Director of Government Relations

Lansing, MI /
PPAM /
Full Time
/ On-site
POSITION TITLE: Director of Government Relations 
STATUS: Full Time, Exempt 
STARTING ANNUAL SALARY RANGE: $77,000
BENEFITS: Medical, Dental, Vision, STD, LTD. Life & ADD, 403B, Flexible Spending Account, Generous Paid Time off Program and Free healthcare at our clinics for you and your immediate family!

Planned Parenthood of Michigan has implemented a mandatory vaccination policy requiring COVID-19 vaccinations including boosters when eligible for all employees.

POSITION SUMMARY
Reporting to the Executive Director of PPAM and Vice-President for Public Advocacy, PPMI, the Director of Government Relations will use knowledge in politics, government relations, legislative and advocacy processes to enhance, advance, and leverage Planned Parenthood’s political power and influence. The Director of Government Relations will lead the development of strategies to promote Planned Parenthood as a mainstream healthcare provider and advocate for legislative policies and political strategies to advance economic security and healthcare access for all. The Director of Government Relations will lead engagement with state legislative officials, political action groups, state agencies, and other relevant groups as needed to meet goals and objectives.  This leader will fully embody a commitment to race equity, evidenced in all interactions with PPMI colleagues, external stakeholders, and staff supervision.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Leadership 
•Plans, assigns, monitors and manages the work of the Government Relations Coordinator.
•Demonstrates a commitment to race equity. Maintains current knowledge of PPMI’s work toward enhanced race equity standards, is held accountable to them and holds their team members accountable. 
•Manages and mentors; creates and sustains an organizational culture that fosters inclusiveness and equity. 
•Interprets, applies and recommends changes to organizational policies and procedures as needed 
•Reviews progress of assignments with senior management.
•Actively participates as a member of PPMI’s Leadership Team. 
•Leads direct report(s) using a performance support process that includes goal setting, routine feedback, and ongoing development.
•Empowers staff to deliver assigned responsibilities and manage their functions. 
•Provides regular development feedback to team and accountability related to practices including, but not limited to, equity.
•Continuously maintains professional growth and learning by attending conferences, seminars, etc.

Government Relations 
•Identifies, tracks, assesses, monitors and analyzes the impact of legislative and political policies and trends on Planned Parenthood’s services.
•Plans, directs, and leads lobbying efforts which include coordination of committee testimony, messaging, recommending legislative policy language and recruitment of pro-Planned Parenthood bill sponsors. 
•Fosters relationships with various state departments and programs that pertain to healthcare service providers to assess and advocate for regulatory changes that support Planned Parenthood affiliate funding and services. 
•Host legislative policy briefings with internal and external stakeholders.
•Develop and advance legislative policy agenda on behalf of Planned Parenthood of MI and Planned Parenthood Advocates of MI 
•Tracks legislators’ voting records and background information; compiles information for legislators or supporters for committee hearings. 
•Develops and maintains strong relationships with elected officials. 
•In conjunction with the Communications Department, creates materials to communicate the need for and value of Planned Parenthood services to political and legislative leaders.
•Maintains currency in legislative issues and political trends
•Leverage Planned Parenthood resources to support pro-Planned Parenthood candidates and officials.
•Liaison between PPAM and Michigan Legislature. 
•Works collaboratively with lobby firm to promote and advance Planned Parenthood legislative & policy agenda.

Elections, Endorsements & Campaign Finance 
•In collaboration with PPAM Executive Director, develops tactics and techniques designed to meet the strategic objectives of electing candidates who support access to comprehensive healthcare in primary and general elections in key legislative districts and targeted geographic areas. 
•Attends political fundraisers & events on behalf of Planned Parenthood.
•As directed by the Executive director, leads the coordination of PAC contributions to endorsed candidates.
•Coordinates endorsement process as directed by PPAM Executive Director.
•Supports the coordination of PAC solicitations & direct mailings as related and within the purview of job responsibilities.
•Oversees PAC reporting process & ensures compliance with laws and regulations. 

•Qualifications and Experience

Required
•Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Political Science, a relevant field or equivalent years of experience
•Minimum of 5 years of experience in the areas of political fundraising and campaign/political relations
•Minimum of 2 years of supervisory experience 
•Knowledge of health policy environment and related issues in Michigan and the country
•Knowledge of the political environment in Michigan
•Experience in financial management, fundraising and donor cultivation and management in a non-profit environment.
•Experience with campaign Finance & reporting requirements 
•Demonstrated commitment to Planned Parenthood’s mission, vision and value
•Preferred
•Michigan Lobbyist Agent Registration
We value a truly diverse workforce and a culture of inclusivity and belonging. Our goal is to attract qualified candidates and encourage applications from all individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.  We're committed to creating a dynamic work environment that values diversity and inclusion, respect and integrity, customer focus, and innovation.