Director Of Communications_Communications

Planned Parenthood
Working at Planned Parenthood Great Northwest, Hawai’i, Alaska, Indiana, Kentucky is more than a job. It provides the opportunity to contribute to our powerful mission and perform meaningful work.
As an organization, we are focused on equity, diversity, and inclusion. Specifically, we recognize that profound racism impacts the education, health, and wellbeing of people in our communities, and we are actively working to address all forms of oppression. We believe our employees should reflect the diversity of the populations we serve, including racial and ethnic diversity. People of color are strongly urged to apply.
About this position:Director of Communications
Under the general supervision of the Vice President of Policy & Communications, the Communications Director manages and leads the public and media relations functions of Planned Parenthood Great Northwest, Hawai‘i, Alaska, Indiana, Kentucky (PPGNHAIK) and its advocacy organization Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates. The Communications Director is responsible for advancing the organizations’ missions by using all communications channels, tactics, and tools available in Alaska, Hawaiʻi, Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, and Western Washington. The Communications Director works with senior leadership and across all departments to develop and implement long-term communications goals and issue-specific communications plans. Responsible for development and management, direction, and administration of PPGNHAIK/PPAA earned media and public relations program, including traditional, online, and all social media channels that center patients and communities most impacted by barriers to reproductive health care.
Compensation: PPGNHAIK's compensation philosophy is based on equity and transparency. Starting offers are determined by both the candidate's directly applicable experience and internal equity within the pay grade. The pay range is $95K to $125K paid (annually).
What you’ll be doing:
The Communications Director oversees communications staff to raise organizational profiles, build reach, and develop, execute, and evaluate strategic communications plans and messaging campaigns to advance our health care, legislative, and electoral objectives. The position manages communications work across the six-state affiliate and strategic partners, media outlets, and with Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) and Planned Parenthood Action Fund (PPAF). The director provides superior, responsive, and effective leadership and management of staff and inter-departmental relationships. Provides crisis communication counsel.
Major Responsibilities:
Directs the overarching messaging and communications strategy, vision, and deliverables for PPGNHAIK/PPAA and advances Planned Parenthood’s brand, media strategy, and legislative work.
Develops and manages robust and consistent media relations strategy to expand and grow PPAA presence in public narrative, including analyzing media coverage and managing relationships with reporters, as well as building targeted media lists.
Manages a team of highly skilled communications professionals who develop earned and social media strategies and plans around brand awareness, patient and supporter outreach, litigation, advocacy campaigns.
Manages team with clear goals, support, feedback, and mentorship as they develop and use communications strategies to address changing health care landscape, legislative work, and brand awareness into clear, concise, values-based content.
Develops values-based messaging that centers those most impacted by attacks on sexual and reproductive health, including Black, Indigenous, and people of color; the LGBTQ+ community; rural communities; people with low-incomes; and other communities facing systemic barriers to care.
Serves as lead agency spokesperson on a broad range of issues. Coaches, trains, and prepares senior leaders for interviews with local, regional, and national media outlets.
Develops overall message frame and creative, sharp communications strategies across the six-state region, and oversees implementation of those strategies to meet organizational goals.
Works with partner organizations and coalition partners to develop inclusive messaging for a broad range of audiences.
Collaborates closely with senior staff across six-state region.
Serves as liaison with PPFA/PPAF in areas of communications and media.
Represents PPGNHAIK/PPAA on multi-organization communication teams; maintains positive working relationships with key communications staff in the reproductive rights community and larger progressive community throughout six states.
Contributes to broader strategies and direction of the various departments within PPGNHAIK and supports the successful execution of communications campaigns and initiatives.
Oversees development of press materials, including news releases, media alerts, op-eds, ensuring they meet organizations brand and overall message frame and goals. Reviews and edits key collateral (brochures, speeches, briefings, etc.).
Partners with the PPAA VPs and State Directors to develop advocacy, voter engagement, education messaging and communications plans and strategies.
Cultivates relationships with local and national media, bloggers, social media influencers, and community organizations to spread PPGNHAIK/PPAA messages and strengthen partnerships.
Remains relevant and current on latest PPFA and PPAF talking points, messaging framework and strategy and incorporates as appropriate as part of campaign efforts; tailors for spokespersons and/or internal or local distribution, as needed.
In collaboration with Communications Managers, manages the coordination of subject-matter experts to serve as spokespeople throughout the affiliate. Arranges and/or participates in high-visibility and/or regional or national interviews and handles prep and media training. Staffs key spokespeople at interviews and visibility events.
Provides crisis communications counsel and support to senior management, including planning, developing press statements, Q&A, and talking points. Coordinates with PPFA/PPAF communications team, as needed. Serves as lead media contact in crisis situations.
Affiliate wide expectations:
Adheres to the PPGNHAIK code of conduct and all policies, procedures, and protocols.
Demonstrates and maintains a high degree of professionalism.
Takes action to support the affiliate’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Supports and acts in accordance with the PPGNHAIK customer service standards.
Values continuous learning and seeks ongoing training and development.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
Supervises communications staff, including Communications Managers and Digital Communications Manager.
Education:
BA/BS in journalism, marketing, communications, or related field required.
Experience:
Minimum of 8-10 years’ experience with increasing levels of responsibility in a media/public relations role, nonprofit, or government relations and public affairs.
Minimum of 4 years’ experience supervising staff.
Extensive local/regional media contacts and experience pitching stories.
Demonstrated experience developing inclusive messaging for diverse constituencies.
Superior written, analytical, and interpersonal communication skills.
Political campaign and/or legislative advocacy experience preferred.
Skills
Strong writing and editing skills, superior management and leadership skills, strong interpersonal skills.
Travel Requirements: Occasional travel within the six-state region and nationally.
This position is only open to applicants that reside in the states of WA, ID, HI, KY, IN, AK.
Perks: As part of our total rewards package, we offer meaningful work, promotional opportunities, and competitive compensation.
Our attractive benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and eligible dependents, life insurance, short- and long-term disability coverage. For additional information regarding compensation, pay scales, or total rewards, please reach out to hre.contacts@ppgnhaik.org .
Proof of completed COVID-19 Vaccinations and Flu is required prior to starting employment with PPGNHAIK. If selected as the final candidate for this role, you will be required to provide proof of receiving both a current flu vaccination and two doses of the COVID vaccine. Please inform your Talent Acquisition Specialist if you will require an exemption/accommodation. Also, you will be required to provide three references (one from a supervisor and two from coworkers/peers).
Next Steps: Please click apply now below to submit an application, resume, and cover letter (optional). Once your information has been reviewed by our recruitment team, we will reach out by telephone and email to schedule an interview for all qualified applicants. Please continue to check your spam folder for all email communications that may come from our organization.
Equal opportunity employment
PPGNHAIK is an equal-opportunity employer and seeks to recruit people of diverse backgrounds - and to support their retention and advancement within the organization. Justice is one of our core values, and we are committed to fostering a workplace culture inclusive of people with respect to their race, ethnicity, national origin, gender/gender identity, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, veteran status, marital status, age, disabilities, political affiliation, religious beliefs, or any other characteristic. Our commitment to justice and diversity also means providing a work environment that is welcoming, respectful, and engaging.
Racism deeply impacts the health and wellbeing of our communities, compounding existing disparities and creating intersectional barriers. We strive to name and address these barriers through community engagement and assessment, relevant and effective policy creation, and organizational accountability methods. We support initiatives that address all forms of oppression, however, maintaining an explicit focus on race is essential to advancing equity across our communities. Improving outcomes for people of color will improve outcomes for everyone.