Arkansas Contract Lobbyist

Planned Parenthood Great Plains has provided access to sexual and reproductive health care since 1935. The high-quality, expert, and compassionate care we provide is shown through our empathetic and supportive staff members. Past challenges, and those we face today, have served only to solidify PPGP's commitment to our patients and the community. We continue to reflect on the progress we have made over the last eight decades and look forward to continuing our efforts to secure a world of informed reproductive freedom. Join our dedicated team and "Care. No matter what." ________________________________________ The Arkansas Contract Lobbyist will be responsible for direct and grassroots lobbying on behalf of Planned Parenthood Great Plains (PPGP) and Planned Parenthood Great Plains Votes (PPGPV). This position will be responsible for helping develop and implement plans and goals to advance PPGP/PPGPV's legislative priorities, under the direction of the Director of Legislative Affairs. In addition, this position will be responsible for helping PPGP/PPGPV staff engage with key stakeholders, including existing and new coalition partners, constituents, supporters, and policymakers. This position will work closely and cross- departmentally with PPGP's Public Affairs and Communications staff. A collaborative style, strong work ethic, and enthusiasm are essential.
Individuals and lobbying firms are encouraged to apply. This position is expected to require 5-10 hours per week during legislative session, with potential additional work on an as-needed basis.  For the protection of patients, team members and all who enter our facilities, PPGP has made the decision to require COVID-19 vaccination for all team members, unless granted medical or religious exemption, as a condition of employment.

\n RESPONSIBILITIESLobbying DutiesWorks closely with the Director of Legislative Affairs to identify and develop short- and long-term legislative agenda, priorities, and strategy in Arkansas for Planned Parenthood.Reviews, identifies, and analyzes policies impacting Planned Parenthood, including legislation, regulations, and local laws and provides prompt updates to affiliate staff. Attends events, meetings, and hearings as needed to respond to policies and execute PPGPV's legislative strategy.Monitors relevant committees, bill status/content, hearings, vote counts, anti-abortion activity, voting records (etc.) and provides prompt updates to affiliate staff.Testifies and/or recruits subject-matter experts and individuals willing to provide expert and constituent testimony on legislation affecting Planned Parenthood's interests; develops and maintains relationships with subject-matter experts in the areas of racial justice, health policy, law, and medicine. Articulates Planned Parenthood's position on relevant policy to appropriate policymakers, including members of the Arkansas Legislature, verbally and through written communication.Provides advice and direction to PPGP/PPGPV staff and volunteers concerning involvement with the legislature and for testimony by affiliate staff or others on behalf of Planned Parenthood.Maintains registration as a lobbyist in Arkansas and ensure compliance with state ethics laws. QUALIFICATIONSPPGP/PPGP Votes seeks a candidate or lobbying firm with the following: Minimum of three years' experience/expertise in public/political policy work, grass roots organizing, lobbying and/or public education.Commitment to Planned Parenthood's mission, purpose, and values.Working knowledge of legislative, political and electoral systems and processes in Arkansas.Experience in reading, analyzing, and interpreting legal or legislative documents.Knowledge of sexual, reproductive health and reproductive justice issues.Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present materials/position in a public forum with the ability to withstand opposition without losing positive composure.Skilled in working with Microsoft 365 products, including Word, Excel, SharePoint, and Teams, as well as legislative tracking software.Ability to think strategically and to work without supervision and under deadlines and prioritize work on several ongoing projects.Ability to work closely with diverse constituents and to reach out to diverse populations on behalf of the affiliate. Commitment to analyze the root causes of power systems that impact sexual and reproductive healthcare in Arkansas based on gendered, sexualized, and racialized acts of dominance.
\n$40 - $50 an hour
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Commitment to Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) PPGP is wholly committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive organization. We firmly commit to the creation of an environment that values racial equity, diversity, and inclusion, where all individuals feel they are treated fairly, respectfully, and are empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work. Our commitment is essential to PPGP's mission of ensuring reproductive freedom as a fundamental right for all individuals. We are committed to supporting employees, applicants, patients, volunteers and vendors with diverse backgrounds. Our vision is to foster a workplace culture that is a safe space where all employees feel included and comfortable sharing their experiences. We demonstrate our commitment to Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion when we: ·         Demonstrate and Expect Transparency and Accountability ·         Educate and Support the Development of our PPGP community ·         Practice Effective Communication ·         Foster Trust by Being Responsive to the Needs of our PPGP community ·         Demonstrate the Use of Inclusive Practices ·         Display the Ability to Cultivate Belonging EOE/AA—PPGP is an equal-opportunity, drug-free employer committed to diversity in the workplace. Minority/Female/Disabled/Protected Veteran/LGBTQIA+. THE WORK OF PPGP Planned Parenthood Great Plains has been a leading provider of sexual and reproductive health care for more than 85 years, serving women, men, and families in communities across Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. Each year, we provide care to more than 30,000 people across our four-state region through in-clinic and telehealth appointments. We believe that every person deserves to have access to the resources and information they need in order to make decisions about their own health.
PPGP serves people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse needs. PPGP's medical staff includes board certified OB/GYN and family medicine physicians, as well as advanced practice clinicians including nurse practitioners and physician assistants. PPGP's clinicians provide sexual and reproductive health care, perform examinations, and diagnose and treat infections. PPGP also provides comprehensive, age-appropriate sex education, and our sister corporation, Planned Parenthood Great Plains Votes, is a leading advocate for the sexual and reproductive rights of people in our region.
PPGP believes that diversity in identity and perspective enriches our agency and allows us to better serve our clients. We are committed to workforce diversity and aspire to reflect the communities we serve. We encourage all individuals to share their pronouns during interviews and meetings. To that end, we strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQIA+ identifying individuals, people with disabilities and other underrepresented groups to apply.