📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Manager, State Advocacy Communications
🔹 Company: Planned Parenthood Federation of America
🔹 Location: Washington, DC
🔹 Job Type: Full Time - Union
🔹 Category: Nonprofit - Health Care
🔹 Date Posted: May 1, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years
🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (2 days remote, 3 days on-site)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing and implementing strategic communications plans for state advocacy efforts.
- Elevating the fight for sexual and reproductive health and rights at the state level in the press.
- Serving as a media relations point person and spokesperson for Planned Parenthood.
- Collaborating with cross-divisional teams to build 360 national media campaigns.
- Actively monitoring state-based media outlets and keeping key leadership up to date on breaking news.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong communication skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to work effectively with multiple departments and teams.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Develop and implement communications plans in support of Planned Parenthood’s state advocacy efforts.
✅ Create opportunities to elevate the fight for sexual and reproductive health and rights at the state level in the press.
✅ Draft press releases, statements, advisories, op-ed pieces, talking points, briefings, fact sheets, and other communications materials.
✅ Serve as a media relations point person and spokesperson for Planned Parenthood.
✅ Develop, oversee, and execute earned-media strategies to advance the political work of Planned Parenthood Action Fund and Planned Parenthood Votes.
✅ Partner with cross-divisional state fights teams to build 360 national media campaigns that educate and motivate key audiences and stakeholders.
✅ Actively monitor state-based media outlets and keep key PPFA & PPAF leadership and staff up to date on breaking news, earned media opportunities, and important developments.
✅ Complete special projects as assigned and required.
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high level of multitasking, working under pressure, and delivering results in a fast-paced environment.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: High school diploma or equivalent associate or bachelor's degree.
Experience: 3-4 years of work experience, with experience working directly with members of the media preferred.
Required Skills:
- Excellent communication skills, in writing, in person, and on the phone.
- Ability to write and edit proficiently and quickly.
- Motivated self-starter with excellent customer service/interpersonal relationship skills.
- Ability to work with multiple departments and teams collaboratively to accomplish desired goals.
- Comfort with public speaking and cold-calling reporters.
- Organized and able to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
- Strongly committed to the mission of Planned Parenthood.
Preferred Skills:
- Speaking proficiency in Spanish.
- Knowledge of communicating with diverse groups and working with a multicultural workforce.
ASSUMPTION: Proficiency in Spanish is not required but would be beneficial for this role, given the diverse communities Planned Parenthood serves.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $85,000 - $90,000 a year
Benefits:
- 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
- Voluntary opt-in for Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Transportation/Commuter accounts
Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles in the nonprofit sector. The final offer may vary based on the candidate's qualifications and experience.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Planned Parenthood is a leading provider of reproductive health care, a trusted educator, and a passionate advocate for reproductive rights. It operates in the nonprofit sector, with a focus on health care, education, and advocacy.
Company Size: Planned Parenthood Federation of America has 501-1,000 employees, making it a mid-sized organization. This size allows for a diverse range of opportunities and a collaborative work environment.
Founded: Planned Parenthood was founded in 1916 and has since grown into a global organization, providing vital health care services and education to millions of people worldwide.
Company Description:
- Planned Parenthood is committed to providing high-quality, affordable sexual and reproductive health care for all people, as well as sex education and advocacy.
- The organization values inclusivity, respect, and innovation, striving to create equitable access to health care.
- Planned Parenthood is dedicated to creating a healthier world and ensuring that access to health care and rights is a reality for all people.
Company Specialties:
- Reproductive health care services
- Sex education and information
- Advocacy and political work
Company Website: http://www.plannedparenthood.org/
ASSUMPTION: Planned Parenthood is a well-established organization with a strong reputation for its work in reproductive health care, education, and advocacy. Its mission and values are central to its operations and culture.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is a mid-level management position, offering opportunities for growth and development within the organization.
Reporting Structure: The manager reports to the Director, State Advocacy Communications, within the Communications and Culture division of PPFA.
Work Arrangement: This role is a hybrid position, requiring employees to work on-site in the Washington, DC office for a minimum of 2 days per week.
Growth Opportunities:
- Advancement within the Communications and Culture division or other departments within PPFA.
- Expanding skills and expertise in strategic communications, media relations, and advocacy.
- Gaining experience working with a diverse range of stakeholders, including media outlets, affiliate staff, and cross-divisional teams.
ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within the organization, as well as the chance to make a significant impact on Planned Parenthood's mission and goals.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Planned Parenthood's headquarters is located in New York, NY, with regional offices across the United States, including Washington, DC.
Office Location(s): 123 William St, New York, NY 10038, US (headquarters); Washington, DC (regional office)
Geographic Context:
- Washington, DC is a major metropolitan area with a diverse population and a vibrant cultural scene.
