Job Description

ORGANIZATION: Mississippi First

ROLE: Executive Director

LOCATION: Jackson, MS

SALARY: $155,000 - $175,000

ABOUT MISSISSIPPI FIRST

​Mississippi First is a non-partisan, nonprofit education policy and advocacy organization founded in 2008 by Rachel Canter and Sanford Johnson, two lifelong friends driven by a bold vision: a Mississippi first in education nationally. Mississippi First’s mission is to champion transformative policy solutions, ensuring educational excellence for every Mississippi child.

Mississippi First advances the best education policy ideas through a comprehensive approach that includes conducting and analyzing research, advocating for effective policies and programs, and communicating our work to the greater public and stakeholders. Our efforts focus on key areas such as early education, public charter schools, teachers and leaders, and envisioning the future of schools in Mississippi.

Since its founding, Mississippi First has made significant contributions to education in the state, including establishing state-funded pre-K programs, developing high-quality public charter schools, and redesigning the state’s K-12 funding model. Values of engagement, results, collaboration, transparency, non-partisanship, accountability, and equity guide our work. ​

Mississippi First aims to inform and influence education policy to create a brighter future for all Mississippi children by sharing knowledge and insights through publications, presentations, and briefings. ​

Learn more about Mississippi First by:

ABOUT THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ROLE

Mississippi First seeks a visionary and strategic leader to sustain and expand the organization's influence, advocacy, and financial health. The Executive Director (ED) will build on the organization's strong foundation while navigating a significant leadership transition. The ED will oversee policy research, advocacy efforts, fundraising, organizational development, and internal operations while maintaining strong relationships with funders, legislators, and community stakeholders.

The successful candidate will:

• Set and Execute Mississippi First’s Strategic Vision: Work closely with Staff and the Board of Directors to define and implement the organization’s strategic direction. Maintain and expand Mississippi First’s role as a trusted voice in education policy and advocacy. Ensure the organization remains proactive in responding to legislative and political changes impacting education in Mississippi.
• Lead Fund Development & Ensure Financial Sustainability: Maintain and grow the organization's funding base, prioritizing long-term financial stability. Cultivate relationships with major funders and other key philanthropic partners. Develop and execute fundraising strategies, including major gifts, grants, and corporate partnerships. Oversee financial management, ensuring fiscal responsibility and sustainability.
• Oversee Policy & Advocacy Work: Provide deep expertise in education policy, ensuring Mississippi First remains a leader in shaping state education reform. Engage with legislators, policymakers, and education leaders to advance advocacy efforts. Represent Mississippi First in public forums, media, and coalition efforts. Guide research and policy staff, ensuring high-quality analysis and advocacy strategies.
• Build & Strengthen Organizational Leadership: Lead a mission-driven team while fostering a collaborative and equitable work culture. Hire and manage a senior leadership role to help balance internal and external responsibilities and ensure role sustainability. Strengthen internal systems to preserve institutional knowledge and leadership development.
• Engage the Board & Strengthen Governance: Collaborate with the Board of Directors to refine governance, strategic planning, and performance evaluation. Support board expansion efforts to enhance governance expertise and build fundraising capacity. Increase board involvement in organizational strategy and decision-making.

This opportunity is for you if you are:

• An Experienced Leader in Education Policy & Advocacy: You have deep expertise in education policy, particularly in Mississippi and the broader Southeast. You have successfully led policy initiatives and legislative advocacy efforts.
• A Strategic and Relationship-Driven Fundraiser: You have a strong track record in securing philanthropic commitments. You can maintain and expand key funder relationships while diversifying revenue streams. You have experience in financial management, budgeting, and ensuring organizational sustainability.
• A Skilled Communicator & Public Advocate: You are comfortable as the public face of an organization, engaging with media, policymakers, and community leaders. You can translate complex education policy issues into compelling narratives for different audiences. You excel at building and stewarding relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• A Mission-Driven, People-Oriented Leader: You are a collaborative and inspiring leader who builds trust with staff, board members, funders, and partners. You foster an inclusive and equitable workplace culture. You are a self-starter who thrives in complex environments.
• A Strong Organizational Leader: You have experience leading and managing teams, focusing on leadership development and staff culture. You are comfortable balancing internal operations with external advocacy and fundraising. You have led or been part of a small but high-impact nonprofit or policy organization.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications
• Salary range: $155,000 - $175,000 per year + performance-based bonus
• Comprehensive health coverage (medical, dental, vision)
• 401K retirement plan
• Generous paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick leave, and personal days
• Paid holidays
• Flexible work arrangements (hybrid/remote options when possible)

TO APPLY:

Please submit an online application to Work Renewed . If you have any questions, contact the Work Renewed team at hello@workrenewed.com .

Equal Opportunity Employer

Mississippi First is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and an equal-opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, prior record of arrest or conviction, citizenship status, current employment status, or caregiver status.

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