The Associate Chief Executive Officer for the Foundation for Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries, Parks, & Marine will support the efforts of the Chief Executive Officer in securing funds for conservation purposes for the State of Mississippi. This position was created due to the impending retirement of the current CEO in April 2026 to ensure a smooth transition. If successful, this position will become the CEO of the foundation. Working with a staff of 3, this position will support the creation of a short- and long-term strategic plan and have a comprehensive understanding of special events, annual giving, sponsorships, major and planned gifts, foundation, government and other NGO fundraising opportunities for Mississippi conservation, parks, and marine resources. The ideal candidate will be a creative self-starter and have the ability to seamlessly assist the CEO to achieve operational and fundraising goals in order to preserve, enhance and conserve Mississippi’s natural resources.

Responsibilities

· Collaborate with the CEO and Board of Directors to create, implement and execute short-term and long-term fundraising plans.

· Support the CEO and Board of Directors in developing and enhancing special events including the Governor’s Hunt, Foundation Raffle, Annual Expo, Archery in Mississippi Schools (AIMS) with an emphasis on major gifts and sponsorships.

· Develop a robust Heritage 100 with a goal of increasing membership to 500 and beyond.

· Assist the CEO in development of a corporate and individual major gifts program with an emphasis on $25,000 gifts and above.

· Have an understanding of planned giving and the ability to implement a program for the Foundation.

· Have a comprehensive understanding of data, budgeting and profit and loss statements. The Foundation uses Quick Books and donor software Blackbaud for data and financials.

· Support the CEO in the implementation of a foundation and government funding model including earmarks, and grants.

· Work with the CEO in the development of a partnership program with other conservation groups in order to raise funds for conservation focused on state-wide initiatives.

· Assist the CEO, Board of Directors and The Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks in alignment of strategic plan including programs, budget, and funding of programs.

Professional Qualifications

· 5-7 years of progressive fundraising and management experience with an emphasis on closing $25,000 gifts or higher. Must be bottom line oriented and outcomes focused.

· A background working with a Board of Directors and understanding of the role of the board and management.

· An understanding of the role of special events and annual giving in supporting a robust major gift and planned giving program that includes moves management.

· Knowledge of foundation and government funding including grants and federal earmarks. Preferred qualifications will show a demonstrated success in these major gift areas.

· Knowledge of fundraising and financial software-data collection like Blackbaud and Quick Books.

Preferred Qualifications

· A fundraising background with a conservation organization or foundation.

· Knowledge of conservation issues.

Other

· Ability to work independently.

· A highly organized, self-starter with good interpersonal, problem solving and analytical skills.

· Available to travel and occasional work on weekends and evenings.

· Able and willing to take responsibility.

· Sense of humor

· Valid Driver’s license

· Work Location: Jackson, Mississippi

Pay and Benefits

· Competitive annual salary based on market and experience. Benefits including time paid off and holidays.

Applicants must provide the following:

· A document showing list of major gifts closed that supported programming at particular non-profit, university, or foundation.

· A recent resume with 3 professional references.

Job Type: Full-time

Ability to Commute:

• Jackson, MS (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Jackson, MS: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person