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Policy & Research Director

Position Type: Full-Time; At-Will Employment Location: Jackson, MS Reports To: Executive Director (until further notice or otherwise specified)

About Mississippi Votes:

Mississippi Votes (MS Votes) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization powered by intergenerational synergy and led by young people invested in transforming Mississippi through civic engagement, grassroots organizing, and youth leadership development. We work to dismantle barriers to voting and deepen democratic participation through innovative programming, organizing, and policy advocacy.

Position Overview:

The Policy & Research Director leads Mississippi Votes’ policy, research, and legislative strategy work. They manage the Policy & Research Department and serve as a primary architect of the organization’s statewide policy and research agenda—ensuring our advocacy is grounded in original research, participatory data collection, and youth-informed analysis. This role requires a blend of legislative savvy, strategic thinking, coalition building, and a commitment to youth leadership and community accountability.

The Policy & Research Director is responsible for developing departmental work plans and performance benchmarks in alignment with MS Votes’ annual strategic plan.

This position serves both Mississippi Votes (a 501(c)(3)) and Mississippi Votes Action Fund (a 501(c)(4)). The role includes responsibilities that fall within each entity’s legal scope and requires careful coordination to maintain compliance and mission alignment across both organizations.

Key Responsibilities:

Policy Leadership & Strategy

• Develop, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive public policy agenda focused on voting rights, civic access, youth justice, and human dignity.
• Lead the creation of policy briefs, research publications, white papers, and community data reports that inform and support MS Votes’ civic education, legislative engagement, and advocacy campaigns.
• Lead MS Votes’ advocacy strategy, integrating grassroots organizing with legislative engagement.
• Track and analyze federal, state, and local legislative activity; provide weekly briefings to staff and community partners.

Legislative Engagement & Government Relations

• Serve as a registered lobbyist for the organization in a limited, values-aligned capacity.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with policymakers, staffers, and administrative agencies.
• Develop and implement rapid response advocacy strategies when legislation impacts civic engagement.

Departmental Leadership

• Supervise the Policy & Research team, including Advocacy & Outreach Coordinators, Voting Rights Coordinator, and policy interns or fellows.
• Support team development through coaching, accountability systems, and goal setting.
• Align departmental goals with organization-wide strategy and support interdepartmental collaboration.
• Develop systems for managing research priorities, knowledge sharing, and cross-team data application in partnership with communications, organizing, and operations teams.
• Provide monthly reports to the Executive Director outlining legislative developments, department updates, research progress, and coalition activities.

Coalition & Movement Building

• Lead and sustain statewide coalitions such as the MS Voting Rights Coalition and Ballot Initiative Working Group.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for national policy partners and litigation allies.
• Represent MS Votes in movement coalitions, convenings, and collaborative efforts.

Civic Education & Youth Development

• Oversees the One GIRL, One Vote and Robert Clark Advocacy and Leadership Fellowship and policy education curriculum.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to youth leaders engaged in policy research and legislative advocacy.

Compliance & Operational Alignment

• Coordinate closely with the Executive Director and Operations & Finance team to ensure c3/c4 compliance in all advocacy activities.
• Maintain records of lobbying activities and support internal policy-related audits and reporting.
• Ensure all departmental activities are properly allocated between Mississippi Votes and Mississippi Votes Action Fund, in coordination with the Executive Director and Operations & Finance team.

Community Accountability

• Facilitate participatory policy development processes, including listening sessions, advocacy programs, legislative advocacy days, and community surveys.
• Incorporate community feedback into MS Votes' policy agenda and public stances.

Cross-Team Collaboration

• Collaborate closely with the Voter Services and Communications teams to ensure that policy strategy is integrated into field campaigns, narrative work, and base-building efforts.

Public Engagement

• Represent the organization through media appearances, public speaking engagements, and panel discussions as approved by the organization’s processes.
• Lead production of MS Votes’ Annual Legislative Report.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, political science, law, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum 4 years of experience in public policy, advocacy, or government relations with demonstrated leadership.
• Deep knowledge of Mississippi’s legislative and political landscape.
• Experience supervising staff and leading cross-functional teams.
• Excellent writing, public speaking, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Commitment to youth development, racial justice, and participatory democracy.
• Familiarity with c3/c4 legal compliance for advocacy campaigns.
• Experience in participatory research methods, policy analysis, or youth-centered research models is strongly preferred.

