Director of Public Affairs

Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts (PPLM) has a simple mission: Care. No Matter What. PPLM has been a leader in promoting sexual health for more than 90 years and we strongly believe that all people deserve care no matter who they are, where they live, or who they love. As the state’s leading provider of sexual and reproductive health services, we educate families and empower youth to make responsible choices. We do all this because we care passionately about helping people lead healthier lives.

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.

Are you passionate about advancing sexual and reproductive healthcare and public health? Do you have a knack for strategic advocacy and community organizing? We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Director of Public Affairs to lead our legislative advocacy, policy research, government relations, outreach, elections, and organizing efforts!

This role advises the Chief External Affairs Officer (CEAO) and PPLM executive leadership on policies and politics at the local, state, and federal levels that impact our mission. The Director will advance our healthcare and public health mission through strategic community organizing, outreach, and electoral strategies, serving as the lead lobbyist to promote equity.

Responsibilities Include (But Not Limited To):

• Collaborate with CEAO on policy, legislative, and governmental research related to healthcare and public health (focusing on social determinants of health) and to develop and implement legislative, government relations, and community organizing strategies.
• Lead the strategic process for relevant legislative hearings, including writing and delivery of testimony, in collaboration with the CEAO.
• Work with the Communications Division to develop legislative communications (fact sheets, infographics, digital media content) related to policy, legislation, and governmental relations
• Conduct evidence-based legal healthcare and public health law research
• Provide legislative budgetary research and analytics to support sexual & reproductive health, education, and family planning services
• Supervise the Policy Manager and the Manager, Elections & Community Outreach
• Collaborate with Planned Parenthood Federation of America’s (PPFA) policy & government relations staff and other affiliates to pursue national public policy goals.
• Participate in PPFA calls and attend national meetings and conferences as necessary
• Develop and manage the Public Affairs budget
• Identify, research, and analyze legislative and regulatory issues impacting PPLM and its clinical services, Including monitoring the Health Policy Commission, MassHealth, and relevant agencies
• Evaluate PPAF electoral materials to ensure they reflect PPAF’s legislative positions and incorporate the latest research
• Identify municipal public policy opportunities to advance abortion access, sexual & reproductive healthcare, and Oversee all legislative and lobbyist reporting
• Create communications (calls to action, fact sheets, infographics, digital media content) for non-partisan voter mobilization, canvassing, lobbying support, and community advocacy in collaboration with the Communications Division
• Oversee the planning and management of all PPAF electoral activities (e.g., questionnaire development, endorsement process, ballot initiatives, field work)
  
  
  
  
  

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of public policy experience; experience in political campaigns and the Massachusetts state legislature strongly preferred
• Undergraduate degree required; advanced degrees (MPH, MHA, MPA, JD) in healthcare law, public health law, or public policy strongly preferred
• In-depth knowledge of Massachusetts and federal regulatory and legislative processes
• Background in family planning and sexual health policy, reproductive rights, reproductive justice, and healthcare/public health law preferred
• Experience with analytics and data management preferred
• Experience working with and training student practitioners/interns
• Strategic, resourceful, highly analytical, and able to meet tight deadlines
• Willingness to work occasional weekends and after hours due to legislative and electoral cycles
• Ability to travel outside Boston for legislative activities
• Ability to work with diverse populations and demonstrate empathy and non-judgement
• Motivated self-starter with team leadership skills
• Experience in program development, management, and evaluation
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with attention to detail
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Multilingual abilities preferred
• Commitment to PPLM’s mission, philosophy, and goals, including diversity, equity and inclusion
  
  
  
  
  

What We Offer

• Health, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Generous paid time off including vacation time, provisions for extended sick time and 11 paid holidays
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with 3% company match
• Life Insurance, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Account for medical expenses and/or dependent care expenses
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Discounts
  
  
  
  
  

Roles that are denoted as Hybrid require 1 day per week in the office unless the role is denoted as onsite, which requires working onsite full time or 5 days per week.

Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to maintaining a non-discriminatory work environment and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Planned Parenthood is committed to creating a dynamic work environment that values diversity and inclusion, respect and integrity, customer focus, and innovation.