Press Officer

Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) is the nation’s leading women’s health care provider, educator, and advocate, serving women, men, teens and families. For over 100 years, PPFA has done more than any other organization in the United States to improve women’s health and safety, prevent unintended pregnancies, and advance the right and ability of individuals and families to make informed and responsible health care decisions.
Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) seeks a dynamic and effective Press Officer whom will be responsible for implementation of media relations strategies to inform and influence key audiences on advocacy and policy fights around Planned Parenthood Federation of America and the Planned Parenthood Action Fund’s work. The Press Officer is also responsible for developing and executing earned media strategy, producing material for media, responding to media requests, and proactively reaching out to media outlets.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Create and execute earned media strategy, including effective tactics and media plans.
• Contribute to and present communications strategy in key meetings with senior staff.
• Act as point person on key media campaigns, driving strategy and overseeing support staff work.
• Manage and shape in-depth, high-profile stories in top tier national outlets, requiring nuanced knowledge of reproductive health policy.
• Work independently to manage press conferences and other earned media events.
• Work with affiliates and relevant departments to ensure that media materials and strategies reflect broader goals related to advocacy, organization, education, health care services, policy, and affiliate priorities.
• Draft press releases, statements, advisories, op-ed pieces, internal memoranda, briefings, message guidance, fact sheets, and other material that supports media relations efforts.
• Pitch reporters proactively and work with a range of media outlets. Respond to inquiries from reporters, and facilitate interviews, press stories, etc.
• Arrange and coordinate logistics around interview requests, bookings, and supporting external parties and partners with message and media guidance.
• Identify journalists to connect more deeply with Planned Parenthood. Maintain media contacts lists, and build and maintain relationships with key journalists at a range of outlets.
• Work with affiliates and relevant departments to help drive local/state narratives and integrate affiliate developments into national communications narratives.
• Coordinate with coalition partners and other allies to implement shared media relations goals.
• Participate fully in brainstorming and planning sessions on communications work.
• Act as a media relations point person. Handle day-to-day media relations on a wide range of Planned Parenthood issues and provide direct support related to specific Planned Parenthood issues.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key reporters. Through consistent outreach, stay apprised of upcoming articles or stories that reporters are working on. Through consistent outreach, ensure that Planned Parenthood is considered a “must have” source for reproductive health policy.
• Brief the President of PPFA and other senior PPFA staff before media interviews regarding congressional issues and oversees the preparation of briefing materials with the goal of ensuring that PPFA’s President and others are positioned and viewed as effective leaders in reproductive and women’s health care and advocacy.
• Provide high-level communications counsel and training for affiliate staff and leadership.
• Travel as needed (15–25 percent per month) to represent PPFA at meetings, conferences, professional gatherings, etc. When necessary, works in the field to achieve media campaign goals.
• Complete special projects as assigned and required.

REQUIREMENTS / TECHNICAL EXPERTISE

• 3-5 years of work experience, with experience working directly with members of the media, including reporters, producers, bloggers, and writers, preferred.
• Excellent communication skills (writing, in person, and on the phone).
• Write and edit proficiently and quickly.
• Knowledge of communicating with diverse groups, working with a multicultural workforce, and sensitivity and appreciation to cultural differences is required.
• Experience and comfort with public speaking and cold calling, as well as interest in media work.

PERSONAL QUALITIES /OTHER ATTRIBUTES

• Preference will be given to candidates with experience in reproductive health policy, media writing and media work, including PR software.
• Existing direct relationships with members of the press and extensive knowledge of the operations of the news media (including print, online, blogs, and broadcast) a plus.
• Organized and able to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.

TRAVEL

• 0-25%

*LI-RJ1
DIVERSE CANDIDATES ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY 
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.

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