Compensation & Benefits:

Salary Range: $75,000 – $85,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications

50% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance

Professional development support

Frequent in-state travel required; evening and weekend availability will be required during the legislative session or rapid response campaigns and undoubtedly in support of the #Up2Us GOTV Campaign and during Civic Holidays

To Apply: Submit your resume and cover letter via the form on the "Join the Team" page of our website: www.msvotes.org/opportunities/employment.

Mississippi Votes is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Young people, People of Color, LGBTQ+ folks, and those directly impacted by systemic injustice are strongly encouraged to apply.

Advocacy & Outreach Coordinator

Full Time, At-Will Employment 

Preferred Start Date: ASAP

About Us:
Mississippi Votes is an organization of intergenerational synergy centering and led by young people invested in the progression of Mississippi. We do this through our programming and outreach strategy that empowers young people, encourages civic engagement, and educates communities on voting rights through place-based, grassroots organizing. Our vision is to cultivate a transformative culture of civic engagement throughout the state of Mississippi.

Overview: 

The Advocacy & Outreach Coordinator serves under the direction of the Policy & Research Director. 

The Advocacy & Outreach Coordinator will co-lead research as assigned, on voting issues unique to Mississippi in comparison to other states to broaden the political ideologies and practices of MS Votes. The Advocacy & Outreach Coordinator will assist the Policy & Research Director in collecting and analyzing information, such as data from public opinion surveys and election results as well as use qualitative and quantitative sources and methodologies to develop and test theories to better our field strategies and legislative agenda(s). 

The sole functions of the Advocacy & Outreach Coordinator’s responsibilities are to monitor current events as it pertains to public policy and youth organizing (global and domestic), policy decisions and trends and other issues with implications for the political and policy landscape. There are two Advocacy & Outreach Coordinators. Each coordinator is responsible for four of the eight Mississippi Votes’ justice driven policy portfolios (electoral justice, reproductive justice, education justice, economic justice, criminal justice, youth justice, climate justice, housing justice). The Advocacy & Outreach Coordinator is responsible for organizing the community around the aforementioned issue areas during, but not limited to the legislative session.

Responsibilities:

• Manage 4 of the organization's justice-centered policy portfolios, conducting research, analyzing data, and identifying policy solutions that align with the organization's mission.
• Develop and implement advocacy and outreach strategies to promote the organization's policy goals, including creating materials such as fact sheets, talking points, and social media content to engage community members, stakeholders, and policymakers.
• Coordinate events, workshops, and other outreach activities to promote the organization's mission and policy priorities, including developing partnerships with other organizations and stakeholders to amplify the organization's message.
• Track and analyze relevant policy developments, legislation, and regulations, and prepare reports and presentations to inform the organization's advocacy efforts and engage community members and policymakers.
• Engage with policymakers and decision-makers, including attending meetings, hearings, and other events, and building relationships with elected officials and their staff.
• Maintain accurate records of advocacy and outreach activities and analyze data to evaluate the effectiveness of the organization's advocacy and outreach efforts.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a related field such as public policy, political science, or social justice.
• At least 2-3 years of experience in advocacy, outreach, or related fields.
• Strong knowledge of policy issues related to social justice, particularly those impacting young people and communities of color.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to develop and deliver presentations, create compelling messaging, and engage with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work independently.
• Experience using social media and other digital platforms for advocacy and outreach.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Ability to travel within the state of Mississippi as needed.

Position Details:

• Annual Salary $60,000
• Position based in Jackson, MS
• $160 Monthly Cell Phone & Travel Allowance
• Full healthcare, dental, and vision care + mental healthcare provisions

How to Apply:

Apply here.

Mississippi Votes is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified persons are encouraged to apply regardless of race, color, creed, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, age, height, weight, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, marital, or domestic partner status, or religious affiliation.

Job Title: Finance & Accounting Coordinator
Reports to: Director of Finance & Operations
Location: Jackson, MS (In-Person, Headquarters Office)
Status: Full-Time, Exempt
Salary Range: $60,000 – $65,000, commensurate with experience

About Mississippi Votes

Mississippi Votes is a youth-led nonprofit organization committed to cultivating a culture of civic engagement in Mississippi. With both a 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) arm, our work spans civic education, voter registration, policy advocacy, and leadership development. We believe in a future where young people of color lead powerful movements to transform democracy in Mississippi.

Position Overview

The Finance & Accounting Coordinator plays a critical support role in the financial operations of Mississippi Votes and Mississippi Votes Action Fund. This in-person role is responsible for managing daily bookkeeping, maintaining accurate general ledger entries, and assisting with budget tracking and financial documentation. The Coordinator ensures timely, compliant, and transparent processing of financial transactions and supports broader financial operations with independence and attention to detail.

