Senior Director – Government Affairs

Planned Parenthood Federation of America

Senior Director of Government Affairs using political expertise to strengthen Planned Parenthood's influence in Michigan. Leading lobbying efforts and developing policy agendas for reproductive health care.

Posted 6/26/2026full-timeLansing • Missouri • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $140,000 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Reporting to the Vice President of Government Affairs and Advocacy, the Senior Director of Government Affairs will be a key leader at Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan (PPAM), responsible for using expertise in politics, government relations, legislative processes, and advocacy to strengthen and leverage the organization’s political influence to pass a comprehensive policy agenda and to ensure that Planned Parenthood of Michigan (PPMI) is represented in the state budget.
This leader directs the organization’s legislative, budget, and political strategy and ensures compliance across its 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) activities.
Directs lobbying efforts for issues before the Legislature, state agencies, and the Governor’s office, in collaboration with the Vice President of Government Affairs and Advocacy and a contract lobbying firm.
Develops and advances a comprehensive policy agenda that expands access to sexual and reproductive health care and education, addresses the social determinants of health, and ensures that all Michiganders can raise healthy, thriving families if and when they decide to.
Cultivates and maintains positive relationships with elected officials, state agencies, local governments, the Governor’s office, and other stakeholders with influence over policy, funding, and regulatory decisions that impact Planned Parenthood.
Builds and maintains strong partnerships with community leaders, advocacy organizations, and coalition partners to advance shared policy goals.
Collaborates with the communications team to produce a legislative newsletter, policy explainers, talking points, committee testimony, and other materials.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Political Science, a relevant field, or equivalent years of experience.
At least seven years of progressive experience in government relations, public policy, political strategy, or related fields, including 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) experience.
At least two years of experience in a leadership and/or supervisory role.
Knowledge of Michigan legislative and budget processes.
Experience working across 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) activities, with a clear understanding of what each entity can and cannot do.
Ability to analyze policies and prepare policy briefings.
Strong understanding of reproductive health issues, advocacy, and the Michigan political landscape.
Proficient in Microsoft Office, VAN, and Bill Tracker.
Demonstrated ability to achieve objectives in collaboration with other functional areas.
Demonstrated commitment to Planned Parenthood’s mission, vision and values.
Ability to work under pressure on multiple projects concurrently and meet deadlines in a fast-paced work environment with frequent interruptions and changing priorities.
Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Work independently as well as collaboratively within a team environment.
Lead and work in a remote environment.
Handle stressful situations and provide a high level of customer service in a calm and professional manner.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships at all levels of the organization.
Travel and accept a flexible work schedule that may involve some evening and weekend commitments.
Solve problems, analyze information and data, and manage projects.
Exercise a high degree of judgment and diplomacy and maintain confidentiality.
Attend to detail while maintaining a view of the bigger picture; gather information, identify connections and trends, and apply findings; and interpret and apply policies and recommend changes as appropriate.
Engender enthusiasm and influence; motivate and persuade others to achieve desired outcomes.
Convey ideas and opinions clearly; project credibility, poise, and confidence; consider the needs of an audience and predict possible responses; listen attentively; and communicate effectively.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical
Dental
Vision
STD
LTD
Life & ADD
403B
Flexible Spending Account
Generous Paid Time off Program
Free healthcare at our clinics for you and your immediate family!

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Hard Skills & Tools

government relationspublic policypolitical strategypolicy analysislegislative processesadvocacyreproductive health issuesbudget processesproject managementcustomer service

Soft Skills

leadershipcommunicationcollaborationproblem-solvingdiplomacyattention to detailflexibilitymotivationinfluenceindependence