Planned Parenthood is the nation’s leading provider and advocate of accessible, high‑quality sexual and reproductive health care for all, and the country’s largest source of sex education. Its organizations deliver 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 offers reliable, accurate information that helps people make informed choices about their health. This work is driven by a commitment to helping individuals lead healthier lives.

Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, supports independently incorporated Planned Parenthood affiliates that run health centers across the United States. PPFA also educates the public and advocates on sexual and reproductive health issues. Planned Parenthood Action Fund, established as PPFA’s advocacy arm, is a separate membership‑based 501(c)(4) nonprofit. It engages in advocacy, educational initiatives, and limited electoral activity, including community organizing, legislative advocacy, and voter education aligned with Planned Parenthood’s 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 permitted independent spending in federal and state races.

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

This position is set to begin in March 2026 and end in December 2026.

Purpose:
• The Political Research Specialist will support research needs for advocacy and policy campaigns across various departments and local Planned Parenthood organizations, ensuring materials are accurate and strategically effective.

Engagement:
• Help national and local Planned Parenthood organizations understand the evolving political landscape around abortion and provide the research needed to translate that understanding into policy gains at the federal and state levels. Similarly, support Action Fund and PPVotes in leveraging political information to advance their electoral goals.
• Gather and share research on the positions and statements of elected officials and political figures related to sexual and reproductive health.
• Represent the Research and Analysis team in external research‑related groups and build relationships with partners in political research.
• Document program accomplishments for internal and external audiences, including donors.

Delivery:
• Produce research and fact‑checking for major campaigns, including PPFA and Action Fund policy initiatives as well as the electoral activities of Action Fund and PPVotes.
• Monitor statements made by 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 lawmakers, key nominees, and ballot measures.
• Collect, 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
• Two to three years of relevant professional experience in politics, campaigns, or advocacy research
• Experience or academic background in research methods within political or advocacy settings
• Familiarity with polling research and analysis
• Strong attention to detail in fact‑checking
• Confidence in providing guidance and coordinating across teams during fact‑checking processes
• Ability to independently manage complex projects with multiple stakeholders and competing priorities
• Skill in translating complex information for nontechnical audiences
• Adaptability and a readiness 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 organizational culture, “In This Together,” underscores its commitment to creating a workplace where employees feel they belong, continue to grow, and are recognized for their contributions.

PPFA participates in E‑Verify and is an equal opportunity employer. The organization is committed to maintaining 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 rooted in diversity, inclusion, respect, integrity, user‑centered service, and innovation.