Description

Job Title:

Director of Government Affairs and Policy

Department/Location:

Public Affairs 

FLSA Status:

Full time, Exempt 

Supervisory Role:

Yes

Reports to:

Assistant Vice President of Policy and Organizing 

Job Summary:

The Public Affairs Department’s Director of Government Affairs and Policy will play a crucial role in advancing the legislative goals of Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan Washington, DC (PPMW), a 501(c)(3) organization, and PPMW’s affiliated 501(c)(4) political and advocacy organization, Planned Parenthood Advocates for DC, Maryland, and NoVa (PPADMV). The Director of Government Affairs and Policy will lead strategic initiatives in government relations, policy development, and external affairs. This position oversees lobbying efforts, shapes public policy agendas, manages external relationships, supervises staff, and supports administrative functions, all aimed at promoting sexual and reproductive health care rights and access within DC, Maryland, and Virginia. In alignment with PPMW’s Organizing Manager, this role will also manage PPMW’s participation and/or attendance in jurisdiction-wide events supporting the reproductive rights space and partner organizations. At no time will the Director of Government Affairs and Policy engage in partisan political activity on behalf of PPMW, though at times the role will involve this type of activity on behalf of PPADMV.

Essential Functions:

Lobbying (40%)

1. Develop and implement comprehensive lobbying strategies to advance legislative priorities and influence legislative and regulatory processes at the local and state levels
2. Cultivate relationships with key legislators, policymakers, and government officials to advocate for policies that support sexual and reproductive health care access and rights and funding priorities
3. Collaborate with Chief Finance Officer to align policy asks to support financial goals and develop innovative business initiatives 
4. Monitor legislative activities, identify relevant bills and draft position statements; identify opportunities for engagement and advocacy 

Public Policy (30%)

1. Analyze proposed legislation and regulations related to sexual and reproductive health care, providing strategic recommendations and guidance
2. Draft policy briefs, testimony, and other advocacy materials to support our legislative and regulatory priorities
3. Represent the organization in coalitions, working groups, and public forums to promote our policy agenda and priorities
4. Host policy roundtables and community forums to facilitate dialogue, gather input, and build partnerships with community stakeholders

External Affairs (10%)

1. Serve as a spokesperson for the organization, articulating its positions and priorities to the media, policymakers, and community partners
2. Collaborate with communications team to develop messaging and communication strategies that support our advocacy goals and raise awareness of our work
3. Participate in public speaking engagements, conferences, and events to promote our mission and initiatives
4. Collaborate with the Organizing Manager to align policy and advocacy efforts with grassroots organizing efforts, including developing calls to action and mobilization strategies to engage supporters and community members in advocacy campaigns

Staff Management (10%)

1. Hire and supervise the Public Affairs Coordinator and, when applicable, a Public Affairs intern, providing guidance, support, and professional development opportunities
2. Manage policy consultant for PPMW and PPADMV, including assigning projects and managing the consultant contract(s)
3. Foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment that encourages teamwork, innovation, and excellence in political efforts

Strategic Planning (5%)

1. Oversee the administrative functions of the Government Affairs and Policy team, including budget management, grant reporting, and compliance
2. Contribute to organizational strategic planning processes, aligning legislative goals and priorities with broader strategic objectives
3. Collaborate with senior leadership to identify emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities in the policy landscape

Additional Responsibilities (5%)

1. Ensure compliance with the activities and regulations of both the 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) arms of the organization
2. Provide content to Communications and Development departments, and the Executive Office, for agency publications regarding policy work and accomplishments for reporting, grant opportunities, and other initiatives.
3. Interact with vendors such as graphic designers, printers and marketing consultants. 
4. Keep up-to-date on federation-wide messaging and political and legislative issues as they pertain to reproductive rights nationally and locally.
5. Other public affairs responsibilities, as assigned.

Requirements

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.

Bachelor's degree in political science, public policy, law, or a related field

Advanced degree or 5-7 years of experience in government affairs, lobbying, law, or public policy advocacy, preferably in the field of sexual and reproductive health care

Demonstrated understanding of legislative and regulatory processes at the local, state, and federal levels

Understanding of and experience with working for and on behalf of a 501(c)(4) organization

Strong communication and advocacy skills, with the ability to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders and communicate complex issues to a variety of audiences.

Experience managing staff and leading teams in a fast-paced and dynamic environment

Commitment to reproductive justice, equity, and access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health care services

OTHER ATTRIBUTES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Strong writing and analytical skills with the ability to conceptualize and finalize high-quality volunteer materials, toolkits, trainings,

Strong public speaking and facilitation skills, especially when working with people from mixed backgrounds or knowledge bases and being comfortable in implementing standard equity and inclusion

Highly computer literate, including experience with Microsoft Office, and Google Drive. 

Demonstrated ability to develop and implement strategic plans while meeting deadlines and balancing numerous projects in a fast paced and changing environment.

Ability to develop and drive new initiatives, work cross-departmentally, oversee projects to completion and measure results.

Must demonstrate a strong sense of urgency and initiative; ability to prioritize effectively; superb time management skills.

Excellent teamwork skills and ability to work autonomously as needed.

Must possess a good sense of humor and comfort with change; must possess agility to adapt to and lead through change. 

Valid driver’s license preferred

COVID-19 Requirements

Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan Washington, DC requires all of its staff to show proof of vaccination, both doses, against Covid-19 including at least one booster shot.

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

Reasoning Ability

Must have the ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to multi-task and to work effectively under pressure due to conflicting demands is required. Must be flexible, highly organized, creative and detail-oriented with the ability to set and meet deadlines.

Language Skills 

Ability to read, analyze and interpret productivity reports, industry periodicals, government regulations and legal documents along with the ability to effectively present information to staff at all levels of the affiliate and the Board of Directors. Must have the ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Requires excellent verbal and written communication skills, including listening and interpersonal relationship communication skills as well as coaching and collaboration.

Mathematical Skills

Must possess the ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Requires ability to interpret basic financial data and communicate implications to managers. Must have the ability to develop and manage a budget, including elements of cost analysis, cost management and revenue forecasting.

Computer Skills

Excellent keyboarding skills with high level of accuracy required. Must have demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office, possess capacity to learn software programs required for specific positions and must be able to access electronic communications, including e-mail, Extranet, Intranet, and Internet.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. All of the job functions listed within this job description involve to greater and lesser degrees the following physical demands: close vision; hearing/listening; clear speech; walking; lifting and carrying up to 20 pounds; stooping; kneeling; bending; sitting; standing; and use of hands to finger, handle, feel and use keyboard.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The employee must possess a demonstrated ability to work in a diverse environment, and build productive relationships. A demonstrated ability to effectively work independently and collaboratively as part of a team is essential.

Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Protestors may be present at work and related sites.

The position may require frequent travel to multiple sites: employees must provide their own reliable transportation for the performance of agency duties.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. All of the job functions listed within this job description involve to greater and lesser degrees the following physical demands: close vision; hearing/listening; clear speech; walking; lifting and carrying up to 25 pounds; stooping; kneeling; bending; sitting; standing; and use of digits of hands to handle, feel and use keyboard.