Policy Counsel

Planned Parenthood is the nation’s leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable sexual and reproductive health care for all people, as well as the nation’s largest provider of sex education. Planned Parenthood organizations serve all people with care and compassion, with respect, and without judgment, striving to create equitable access to health care. Through health centers, programs in schools and communities, and online resources, Planned Parenthood is a trusted source of reliable education and information that allows people to make informed health decisions. We do all this because we care passionately about helping people lead healthier lives.
 
Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that supports the independently incorporated Planned Parenthood affiliates, which operate non-profit health centers across the U.S. PPFA also works to educate the public on and advocate for issues of sexual and reproductive health. Formed as the advocacy and political arm of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Planned Parenthood Action Fund is a separate non-profit membership organization tax-exempt under section 501(c)(4). The Action Fund engages in educational, advocacy, and limited electoral activity, including grassroots organizing, legislative advocacy, and voter education in furtherance of the Planned Parenthood mission.
 
Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) and Planned Parenthood Action Fund (Action Fund) seek a Policy Counsel. This job reports to the National Legal Director in the Public Policy, Litigation and Law department (Lit and Law). Lit and Law provides legal advice to, and, when appropriate, conducts litigation in state and federal courts across the country on behalf of PPFA and Planned Parenthood affiliates in order to protect and expand access to sexual and reproductive health care.
 
This is a cycle hire position that is expected to end in November 2027.

Purpose:

The Policy Counsel primary responsibilities will revolve around providing legal analysis and strategic advice to PPFA and Planned Parenthood affiliates on matters that implicate the Planned Parenthood mission, focusing primarily on state and local legislation, regulations, and other policies.

Engagement:

- The Policy Counsel will work most closely with the other policy counsels, as well as with the rest of the L&L team.

- The position works across multiple divisions within PPFA, including but not limited to the communications, health care operations, and government relations teams and with Planned Parenthood’s affiliates across the country.

- The Policy Counsel will also work with other organizations and national coalitions to assist in the development of long- and short-term strategies to protect and expand access to reproductive health care across the country.

- The Policy Counsel will also support the career development of interns and paralegals and contribute to L&L’s ongoing work to center the communities most affected by laws restricting access to sexual and reproductive health and rights.

Delivery:

- Partner directly with PPFA staff and Planned Parenthood affiliates on legislative, regulatory and, occasionally, compliance matters related to protecting and expanding access to reproductive health care.

- Serve as a subject matter expert on various areas of law, including and especially aspects of reproductive health care, that impact Planned Parenthood affiliates.

- Conduct legal research and write memos and emails for Senior Policy Counsel and other attorneys related to state law questions.

- Provide in-depth analysis and development of state and local legislation, regulations, and administrative policies that impact reproductive rights, sexual and reproductive health care, and the ability of Planned Parenthood affiliates to deliver health care services.

- Support the career development of interns and paralegals

- Represent the L&L policy team in national coalition spaces, including at conferences and external presentations, meetings, and events, as appropriate.

- Contribute to L&L’s ongoing work to center the communities most affected by laws restricting access to sexual and reproductive health and rights.

- Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

- Education: Juris Doctor (JD) from an ABA accredited U.S. law school required

- Bar Admission: Eligible to practice in New York or Washington, DC

- Between 2-6 years of legal experience

- Be creative, detail-oriented, and thrive in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment and enjoy working with others to solve complex policy problems impacting Planned Parenthood and our patients.

- Excellent interpersonal and communications skills across a variety of employees at all levels as well as outside partners and audiences.

- Established interest in public interest work, sexual and reproductive health and rights is a plus, but not mandatory

- Exceptional research, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to think strategically and creatively about legal issues

- Ability to provide first-rate legal counsel to partners at all levels, including executive team and senior leaders

- Ability to develop strong collaborative relationships with fellow attorneys, staff, and clients

- Demonstrated ability to exercise agility, adaptability, and practicality in providing legal advice.

- Excellent judgment and proven experience analyzing risks and making risk determinations

- Commitment to providing professional and timely legal advice and services to all clients

- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complicated legal concepts into accessible language for a wide audience

- Demonstrated ability to excel under pressure in a fast-paced, highly innovative, and rapidly changing environment while maintaining and developing strong collaborative relationships with teams

Travel: 0-10% domestic travel
 
The Planned Parenthood cultural ethos, "In This Together", reflects our commitment to building a workplace culture that fosters belonging, promotes learning throughout the employee lifecycle, and recognizes individual contributions to our mission.
 
Planned Parenthood Federation of America participates in the E-Verify program. Planned Parenthood Federation of America is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to maintaining a non-discriminatory work environment, and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Planned Parenthood Federation of America is committed to creating a dynamic work environment that values diversity and inclusion, respect and integrity, customer focus, and innovation.