The SPLC is seeking a Deputy Director for the Mississippi State Office who is passionate about social justice! 

The Deputy State Director will serve as the second-in-command for SPLC's Mississippi State Office, working closely with the State Director to implement the Center's mission and strategic impact goals throughout Mississippi. This position will provide critical leadership support for state-based operations while developing expertise to advance within SPLC's leadership structure.

As a key member of the Mississippi leadership team, the Deputy State Director will assist in managing local movement-focused staff, support strategic planning and implementation, and help maintain relationships with legal, policy, and advocacy groups, community organizations, and other key allies to build capacity and advance solutions that dismantle systems of oppression and foster a culture that allows all residents to thrive.

The Deputy State Director will play a vital role in the day-to-day operations of the Jackson office, supporting the development of collaborative, collegial, and productive work culture while ensuring continuity of operations and strategic direction. 

Who You Are

Mission-driven leader who partners with the State Director to advance SPLC's statewide priorities, and develops staff, builds strong teams, and fosters a collaborative, results-oriented culture.

Trusted and strategic relationship-builder who strengthens coalitions with policymakers, advocates, funders, and community leaders to drive impact.

Strategist who leads or supports multi-strategy initiatives and issue-based work while allowing for others to have a seat at the table and bring their own unique blend of creativity and know-how.

Pro-active, data-informed thinker who supports both big picture thinking and living in the details to help drive SPLC's mission forward.

Agile leader able to pivot as needs arise while helping develop your team by cultivating their innate talents and helping them navigate through challenges.

Mission, Vision & Values Alignment. Demonstrates an understanding of and a commitment to SPLC's mission, vision and values

What You'll Do

Assist in developing, implementing, and monitoring SPLC state-based strategies and goals in alignment with local and regional priorities while serving as acting State Director in the absence of the State Director to ensure continuity of operations and decision-making. This includes collaborating on strategic planning initiatives, supporting the leadership of a results-driven statewide team of policy, legal, communication, and organizing professionals, and helping to design and manage Mississippi state-based strategies, initiatives, and programs that advance SPLC's mission throughout the state.

Support the identification, development, and maintenance of collaborative relationships with key stakeholders, partner organizations, policymakers, opinion leaders, funding partners, and community leaders to build capacity, collaborate, and advance shared solutions and strategies.

Supervise designated staff members and provide direct management support, including recruiting, training, and developing staff to support organizational strategies, goals, and objectives that help create and maintain a culture of learning and collaboration.

Lead or co-lead specific campaigns, initiatives, or program areas supporting multi-strategy issue projects and campaigns within SPLC's flexible organizational model.

Develop and manage components of the state office budget while helping to ensure compliance with lobbying activities and all state and local lobbying and ethical rules and requirements.

Support communication strategies for Mississippi campaigns, programs, and projects in collaboration with SPLC Communications staff to ensure that messaging is strategic and aligned with organizing work and policy advocacy efforts and serve as backup spokesperson for SPLC in Mississippi when designated.

Work collaboratively with departments and other relevant Center staff to ensure effective oversight and functioning of the Jackson, Mississippi office systems, policies, and protocols. Support the development and implementation of initiatives and programs for all staff located in the Jackson Office to elevate the Center's values, promote employee engagement, and build team synergy while enhancing opportunities for professional development.

Uphold our JEDI principles by seeking diverse collaborators and partners that can deliver genuine, authentic and impactful work while ensuring their contributions are directed towards the shared mission, vision and values of the center and the Mississippi State Office goals.

Perform other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties in this job classification

Minimum Qualifications 

We are committed to equitable hiring practices, therefore you must meet the minimum qualifications to be considered for the role.

• Minimum seven years of experience in legal, policy advocacy, or social justice/civil rights work with demonstrated relationships within Mississippi's movement ecosystem;
• Minimum of five years management or supervisory experience with professional staff, including performance management and team development; and
• High school diploma or GED.

Compensation & Benefits

This is an exempt role, and the minimum starting salary is $148,500 annually. Salary is commensurate with experience. 

Click here to view the benefits available to SPLC staff.

Where & How You'll Work 

This role has the following work designation options:

• Local Remote: Will work remotely but is expected to attend work-related activities that occur at the SPLC offices or in the states in which the SPLC operates.
• Telework: Will work at an SPLC office at least three days per week and may work two days per week from an alternative work location.
• The role will work in Mississippi 100% of the time working statewide but primarily focused on central and north or south Mississippi.
• This position will report to the Mississippi State Director.

Other Special Considerations 

This job is performed under general office conditions and is not subject to any strenuous physical demands or dangerous conditions. The Deputy Director, Mississippi State Office must be able to work some evenings and weekends.

Disclaimer:

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee in this position. These statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of a person in this position.

An Equal-Opportunity Employer with a Commitment to Diversity

Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and as an organization committed to diversity and the perspective of all voices, we consider applicants equally without regard to age, caregiver status, color, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, marital status, national origin, on the basis of genetic information, political affiliation, pregnancy, or veteran status.