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 (PPAF) seek a National Director of Governance. This job reports to the Vice President of Governance in the Office of the President division of PPFA. The Governance team provides innovation and leadership to ensure that governance practices across Planned Parenthood governing entities at the National Boards and Membership level are conducted in a compliant manner that reflects the values and furthers the mission of Planned Parenthood.
The National Director of Governance provides strategic leadership and oversight in advancing governance excellence across Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) and the Planned Parenthood Action Fund (PPAF). This role is responsible for strengthening membership and board effectiveness through the development and implementation of governance standards, training, and best practices. The National Director works closely with the VP of National Governance, Executive Leadership Team, and Board Chairs to ensure strong alignment between governance structures and the organization’s mission, vision, and strategic goals. Serving as both an advisor and capacity builder, the role promotes accountability, transparency, and high performance across the Federation, fostering effective partnerships between key stakeholder groups.
- Develops new and innovative processes to advance the governance work, efficiency and compliance of the Federation Governance Committee and Board Governance Committee; develops and facilitates annual committee work plans and monthly meeting agendas to align with PPFA organizational strategic priorities
- Develops governance-focused forums, workshops, and learning opportunities for senior staff and volunteer leaders, strengthening governance literacy across the federation
- Oversees governance operations to ensure optimal use of technology platforms and accurate maintenance of governance records, archives, board actions, and overall compliance with bylaws and governing documents
- Provides oversight of national board and committee work plans against compliance and regulatory standards
- Supports the Vice President of Governance in advising PPFA’s executive and volunteer leadership on governance-related risks, challenges, and opportunities, ensuring informed decision-making at the highest levels
In order to successfully fulfill the duties of the role, the National Director of PPFA Governance, must collaborate with the highest level of key federation stakeholders to ensure that all governance standards and requirements are consistently adhered to.
- Partner with national board leaders, affiliate CEOs, and volunteer leadership to strengthen governance capacity and ensure alignment of volunteer leadership with governance requirements and organizational priorities
- Operationalizes membership and board governance policies that align with best industry practices, regulatory requirements, and PPFA’s governing documents
- Collaborates with executive leadership, OOP, and key stakeholders to ensure volunteer leadership engagement strategies align with organizational objectives. Act as a trusted advisor on federation and national board governance matters related to the interpretation of PPFA and Action Fund bylaws, committee charters, policies, and other governing documents
- Provides supervisory oversight to the Director of National Board Committees, Director of Governance Administration, and Manager, OOP Governance, and their respective work portfolios
- 10-12 years of relevant work experience
- Inspiring leader able to design and implement governance policies, charters, and committee frameworks; strategically plan and align committee work with organizational priorities; adherence to risk management and compliance oversight related to governance functions
- Ability to lead members of the National Governance team to execute on PPFA’s vision for governance excellence
- Skilled in cultivating productive relationships with board chairs, committee leaders, and executive staff; ability to influence without direct authority and manage complex dynamics among volunteer leaders
- Strong discretion, confidentiality, and judgment in handling sensitive governance matters
- Exceptional written and verbal communication for high-stakes board materials, proposals and presentations
- Strong project and program management for multiple committees with overlapping priorities
- Comfortable leading and working with multicultural workforce; sensitivity to and appreciation of differences in background, culture and experience
Travel: Quarterly Travel Required; Not to exceed more than 50%.
Planned Parenthood’s 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 is committed to creating a dynamic work environment that values diversity and inclusion, respect and integrity, customer focus, and innovation.
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