Director of Policy and Advocacy

Position Announcement

Director of Policy and Advocacy

The Director of Policy and Advocacy at the Mississippi Black Women’s Roundtable (MS BWR) will serve as the driving force behind the Mississippi Women’s Economic Security Initiative (MWESI), advancing a bold and strategic policy agenda that centers the lived experiences of Black women across Mississippi. The Director of Policy and Advocacy will champion MWESI’s vision by shaping, guiding, and executing advocacy strategies that dismantle systemic barriers, expand economic opportunity, and influence policies that directly impact the economic security and well‑being of Black women and their families.

The Director plays a crucial leadership role in promoting economic security, fair pay, and access to economic opportunities for women, with a specific focus on racial and gender equity. This role requires a deep understanding of state and federal policy and is a keen strategist in harnessing the advocacy power to influence real systemic change in Mississippi. In addition to leading policy efforts, the Director of Policy and Advocacy must understand the alignment of economic programs as a ladder toward economic security and power building.

This position reports directly to the Deputy Director of Programs and Strategy.

• Drive the development and implementation of a comprehensive policy agenda on women's economic security, emphasizing workplace justice, healthcare, childcare, and safety net policies.
• Conduct rigorous research, analyze policy proposals, and offer evidence-based recommendations that address gender inequities and racial disparities.
• Advocate for policy changes by forging relationships with legislators, policymakers, and government agencies, while leveraging strategic alliances and partnerships.
• Work closely with the Director of Civic Engagement and Voting Rights to develop and implement strategies to enhance civic leadership, mobilization, and policy advocacy among black and brown women throughout Mississippi.

• Strengthen and expand MWESI’s statewide network of individuals, organizations, and leaders committed to women's economic security.
• Foster deep connections with grassroots organizers, community leaders, and women's organizations across urban and rural Mississippi.
• Cultivate a robust leadership infrastructure that empowers black and brown women to take on influential roles and advocate for economic justice.

• Work with the Director of Communications to develop compelling communications materials, including policy briefs, reports, and public presentations, to effectively communicate MWESI's policy agenda and engage stakeholders.
• Collaborate with partners and stakeholders to coordinate joint advocacy efforts, share resources, and amplify the collective voice of women advocating for economic justice.
• Utilize diverse communication channels, including traditional and social media, to raise awareness about MWESI's initiatives and mobilize support for policy changes.
• Demonstrate ongoing collaboration across MS BWR’s body of work to help ensure we achieve the greatest impact from our collective efforts.

• Provide the thoughtful leadership necessary to onboard and manage an impactful initiative team.
• Manage the MWESI budget and resources in alignment with the organization’s operating budget.
• Work in partnership with the Deputy Directors for Programs and Strategy and Operations and Development to complete proposal development and support funding strategy.
• Cultivate ideas and demonstrate big picture strategic thinking to drive actions that lead to the desired MWESI outcomes.
• Represent the Mississippi Black Women’s Roundtable at meetings and conferences.

• Provide leadership, guidance, and professional development opportunities for economic security staff and interns, ensuring alignment with MS BWR’s mission and fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment.
• Conduct regular performance evaluations, offer constructive feedback, and create individualized development plans to enhance…