Now Hiring: Director of Outreach

At Empower, we have a big vision for Mississippi, and we believe in the dignity, value, and potential of every Mississippian. We work on behalf of people who face barriers in their pursuit of a meaningful life here in the Magnolia State. Our unique approach is to identify specific problems, find solutions, and work with lawmakers and local leaders to implement those solutions in the areas of education, work, and justice, to unleash Mississippi to achieve its full potential.

We are in search for a full-time Director of Outreach to lead Empower’s efforts to build community relationships and expand the organization’s presence and influence across the state. This role is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive outreach strategy, cultivating and managing relationships with external stakeholders, and growing our Ambassador Program—a network of engaged citizens who help advance Empower’s mission in their communities.

The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker and gifted communicator with a proven track record of relationship-building, community engagement, and program development.

Responsibilities

• Strategy Development: Design and implement a comprehensive outreach strategy aligned with the organization’s mission and goals.
• Relationship Cultivation: Build and maintain strong relationships with community leaders, partners, and key stakeholders across Mississippi.
• Ambassador Program Leadership: Recruit, train, and support members of the Empower Ambassador Program; design programming and resources to enhance engagement.
• Event Coordination: Organize and attend community events, forums, and speaking engagements to amplify Empower Mississippi’s message and expand its reach.
• Communications Support: Contribute to content development for newsletters, outreach materials, and social media. Assist with storytelling and message refinement.
• Cross-Team Collaboration: Work closely with policy, communications, and development teams to align outreach efforts with organizational priorities.
• Reporting & Evaluation: Track outreach activities and measure program success. Provide regular reports to leadership.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in outreach, community engagement, or stakeholder relations (3–5 years preferred).
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with a talent for storytelling and message clarity.
• Demonstrated ability to build trust and cultivate meaningful, long-term relationships.
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Experience with public speaking and/or leading group trainings or workshops.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and mission-driven with a collaborative spirit.
• Graphic design and/or content creation skills a plus (Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, etc.).
• Familiarity with Mississippi’s civic landscape or previous work in the state is a strong advantage.

Compensation and Benefits

Empower Mississippi offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, paid leave, and opportunities for professional development.

How to Apply          

Qualified candidates should submit the following application materials:

• Résumé
• Cover letter detailing:
  • Interest in the position and a compelling case for why the applicant is a good fit for Empower
  • Salary requirements

Materials should be emailed in one PDF document to Gina Metzger at gina@empowerms.org.