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Director of Public Affairs: Iowa

Director of Public Affairs: Iowa
Organization: Planned Parenthood North Central States (PPNCS)
Location: Des Moines, IA
Date Posted: 05/05/2025

Pay

The anticipated salary range for this position is $90,000 – $120,000 per year, depending on experience and qualifications. Compensation is determined based on a variety of factors, including relevant work experience, the skills required for the role, internal equity, market competitiveness, and budget considerations. We are committed to ensuring fair and competitive pay for all employees.

Schedule

Full-time, 40 hours per week

Shift Times

Monday – Friday (approximately 8:00am – 4:00pm or 9:00am – 5:00pm). Occasional evenings and weekends may be required.

Location

Noun Building (818 5th Ave, Ste 200, Des Moines IA 50309). Opportunity for hybrid work schedule!

Job Type

Exempt

Travel

Occasional statewide travel required, with travel to Washington, D.C. one to two times per year. Infrequent travel within 5-state affiliate.

Questions?

Contact [email protected].

Job Summary

Under the direct supervision of the Vice President of Public Affairs, the Director, Public Affairs Iowa will lead the state public affairs strategy to expand a strong advocacy, public policy, and organizing program for Planned Parenthood North Central States and ancillary advocacy/political organizations. Develop and maintain strong relationships with local, state, and federal government leaders. Serve as key media spokesperson on public affairs issues. Lead all matters related to advocacy, lobbying, interpretation of proposed statutes and administrative rules affecting the client services and general business operations of PPNCS. The Director, Iowa Public Affairs is an advocate for our mission of “advancing and protecting sexual and reproductive health care for all.” They may perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits and Perks

We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:
Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance with equity-based premium tiers

NICE HEALTHCARE – Free virtual primary care for entire household (in-home available for qualifying locations). Services include 80 free labs, free x-rays and physical tests, live virtual physical therapy, 550+ free medications and more

HealthiestYou – Virtual care for employees outside of NICE Healthcare’s network (ND and SD)

Proximal Health – Helps members access high-quality, cost-effective providers and offers a $1,500 tax-free benefit for eligible services

Employee Assistance Program

Flex Spending Account

Life Insurance

Eligibility for Federal Student Loan Forgiveness

Paid time off: PTO starting at .05769 accrual rate per hour worked

8 hours volunteer paid time off annually

8 paid federal holidays & 2 paid floating holidays

Retirement: 403(b) with employer match, 50% for the first 6% deferred

8 weeks Paid Parental Leave

Pet Insurance

Bereavement Leave

Earned Extended Leave

Free subscription to Headspace App

Time off to vote

Employee discounts for electronics, appliances, hotels, gift cards, apparel, cars, fitness memberships, groceries, and at Office Depot, Verizon, AT&T, Dell & more

We also offer:

Start date flexibility

Travel reimbursement

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a related field or 6 years progressive related work experience in lieu of degree

Five years related experience in public policy, lobbying, grassroots advocacy or political campaigns

Three years management experience

Ability to maintain confidentiality of all Planned Parenthood business and activities on and off the job

Your Day-to-Day Responsibilities

Advocacy & Lobbying

Lead the state public affairs team to create and implement plans for public policy, direct lobbying, grassroots lobbying, organizing activities, and electoral initiatives

Lobby on behalf of Planned Parenthood North Central States (PPNCS) and PP Advocates of Iowa (PPIA) in the state legislature and state administrative agencies; supervise contractors

Support Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) in lobbying the U.S. Congress

Direct the team in identifying, educating, motivating, and activating allied organizations

Represent the organization at events, task forces, coalitions, workgroups, and committees

Build relationships with key legislators, staff, and allied organizations

Oversee and adhere to data management plans ensuring data validity

Track and research public policy and health care policy topics

Provide updates to the VP of Public Affairs on administrative rules and government initiatives

Track and disseminate the status of legislation and legislator support

Administration & Compliance

Supervise public affairs staff and manage personnel, training, and administrative matters

Assist with development and management of operating and program budgets

Coordinate with compliance consultants to submit accurate ethics and campaign disclosure reports

Electoral Program

Plan and execute Electoral Plans for federal and state races

Implement candidate endorsement process with PPAI PAC Board

Develop and supervise voter contact strategies: phone banks, door knocking, online outreach

Communications

Work with communications staff to expand and protect the organization’s brand

Represent the organization in media interviews and at community events

PPIA Board

Collaborate with Development leaders to build and manage board and donor relationships

Prepare reports for board meetings

Assist in board member recruitment and training on public affairs and compliance

PPNCS Foundation

Qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major and principal gift prospects ($25,000+)

Manage a portfolio of donors and solicit gifts for health care, education, and advocacy

Achieve annual fundraising goals and track donor interactions in Raiser’s Edge

About Us

At PPNCS, we believe all people deserve the right, the freedom, and the opportunity to follow their personal ambitions and choose their own path toward a healthier, more meaningful life. That’s why we protect, promote, and provide comprehensive and progressive sexual and reproductive health care for generations of people and families with empathy, care, and respect.

We are looking for passionate, dedicated staff who are eager to make positive contributions to their community and to the Planned Parenthood mission.
To learn more: Our Mission.

When you work for Planned Parenthood, you make a difference in the lives of those we serve by affirming the human right to reproductive health and freedom.

Planned Parenthood is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, sex, gender identity or gender expression, national origin, age, veteran status, marital status, religion, sexual orientation, size, disability, socioeconomic status, or status regarding public assistance. Planned Parenthood is committed to encouraging and promoting diversity as well as providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. Planned Parenthood is dedicated to an equitable and inclusive work environment and encourages all interested candidates to apply regardless of initial skill set.

* Any job offer will be contingent upon the results of a background investigation. *

Apply Now

Please apply on the PPNCS jobs website here:
Apply via PPNCS Jobs Portal

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