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Director, Mississippi Delta

Background

The Partnership for a Healthier America (PHA) is the premier national nonprofit transforming the food supply in pursuit of food and health equity. Founded in 2010 in coordination with Former First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! Initiative, PHA develops evidence-based approaches that are implemented in partnership with the private sector, nonprofits, and government, leveraging PHA’s assets and the partner’s knowledge to accelerate the pace of transformation. Our vision is that every family, in every zip code in America should have access to good food - food that is affordable, healthy, sustainable, high-quality and culturally connected.

In 2020, PHA launched a stakeholder-led initiative in the Mississippi Delta to identify opportunities to advance a sustainable, resilient food ecosystem centered on health promotion and community capacity building over a five-year period. More than 60 community members who participated in listening sessions were optimistic about the potential to build a better food future that improves health and provides opportunity for the next generation, while embracing the unique characteristics of the Delta and innovation. From community feedback came a core strategy to make fruits and vegetables more affordable, accessible and visible through community-centered change focused on empowering young people over three years’ time.

Your Role:

PHA is seeking an experienced, passionate, results-oriented professional to oversee PHA’s efforts building demand for and access to fresh produce in the Mississippi Delta. This grant-funded position will oversee the on-the-ground implementation of food equity strategies in Coahoma County, Mississippi and its five surrounding counties. Activities, including a young-adult focused marketing campaign and food retail transformation, will take place over a three-year period, concluding June 30th, 2025. The position will be based in and manage team members in northwest Mississippi and will report to the Senior Vice President, Strategic Initiatives, a remote position.

The Director, Mississippi Delta will direct activities related to transforming retail environments and strengthening farmers markets to encourage healthier choices; community engagement and youth activation; and communications, branding, and marketing. Ideal candidates will be skilled relationship builders with deep experience in project management, including budgetary oversight.

The position will join a highly motivated national team and its occupant will draw from his/her/their own personal experiences as well as professional and academic expertise to drive food systems change.

Responsibilities include:

  • Manage and coordinate the efforts of a team of two staff based in and around Coahoma County working to increase demand for and supply of produce, especially among young adults, while engaging key PHA marketing, programs, nutrition, and evaluation staff based across the country. Establish effective processes that enable clear communication and accountability for results within and across teams.

  • Ensure project activities, goals, and timelines are met.

  • Identify opportunities to adapt the project design in response to community feedback, key data, including vegetable and fruit sales, and new opportunities.

  • Create budgets for the project and track detailed project costs to ensure alignment with funding availability.

  • Develop strong relationships with stakeholders from within and outside of the project’s service area. Manage two locally-based advisory committees to build buy-in for the work among aligned organizations and young people.

  • Manage relationships with existing and potential project funders; contribute to project-based grant reporting and grant writing.

  • Serve as a spokesperson for PHA’s work in the Mississippi Delta, participating in events, media engagements, and conferences as needed.

  • Other duties as needed.

Desired Qualifications and Experience:

  • This position is based in Coahoma County, MS and its five surrounding counties and will require regular travel within the service area. Candidates outside of the service area will only be considered if they have exceptional skills and abilities and knowledge of Delta communities.

  • At least 5-7 years of relevant experience is preferred. Experience in grassroots organizing, community-led change, food system transformation, food retail, marketing, or strategic communications a plus.

  • Passion for PHA’s work transforming the food system in pursuit of food and health equity. Seeks to contribute to the creation of a diverse, equitable and inclusive work culture that encourages and celebrates differences.

  • Results oriented and entrepreneurial with a track record of success and strong problem-solving skills. Able to effectively troubleshoot, be resourceful, and turn challenges into opportunities.

  • Self-directed with strong organizational skills, including the ability to plan, coordinate and prioritize multiple activities autonomously and operate under tight deadlines.

  • Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships, create influence among individuals and organizations, and work effectively and collaboratively with individuals at all levels.

  • Demonstrated awareness of and sensitivity to the needs and concerns of individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds and orientations.

Compensation & Benefits:

PHA offers a comprehensive salary and benefits package, including 85% employer paid health coverage; employer contributions to a retirement plan; dental and vision coverage; short- and long-term disability insurance; and generous vacation, holiday, and sick and medical leave. The salary for this position begins at $90,000 and is commensurate with experience.

To apply for this position, please send a resume and cover letter to jobs@ahealthieramerica.org with “Director, Mississippi Delta” in the title.

The Partnership for a Healthier America is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

PHA is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity and to compliance with all federal, state, and local laws concerning employment discrimination, including the Americans with Disabilities Act. To this end, PHA ensures equal opportunity to all employees and applicants regardless of race, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, lawful alien status, physical, mental, and medical disability, veteran status or liability for service in the United States Armed Forces.