Mississippi State Fair Jobs in Ridgeland, MS (NOW HIRING)

Position Announcement: Director of Policy and Advocacy

Position Overview:

The Director of Policy and Advocacy at the Mississippi Black Women's Roundtable (MS BWR) will serve as the driving force behind the Mississippi Women's Economic Security Initiative (MWESI), advancing a bold and strategic policy agenda that centers the lived experiences of Black women across Mississippi. The Director of Policy and Advocacy will champion MWESI's vision by shaping, guiding, and executing advocacy strategies that dismantle systemic barriers, expand economic opportunity, and influence policies that directly impact the economic security and well-being of Black women and their families.

The Director plays a crucial leadership role in promoting economic security, fair pay, and access to economic opportunities for women, with a specific focus on racial and gender equity. This role requires a deep understanding of state and federal policy and is a keen strategist in harnessing the advocacy power to influence real systemic change in Mississippi. In addition to leading policy efforts, the Director of Policy and Advocacy must understand the alignment of economic programs as a ladder towards economic security and power building. This position reports directly to the Deputy Director of Programs and Strategy.

Key Responsibilities:

Policy and Advocacy Agenda Development

• Drive the development and implementation of a comprehensive policy agenda on women's economic security, emphasizing workplace justice, healthcare, childcare, and safety net policies.
• Conduct rigorous research, analyze policy proposals, and offer evidence-based recommendations that address gender inequities and racial disparities.
• Advocate for policy changes by forging relationships with legislators, policymakers, and government agencies, while leveraging strategic alliances and partnerships.
• Work closely with the Director of Civic Engagement and Voting Rights to develop and implement strategies to enhance civic leadership, mobilization, and policy advocacy among black and brown women throughout Mississippi.

Network Building and Leadership Development

• Strengthen and expand MWESI's statewide network of individuals, organizations, and leaders committed to women's economic security.
• Foster deep connections with grassroots organizers, community leaders, and women's organizations across urban and rural Mississippi.
• Cultivate a robust leadership infrastructure that empowers black and brown women to take on influential roles and advocate for economic justice.

Communications and Collaboration

• Work with the Director of Communications to develop compelling communications materials, including policy briefs, reports, and public presentations, to effectively communicate MWESI's policy agenda and engage stakeholders.

• Collaborate with partners and stakeholders to coordinate joint advocacy efforts, share resources, and amplify the collective voice of women advocating for economic justice.
• Utilize diverse communication channels, including traditional and social media, to raise awareness about MWESI's initiatives and mobilize support for policy changes.
• Demonstrate ongoing collaboration across MS BWR's body of work to help ensure we achieve the greatest impact from our collective efforts.

Strategic Leadership and Management

• Provide the thoughtful leadership necessary to onboard and manage an impactful initiative team.
• Manage the MWESI budget and resources in alignment with the organization's operating budget.
• Work in partnership with the Deputy Directors for Programs and Strategy and Operations and

Development to complete proposal development and support funding strategy.

• Cultivate ideas and demonstrate big picture strategic thinking to drive actions that lead to the desired MWESI outcomes.
• Represent the Mississippi Black Women's Roundtable at meetings and conferences.

Supervision and Mentorship:

• Provide leadership, guidance, and professional development opportunities for economic security staff and interns, ensuring alignment with MS BWR's mission and fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations, offer constructive feedback, and create individualized development plans to enhance skills and career growth of team members.

Advancing the Mission of Economic Justice and Power Building

• Support initiatives aimed at improving economic opportunities and outcomes for Black women.
• Work with MS BWR community outreach team to identify and address barriers to power building and economic justice for Black women.
• Participate in advocacy efforts to influence policy changes at local, state, and national levels.
• Demonstrate a deep commitment to the mission and values of MS BWR, including racial, economic, and social justice.
• Maintain an understanding of and respect for the unique challenges and strengths of Black communities in Mississippi.
• Support voter education and registration efforts, ensuring community members are informed and empowered.
• Demonstrate a deep commitment to the mission and values of MS BWR, including racial, economic, and social justice.
• Demonstrate compliance with the administrative and operational requirements of the organization.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required. Master's degree or law degree preferred.
• A minimum of five (5) years of management experience leading a small staff team and/or managing a large project/program.
• Knowledge and training in racial and gender equity as well as systems change strategy.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and leading strategic initiatives and campaigns at the local, state or federal level.
• Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse communities and stakeholders including coalitions.
• Strong grounding in community organizing principles, including volunteer management, outreach strategy, and team development.
• Strong leadership skills, with the ability to motivate and mobilize people to take action.
• The ability to work effectively with a variety of stakeholders to advance economic justice.
• Knowledge of policy making, legislative processes, and policies that impact the economic mobility of black and brown women and families.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

COMPENSATION

The annual salary range for this position is $70,000.00 to $80,000.00, based on experience and qualifications. Employees also have access to comprehensive health coverage, professional development opportunities, and a generous holiday and vacation schedule designed to support wellness and life balance.

SUBMISSION

Please submit your resume and cover letter. Submissions will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so candidates are encouraged to apply by July 31, 2026, for priority consideration.

ABOUT MS BWR

The Mississippi Black Women's Roundtable (MS BWR) is an organization committed to advancing economic justice, gender equity, and racial justice for Black women across the state. Guided by values of integrity, inclusivity, and community-centered leadership, MS BWR works to amplify the voices of Black women and their families through advocacy, policy change, and collaboration. As an employer, MS BWR is dedicated to fostering a workplace that reflects its mission, promoting respect, transparency, and equity both within the organization and in the communities it serves.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

MS BWR provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.