Director of Government Relations

Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin•Madison, WI

15h•Onsite

About The Position

At Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin, Inc. (PPWI), the Director of Government Relations is a leader on the External Affairs team who leads the organization’s efforts to shape public policy advancing reproductive health, rights, and justice in Wisconsin. The role develops and manages legislative strategies, builds partnerships with policymakers and community leaders, and ensures compliance with nonprofit and state lobbying laws. The Director develops a government relations strategy and issue advocacy policy agenda through a reproductive justice and health equity lens, in collaboration with partner organizations. The position develops and manages systems for tracking state, federal, and local policy; builds strategic community relationships that inform and support PPWI’s policy work and strategic plan; and coordinates across departments so the policy agenda aligns with the organization’s strategic plan, current data, research, and community needs. This position is 40 hours per week and is based at PPWI’s Doty Street Administration Office in Madison, Wisconsin. The role generally takes place in an office environment, requires statewide travel, and may require occasional evening or weekend hours. Starting pay is $87,006 per year, with an additional $1.50 per hour for bilingual English/Spanish ability.

Requirements

Commitment to excellent customer service and support for Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin’s vision and values.
Demonstrated experience with diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging through political campaigns, community organizing, and/or civic engagement work.
Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain public policy issues to staff, elected officials, government administrators, and organizational leaders.
Knowledge of legislative and regulatory processes and ability to communicate about them clearly.
In-depth knowledge of Wisconsin’s reproductive health care delivery system, state and federal policy landscape, and the needs of underserved or marginalized communities.
Proven success in community organizing, legislative strategy, coalition-building, and issue advocacy at the state or local level.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Bill Tracker.
Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Government Affairs, Nonprofit Management, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Seven years of progressive experience in government relations and policy advocacy.
Demonstrated supervisory experience.
Valid driver’s license, auto insurance meeting agency liability standards, and transportation for statewide travel.
Ability to perform the stated physical requirements, with reasonable accommodations as applicable.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree.
Bilingual English/Spanish ability.

Responsibilities

Serve as the organization’s registered lobbyist.
Lead development and execution of state and local legislative strategies aligned with PPWI’s policy agenda, strategic plan, and mission.
Draft testimony, support letters, position papers, and talking points to advance legislative and political priorities.
Research policy issues and recommend organizational positions.
Lead collaborative decision-making on policy and legislative priorities.
Lead accountability efforts, including stakeholder education and support for policy wins and ongoing engagement when policy goals are unsuccessful.
Ensure compliance with lobbying, ethics, campaign finance, and other applicable regulations.
Monitor advocacy outcomes and report on them to leadership, partners, boards, and other stakeholders.
Build relationships with elected officials, partners, administrative agencies, and staff, serving as a resource on issues related to PPWI’s work.
Represent PPWI at coalition meetings, community forums, and with community partners.
Collaborate across departments and with External Affairs colleagues to develop policy recommendations and legislative strategies for comprehensive sexual and reproductive health care in Wisconsin.
Partner with the Director of Organizing to ensure the organizing team understands legislative strategies and activities and can support the organization’s agenda.
Strengthen partnerships with community leaders and advocacy groups.
Develop strategies integrating grassroots organizing and policy advocacy.
Understand partner priorities and identify opportunities for collaboration on cross-movement issues.
Serve on the External Affairs Leadership Team to align strategies.
Coordinate with PPFA and coalitions to connect state and national strategies.
Act as a spokesperson and policy expert on reproductive health and justice.