PPAA--Government Relations Manager (WA)_Public Affairs

About this position: Government Relations Manager

Under the general supervision and direction of the State Director, the Government Relations Manager serves as the primary lobbyist for PPAA. The position is responsible for leading and managing legislative and agency advocacy on PPAA's policy priorities by maintaining and enhancing relationships with elected officials and agency staff. This position is also responsible for monitoring, tracking, responding to, and helping to analyze other legislative and policy issues of concern to Planned Parenthood member organizations.

What you'll be doing:

Works collaboratively and under the supervision of the State Director and the Vice President of Policy & Strategy to lead the state team's efforts to advance legislative, regulatory and/or local efforts to improve access to a full range of reproductive and sexual healthcare and education through lobbying. Works in collaboration with other interest groups and lobbyists to advance legislative goals as needed. Works closely with PPAA's internal state and regional teams, as well as affiliate staff, to assure that communication on advocacy efforts is shared, and field and policy efforts are strategic.

Major Responsibilities:

• Serves as the PPAA representative to the State Legislature during the legislative session.
• Develops, implements, and manages policy initiatives, establishes policy priorities and legislative and advocacy strategy for achieving policy goals under the direction of the State Director and Vice President of Policy & Strategy in conjunction with members of the state and regional teams.
• Consults and advises the State Director to ensure alignment between our presence at the legislature and in public-facing field and communications work. Works with the state field team to develop and implement strategic grassroots lobbying tactics in support of policy goals.
• Monitors, identifies, and analyzes legislation and policies of interest to PPAA in the legislature and at the local level. In collaboration with the PPAA Policy Team and member organization staff, assists with regulatory efforts and state agency advocacy as needed and directed.
• Coordinates and delivers testimony before legislators, legislative committees, and regulatory bodies. Assists with the development of educational materials for the legislature. Assists in organizing lobby days, committee hearings, legislative and agency visits, including planning, scheduling, and activist training.
• Ensures a cohesive and coordinated approach to lobbying efforts through consistent communication with state and regional staff, as well as contract lobbyists (if engaged), including regular written reports to the State Director and Vice President of Policy & Strategy.
• Supports the State Director in maintaining relationships with Members of Congress and congressional staff and supports federal advocacy efforts by corresponding with federal offices, responding to policy inquiries, providing subject matter expertise, and meeting with elected officials and staff to advance policy priorities. Liaises with Planned Parenthood Federation of America as directed to support federal policy priorities with the delegation.
• Supports and collaborates with the State Director and field staff to inform and engage the public, PPAA and member organization employees, and volunteers by developing and disseminating policy and advocacy information and providing strategic guidance on communications and field efforts. Works in coordination with the PPAA regional staff team in reviewing and editing fact sheets, news releases, social media strategies, newsletters, videos, intranet and internet updates, etc.
• Supports the administration and implementation of PP Votes WA Political Action Committee endorsement activities through effective project management, coordination with internal staff and stakeholders, and maintenance of organized records and systems. PAC tasks may include maintaining candidate campaign information and filings, coordinating and managing logistics and correspondence around endorsement process, and collaborating with the State Director around endorsement recommendations and notifications.
• Supports the PPAA CEO and other assigned staff in developing strategy and execution of coordinated candidate campaign work, including advising on campaign donations, campaign activity, and events. Provides informational and/or other support for electoral efforts as directed.
• Serves as a credible source of local political and public policy knowledge and information. Develops, grows, and maintains influential relationships with coalition partners and various work groups, elected officials and their staff, administrative agencies, community organizations, business organizations, the general public, the voting public, and other PPAA and member organization staff. Builds relationships within the healthcare provider community in order to elevate sexual and reproductive health in efforts to reform healthcare systems and delivery and defend against attacks.
• Seeks new opportunities to incorporate other social justice efforts, supports partner organizations and policy efforts that will positively impact the lives of the communities served by Planned Parenthood and enhances their ability to access reproductive health information and care.
• Works to diversify Planned Parenthood's advocacy efforts and approaches, internally and externally, to increasingly broaden the range of racial, cultural, and other perspectives and experiences that inform and drive the organization, while maintaining a passionate commitment to the core mission of PPAA.
• Regular, reliable, and punctual attendance required. Attends meetings and trainings as required. Meets deadlines consistently.
• Files as a lobbyist with the Public Disclosure Commission and local municipalities as needed, and maintains compliance with all state lobbying reporting requirements and the Legislative Code of Conduct.
• Works evenings and weekends as needed to accomplish legislative and campaign goals.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Directs the activities of interns and volunteers as needed.

Education:

BA/BS in related field preferred, or comparable professional experience.

Experience:

• 3 years of experience in organizing/advocacy work and with the legislative process or other policy advocacy work; lobbying experience preferred.
• Solid knowledge of state's legislative and political environment.
• Computer proficient with Microsoft Office required, experience with the internet and other databases as needed.
• Knowledge of or experience with reproductive healthcare providers, federal and state reproductive healthcare programs such as Medicaid and Title X, or health providers and health policy generally.

Skills:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Excellent public speaking ability
• Skilled at working independently as well as within a team, able to collaborate across organizations and amongst departments, exhibit a solid understanding of strategic priorities
• Possesses personal initiative, is self-motivated, and is able to successfully manage multiple tasks, work under pressure, and produce quality work within tight time constraints
• High level of leadership, judgement, and ability to manage multi-faceted campaigns and sensitive political situations
• Ability to communicate and find common ground with diverse people and groups, including legislators, state government staff, and others
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills
• Ability to move fluidly from functioning in very formal traditional environments like the legislature to functioning and communicating with diverse activist groups in varied communities. Ability to translate varied cultural and other perspectives into legislative and policy work. Ability to develop relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Proficient computer skills and software skills, knowledge of Microsoft software and email
• Commitment to protecting and promoting a full range of reproductive health and rights, and to pursuing the necessary policies to assure access to those services, information, and rights for all of the state's diverse communities

Travel

Ability to travel both in-state and nationally as needed. Must have reliable transportation. Must be able to reside in the state capitol city during legislative session.

Salary Range:

$78,164- $111,664

*Actual starting pay will be determined based on factors including, but not limited to, relevant experience, education, internal equity, geographic location, and the budgeted hiring range established for the position.

Position Type:

Full- time - non-exempt

Benefits Eligibility:

This position is eligible for PPGNHAIK benefits. As part of our total compensation, we provide a comprehensive benefits plan including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short and long-term disability and life insurance. For additional information about our benefits program, please send an email to hre.contacts@ppgnhaik.org.

Other Information:

All new hires are strongly recommended to have the COVID-19 vaccination, including boosters. All new hires hired between September and April must present proof of receiving a current flu shot.

What we expect from you.

• That you adhere to our code of conduct, policies, procedures, and protocols.
• That you always demonstrate a high degree of professionalism.
• That you always support and model our customer service standards.
• That you value continuous learning and seek ongoing training and development.

Perks

As part of our total rewards package, we offer meaningful work, generous time off and benefits, 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, as well as a retirement plan with matching contributions by employer. We also provide transportation benefits at eligible locations. For additional information regarding compensation, pay scales, or total rewards, please reach out to hr.contacts@ppgnhi.org.