External Affairs Director

External Affairs Director

Location: Varies - East Atlanta, Cobb, Gwinnett, Georgia

Reports To: Chief Communications Officer

FLSA Status: Exempt

Salary: $90,000 - $100,000

The External Affairs Director serves as PPSE’s primary advocacy and communications strategist, leading the affiliate’s work in public affairs, local advocacy, community relations, and communications. The External Affairs Director is responsible for managing the reputation and public face of PPSE. The Director will play a vital role in monitoring the external environment for impacts to PPSE’s operations and programs in Georgia, Alabama and Mississippi. This position will serve as a key liaison for the affiliate with PPFA/PPAF as they conduct advocacy work in Georgia.

Qualifications

1. Proven ability to communicate effectively to multiple audiences, including the media, policy makers, donors, supporters and the public.
2. Ability to communicate effectively with individuals of all backgrounds.
3. Must have excellent written communication skills.
4. Accuracy and attention to detail are essential.
5. Proven ability to manage departmental budget and external vendors.
6. Ability to work independently and as a team member.
7. Must have strong analytical, investigative, and pattern recognition skills.
8. Ability to prioritize and manage numerous projects simultaneously.
9. Self‑motivated, with ability to work with little direct supervision.
10. Basic understanding and knowledge of the current reproductive healthcare landscape.
11. Availability to work flexible hours, including weekends and evenings as required.
12. Ability and willingness to travel within Atlanta, Cobb, Gwinnett, and DeKalb Counties.
13. Reliable means of transportation for onsite and off‑site work.
14. If using a personal vehicle to drive for work purposes, a valid state driver license and current auto insurance in compliance with the minimum requirements of the state’s vehicle code are required.

Education and/Or Experience

1. Bachelor’s degree in English, communications, marketing, political science, public policy or equivalent work experience required.
2. Minimum ten (10) years of relevant experience.
3. Passion and commitment to the mission, vision, and values of Planned Parenthood.
4. Superb interpersonal and leadership skills with an impressive history of forging strong relationships with multiple stakeholders.
5. A record of success in a senior‑level public affairs, advocacy and/or communications position in the government, not‑for‑profit or private sector.
6. Experience successfully leading projects, developing communications plans, and writing reports in a clear and cogent manner.

Responsibilities

1. Provide high‑level counsel to the Leadership Team on issues impacting the affiliate’s public perception and brand reputation.
2. Interpret and elevate policy issues that may affect PPSE’s operations and programs.
3. Create and implement proactive, affiliate‑wide communications strategies. Serve as agency spokesperson, develop press relationships, and manage crisis communications.
4. Identify and build key strategic external partnerships across the region to advance the mission and vision of PPSE.
5. Represent PPSE at community events, building strong relationships with key external stakeholders.
6. Serve as a liaison to the PPFA/PPAF team engaged in advocacy in Georgia to ensure that policy objectives are aligned with and informed by PPSE’s operational goals.
7. Monitor public policy and legislation in Alabama and Mississippi. Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders on policy advocacy opportunities.
8. Ensure compliance with all relevant local, state, and federal laws and regulations governing the advocacy activities of non‑profit organizations.
9. Maintain current knowledge on federation‑wide messaging and all relevant policy issues as they pertain to sexual and reproductive healthcare.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Performs other duties as may be assigned by management.

Physical Requirements

This position requires the ability to see, hear, speak, stand, walk, sit, use hands for fingering and grasping, and push, pull, and reach on a continual basis throughout the workday. The role also requires occasional stooping, bending, and kneeling, as well as occasional driving. The employee must be able to lift and/or carry up to 25 pounds occasionally. Lifting or carrying more than 25 pounds is not a requirement of this position.