Deputy Director, Mississippi State Office

Southern Poverty Law Center•Jackson, MS

16d•$148,500•Hybrid

About The Position

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

Requirements

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
High school diploma or GED

Responsibilities

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