Work with Us

Mississippi First and RePublic Schools are launching a one-year residency program to prepare education leaders for administrative roles in charter schools. Through mentorship, training, and hands-on experience at RePublic Schools in Jackson, residents will develop the skills needed to lead strong school operations.

Benefits:

$50,000 salary + health, dental, vision, and 401k benefits

Hands-on experience in school operations

Leadership development and mentorship

We seek leaders who reflect their communities and bring a commitment to educational excellence.

Apply here: Mississippi First and RePublic Schools – Operations Residency

In September 2022, Mississippi First was awarded a 2022 Charter Schools Program (CSP) grant to help double the number of approved, high-quality charter schools in Mississippi. As part of this grant, Mississippi First is hiring several experts to support the improvement of charter school policy in Mississippi. We are requesting quotes for an expert in charter school performance frameworks to conduct a third-party evaluation of Mississippi’s performance framework as adopted by the Mississippi Charter School Authorizer Board (MCSAB).

Required Qualifications:

-Support for charter schools and their role in public education and respect for their unique legal status and autonomy.

-Experience working with charter school authorizers or other policymakers in designing or evaluating performance
frameworks.

-Expertise in each of the areas of the Mississippi performance framework (i.e., financial, academic, and operational).

-Knowledge of national best practices and nationally recognized principles for performance frameworks.

-The ability to work in collaboration with diverse groups of people with a positive, professional, and solutions-oriented
attitude.

Learn more and apply.

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 and 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.