Key Responsibilities

Accounting & Bookkeeping

• Maintain day-to-day bookkeeping in QuickBooks Online for both 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) entities.
• Reconcile bank and credit card statements monthly and ensure supporting documentation is organized and accurate.
• Track and code expenses according to chart of accounts and funding sources.
• Process accounts payable and receivable, including staff reimbursements, invoices, and vendor payments.

Budget & Financial Tracking

• Monitor department- and project-level budgets and support program staff in understanding their spending.
• Assist in preparing monthly budget vs. actual reports and internal financial dashboards.
• Maintain grant tracking spreadsheets in collaboration with the Operations & Finance Director.
• Flag variances, overages, or compliance issues for review by the Operations & Finance Director.

Compliance Support

• Ensure contractor/vendor documentation is up to date (W-9s, invoices, contract copies).
• Assist with 1099 preparation and audit readiness activities.
• Maintain digital filing systems for financial records and support broader compliance needs.

Cross-Team Collaboration

• Work closely with Executive, HR, and Program teams to track payroll, donations, and grant-related transactions.
• Participate in regular finance and operations team meetings.
• Provide process improvement recommendations and contribute to internal financial controls.

Required Qualifications

• 3+ years of nonprofit accounting, bookkeeping, or financial operations experience
• Strong working knowledge of QuickBooks Online or similar accounting software
• Experience tracking budgets and/or managing expense allocations
• Excellent attention to detail, time management, and organizational skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and manage multiple priorities
• Proficiency in Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Drive)

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a dual-entity nonprofit (501(c)(3)/(c)(4)) environment
• Familiarity with grant compliance, fund accounting, and audit support
• Understanding of Mississippi-based nonprofit or advocacy work

Compensation & Work Environment

• Salary: $60,000 – $65,000, based on experience
• Worksite: This position is full-time and in-person at our Jackson, MS headquarters

Comprehensive benefits including 50% coverage of medical, vision, and dental insurance, paid time off, and professional development support

Youth Organizer

About Us:

Mississippi Votes (MSVotes) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization of intergenerational synergy centering and led by young people invested in the progression of Mississippi. We do this through our programming and outreach strategy that empowers young people, encourages civic engagement, and educates communities on voting rights through place-based, grassroots organizing. Our vision is to cultivate a transformative culture of civic engagement throughout the state of Mississippi.

Overview:

There will be five (5) Youth Organizers on the Field Team. Each Youth Organizer will co-facilitate the field plans of their respective region’s high schools, colleges, and universities, with a strategic understanding of Mississippi Votes’ theory of change in relation to developing a voter friendly Mississippi under the direction of and with support from their respective Regional Coordinator. The Youth Organizers will be responsible for frequently assisting the Policy & Research Team to develop the organization’s field plan and communal approach to the vision towards developing legislation that seeks to expand Mississippi’s electorate. The Youth Organizers co-facilitate all GOTV efforts including, but not limited to, MS Votes’ annual #Up2Us campaign. The Youth Organizers are responsible for managing a database of national and local supporters; forming or joining coalitions as necessary with unanimous approval from the Leadership Team. The Youth Organizer will also be responsible for developing and implementing a program to increase civic engagement among high school and college students in Mississippi. The Youth Organizer will coordinate with local schools, colleges, universities, and community organizations to identify opportunities for students to get involved in their communities and to learn about the political process. They will also develop and lead workshops and other educational programming to help students develop the skills and knowledge they need to be active and engaged citizens.

The Youth Organizers are responsible for organizing in one of the 5 regional offices identified by Mississippi Votes: 1.) Tupelo (Northeast), MS, 2.) Hattiesburg (South), MS, 3.) Cleveland (Delta), MS, and 4.) Gulfport (Coast), MS. Each of these offices are located strategically in Mississippi’s Congressional Districts. In some instances, the Youth Organizer will be responsible for assisting to organize and work in and around college campuses in the areas they are responsible for.

The Youth Organizers will lead for the day to day operations and programming for the Democracy in Action Fellowship Program, as well as the Youth Advisory Council, and are also responsible for any programming or events that involving high school and college-aged students in their respective region. (note: college aged doesn't mean that those persons participating have to be in a traditional educational setting; they just happen to fall in the 18-39 age range thus making them eligible to participate in programming).

