Mississippi Center for Justice President and Chief Executive Officer

CANDIDATE PROFILE

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the President and CEO (P/CEO) manages all aspects of the Mississippi Center for Justice’s (MCJ) administration and operations, ensures financial sustainability, and advances the growth and innovation of MCJ’s advocacy initiatives and strategic plan. Other key duties include fundraising, marketing, and community outreach. The position reports directly to the Board of Directors (Board).

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Board of Directors: Work with the Board to fulfill MCJ’s mission.

 Lead MCJ in a manner that supports and guides the organization’s mission as defined by the Board.

 Cultivate and maintain a strong and transparent working relationship with the Board; ensure open communication about financial, programmatic, and operational performance through comprehensive and regular reporting to executive, finance, development, governance, audit, and advocacy committees.

 Work with each Board committee to implement MCJ’s objectives in each area of committee responsibility.

Financial Performance and Viability: Ensure the organization’s fiscal health

and integrity.

 Oversee the organization’s financial health, including budgeting, financial reporting, and resource allocation. Ensure overall fiscal responsibility and sustainability.

 Work with the DOFA and director of operations/general counsel (DOO/GC) to establish, implement, and monitor internal controls (policies and procedures) to ensure transparency to prevent fraud, errors, and mismanagement of funds.

Strategic Vision and Leadership: Work with the board and staff to ensure coordination and alignment of all organization activities to strategic direction in community impact, resource development, and staff alignment to fulfill the mission through programs, strategic planning, and community outreach.

 Execute strategic planning to ensure that MCJ can successfully fulfill the organization’s mission into the future and for implementing MCJ’s programs that carry out that mission.

 Enhance MCJ’s image by being active and visible in the community and working closely with other professional, civic, and private organizations.

 Provide inspirational leadership and direction to all staff and ensure the continued development and management of a professional and efficient organization; establish effective decision-making processes that will enable MCJ to achieve its long- and short-term goals and objectives.

Organization Operations: Oversee and implement appropriate resources to ensure MCJ’s appropriate operations.

 Responsible for the hiring and retention of competent, qualified staff.

 Recruit, hire, and manage the director of operations and general counsel (DOO/GC), HR consultants, technology vendors, and other operational support required to enlarge or enhance organizational capacity.

 Develop and administer personnel policies and procedures, including recruiting, hiring, evaluating, developing, disciplining, and terminating personnel with the support of an external HR consultant and DOO/GC.

Development and Fundraising: Lead fundraising campaigns, donor relations, and strategic development efforts to help secure resources to advance the organization’s mission.

 Supported by development staff and consultants, develop and implement fundraising systems and strategies that enable the organization to meet its financial development goals and carry out its programs and general operations.

 Lead and participate in cultivating, soliciting, and recognizing current and potential donors with the support of board members, development staff, and external development consultants.

Communications: Managing communication strategies and policies.

 Develop and execute the organization’s communication strategies with the support of internal and external communications teams.

 Identify and respond to relevant local, state, and federal issues through press conferences, press releases, op-eds, social media, and blogs.

 Serve as MCJ’s primary spokesperson and work diligently to promote the organization through increased visibility, funding, and community engagement with the support of the Board and staff.

Advocacy and Policy: Oversee and support the creation and delivery of strategic advocacy to support the mission.

 Meet annually with each campaign director and director of advocacy and policy (DAP) to review campaign advocacy and strategic development plans to ensure alignment with the mission and financial capacity to support strategies and personnel.

 Collaborate with campaign directors and DAP as a thought partner to determine new areas of advocacy and litigation.

 Develop advocacy projects consistent with the organization’s mission in emergencies to support community needs and pursue funding streams to support the same.

Administrative: Demonstrate leadership values and integrity by actively engaging with staff in day-to-day operations.

 Organize, engage, and manage the leadership team (DOO/GC, DFA, DAP, DP, DOC).

 Supervise and support the Director of Heirs’ Property Campaign, Education Policy Team, Civic Engagement and Government Accountability Project, and Broadband Advocacy Project.

 Maintain an open-door policy for all staff.

 Actively provide professional development opportunities for the growth of all staff

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Educational Background

 A master’s degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Human Rights or a related post graduate degree required. Juris Doctor (JD) preferred but not required.

Professional Credentials

 License to practice law a plus but not required. Nonprofit leaders, seasoned social justice advocates, and policy leaders encouraged to apply.

Professional Experience

 Minimum 8 years of senior leadership experience directly reflective of the responsibilities of this position.

 Experience in policy advocacy, legal strategy, and legislative processes.

 Extensive experience in strategy, planning, and execution.

Leadership Skills

 Strong visionary leadership with the ability to inspire and motivate staff, volunteers, and stakeholders.

 Demonstrated ability to lead and manage a diverse team.

Commitment to Justice

 Deep understanding of and commitment to social justice issues, particularly those affecting Mississippi.

 Experience working with under resourced communities and communities of color.

Grounding in Mississippi Context

 Understanding of the political and legal landscape of the south, especially Mississippi.

 Proven strategies for building and maintaining strategic relationships in Mississippi, including community leaders, policymakers, legal professionals and other nonprofit organizations.

Fundraising and Financial Acumen

 Demonstrated success in securing and managing funds from diverse sources, including individual donors, foundations, and government grants.

 Strong financial management skills with experience in budgeting and financial reporting.

Communication Skills

 Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.

 Ability to represent the organization effectively to the public, media, and key stakeholders.

Personal Attributes

 Integrity, transparency, and a commitment to ethical leadership.

 Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to navigate complex challenges.

COMPENSATION

The Mississippi Center for Justice offers a competitive compensation package that demonstrates our commitment to our employees and to the greater mission towards justice. The compensation offered is more than just a package, it is part of our philosophy. Compensation includes:

 Annual salary range beginning at $191K with final salary based on experience.

 A 403(b) plan with an option for employer contributions.

 Comprehensive health insurance coverage including medical, dental, and vision coverage.

 Cafeteria Plan that includes Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for Medical and/or Dependent Care.

 Short-Term Disability.

 Life insurance coverage up to $50,000.

 Monthly cellular phone allowance.

Additional Benefits

 Paid Time Off (PTO): Generous paid time off, including vacation days, sick leave, and personal days.

 Holiday Closures: Paid holidays consistent with the office closure schedule.

 Professional Development: Opportunities for professional development, including funding for conferences, seminars, and continuing education courses.

 Relocation Assistance: Relocation assistance for candidates moving from outside the area, including a stipend to support moving expenses.