability to work with elected officials and engage community members; proven political or issue-oriented campaign or non-profit experience with an emphasis on grassroots organizing.
• Commitment to quality health care and mission of Planned Parenthood, with knowledge of reproductive health issues and policies strongly preferred.
• Project management experience.
• Strong emphasis on professionalism.
• Ability to work efficiently and effectively in a very fast-paced environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and excellent organizational, decision-making and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to take initiative and work both independently and as a team member.
• Good humor along with a willingness to deal with controversy.
• Bilingual English/Spanish a plus.