Responsibilities:

• Establish a strong professional culture within the voter services team focused on accountability, specific goals, innovation, and sense of purpose.
• Understand and be aware of Elections Laws and Regulations in the state of Mississippi.
• Willing to work with a fundraising team on occasion to assist with narrative building.
• Manage the field program budget and logistics in coordination.
• Ability to design, communicate, and implement a comprehensive, data-driven field plan.
• Build and manage a large, multi-layered statewide intergenerational field team consisting of paid staff, student fellows and interns, and volunteers.
• Set and meet benchmarks for voter registration, volunteer recruitment, voter contact, grassroots engagement, and get out the vote (GOTV).
• Co-create and implement a quality control system for voter registration maintenance within every level of the organization’s programs.
• Work with Regional Coordinators and Voter Services Team to design and standardize best practices for data management using the organization’s data software to track and report on program progress and outcomes across all campuses. (i.e. voter registration services, canvassing details, etc…)
• Co-Manage MS Votes’ VAN (Voter Access Network) and Every Action software; work towards building an independent data platform.
• Monitor initiatives and efforts to measure impact (i.e. voter registration/turnout, #Up2Us Campaign residuals).
• Execute YAC programming curriculum to increase civic engagement among students in Mississippi.
• Develop and lead workshops and other educational programming to help students develop the skills and knowledge they need to be active and engaged citizens.
• Build relationships with local schools and community organizations to create partnerships and opportunities for students to get involved in their communities and to learn about the political process.
• Support efforts to strengthen relationships with key local, state, and national partners/alliances to work with and enrich the learning experience for students. Develop a coalition of organizations doing youth civic engagement work in Mississippi and across the country.
• Manage the day to day operations of MS Votes’ college and university programming that include the Democracy in Action Fellowship and potentially student groups that form with our ideology and practice. This also includes creating/developing advocacy toolkits, issue briefs, reports, and policy statements affecting college aged youth; lead the revision of existing MS Votes advocacy toolkits to share strategies and tips for youth and collegiate organizing.
• Set frequent meetings that discuss the status and flow of programming that will intersect as well as set quarterly goals and objectives based on the overarching goals and vision of the organization as laid out by the Executive Director.
• Where appropriate, represent MS Votes at conferences, in the media, and other approved events.
• Lead Summer Youth Programming.
• Help coordinate Voter Empowerment Project.

Qualifications:

• Ability to lead large groups of people, create electoral plans, and inspire young people to participate in civic engagement.
• Experience in leading statewide or regional field programs and mobilizing volunteers.
• Management and training experience.
• Well-organized individuals with effective time management skills who can take initiative to work independently and in a team with minimal supervision.
• Experience in program coordination, event planning, and youth organizing required.
• Strong computer skills including G Suite and database management.
• Experience with VAN.
• Exceptional interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to gracefully manage multiple projects to meet multiple deadlines.
• Enthusiasm for the work and willingness to learn.
• Must be knowledgeable of the political landscape of Mississippi.
• Bachelor’s Degree or 3 years of equivalent experience in community organizing, field organizing, and/or youth engagement preferred.

Position Details:

Salary: $45,000-$50,000/yearly; depending on experience.

MS Votes offers a competitive benefits package covering 50% of employee medical, dental, and vision insurance premiums

Flexibility in work hours; evening and weekend hours may be necessary.

Travel required.

Reports To:

Regional Coordinator

Additional Information:

For more information, please feel free to visit our website: www.msvotes.org.

How to Apply:

Submit your resume and cover letter to jobs@msvotes.org via the form on the “Join the Team” page of our website: https://www.msvotes.org/opportunities/employment/

Mississippi Votes is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified persons are encouraged to apply regardless of race, color, creed, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, age, height, weight, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, marital or domestic partner status, or religious affiliation.

Young people, People of Color, and Womxn are strongly encouraged to apply.

Legislative Assistant

Full Time At-Will Employment As Soon As Possible

About Us Mississippi Votes (MS Votes) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization driven by young people committed to advancing civic engagement, voter education, and advocacy for equitable voting rights policies in Mississippi. Through grassroots organizing, research, and community-driven advocacy, we cultivate a culture of civic participation and democratic accountability across the state.

Position Overview

The Legislative and Policy Associate is a critical member of MS Votes’ Policy and Research Team, supporting the organization’s legislative advocacy, voting rights policy analysis, election protection efforts, and suffrage restoration work.

This role involves research, policy tracking, coalition engagement, and direct voter support, including assisting with MS Votes’ Election Protection Hotline and guiding individuals through the suffrage restoration process. The ideal candidate is passionate about democracy, social justice, and advancing equitable policies for historically marginalized communities.