- The region is home to numerous political and advocacy organizations, providing ample opportunities for networking and collaboration.
- The cost of living in Washington, DC is relatively high compared to other regions in the United States.
Work Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week, with a hybrid work arrangement requiring on-site work in the Washington, DC office for a minimum of 2 days per week.
ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement offers flexibility while ensuring that employees have the opportunity to collaborate and build relationships with their colleagues in the office.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
- In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and other team members
- Final interview with the director or other senior leadership
- Background check and offer extension
Key Assessment Areas:
- Communication skills, both written and verbal
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities
- Media relations experience and comfort with public speaking
- Cultural competency and understanding of Planned Parenthood's mission and values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role.
- Demonstrate your understanding of Planned Parenthood's mission and values in your application materials.
- Prepare examples of your past work that showcase your communication skills, strategic thinking, and media relations experience.
ATS Keywords: Media relations, strategic communications, public speaking, writing, editing, collaboration, customer service, interpersonal skills, multitasking, organizational skills, cultural sensitivity, advocacy, political campaigns, networking, Spanish proficiency, teamwork
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should tailor their application materials to highlight their relevant experience and skills, and be prepared to demonstrate their fit with Planned Parenthood's mission and values during the interview process.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Media databases and monitoring tools (e.g., Muck Rack, Agility PR Solutions)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
- Video conferencing tools (e.g., Zoom, Google Meet)
ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies required for this role may vary depending on the department and team's preferences and needs.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Inclusivity: Planned Parenthood values diversity and strives to create an inclusive work environment where all employees feel valued and respected.
- Respect: The organization is committed to treating all employees, clients, and partners with dignity and respect.
- Innovation: Planned Parenthood encourages creativity, continuous learning, and improvement in all aspects of its work.
Work Style:
- Collaborative: Planned Parenthood values teamwork and encourages employees to work together to achieve common goals.
- Adaptable: The organization operates in a dynamic and fast-paced environment, requiring employees to be flexible and adaptable to change.
- Mission-driven: Planned Parenthood's work is guided by its mission to provide high-quality, affordable sexual and reproductive health care, sex education, and advocacy.
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do your personal values align with Planned Parenthood's mission and values?
- How have you demonstrated your ability to work effectively with diverse groups and communicate with sensitivity and appreciation for cultural differences in your past experiences?
- How do you approach multitasking and working under pressure in a fast-paced environment?
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should carefully consider how their personal values, work style, and skills align with Planned Parenthood's mission, values, and work environment before applying for this role.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Working in a fast-paced and often high-pressure environment, with tight deadlines and multiple priorities.
- Navigating complex political and advocacy landscapes, requiring strong communication skills and strategic thinking.
- Balancing the needs and priorities of multiple stakeholders, including affiliate staff, cross-divisional teams, and media outlets.
- Adapting to changes in the political and advocacy landscape, requiring flexibility and adaptability.
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be prepared to work in a dynamic and fast-paced environment, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to change.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is unique in its focus on state-level advocacy and media relations for a reproductive health care and advocacy organization.
- Compared to other communications management roles, this position requires a strong understanding of political and advocacy landscapes and the ability to navigate complex stakeholder relationships.
- Career progression in this role may lead to opportunities in advocacy, political campaigns, or communications leadership within Planned Parenthood or other organizations.
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should consider the unique aspects of this role and how it aligns with their career goals and interests before applying.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and implementing a strategic communications plan to support a state-level advocacy campaign, including media outreach, event planning, and collateral development.
- Serving as the on-the-record spokesperson for Planned Parenthood in a high-profile media interview or press conference.
- Collaborating with cross-divisional teams to build a 360 national media campaign that educates and motivates key audiences and stakeholders.
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects are intended to illustrate the types of tasks and responsibilities that may be required for this role, but the specific projects and priorities may vary depending on the organization's needs and the manager's areas of focus.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does this role fit into the overall communications and advocacy strategy for Planned Parenthood?
- What are the key priorities and challenges facing the communications and advocacy teams in the coming months?
- How does Planned Parenthood support the professional growth and development of its employees?
- What is the work environment like in the Washington, DC office, and how does it differ from other Planned Parenthood offices?
- How does Planned Parenthood engage with and support its affiliate staff, and what role does this position play in that relationship?
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should use the interview process to gain a deeper understanding of the role, the organization, and the work environment, and to assess their fit with the position and Planned Parenthood's mission and values.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role.
- Prepare examples of your past work that showcase your communication skills, strategic thinking, and media relations experience.
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to inquire about the status of your application.
- If selected for an interview, be prepared to discuss your relevant experience, skills, and fit with Planned Parenthood's mission and values.
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
