Communications Manager

Planned Parenthood Texas Votes is hiring a Communications Manager.

Planned Parenthood Texas Votes

Communications Manager

Position: Full-time, permanent, exempt

Location: Austin

Planned Parenthood Texas Votes (PPTV) is the statewide advocacy arm of the Planned Parenthood affiliates in Texas that engages supporters of reproductive health and rights to fight to protect and expand access to sexual and reproductive health care, including abortion. The work at PPTV is fast-paced and deals with complex and high-priority matters related to the politics of reproductive health in Texas. Our programs range from talking to voters about the politics of abortion to advocating to protect funding for preventive health care.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION 

PPTV is expanding our communications team and is hiring a Communications Manager that will work for Planned Parenthood Advocates of Texas 501(c)(3), Planned Parenthood Texas Votes 501(c)(4), and the Planned Parenthood Texas Votes PAC

The Communications Manager will be responsible for working closely with Planned Parenthood affiliates and national Communications and Public Affairs staff to develop and execute communications campaigns within the state of Texas. The Communications Manager will utilize traditional media relationships. The Communications Manager will also be responsible for copywriting and for developing a variety of external and internal communications materials. Travel and in-person meetings are currently not permitted to protect the safety of our staff during the COVID-19 pandemic, however this job will require travel for work at least 10% of the time, both in Texas and out of state, once it is safe to resume travel.

This position supervises a Digital Strategist and a Graphic Design & Multimedia Specialist. This is a full-time exempt position based in Austin, Texas.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS & EXPECTATIONS

Strategy Development & Coordination

• Collaboratively develop the annual communications strategy of PPTV by soliciting cross-departmental and stakeholder input. 
• Support implementation of the strategy and be responsible for executing components of the strategy. 
• In conjunction with national-level and affiliate-level staff, formulate objectives, target audiences, key messages, tactics, timeline, and evaluation of communications plans and campaigns.
• Coordinate statewide media strategies to ensure development and implementation of a consistent message, as needed. 

Media Outreach

• Serve as a spokesperson for the organization; screen and respond to press inquiries and requests for information; arrange interviews with and prepare talking points for organization spokespersons.
• Identify and develop potential surrogates and third party validators; maintain contact lists, provide training and equip with messages and talking points.
• Organize press events, conferences and briefings as needed.
• Proactively contact editors, reporters and producers to secure coverage and reframe the issues. 
• Work closely with Planned Parenthood affiliates and external coalition partners to develop and deliver a consistent, unified message.
• Lead brainstorming and planning sessions; identify and share innovative new ideas for promoting PPTV, its initiatives, and its positions.
• Stay up-to-date on reproductive health and related issues; synthesize existing research materials; and serve as an educational resource for reporters.
• Monitor current events and keep agency staff abreast of breaking news stories through media updates and alerts.
• Manage media database and write reports for internal and external audiences.
• Evaluate media outreach efforts and report on impact to stakeholders.

Copywriting

• Develop and write press releases, statements, media advisories, letters-to-the-editor, opinion editorials, fact sheets and content for online mediums such as websites, blogs and social media sites.
• Develop and write timely informational and promotional materials to include: collateral copy, annual report, presentations, newsletter articles, web copy, advertising copy, video scripts, blogs and other materials.
• Edit copy for content, accuracy, grammar, punctuation, voice, style, etc. in a timely and consistent manner.
• Create collateral materials and collaborate with the Graphics Design & Multimedia Specialist on production of collateral materials
• Collaborate with the Digital Strategist and the Graphics Design & Multimedia Specialist; provide guidance on digital engagement messaging, including supporter emails and content for PPTV’s website
• Ensure consistency with Planned Parenthood style guide.
• Ensure compliance with conditions of 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4) and PAC guidelines for approved activities.
• Protect the confidentiality of Planned Parenthood clients, donors, board, and all areas of operation.

Staff Management

• Assign and oversee the day-to-day activities of the​ ​Digital Strategist and the Graphic Design & Multimedia Specialist.
• Provide coaching and feedback to ensure high quality and consistent performance and productivity of staff, including conducting performance reviews.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience & Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism or related field or equivalent years of work experience required. 
• At least four (4) years of full-time communications experience, preferably in a political or social issues setting.
• Experience developing and maintaining credible and productive relationships with traditional news media, and in managing rapid/crisis response.
• Skill in a variety of writing styles including Associated Press (AP) style, copy editing, proofreading methods and practices.
• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office Products (Word, PowerPoint and Excel).
• Experience with graphics software such as Adobe Creative Suite preferred.
• Strong organizational skills, detailed-oriented and self-motivated.  
• Able to meet deadlines in a fast-paced, deadline driven team environment. 
• Bilingual, English/Spanish preferred.
• Skill in producing clear and consistent high quality work with attention to detail.
• Skill in proactively researching and quickly synthesizing information, and presenting it creatively in a variety of formats.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and complete assignments in an efficient manner, as well as adapt to changing priorities.
• Ability to work independently, with minimal supervision.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships, and work collaboratively, with PPTV and affiliate staff, as well as external partners and consultants.
• Ability to work after regular business hours, as needed.
• In order to ensure the safety and security of our staff during the COVID-19 pandemic, all staff members at PPTV are currently working remotely and must have access to a secure, reliable internet connection. Work-from-home stipend, internet, and phone reimbursement will be provided. 

Personal Qualities & Other Attributes

The Communications Manager will demonstrate the following:

• Collaborative work style; able to facilitate amongst diverse communities and individuals.
• Comfortable in ambiguity; able to create clarity and understanding.
• Experienced in getting to “yes” in a collaborative, consensus driven style.
• Enjoys operating in a fast-paced and demanding environment; a nimble and flexible work style.
• A direct and open interpersonal communication style.
• A smart and confident leader with a clear and informed opinion.
• Deep appreciation for the mission of Planned Parenthood.
• Diplomatic style; and high emotional intelligence.
• Integrity, independent thinking, and personal courage.

ADDITIONAL POSITION INFORMATION

Planned Parenthood Texas Votes is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to maintaining a non-discriminatory work environment, and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.  Planned Parenthood is committed to creating a dynamic work environment that values diversity and inclusion, respect and integrity, customer focus, and innovation.