This position supports each member of the Policy and Research Team, collaborates across departments, and engages with elected officials, community organizations, and advocacy coalitions.

Key Responsibilities

Legislative and Policy Research

• Monitor, track, and analyze state and federal legislation related to voting rights, civic participation, and democracy reforms.
• Research on voting laws, ballot access, election integrity, and voting-related legislation, including voter ID laws, absentee voting, early voting, and redistricting.
• Prepare policy briefs, fact sheets, reports, and talking points to inform MS Votes’ advocacy efforts.
• Draft public comments, testimonies, and official statements on relevant legislation and policy proposals.
• Track local, state, and federal bills and provide legislative summaries to the Policy and Research Team.

Support for the Policy and Research Team

• Policy Director: Assist with executing MS Votes’ overall policy agenda, drafting legislative updates, and coordinating policy campaigns.

• Advocacy and Outreach Coordinators (2) – Each responsible for four policy portfolios:

  • Conduct research and policy analysis to support their policy areas.
  • Assist with policy-related events, public forums, and town halls.
  • Provide content for advocacy materials tailored to their portfolios.

• Policy and Research Analyst (Focus: Rights Restoration & Voting Rights Laws/Legislation):

  • Support rights restoration efforts through policy tracking, case documentation, and research.
  • Assist with the suffrage application process, ensuring individuals have accurate resources and guidance.

• Voting Rights Coordinator (Focus: Election Protection):

  • Assist in Election Protection Hotline operations, answering voter inquiries, troubleshooting election-related issues, and escalating concerns.
  • Provide research and logistical support for voter education initiatives.

Election Protection & Suffrage Restoration

• Election Protection Hotline: Answer voter inquiries, address concerns related to voter ID, absentee voting, polling place issues, and other election-related matters.
• Hotline Data Tracking: Analyze trends from hotline calls to inform advocacy strategies.
• Suffrage Restoration Support: Guide individuals through the rights restoration application process, including completing forms, tracking cases, and providing policy updates.
• Advocacy for Legislative Reform: Assist in advocating for policies that streamline and improve the suffrage restoration process.

Advocacy and Coalition Engagement

• Assist in developing and executing legislative strategies in collaboration with the Policy Director.
• Attend legislative hearings, committee meetings, and public forums, providing summaries and strategic recommendations.
• Build and maintain relationships with elected officials, government agencies, and advocacy organizations to advance equitable voting policies.
• Represent MS Votes in coalition meetings, advocacy working groups, and policy strategy discussions.

Community & Youth Mobilization

• Help organize advocacy campaigns, lobby days, town halls, and community listening sessions.
• Support grassroots organizing efforts by educating young voters on legislative issues and civic participation.
• Assist in developing civic education programs that increase public awareness of voting rights and legislative processes.

Cross-Team Collaboration

• Work with the Communications Team to create voter education materials, press releases, and social media content on policy issues.
• Provide policy insights and research to the Organizing Team to inform voter outreach strategies.
• Collaborate with the Operations & Finance Team to support grant reporting and documentation of advocacy efforts.

Election Season Responsibilities

During peak election periods, this role will have additional responsibilities:

• Expanded Election Protection Support: Increased hotline coverage, assisting voters with real-time election issues.
• Poll Monitoring & Rapid Response: Assist with polling place issue escalation and coordination with legal partners.
• Community Engagement Blitz: Assist with intensified voter education efforts leading up to Election Day.
• Legislative Monitoring: Track any legislative or administrative actions that may impact voter access.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in political science, public policy, law, social sciences, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Demonstrated knowledge of state and federal legislative processes related to voting rights and democracy.
• Strong research and analytical skills with the ability to synthesize complex policy information.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience drafting policy materials.
• Experience in grassroots organizing, advocacy, coalition-building, or legislative engagement.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and legislative tracking tools.
• Passion for youth civic engagement, racial justice, and equitable democracy.

Position Details

• Salary: $50,000 annually
• MS Votes offers a competitive benefits package covering 50% of employee medical, dental, and vision insurance premiums, and 100% of mental healthcare costs.
• Location: Jackson, MS

Reports To:

Policy & Research Director

How to Apply:

Apply on our Careers page at https://msvotes.bamboohr.com/careers.

Mississippi Votes is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified persons are encouraged to apply regardless of race, color, creed, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, age, height, weight, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, marital or domestic partner status, or religious affiliation.

Young people, People of Color, Women, and LGBTQ+ folx are strongly encouraged to apply.