Manager, Affiliate Communications

About the role

The Manager of Affiliate Communications will support affiliate communications work, including developing and implementing communications strategies to elevate Planned Parenthood’s health care delivery in health centers across the country, education programs, outreach, and crisis communications guidance. This role collaborates closely with Planned Parenthood affiliates and departments across the Communications & Culture division to deliver media and messaging trainings, crisis communications assistance, and support for 360 communications campaigns.

The role drives strategy to elevate affiliate spokespeople—including providers, educators, and patient storytellers—in national media, provides media and message training, responds to breaking news, and supports affiliates with strategic communications planning. The Manager also works with PPFA’s Global Safety & Security, Care & Access, and Advocacy Research teams to monitor and assess threats to the Planned Parenthood brand and assist affiliates in their responses.

Responsibilities

• Support, advise, and execute communications strategies for Planned Parenthood affiliates to advance access to sexual and reproductive health care services, education programs, and health equity.
• Manage monthly affiliate communications calls and listservs for media and senior communications staff.
• Develop and conduct messaging trainings and workshops for national and affiliate staff, collaborating with subject matter experts.
• Monitor and assess threats related to safety, security, health care delivery, staffing, and operations in coordination with Global Safety & Security, Advocacy Research, Health Care Operations, and Litigation & Law teams.
• Develop messages and communications strategies to protect Planned Parenthood’s brand and reputation amid challenges.
• Synthesize affiliate data for communications materials and media outreach with Data Strategy & Analytics and Health Care Operations teams.
• Provide expert guidance on crisis communications plans, rapid response to breaking news, and feedback on affiliate materials.
• Manage and promote the Affiliate Communications Space on the Intranet, including contributions from other Communications & Culture departments.
• Coordinate with PPFA Communications, Brand, Research & Insights, and Content Innovation teams to develop and execute strategic 360 communications plans.
• Draft communications materials, including press releases, advisories, talking points, op-eds, fact sheets, and briefings.
• Prep and staff spokespeople as needed.
• Ensure communications strategies and materials reflect Planned Parenthood’s brand and voice.
• Contribute to reports for management to track team accomplishments.
• Lead brainstorming sessions and identify opportunities to strengthen affiliate communications.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with key media contacts.
• Complete special projects as assigned.

Engagement

• Build and maintain relationships with national and affiliate staff, journalists, and other stakeholders.
• Collaborate with leaders across departments to ensure media strategies align with Planned Parenthood’s goals.
• Develop relationships with affiliate spokespeople, senior leadership, board members, and other stakeholders.
• Provide strategic advice on media strategies to affiliates and internal teams.
• Draft, edit, and review materials with a strong racial equity lens and commitment to health equity.
• Serve as an internal consultant on strategy and language for sexual and reproductive health issues.
• Work cross-divisionally to respond to crisis scenarios and rapid-response news.
• Manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining a positive attitude.
• Contribute to the long-term plan for the Health & Affiliate Communications team by assisting with workflow, stakeholder identification, goals, and KPIs.

Requirements

• At least four years of experience in communications, with a strong understanding of media outlets, reporters, and partner organizations.
• Excellent communication skills and experience leading media strategy for multicultural audiences.
• Deep familiarity with Planned Parenthood’s mission and work.
• Demonstrated ability to write and edit proficiently, including communicating complex or sensitive subjects clearly and concisely.
• Strong understanding of sexual and reproductive health issues; a nuanced understanding of reproductive justice is strongly preferred.
• Spokesperson and media training experience.
• Proven knowledge of media trends and operations (print, online, blogs, radio, broadcast).
• Ability to juggle multiple projects and deadlines successfully.
• Energetic, creative, and innovative approach with a desire to develop new ideas and solutions.

Pay

$87,000 - $90,000 a year

Schedule

Travel: 15-25%

Location: New York or Washington, D.C.