The Mississippi Center for Justice is working in partnership with SHARED Strategy Group LLC to conduct a national search for to fill the position of President/CEO. To view the full position announcement, visit https://bit.ly/3AsuIwK.
THE OPPORTUNITY FOR A TRUE CHAMPION OF JUSTICE
There is no greater time than this to step into a leadership role that can ignite hope and drive transformative progress,
advancing justice in a state that is positioned at the tipping point for positive change. The Mississippi Center for Justice
(MCJ) is seeking a champion to lead the organization as President and CEO in this next era of impact and victory. As MCJ
President and CEO, you will lead a team of passionate advocates and subject matter experts dedicated to advancing racial,
economic, and social justice; increasing access to quality education; protecting voters’ rights; advocating for safe
affordable housing and land ownership; eliminating health disparities; and enforcing the civil rights of marginalized
Mississippians. In addition to working within Mississippi, the MCJ President and CEO will be at the forefront of civil rights
work influencing justice-seeking efforts across the nation. Candidate must live in Mississippi and work primarily out of
our central office in Jackson, Mississippi.
JUSTICE-DRIVEN: OVERVIEW OF THE MISSISSIPPI CENTER FOR JUSTICE
MCJ was founded in 2003 by Martha Bergmark, a nationally recognized leader in the movement to fulfill America’s
promise of justice for all. The organization works to advance racial, social, and economic justice across the state through
an approach that combines legal services with policy advocacy, community education, and media outreach. The Center
partners with national, regional, and community organizations to develop and implement campaigns designed to create
better futures for low-income Mississippians and communities of color. Currently, MCJ operates out of three office hubs in
Jackson, Biloxi, and Indianola, Mississippi, with over 30 staff members and countless fellows, volunteers, and partners that
support issue specific work on an ongoing basis. For more information, visit www.mscenterforjustice.org.
POSITIONED FOR CONTINUED IMPACT
Since the 1960s, Mississippi has been at the epicenter of the Civil Rights Movement. With a 20-year legacy of
transformative legal advocacy, MCJ continues to use its expertise and resources towards the ongoing fight for justice and
human rights in the state. As the new President and CEO steps into this role, they are poised to lead an organization with
a proven track record, driven by a passionate team and an unyielding mission. The next phase in the organization’s work
offers meaningful opportunities to amplify this impact and build on the foundation of progress. Though grounded in
Mississippi, MCJ has boldly positioned itself to influence actions that impact the fight for justice nationally.
-MCJ is at the forefront of the fight to protect reproductive rights serving as co-counsel in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which the Supreme Court used to overturn Roe v. Wade.
-MCJ continues to advocate on behalf of Black Mississippi farmworkers against major Mississippi Delta agricultural and catfish farms filing lawsuits that led to the Department of Labor investigation resulting in multiple fines against Delta farms and recovered wages for nearly 200 workers.
-MCJ continues to fight against a restrictive democracy by protecting the first amendment and the right to vote in the state of Mississippi.
-MCJ has educated over 9,000 individuals on preventing or resolving heirs' property issues ultimately preserving generational land ownership in the south.
-MCJ joined a federal complaint against the state of Mississippi for its gross mishandling of the Jackson water crisis and history of discrimination against majority-Black cities in Mississippi.
-MCJ is working with court leaders and advocates to bring parity in Mississippi courts pushing for uniform practices for eviction and debt collection proceedings that give self-represented litigants a reasonable chance to defend themselves.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS
Educational Background
A master’s degree in public policy, Political Science, Human Rights or a related post graduate degree required.
Juris Doctor (JD) preferred but not required.
Professional Credentials
-License to practice law a plus but not required. Nonprofit leaders, seasoned social justice advocates, and policy leaders
encouraged to apply.
Professional Experience
-Minimum 8 years of senior leadership experience directly reflective of the responsibilities of this position.
-Experience in policy advocacy, legal strategy, and legislative processes.
-Extensive experience in strategy, planning, and execution.
Leadership Skills
-Strong visionary leadership with the ability to inspire and motivate staff, volunteers, and stakeholders.
-Demonstrated ability to lead and manage a diverse team.
Commitment to Justice
-Deep understanding of and commitment to social justice issues, particularly those affecting Mississippi.
-Experience working with under resourced communities and communities of color.
Grounding in Mississippi Context
-Understanding of the political and legal landscape of the south, especially Mississippi.
-Proven strategies for building and maintaining strategic relationships in Mississippi, including community leaders,
policymakers, legal professionals and other nonprofit organizations.
Fundraising and Financial Acumen
-Demonstrated success in securing and managing funds from diverse sources, including individual donors, foundations,
and government grants.
-Strong financial management skills with experience in budgeting and financial reporting.
Communication Skills
-Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
-Ability to represent the organization effectively to the public, media, and key stakeholders.
Personal Attributes
-Integrity, transparency, and a commitment to ethical leadership.
SUBMISSION
Qualified applicants should submit a resume and cover letter stating qualifications and chronological employment history.
For consideration or to recommend a potential candidate, please email [email protected]. Include in the subject line: MCJ President and CEO.
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