Planned Parenthood is the country’s leading provider and champion of accessible, high-quality sexual and reproductive health care for everyone, as well as the largest source of sex education. Its organizations offer care with compassion, respect, and without judgment, working to ensure fair access to health services. Through health centers, school and community programs, and online tools, Planned Parenthood is a trusted provider of accurate information that helps people make informed health decisions. This work is driven by a commitment to helping people live healthier lives.

Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, supports independently incorporated Planned Parenthood affiliates that operate health centers across the United States. PPFA also educates the public and advocates on issues related to sexual and reproductive health. Planned Parenthood Action Fund, created as PPFA’s advocacy arm, is a separate 501(c)(4) nonprofit membership organization. It carries out advocacy, educational efforts, and limited electoral work, including grassroots organizing, legislative advocacy, and voter education aligned with the Planned Parenthood mission. Planned Parenthood Votes (PPVotes), a Super PAC registered with the Federal Election Commission, works to elect candidates who strongly support sexual and reproductive health and rights through independent expenditures in federal and permitted state elections.

PPFA and the Planned Parenthood Action Fund are seeking a politically knowledgeable, detail-oriented Political Research Specialist. This position reports to the Director of Advocacy Research within the Research & Policy department. The Advocacy Research team conducts opposition research, tracks misinformation and disinformation, and studies political actors involved in sexual and reproductive health and abortion access. The team supports both advocacy initiatives for PPFA and the Action Fund, as well as electoral efforts for the Action Fund and PPVotes.

This role is scheduled to begin in March 2026 and conclude in December 2026.

Purpose:
• The Political Research Specialist will support research needs for advocacy and political campaigns across departments and local Planned Parenthood organizations to ensure materials are accurate and strategically useful.

Engagement:
• Help national and local Planned Parenthood organizations understand the evolving political environment surrounding abortion and provide the research needed to turn that insight into policy successes at federal and state levels. Similarly, support the Action Fund and PPVotes in using political insights to advance electoral goals.
• Collect and share research on the positions and statements of elected officials and political figures related to sexual and reproductive health.
• Represent the Research and Insights team in external research-related groups and foster relationships with political research partners.
• Document program achievements for internal and external audiences, including donors.

Delivery:
• Offer research and fact-checking for major campaigns, including PPFA and Action Fund policy initiatives and the Action Fund and PPVotes’ electoral activities.
• Monitor statements from political opponents—such as officials, organizations, and candidates—on sexual and reproductive health issues.
• Build and maintain research files for Action Fund and PPVotes on elections, including federal and state legislators, key nominees, and ballot measures.
• Gather, interpret, and analyze public and internal polling on elected officials, candidates, and mission-related issues.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required
• 2–3 years of relevant professional experience in politics, campaigns, or advocacy research
• Experience or academic background in research methods within political or advocacy environments
• Familiarity with survey research and analysis
• Strong attention to detail in fact-checking
• Confidence in providing guidance and managing across teams during fact-checking processes
• Ability to independently manage complex projects involving multiple stakeholders and competing priorities
• Skill in translating complex information for nontechnical audiences
• Adaptability and willingness to learn quickly
• Commitment to Planned Parenthood’s mission, vision, and values

Salary range: $60,000–$65,000 per year

Travel: 0–10% domestic

Planned Parenthood’s cultural ethos, “In This Together,” reflects its dedication to creating a workplace where employees feel they belong, continue learning, and are recognized for their contributions.

PPFA participates in E-Verify and is an equal opportunity employer. It is committed to a workplace free from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic. PPFA strives to maintain a dynamic environment grounded in diversity, inclusion, respect, integrity, customer focus, and innovation.