Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) and Action Fund seek a Vice President of Research and Policy to lead a high-impact team responsible for developing forward-looking policy, advocacy, and message research, shaping the organizations’ policy agenda, and producing timely, actionable insights that inform national strategy, mobilize support, and guide legislative and advocacy efforts at both the federal and state levels.
Requirements
- 15+ years of experience in research, insights, or data-driven strategy roles across brand, advocacy, audience engagement, or communications, with progressive leadership responsibility required.
- 10+ years of experience of policy, electoral, or advocacy landscapes, with demonstrated experience using research and data to inform public engagement, campaign, or policy strategies required.
- 10+ years experience of managing people and teams required
- Deep expertise in research design, fieldwork oversight, audience segmentation, and qualitative and quantitative analysis, with the ability to translate findings into strategic action.
- Experience working within or supporting mission-driven, political, or federated organizations; comfort navigating complex stakeholder environments.
- Proficiency in research tools, statistical methods, and data systems, with experience overseeing data infrastructure and vendor relationships.
- Advanced degree preferred; J.D., M.P.P., or graduate degree in Political Science, Public Affairs, or a related discipline.
Responsibilities
- Leads the design and execution of a strategic research agenda that shapes PPFA and Action Fund’s policy priorities, brand positioning, and audience engagement, and Action Fund’s electoral strategy, across the National Office and local Planned Parenthood organizations.
- Oversees a cross-functional research portfolio including PPFA and Action Fund’s message testing, opposition research, and issue-specific studies, and Action Fund’s voter insights and electoral trends, that guide national and state strategies.
- Develops a research-informed theory of change to shift cultural narratives around abortion, reproductive freedom, gender, and racial justice.
- Translates complex data and behavioral insights into clear, actionable strategies that drive alignment across policy, communications, organizing, and advocacy.
- Brings deep expertise in reproductive health policy, health finance, and Medicaid to inform internal strategy and influence decision-makers across the health and policy landscape.
- Drives policy development for the federation through drafting white papers, legislation, policy agendas, and analysis.
- Leads a high-performing research and analytics team, managing staff, budgets, vendor relationships, and systems that support effective integration and dissemination of insights.
Other
- Travel: 0-5% Domestic
- Advanced degree preferred
- 10+ years experience of managing people and teams required
- Demonstrated commitment to equity-centered research practices, with a track record of authentically reaching and engaging communities of color, young people, LGBTQ+ communities, and other key audiences.
- Strong leadership and team management experience, including coaching and training staff in research methods, data analysis, and backend data systems.
