Political Director

The Political Director leads the development and execution of Planned Parenthood of Illinois’ (PPIL) and Planned Parenthood Illinois Action’s (PPIA) political, legislative, and advocacy strategies. This role oversees all lobbying, electoral, public policy, and grassroots organizing efforts, ensuring alignment with the organizations’ mission and priorities. Reporting to the Chief of External Affairs, the Political Director may be based in either Chicago or Springfield and plays a key leadership role in advancing reproductive health and rights across the state.

Essential functions:

• Co-Lead and manage the Public Policy and Advocacy team, with the Director of Advocacy and Organizing, assigned program managers, and oversight of departmental strategic and annual plans
• Develop and direct strategies to build political power for Planned Parenthood of Illinois (PPIL), Planned Parenthood Illinois Action (PPIA), and PPIA PAC in alignment with the organization’s legislative and electoral priorities
• Manage and engage in direct lobbying efforts, including supervising contract lobbyists and personally lobbying members of the Illinois General Assembly, other elected officials, and agency staff on legislative and policy issues
• Support legislative advocacy efforts by researching and drafting legislation, preparing for committee hearings, creating fact sheets and one-pagers, monitoring legislation, and tracking voting records
• Organize and implement electoral and grassroots organizing efforts, including voter outreach activities and electoral plans for PPIA and its political action committees
• Ensure compliance with state and federal lobbying and election laws, including accurate and timely reporting to the Illinois Secretary of State, Illinois State Board of Elections, and the Federal Election Commission
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including legislators, public officials, Constitutional officers, agency leaders, legislative leadership, and relevant committee chairs to advance PPIL/PPIA’s public policy goals
• Maintain and elevate the organization's reputation as a knowledgeable, collaborative, and cooperative leader in reproductive and sexual health policy and advocacy
• Oversee department finances and budgets, including management of grants and political action committee (PAC) funds
• Collaborate with the Marketing and Communications team to develop messaging strategies on legislative, policy, and political issues
• Serve as a spokesperson on public policy issues, representing the organization in the media, at community events, and with government officials
• Support Development team efforts by attending events, engaging with donors, providing policy updates, and participating in donor outreach activities as needed
• Demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to remain informed about PPIL protocols, policies, and procedures
• Demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to PPIL core values of access, activism, care, confidentiality, diversity, excellence, integrity, respect, self-determination, and stewardship; practice these values in relations with internal and external customers
  
  
  

Other responsibilities:

• Provide administrative and strategic support to the PPIA Board, including coordination of meetings, materials, and relevant updates
• Represent PPIL and PPIA in coalition spaces, offering leadership and collaboration on initiatives that advance the organizations' public policy agenda
• Plan and execute annual lobby days in Springfield, engaging staff, volunteers, and coalition partners in direct advocacy efforts
• Maintain a deep and current understanding of key policy issues, including reproductive rights, access to health care, and comprehensive sexual health education, to inform strategic decisions and advocacy priorities
• Collaborate cross-functionally with other PPIL departments to align advocacy efforts with organizational goals and ensure department-wide representation in public policy and political strategies
• Other duties as assigned
  
  
  

Physical demands/Work Environment:

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. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, hear and use the phone. The employee is frequently required to use hands and fingers to key in data, handle, or feel and reach. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Supervisor: Chief External Affairs Officer

Status: Full time. Exempt from the overtime provisions of the wage and salary administration policies.

Qualifications:

Education:

• Master's degree in Public Policy, Public Administrations, Political Science, or related field preferred
  
  
  

Experience:

• Minimum 5-8 years’ experience in policy analysis, development, advocacy, and government affairs
• Strong communication, research, analytical, and strategic planning skills are essential
• Experience working collaboratively with community or government partners
• Excellent analytical, writing, presentation, and oral communication skills
• Creative and well-organized, with the ability to follow-through and multi-task in a fast-paced environment
  
  
  

Personal & Professional Qualities:

• Commitment to the efficient and customer-oriented provision of services, as well as a
  
  
  

commitment to the operating goals of Planned Parenthood of Illinois.

• Excellent communication skills. Ability to communicate with patients, the public, staff, and volunteers in a professional, warm, and sensitive manner. Bi-lingual ability in Spanish is helpful
• High energy level, organizational skills, ability to multi-task, and attention to detail are critical
• Willingness to participate in a team approach to healthcare
• Ability to work well under minimal supervision
• Capable of reading, understanding, and following oral and written instructions
• Able to appropriately recognize problems and resolve issues
• Must be willing and able to work a schedule that may include evening and weekend hours, and to work at other PPIL centers if needed
• Frequent travel between Chicago and Springfield are required
  
  
  

Planned Parenthood works affirmatively to include diversity among its workforce and does not discriminate in the selection of its staff based on factors including but not limited to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, income, marital status or any other characteristic protected under federal, state or local law. We know that BIPOC and women identifying candidates are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every requirement. Please do not be deterred if your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job posting.