Director of Communications (PPAO)

3727 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Portland, OR 97212, USA

Job Description
Planned Parenthood Action Oregon (PPAO) is hiring a Director of Communications to lead external communications strategy across our organization and partner affiliates.

Planned Parenthood Action Oregon (PPAO) is the advocacy and political arm of Planned Parenthood, working to protect and expand access to reproductive health care through public policy, organizing, and community engagement. This role is part of the PPAO team and is supported by Planned Parenthood Columbia Willamette (PPCW) and Planned Parenthood of Southwestern Oregon (PPSO).

Shape the narrative. Guide leadership. Drive communications strategy during critical moments.

In this role, you’ll lead earned media and external communications across PPAO, Planned Parenthood Columbia Willamette (PPCW), and Planned Parenthood of Southwestern Oregon (PPSO)—ensuring messaging is clear, aligned, and responsive in a complex and fast-moving environment.

About the Role
The Director of Communications is a senior leadership role responsible for external communications strategy, media relations, and message development across multiple entities.

You will serve as a

strategic communications advisor

to the Executive Director and senior leadership—providing guidance during high-impact, time-sensitive, and politically complex moments.

This role requires the ability to navigate and align communications across organizations with distinct legal and operational structures, while maintaining message clarity, discipline, and impact.

What You’ll Do
In this role, you’ll lead communications strategy from planning through execution.

Key responsibilities include:

Leading earned media strategy and securing coverage at local, regional, and national levels

Serving as a primary point of contact for media inquiries and overseeing timely, accurate responses

Drafting press releases, statements, op-eds, talking points, and leadership messaging

Developing message frameworks and advising leadership on communications strategy

Building and maintaining relationships with media outlets, reporters, and partners

Coordinating messaging across PPAO, PPCW, and PPSO to ensure alignment and appropriate separation of C3 and C4 communications

Managing communications workflows, timelines, and external vendors or consultants

Schedule & Location
This is a

hybrid position based in Portland, Oregon , with a primary worksite at the

Flanagan Regional Service Center (FRSC) .

On-site at least

2 days per week (Tuesdays + one additional day)

Remaining days may be worked remotely (or on-site if preferred)

Evening and weekend work required as needed during key moments

What We’re Looking For
We know great candidates come from a variety of backgrounds. If you’re excited about this role, we encourage you to apply—even if you don’t meet every qualification.

Required

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Political Science, or related field (or equivalent experience)

Two years' full-time experience in communications, media relations, public affairs, or a related field

Demonstrated success securing earned media and managing press relationships

Strong writing and editing skills across formats (press releases, talking points, messaging)

Experience advising senior or executive leadership on communications strategy

Understanding of advocacy, nonprofit, or political communications, including navigating C3/C4 distinctions

Strong collaboration and communication skills across teams and stakeholders

Nice to Have

Familiarity with Oregon’s political environment and media landscape

Experience in reproductive health, healthcare, or social justice advocacy

Experience managing consultants or vendors

$102,259 – $148,972 annually . Pay is based on experience and internal equity.

Benefits

Paid time off (up to 4 weeks, increases over time)

9 paid holidays

Medical, dental, and vision insurance for eligible employees

403(b) with employer match

Free, confidential counseling and support (EAP)

Equal Opportunity Employer
Planned Parenthood Action Oregon is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and respected.

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