Hiring: Jackson Partnerships Coordinator – Mississippi Water Crisis

The role of the Jackson Partnerships Coordinator (Coordinator) will be to serve as a single point of contact for cross-sector response, helping to identify both emergency and longer-term needs across the city, identify and respond to potential funding sources, and direct resources appropriately. This Coordinator, housed within the Community Foundation for Mississippi, will work closely with the Foundation’s Board of Trustees, Water Crisis Advisory Group, Office of the Mayor, the Mississippi Alliance for Nonprofits and Philanthropy, and philanthropic partners to implement effective public-private initiatives and promote an organizational response and recovery structure for this work. The Coordinator will encourage strong communication and collaboration on projects of shared interest and facilitate sustainable interaction across sectors. The position calls for a seasoned, professional leader with an innovative spirit and passion for the City of Jackson and the state of Mississippi. Research into candidates suggest the ideal staffing model will engage a deputy coordinator to shadow the coordinator and learn the job, so that it may be handed over at the appropriate time without losing continuity. Offers of funding from several sources may be combined to facilitate this plan.

Jackson Partnerships Coordinator

The Jackson Partnerships Coordinator will work directly with the Community Foundation’s leadership and a network of partners to respond to the current water crisis and support public programs and services benefitting Jackson’s residents. The Coordinator will manage a dedicated fund within CFM and serve as liaison between the Jackson Office of the Mayor and cross-sector supporters of the City.  The Coordinator will also interact with nonprofit organizations, foundations, donors, and external advisors to support the City. This position is envisioned as a contract position for a period of not less than 16 months, with these expectations:

  • Work closely with CFM Board of Trustees, Water Crisis Advisory Group, the Alliance, Jackson Office of the Mayor and other key stakeholders to identify community needs and match resources
  • Communicate regularly with the Office of the Mayor to ensure alignment and that private funds raised are addressing public priorities
  • Lead fundraising based on identified needs; cultivate private sector support from foundations, corporations, and individuals for priority City initiatives; and manage ongoing relationships with donors
  • Work closely with project partners to ensure funds are managed in a fiscally responsible manner and are in accordance with program deliverables, donor requirements, and CFM guidelines
  • Work with the Foundation’s Director of Finance and Director of Strategic Impact to manage grant deadlines, deliverables, and reporting needs
  • Establish a strong working relationship with CFM’s Water Advisory Board and capture their insights, talents and assets to enhance goals
  • Regularly convene philanthropic and corporate funding partners to ensure strong communications and coordination of activities, fundraising, and the allocation of resources
  • Ensure ongoing programmatic excellence and record of outcomes; recommend timelines and resources needed to achieve targeted goals
  • Coordinate relevant activities with both the Foundation and City’s Communications team staff to ensure work is transparent and properly communicated to all stakeholders

Experience and qualifications should include:

  • At least 5 years of project management experience at corporate or government level
  • Strong written, organizational, and verbal communication skills
  • Proven track record in grant writing, fundraising and donor relations
  • Demonstrated ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders
  • Entrepreneurial and innovative approach to planning; integrity, mission-driven, and self-directed

Letter of interest and resume to jane@formississippi.org no later than November 18, 2022.