Deputy Director, Mississippi State Office

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: Partners with the State Director to advance SPLC’s statewide priorities, develops staff, builds strong teams, and fosters a collaborative, results-oriented culture.
• Trusted and strategic relationship-builder: Strengthens coalitions with policymakers, advocates, funders, and community leaders to drive impact.
• Strategist: 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: 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.

What You’ll Do

• Assist: Help 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. This includes collaborating on strategic planning and supporting the leadership of a results-driven statewide team.
• Support: Identify, develop, and maintain collaborative relationships with key stakeholders, partner organizations, policymakers, and community leaders to build capacity and advance shared solutions.
• Supervise: Manage designated staff members, including recruiting, training, and developing staff to support organizational goals and maintain a culture of learning.
• Lead: Lead or co-lead specific campaigns, initiatives, or program areas supporting multi-strategy issue projects within SPLC’s flexible organizational model.
• Develop: Manage components of the state office budget while ensuring compliance with lobbying activities and all state and local ethical rules.
• Support Communication: Collaborate with SPLC Communications staff to ensure messaging is strategic and aligned with organizing work; serve as backup spokesperson for SPLC in Mississippi when designated.
• Work Collaboratively: Coordinate with departments to ensure effective oversight of the Jackson office systems and protocols. Promote employee engagement and professional development.
• Uphold JEDI principles: Seek diverse collaborators and partners that deliver genuine, authentic, and impactful work aligned with the Center’s mission.
• Perform: Other duties as required or assigned within the scope of this job classification.

Minimum Qualifications

We are committed to equitable hiring practices, therefore you must meet the minimum qualifications to be considered for the role.

• 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; and
• High school diploma or GED.

Compensation & Benefits

This is an exempt role, and the minimum starting salary is $148,500 annually. Salary is commensurate with experience.

Where & How You’ll Work

This role has the following work designation options:

• Local Remote: Will work remotely but is expected to attend work-related activities that occur at the SPLC offices or in the states in which the SPLC operates.
• Telework: Will work at an SPLC office at least three days per week and may work two days per week from an alternative work location.

The role will work in Mississippi 100% of the time, primarily focused on central and north or south Mississippi. This position will report to the Mississippi State Director.

Other Special Considerations

This job is performed under general office conditions and is not subject to any strenuous physical demands or dangerous conditions. The Deputy Director, Mississippi State Office must be able to work some evenings and weekends.

Learn more here