VP of External Affairs
Atlanta, GA (Metro areas - East Atlanta, Cobb, Gwinnett)
Executive Leadership /
Full Time /
On-site
JOB TITLE: VP of External Affairs
DEPARTMENT: Community Engagement
REPORTS TO: CEO
CLASSIFICATION: Exempt/Full-time
LOCATION: Atlanta, GA - Hybrid
ABOUT PLANNED PARENTHOOD SOUTHEAST
In 1930, a Planned Parenthood affiliate was created in Alabama, the oldest in the Southeast. The Georgia affiliate of Planned Parenthood began in 1964. Services were added in Mississippi in 1989, and all three states joined forces in 2010 under the name Planned Parenthood Southeast (PPSE). Planned Parenthood Southeast (PPSE) provides quality, non-judgmental reproductive health care, education, and advocacy across its service area in Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi, and strives to do so in a way that meets the needs and is representative of our communities. PPSE seeks to help individuals make informed decisions about their reproductive health, family planning options, and sexuality by providing people with accurate information and access to highly trained practitioners for preventive care. PPSE sees a world in which every child is wanted and cared for, every decision regarding sexuality is personal and informed, and everyone has access to affordable, quality care.
With a passionate and compassionate staff of approximately 90; a dedicated and diverse team of volunteers; and an $11 million annual operating budget, PPSE operates seven clinics in its service area. In the most recent fiscal year PPSE saw approximately 14,000 patients for services including:
Abortion (only in Georgia) Family planning services
Cancer screening and prevention-oriented medical services such as Pap tests and breast exams
Pregnancy testing and counseling
STI testing and treatment
JOB SUMMARY: The VP of External Affairs is responsible for leading and directing Planned Parenthood Southeast's comprehensive external affairs vision and strategy. This role involves creating, evaluating, and advancing partnerships, laws, policies, and communications to support the organization's goals, critical services, and programs. The VP of External Affairs oversees the External Affairs Team, providing strategic leadership in communications, marketing, public policy, organizing, and electoral vision. This position is integral to safeguarding and advancing the affiliate's reputation and brand while mobilizing community and legislative support.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Develop and lead the external affairs strategy, including communications, marketing, public policy, organizing, and electoral vision.
- Supervise three teams: Communications & Marketing, Community Engagement & Education, and Public Policy.
- Provide strategic input into all aspects of PPSE's work as a member of the Senior Leadership Team. Lead crisis communications efforts and manage potential threats to the organization's reputation and brand.
- Develop positions on key issues in partnership with CEO, senior leadership, and key stakeholders.
- Establish and maintain strong relationships with elected officials, public policy makers, and community leaders.
- Guide external facing staff to expand relationships with government officials, community partners, and volunteers.
- Develop and manage the department budget and fundraising efforts for external affairs activities.
- Lead, inspire, and develop the external facing teams and staff, supporting professional development and career growth.
- Represent PPSE at local, state, and national levels with legislators, media, coalition members, and community leaders.
- Collaborate closely with the Chief Development Officer and development team on fundraising efforts.
- Oversee the implementation of patient marketing campaigns and coordinate with the Chief Operating Officer.
- Lead initiatives to engage communities served by PPSE and build strong community relationships.
- Organize, lead, and motivate external affairs teams, including hiring, supervision, development, and evaluation of staff.
- Maintain contacts with internal and external constituents and ensure consistency in agency messaging.
- Develop and manage a strategic communications plan and act as a media spokesperson.
- Organize, analyze, and distribute information on legislative and public policy activity pertaining to reproductive and sexual health services.
- Consult with PPSE CEO and confer with committees of the Boards regarding community and government outreach and engagement.
- Create opportunities for expansion of PPSE's Education program through existing networks and collaborations.
- Regularly review, evaluate, and report on Education program outcomes.
- Collaborate with the Chief Development Officer and development team on fundraising efforts.
- Manage various projects and participate on interdisciplinary teams as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Minimum of ten years of senior-level leadership experience, preferably in upper-level management.
- Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.
- Experience in legal communications and managing highly sensitive matters.
- Strong planning, program management, and organizational skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Highly collaborative mindset with excellent relationship-building skills.
- Exceptional decision-making, problem-solving, and priority-setting skills.
- Experience working successfully with diverse communities.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced work environment and a commitment to equity and social change.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands and fingers to handle or feel and reach. The employee is occasionally required to sit. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
Languages Spoken: English required; some Spanish speaking skills preferred.
Additional Information: Background screens will be performed, and education will be verified prior to employment. Please be prepared to provide required information and/or documentation. Planned Parenthood Southeast is a smoke-free workplace, and smoking is prohibited in all enclosed areas on PPSE property.
Planned Parenthood Southeast offers competitive salary and benefits packages, including health insurance, retirement plans, and professional development opportunities. Planned Parenthood Southeast is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including those with diverse backgrounds and those with disabilities.
