Director of Civic Engagement and Voting Rights
10 days ago
Jackson
Job DescriptionSalary: $70,000 - $80,000 Position Announcement: Director of Civic Engagement and Voting Rights POSITION OVERVIEW The Director of Civic Engagement and Voting Rights will lead the Mississippi Black Womens Roundtables (MS BWR) efforts to engage, educate, and mobilize Black women and their communities around civic participation and voting rights. This position will develop and implement strategic initiatives to increase voter registration, turnout, and advocacy on issues affecting Black women in Mississippi. The Director of Civic Engagement and Voting Rights will work collaboratively with community partners, volunteers, and stakeholders to ensure the voices of Black women are heard and represented in the democratic process. Because this work is rooted in community, it may require some after-hours and weekend work and the ability to balance multiple pressing demands while meeting critical deadlines. This position reports directly to the Deputy Director of Programs and Strategy on-site in the MS BWR Jackson, Mississippi office. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Strategic Leadership • Serve as MS BWRs internal expert on civic engagement and organizing, bringing deep field knowledge and strategic insight., • Act as a thought partner to the Deputy Director of Programs and Strategy, offering subject-matter expertise while working collaboratively to guide organizational strategy., • Demonstrated experience building a statewide organizing strategy from concept to implementation, including developing the initial framework, designing field plans, training organizers, and leading full execution., • Develop and execute comprehensive civic engagement and voting rights strategies that align with MS-BWRs mission and goals., • Lead initiatives to increase voter registration, education, and turnout among Black women and their communities., • Monitor and respond to voting rights legislation and policies affecting Black communities in Mississippi., • Work in partnership with the Deputy Directors for Programs and Strategy and Operations and Development to complete proposal development and support funding strategy., • Demonstrate ongoing collaboration across MS BWRs body of work to help ensure we achieve the greatest impact from our collective efforts. 2. Community Engagement • Build and maintain strong, consistent in-community relationships with community organizations, faith-based groups, educational institutions, and other stakeholders through regular on-the-ground engagement and presence., • Demonstrate comfort and leadership in modeling field best practices during peak outreach periods, including supporting staff and partners with hands-on engagement when needed., • Organize and facilitate community events, workshops, and training sessions on voting rights and civic participation., • Mobilize volunteers and supporters for voter outreach and advocacy efforts. 3. Advocacy and Policy • Advocate for policies and practices that protect and expand voting rights, particularly for marginalized and disenfranchised communities., • Collaborate with policymakers, advocacy groups, and legal organizations to address barriers to voting and civic participation., • Provide testimony, write policy briefs, and develop advocacy materials to support MS-BWRs position on voting rights issues., • Work closely with the Director of Policy and Advocacy to develop and implement strategies to enhance civic leadership, mobilization, and policy advocacy among black and brown women throughout Mississippi. 4. Program Management • Oversee the planning, implementation, and evaluation of civic engagement programs and initiatives., • Ensure all civic engagement programming reflects a strong organizing foundation, including strategy development, field execution, and outcome tracking., • Manage budgets, grants, and reporting requirements for civic engagement projects., • Supervise and mentor staff, interns, and volunteers involved in civic engagement activities. 5. Data Utilization • Collect, record, and analyze data related to civic engagement and voting rights activities., • Use data insights to inform strategic decisions, program development, and advocacy efforts., • Ensure accurate data tracking and reporting for internal and external evaluations, including grants and funding requirements. 6. Communications and Collaboration • Work with the Director of Communications to develop compelling communications materials, that support voters rights and civic engagement, reports, and public presentations, to effectively communicate MWESI's mission-driven work to stakeholders., • Collaborate with partners and stakeholders to coordinate joint voters rights and civic engagement efforts, share resources, and amplify the collective voice of women advocating for economic justice., • Demonstrate ongoing collaboration across MS BWRs body of work to help ensure we achieve the greatest impact from our collective efforts. 7. Supervision and Mentorship • Provide clear guidance, coaching, and supervision to the Black Youth Vote Coordinator, ensuring their work aligns with statewide organizing goals., • Provide leadership, guidance, and professional development opportunities for staff and interns, ensuring alignment with MS BWRs 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., • Provide the thoughtful leadership necessary to onboard and manage an impactful team that includes volunteers, interns, and staff members., • Promote a team culture rooted in collaboration, mutual respect, and shared accountability. 8. Volunteer Management: • Work with the community outreach team to identify and train volunteers for various civic engagement activities and events, ensuring they are well-prepared and motivated to contribute effectively., • Develop and implement volunteer engagement strategies. Support the development of a robust volunteer network to support ongoing and future initiatives., • Demonstrate compliance with the administrative and operational requirements of the organization., • Additional duties as assigned. QUALIFICATIONS • Bachelors degree in political science, public administration, social work, or a related field, masters degree preferred., • Minimum of five (5) years of experience in civic engagement, community organizing, voting rights advocacy, or a related field., • Demonstrated experience in developing and leading strategic initiatives and campaigns., • Strong knowledge of voting rights issues, electoral processes, and policy advocacy., • Proven experience developing or executing large-scale or statewide organizing strategies., • Ability to work in a collaborative leadership model, offering expertise while partnering closely with executive leadership., • Strong grounding in organizing principles, including volunteer management, outreach strategy, and team development., • Excellent communication, public speaking, and interpersonal skills., • Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse communities and stakeholders., • Experience in program management, including budgeting, grant management, and staff supervision., • Proficiency in using technology and digital tools for organizing and communication, including VAN (Voter Access Network)., • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment. 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. Join our team and contribute to impactful work in an environment that values and invests in its employees. SUBMISSION:Please submit your resume and cover letter. Submissions will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so candidates are encouraged to apply by January 23, 2026, for priority consideration. ABOUT MS BWR The Mississippi Black Womens 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.