Vice President of Government Affairs and Advocacy

POSITION TITLE: Vice President of Government Affairs and Advocacy LOCATION:  Hybrid (Remote/Lansing)                             STATUS: Full Time, Exempt TRAVEL REQUIREMENT: 25% WAGE: Starting at $160,000 per year BENEFITS: Medical, Dental, Vision, STD, LTD. Life & ADD, 403B, Flexible Spending Account, Generous Paid Time off Program and Free healthcare at our clinics for you and your immediate family! Planned Parenthood of Michigan has implemented a mandatory vaccination policy requiring COVID-19 vaccinations when eligible for all employees. Position Description Reporting to the President and CEO, the Vice President of Government Affairs and Advocacy is a senior executive leader responsible for the political strategy, government relations, advocacy, and civic engagement of Planned Parenthood of Michigan (PPMI) and Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan (PPAM). This leader sets and directs the organization’s legislative and budget agenda, oversees all 501(c)(4) advocacy and electoral operations through PPAM, and positions the organization to protect and expand access to sexual and reproductive health care across Michigan. The Vice President leads the Government Affairs and Advocacy team, including the Senior Director of Government Affairs and the associate directors of constituency and field programs, and serves as a senior advisor to the CEO and Executive Leadership Team on political risk and opportunity. This leader will fully embody a commitment to race equity, evidenced in all interactions with colleagues, external stakeholders, and staff supervision. Essential Functions Strategic & Political Leadership Sets and leads multi-year political and legislative strategy aligned with PPMI’s mission and with state and national priorities for sexual and reproductive health, rights, and justice. Advises the President and CEO and the Executive Leadership Team on political risk, opportunity, and positioning. Represents PPMI and PPAM in coalitions, negotiations, and high-level public forums, and serves as a senior spokesperson on policy and political matters. 501(c)(4) and Advocacy Oversight Provides executive oversight of all PPAM 501(c)(4) functions, including advocacy, electoral work, organizing, civic engagement, budgeting, and compliance. Serves as a senior staff liaison to the PPAM Board, in coordination with the President and CEO, and partners with board leadership on governance and political direction. Ensures compliance with IRS rules, campaign finance law, and lobbying regulations, and maintains a clear and well-managed line between 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) activity. Legislative & Government Relations Directs proactive and defensive strategy on abortion access, contraception, gender-affirming care, insurance and Medicaid coverage, and health equity. Leads the organization’s work to secure and protect state funding for Planned Parenthood, including appropriations, supplemental funding, and administrative pathways through state agencies. Builds and maintains strong relationships with key stakeholders in the Legislature, state agencies, the Governor’s office, and local governments. Oversees lobbying activity and all required reporting, in coordination with the contract lobbying firm. Elections, Endorsements & Campaign Finance Oversees PPAM’s endorsement process, candidate vetting, and political assessments. Designs and directs 501(c)(4)-appropriate electoral strategy and coordinated campaign work in support of endorsed candidates. Builds long-term candidate pipelines and coordinates political strategy with national and state partners. Provides executive oversight of PAC contributions and reporting and ensures full compliance with applicable law. Fundraising & Capacity Building Develops and implements a 501(c)(4) fundraising strategy in partnership with development leadership. Engages high-capacity donors and political supporters. Builds scalable political infrastructure and clear performance metrics for the advocacy program. Leadership & Collaboration Leads, develops, and evaluates the Government Affairs and Advocacy team, including the Senior Director of Government Affairs and the associate directors of constituency and field programs. Coordinates political and advocacy strategy with the communications, development, organizing, and data functions. Educates staff and board members on 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) distinctions and the requirements that come with them. Keeps the President and CEO informed on political strategy, C4 operations, and emerging risks through regular reporting, and operates as an extension of the CEO’s leadership rather than as a separate or autonomous function. Demonstrates a commitment to race equity, maintains current knowledge of PPMI’s race equity standards, and holds self and team accountable to them. The above duties and responsibilities are not an exhaustive list of required responsibilities, duties and skills. Other duties may be added, and this job description can be amended at any time. Qualifications and Experience Required Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Political Science, a relevant field, or equivalent years of experience. At least ten years of senior-level leadership in political strategy, public policy, campaigns, or advocacy, with a demonstrated record of legislative or budget wins at the state level. Demonstrated experience with 501(c)(4) or campaign operations. Demonstrated experience leading and developing teams. Deep political judgment and a sophisticated understanding of how Michigan government and the Legislature actually move. Deep understanding of 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) compliance and campaign finance law. Demonstrated track record of managing 501(c)(4) operations cleanly and audit-ready, with sound internal controls and full compliance with campaign finance and lobbying law. Established credibility and strong relationships within the Michigan political landscape. In-depth knowledge of Michigan’s reproductive health care delivery system