Director of Strategic Advocacy and Government Relations

Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin Inc

Madison, United States

October 22, 2025

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Director of Strategic Advocacy and Government Relations

Madison, Wisconsin
Public Policy - Advocacy /
Full Time /
Hybrid
At Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin, Inc. (PPWI), we work to provide quality, affordable health care services, comprehensive education, and strong advocacy. We serve over 60,000 patients annually in 21 health centers statewide, making us the largest and most trusted reproductive health care provider in Wisconsin. Our goal is to help keep Wisconsin safe, healthy and strong!

This is an excellent opportunity for a Director of Strategic Advocacy and Government Relations (40 hours/week) at our Doty Street Administration Office in Madison, WI.

As part of our comprehensive benefit package, we offer:
- Company contribution toward medical insurance deductible
- Generous Paid Time Off
- 11 Days of Holiday Pay
- Immediate 401(k) Vesting with up to 6% company contribution
- Paid Parental Leave
- Tuition Assistance
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

PPWI’s compensation philosophy is rooted in equity. Starting offers are determined by both the candidate’s applicable experience and internal equity. The Director of Strategic Advocacy and Government Relations pay starts from $85,280 per year.

Additional $1.50 per hour for bilingual (English/Spanish)

PURPOSE OF POSITION: 

The Director of Strategic Advocacy & Government Relations leads the organization’s efforts to shape public policy, strengthen civic engagement, and advance reproductive health, rights, and justice in Wisconsin. This role develops and manages legislative strategies, builds partnerships with policymakers and community leaders, and ensures compliance with nonprofit and campaign finance laws. The Director also oversees electoral and voter engagement strategies to expand participation and accountability. As a senior leader, the Director aligns government relations, political strategy, organizing, and communications to meet organizational goals. This role also serves as a spokesperson and strategist, representing the organization in coalitions and public forums while supervising staff and managing key initiatives. 

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS & ABILITIES: 

- Must be committed to providing excellent customer service and support the vision and values of Planned Parenthood of WI. 
- Demonstrated experience with diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, shown through political campaigns, community organizing, and/or civic engagement work. 
- Effective communication skills (written and verbal) to explain public policy issues to staff, elected officials, government administrators, and organizational leaders. 
- Knowledge of legislative and regulatory processes, and ability to communicate about them clearly. 
- In-depth knowledge of Wisconsin’s reproductive health care delivery system, state and federal policy landscape, and the needs of underserved or marginalized communities 
- Proven success in organizing communities into action, legislative strategy, coalition-building, and issue advocacy at the state or local level. 
- Experience developing electoral and civic engagement strategies, including voter education and mobilization campaigns. 
- Proficient in Microsoft Office, VAN, and Bill Tracker. 

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: 

- Bachelor’s degree required in Public Policy, Political Science, Government Affairs, Nonprofit Management, or related field. Master’s degree preferred. 
- 7 years of progressive experience in government relations, policy advocacy, political strategy, or nonprofit leadership, including 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) experience. 
- An equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and abilities can be acquired may be considered.  
- Must have demonstrated supervisory experience. 

SUPERVISORY EXPERIENCE:

Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Predominantly sedentary with intermittent (15% or less of time in typical week) standing and walking  

Other physical requirements: 

- Repetitive motions of hands and wrists related to typing on a keyboard and using a mouse  
- Holding, grasping, and/or gripping objects   
- Kneeling, stooping, crawling  
- Pushing/pulling 

Vision and Hearing Abilities: 

- Close vision reading  
- Speaking  
- Hearing  

May require lifting and/or carrying objects weighing Up to 25 pounds 

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The position is generally performed in an office environment but involves occasional interruptions with normal noise levels.    Reasonable accommodations, however, may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform said essential functions.   

Occasional evening and/or weekend hours may be necessary  

This position requires traveling statewide, therefore a valid driver’s license and auto insurance in accordance with agency liability standards is required. Must have transportation. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES:

    • include, but are not limited to the following: 

      • Government Relations & Policy Advocacy

    • Lead development and execution of state and local legislative strategies. 
    • Build strong relationships with elected officials and partners. 
    • Research policy issues and recommend organizational positions. 
    • Ensure compliance with lobbying, ethics, and campaign finance rules. 
    • Monitor advocacy outcomes and report to leadership and partners. 

      • Electoral Strategy & Political Engagement 

    • Direct voter education and civic engagement under 501(c)(3) rules. 
    • Lead 501(c)(4) electoral strategies, including endorsements and coalition work. 
    • Manage annual plans and budgets for electoral and civic engagement activities. 
    • Design innovative voter outreach and mobilization strategies. 

      • Voter Education, Civic Engagement & Power Building 

    • Strengthen partnerships with community leaders and advocacy groups. 
    • Develop strategies that integrate grassroots organizing and policy advocacy. 
    • Represent the organization in coalitions and community forums. 

      • Compliance, Governance & Organizational Leadership 

    • Serve on the Public Affairs Senior Leadership Team to align strategies. 
    • Coordinate with PPFA and coalitions to connect state and national strategies. 
    • Act as spokesperson and policy expert on reproductive health and justice. 
    • Ensure compliance with nonprofit, campaign finance, and lobbying regulations. 
    • Track and evaluate results, reporting to boards and leadership. 
    • Other duties as assigned. 
PPWI is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workplace.
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