Job Description
PROGRAM MANAGER OF ADVOCACY
The Program Manager of Advocacy – Chicago, will assure that PPIL is visible and credible within the community, promoting reproductive health knowledge, increasing interest in PPIL services, and advocating for policy issues. In addition, the Program Manager will manage constituency programs that build and activate the supporter base for Planned Parenthood of Illinois, Planned Parenthood Illinois Action, and related political action committees. The Program Manager will establish relationships in the community that will help increase use of PPIL’s reproductive health services and build the brand of PPIL. They will work with members of the Public Policy and Advocacy Department to identify, organize, and activate volunteers and supporters who identify with Planned Parenthood’s mission and reflect the diversity of its patient base. Additionally, the Program Manager will work collaboratively with the members of the External Affairs Team and other departments to execute grassroots organizing, advocacy, and campaign plans to further the policy goals of the organization. The Program Manager reports to the Director of Government Relations.
Essential functions:
1. Works in collaboration with the other members of the Public Policy and Advocacy Department according to the department’s strategic plans and goals.
2. Manages Upstate Generation Action Program including recruitment of supporters, supervision of program staff, if applicable, and associated administrative duties.
3. Supervises constituency program staff, interns and volunteer advocates.
4. Works with Public Policy and Advocacy Department leadership and Development staff to secure and track grant funding for constituency programs.
5. Supports constituency programs managed by other Public Policy and Advocacy Program Managers.
6. Ensures organizational base building goals are met by:
• Developing and executing plans, meet goals for the number of new prospective supporters identified and added to our database;
• Creating and participating in opportunities to expand our reach, meet new supporters, and generate new contacts that reflect the diversity of PPIL’s patient base;
• Conducting grassroots, pro-Planned Parenthood organizing in legislative districts, on campuses, at public events, etc.;
• Developing teams of advocates in targeted geographic areas who are informed on local, state, and national reproductive health issues, can educate their community and public officials on the importance of the issues, and can act to support the public policy goals of PPIL/PPIA; and Planned Parenthood of Illinois.
• Provide selection, supervision, on-going training, and feedback (including evaluations) to volunteers and interns.
7. Activates PPIL/PPIA advocates to support policy issues, campaigns, and goals by:
• Developing and executing grassroots plans and strategies;
• Managing events and activities that turn out supporters and activists; and
• Coordinating member-to-member campaigns to tap into the networks of our supporters.
8. Supports PPIA and associated political action committee electoral goals by organizing and managing electoral events and activities, such as canvasses, phone banks, and other volunteer activities.
9. Acts as liaison and provides leadership and active participation in partnership with community organizations and coalitions to broaden support for Planned Parenthood issues and establish PPIL/PPIA as an ally.
10. Increases PPIL/PPIA’s visibility in assigned region and constituency program population
11. Identifies, develops, and maintains key relationships to promote PPIL and its services--with essential community entities such as schools, churches, coalitions, service providers, community-based organizations, health care providers, and managed care organizations.
12. Represents PPIL/PPIA to the community in a professional manner.
13. Demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to remain informed about PPIL protocols, policies, and procedures.
14. Demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to PPIL core values of access, activism, care, confidentiality, diversity, excellence, integrity, respect, self-determination, and stewardship; practice these values in relations with internal and external customers.
Other responsibilities:
1. Maintain logs and issue monthly reports on community engagement and outreach activities to inform colleagues, managers, directors and senior leaders across the organization of volunteer and intern program progress.
2. Help inform PPIL on successful and replicable practices as well as barriers to overcome.
3. Other duties as assigned.
Physical demands/Work Environment:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk, hear and use the phone. The employee is frequently required to use hands and fingers to key in data, handle, or feel and reach. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
The position is on-site and will be in various communities and cities. This position requires traveling statewide, therefore a personal vehicle, a valid Illinois driver’s license, and auto insurance in accordance with agency liability standards is required.
Supervisor: Director of Government Relations
Status: Full time. Exempt from the overtime provisions of the wage and salary regulations.
Qualifications:
Education and Experience:
• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum three years in grassroots organizing, legislative, political, or constituent education required.
• Demonstrated ability to direct campaigns in sensitive political situations; successful experience in planning and implementing strategic legislative, electoral, or community support campaigns in pursuit of organizing goals.
• Significant past involvement in reproductive rights and health, or women’s rights, is preferred.
• Preference will also be given to candidates who are bilingual in Spanish and English with good written and oral language skills.
• Ability to handle high-stress situations and to think as well as act flexibly and creatively in a high-paced environment; Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including at times, long and irregular hours. Must have the ability to work remotely as needed.
• Experience working in a multi-cultural environment, including communities of color, where commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion based on race, ethnic origin, gender, age, sexual orientation/identity and physical ability is important to the institutional values.
• Working knowledge of the Voter Activation Network (VAN) systems as well as community organizing and leadership development is desirable.
Professional Qualities:
• A self-starter, with the ability to organize and maintain large amounts of diverse information with attention to detail.
• Must possess strong program management skills with a proven ability to initiate, plan, execute, and close programs while keeping the needs of the agency as the highest priority.
• Outstanding interpersonal, presentation, and written communication skills and ability to manage internal and external stakeholder expectations.
• High-energy, skilled organizer who thrives in a fast-paced work environment, learns quickly, can think on their feet, and has a strong commitment to racial and gender equity, and a passion for social change.
• A commitment to the operating goals of Planned Parenthood is essential.
Ability to function independently as a representative of Planned Parenthood while meeting the strategic goals outlined.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and Power Point, is a necessity.
Planned Parenthood works affirmatively to include diversity among its workforce and does not discriminate in the selection of its staff based on factors including but not limited to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, income, marital status or any other characteristic protected under federal, state or local law. We know that BIPOC and women identifying candidates are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every requirement. Please do not be deterred if your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job posting. We encourage you to apply anyway! You may be exactly who we are looking for!