Program Director Jobs in Meridian, MS (NOW HIRING)

Director of Development
Position Overview
The Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience (The MAX) seeks a dynamic, relationship-driven fundraising leader to serve as its primary development professional. Reporting to the President + CEO, this individual will lead all philanthropic efforts, expand contributed revenue, strengthen fundraising infrastructure, and help position the organization for future campaign success.
The MAX is entering an exciting period of growth, with plans to increase annual income by approximately $1.5 million in new contributed revenue over the next three years. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of one of Mississippi's premier cultural institutions.
Essential Duties
Fundraising Strategy & Execution
• Develop and implement a comprehensive annual development plan in partnership with the President + CEO and leadership team to achieve annual revenue goals and prepare the organization for future campaign success through ongoing assessment of campaign readiness.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individual, corporate, foundation, and government donors, including managing a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors with giving capacity of $10,000 or more.
• Develop and advance strategies for planned giving and endowment growth.
Donor Cultivation & Stewardship
• Partner closely with the President + CEO, strategically leveraging their relationships and time to maximize fundraising effectiveness.
• Provide strategic oversight and management of The MAX's membership program, ensuring meaningful and ongoing donor engagement.
• Develop donor proposals, stewardship reports, impact communications, and recognition strategies.
• Represent The MAX at statewide community events and serve as an ambassador for the organization throughout Mississippi and the region.
Board & Volunteer Engagement
• Partner with the Board of Directors and organizational leaders to strengthen engagement in fundraising efforts by equipping board members, volunteers, and staff with the tools, training, and resources needed to effectively identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors and prospects.
• Prepare fundraising reports, pipeline updates, and development metrics for leadership and board review.
Grant Writing & Institutional Giving
• Identify, pursue, and secure grant opportunities from foundations, corporations, and government agencies through compelling proposals and supporting materials.
• Ensure compliance with grant requirements through timely reporting and stewardship.
Collaboration & Organizational Leadership
• Collaborate across the organization to align fundraising with strategic priorities and foster a culture of philanthropy through strong staff, board, and volunteer partnerships.
Data Management & Reporting
• Oversee CRM data management and leverage reporting and dashboards to monitor fundraising performance and inform strategic decision-making.
Schedule & Location
This full-time position offers flexibility regarding residence location within Mississippi or the surrounding region. Significant travel (up to 10 days a month) to Meridian and throughout the state, particularly during the first year, will be expected to support immersion in The MAX's mission, programs, and community relationships. Frequent engagement with staff, donors, board members, artists, and community stakeholders, as well as occasional evening and weekend event attendance, will be essential to success.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications
• Passion for arts, culture, education, and storytelling, along with a genuine appreciation for Mississippi's unique history, artistic legacy, and the mission of The MAX.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible fundraising experience with demonstrated success in major gifts, donor relations, and revenue growth.
• Proven track record of securing major gifts ($10k+) and meeting or exceeding fundraising goals.
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills, with a demonstrated ability to inspire and engage donors, board members, volunteers, and community leaders.
• Experience utilizing CRM systems such as Salesforce, Raiser's Edge, DonorPerfect, Versai, or similar platforms.
• Ability to think strategically while also executing tactically in a fast-paced environment.
Preferred Qualifications
• Experience in arts, culture, education, or other mission-driven organizations.
• Experience in the essential duties listed above, including demonstrated success managing major donor portfolios, securing five- and six-figure gifts, leading campaign planning and readiness efforts, advancing planned and endowment giving, and partnering with boards and volunteer leaders.
• Demonstrated success building fundraising infrastructure and systems to support organizational growth.
• Knowledge of philanthropic trends and the Mississippi philanthropic landscape.
• Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation.
Compensation & Benefits
The salary range for this position is $85,000-$105,000 annually, commensurate with experience.
The MAX offers a competitive benefits package that includes:
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Cell phone stipend
• Paid time off and holidays
• Optional retirement plan
• Flexible scheduling arrangements
• Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates
• Additional incentive opportunities may be available based on organizational goals and performance
Equal Opportunity Statement
The Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience values diverse perspectives and experiences and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds and experiences to apply.
About The MAX
The Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience (The MAX) is an arts and cultural center in downtown Meridian that celebrates Mississippi's remarkable creative legacy through interactive exhibits, workshops, and performances. The facility features a two-story Hall of Fame honoring the state's iconic artists, more than 20,000 square feet of exhibit and studio space, and dynamic performance venues that inspire visitors with Mississippi's global influence on music, literature, art, and entertainment. Learn more at www.msarts.org.
Application Process
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and interested candidates are encouraged to apply at their earliest convenience. The position will remain open until filled; however, applications received by August 31, 2026, will receive priority consideration.
The anticipated interview process is as follows:
1. Submission of application materials.
2. Initial phone screening with Arthur Alley Search Solutions.
3. Virtual interview with Arthur Alley Search Solutions.
4. Preliminary interview with The MAX leadership team.
5. Final in person interview with The MAX leadership team.