PRESS OFFICER, PLANNED PARENTHOOD FEDERATION OF AMERICA, WASHINGTON, DC
Mary Helen Foglia
PLANNED PARENTHOOD FEDERATION OF AMERICA
WASHINGTON, DC
Press Officer
For nearly a century, Planned Parenthood has fought for a world where every woman has immediate and unfettered access to the basic reproductive care and knowledge that is her human right. With its 59 affiliates managing nearly 800 health centers nationwide, Planned Parenthood provides family planning and reproductive health care services, education, and information to millions of women, men, and young people each year. Now, as the leading reproductive rights advocate, health care provider, and sex educator for women, Planned Parenthood looks to its next 100 years.
The Communications Department of PPFA has an opportunity for a Press Officer. Reporting to the Political Communications Director, he/she will help implement media relations strategies around state and federal legislation and elections. The ideal candidate will have experience and media relationships at the federal level. Immediate focus will be on the 2016 elections. The chosen individual will conduct rapid response media outreach, producing media materials, responding to media requests and proactively reaching out to media outlets to build relationships and place stories. As members of the Communications team of Press Officers and Media Directors, the Press Officer will also help handle day to day media relations on a wide range of Planned Parenthood issues and efforts. The chosen individual will act as media relations contacts for PPFA supporting the development of media strategies and associated implementations.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
· Initiate and develop a broad range of important contacts that directly affect the reputation and/or business dealings of PPFA and its programs
· Recommends modifications of activities/ processes or approaches to improve effectiveness and efficiency
· Draft press releases, statements, advisories, op-ed pieces, internal memoranda, briefings ,message guidance, fact sheets, and other material
· Identify rapid response opportunities. Prepare and conduct rapid outreach in response to breaking news and other pivotal events
· Build relationships with a wide range of media outlets, blogs, and other constituency-based media. Creatively pursue ways to amplify local and national stories
· Respond to inquiries from reporters, help maintain media contacts lists, and build and maintain/strengthen relationships with key journalists at a range of outlets
· Produce or assist with media-related events and trainings
· Work with Planned Parenthood affiliates and relevant PPFA departments to ensure that media materials and strategies reflect broader goals related to policy, field organizing, education, affiliate priorities, and health care services
· Coordinates as needed with coalition partners, policymakers’ staff, and other allies to implement shared media relations goals
· Participate in brainstorming and planning sessions on PPFA communications work. Identify and share innovative ideas for promoting PPFA, its initiative, and its positions
· Serve as a resource to Planned Parenthood affiliates on media relations strategy development and implementation, and help affiliates participate in national efforts by creating locally adaptable material
· Travel as needed to represent PPFA at events and to achieve media relations goals in the field and at affiliates
· Provide administrative backup to the media teams as needed, including answering phones, making photocopies, filing, and providing other support
· Complete special projects as needed
· Applied understanding of the issues facing Planned Parenthood in a dynamic, changing media environment
QUALIFICATIONS
· Excellent communications skills (verbal, written, presentation). Must write and Edit proficiently and be comfortable with public speaking and cold calling
· Interest and passion for media work in the social justice sphere; interest in the operations of the news media (including print, online, blogs, and broadcast)
· Appreciation for and sensitivity to a diverse workforce and cultures
· Collaborative team player with a strength in facilitation and consensus
· Able to manage competing projects and priorities in a fast paced environment.
· Comfortable in ambiguity whilst being able to produce outstanding work
· Knowledge of reproductive health and sexual issues
· Experience in media work and writing media materials
· Able to leverage and grow existing relationships with members of the media ( reporters, producers, bloggers, and writers)
· Experience working on a political campaign and/or legislative bodies
· Comfortable with Google applications, Microsoft Office and other computer and online systems
REQUIREMENTS
· Bachelor’s degree required
· 2-5 years of relevant experience
TRAVEL
· As needed
Planned Parenthood Federation of America is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to maintaining a non-discriminatory work environment, and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Planned Parenthood is committed to creating a dynamic work environment that values diversity and inclusion, respect and integrity, customer focus, and innovation.
DIVERSE CANDIDATES ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY