Director of Communications (PPAO)
About The Position
Planned Parenthood Action Oregon (PPAO) is hiring a Director of Communications to lead external communications strategy across our organization and partner affiliates. Planned Parenthood Action Oregon (PPAO) is the advocacy and political arm of Planned Parenthood, working to protect and expand access to reproductive health care through public policy, organizing, and community engagement. This role is part of the PPAO team and is supported by Planned Parenthood Columbia Willamette (PPCW) and Planned Parenthood of Southwestern Oregon (PPSO). In this role, you’ll lead earned media and external communications across PPAO, Planned Parenthood Columbia Willamette (PPCW), and Planned Parenthood of Southwestern Oregon (PPSO)—ensuring messaging is clear, aligned, and responsive in a complex and fast-moving environment. The Director of Communications is a senior leadership role responsible for external communications strategy, media relations, and message development across multiple entities. You will serve as a strategic communications advisor to the Executive Director and senior leadership—providing guidance during high-impact, time-sensitive, and politically complex moments. This role requires the ability to navigate and align communications across organizations with distinct legal and operational structures, while maintaining message clarity, discipline, and impact.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Political Science, or related field (or equivalent experience)
- Two years' full-time experience in communications, media relations, public affairs, or a related field
- Demonstrated success securing earned media and managing press relationships
- Strong writing and editing skills across formats (press releases, talking points, messaging)
- Experience advising senior or executive leadership on communications strategy
- Understanding of advocacy, nonprofit, or political communications, including navigating C3/C4 distinctions
- Strong collaboration and communication skills across teams and stakeholders
Nice To Haves
- Familiarity with Oregon’s political environment and media landscape
- Experience in reproductive health, healthcare, or social justice advocacy
- Experience supporting communications during legislative sessions, ballot initiatives, or campaigns
- Experience managing consultants or vendors
Responsibilities
- Leading earned media strategy and securing coverage at local, regional, and national levels
- Serving as a primary point of contact for media inquiries and overseeing timely, accurate responses
- Drafting press releases, statements, op-eds, talking points, and leadership messaging
- Developing message frameworks and advising leadership on communications strategy
- Supporting rapid response efforts during legislative, political, or high-profile moments
- Building and maintaining relationships with media outlets, reporters, and partners
- Coordinating messaging across PPAO, PPCW, and PPSO to ensure alignment and appropriate separation of C3 and C4 communications
- Managing communications workflows, timelines, and external vendors or consultants
Benefits
- Paid time off (up to 4 weeks, increases over time)
- 9 paid holidays
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance for eligible employees
- 403(b) with employer match
- Free, confidential counseling and support (EAP)
- Ongoing professional development
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
