Director of Special Projects
Salary
$56,345.82 - $64,797.69 Annually
Location
25 - HINDS COUNTY, MS
Job Type
Full-Time
Job Number
9069-0475-20260824HS
Department
0475 - ARCHIVES-ARCHIVES & HISTORY
Opening Date
08/24/2026
Closing Date
9/8/2026 11:59 PM Central
Agency Minimum Salary
$56,345.82
Agency Maximum Salary
$64,797.69
About the Agency
The Mississippi Department of Archives and History, established in 1902, collects, preserves, and provides access to the states archival resources. Today, this mission continues through the efforts of the departments five divisions. Our mission is to preserve Mississippis diverse historic resources and share them with people worldwide, inspiring the discovery of stories that connect our lives and shape our future. Agency contact: Laura Rawson, Personnel Manager, lrawson@mdah.ms.gov
About the Position
The Mississippi Department of Archives and History (MDAH) seeks a Director of Special Projects to serve within the Development Section of the Administration Division. As a key member of the development team, the Director of Special Projects will support fundraising and engagement initiatives through communications, membership management, donor stewardship, events, and project management. Responsibilities include managing and stewarding the Two Mississippi Museums membership program, including member recruitment, renewals, communications, benefits, and engagement. The Director will develop and implement strategies to increase membership, improve retention and renewals, and strengthen long-term member engagement, particularly in preparation for the Two Mississippi Museums tenth anniversary. Membership performance will be monitored through data analysis and trend evaluation to inform strategies for growth, retention, and engagement. The Director will also help develop and implement a sustainable corporate membership program designed to expand relationships with businesses and strengthen long-term support for MDAH. The Director will support planning and executing development-related meetings, donor events, and cultivation opportunities. Responsibilities include coordinating event communications, timelines, logistics, materials, and follow-up, as well as creating meaningful engagement opportunities that strengthen relationships with donors, members, corporate partners, and prospective supporters. Support for fundraising communications will include developing and designing proposals, letters, presentations, reports, sponsorship materials, solicitations, and other materials. The Director will help prepare the development team for donor meetings and conversations by developing talking points, presentations, and other supporting materials. All development communications will be reviewed for accuracy, professionalism, visual appeal, and consistency with the branding of the Foundation for Mississippi History and MDAH. The Director will identify opportunities to strengthen fundraising communications and enhance the overall donor experience. Serving as a strategic thought partner to the development team, the Director will identify opportunities to strengthen communications, membership, donor engagement, and external relationships. The role will require establishing and maintaining productive working relationships with colleagues across MDAH, donors, corporate partners, board members, and other stakeholders. The Director will coordinate across divisions to gather information, align priorities, and advance development initiatives. The Director will communicate clearly and effectively with a wide range of internal and external audiences, exercise sound judgment, assess situations appropriately, and determine when to involve the appropriate individuals. The Director will follow through on requests and commitments, communicate proactively, manage expectations, and keep projects and initiatives on track and aligned with established priorities and deadlines.
What youll need to be Successful
A strategic thinker and strong communicator who can move comfortably between big-picture planning and detailed execution. This position requires excellent writing and organizational skills, sound judgment, strong follow-through, and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines. The ideal candidate is adaptable, resourceful, personable, and able to respond confidently when priorities or plans change. Experience with graphic design and design software is preferred.
Preferred Qualifications
This position typically requires a bachelors degree and at least two to four years of experience. Graphic design experience and proficiency with design software are preferred.
No available description
Health/Prescription Insurance
Eligible employees have the opportunity to participate in the state's health and prescription insurance program. Employees may select either single or family coverage with affordable co-payments. More detail can be found at Know Your Benefits.
Wellness Benefits
Employees are eligible for a wellness and health promotion program. This plan provides annual benefits for certain services with first-dollar coverage with no deductible.
Life Insurance
All eligible employees receive an actual term life insurance policy upon employment. The policy coverage is two times the employee's annual salary to a maximum of $100,000. More detail can be found at Life Insurance Choices.
Optional Insurances
Many agencies offer discounted premiums for dental, vision, and cancer insurance.
Flexible Spending Accounts
Many state agencies provide opportunity for employees to participate in pre-tax spending accounts. These accounts allow employees to withhold childcare expenses and unreimbursed medical expenses prior to application of state and federal taxes.
Paid Personal Leave and Sick Leave
Full-time employees receive paid time off for personal needs and for sick leave. Leave begins accruing after one month of employment and may be used as it is accrued. Employees earn approximately 18 days of personal leave annually and 12 days of sick leave annually.
Military Leave
In accordance with federal law, all employees serving in the armed forces or the military reserves are entitled to 15 days per year for military training.
Holidays
Employees receive up to 10 paid holidays to enjoy many of our nation's celebrations with family and friends.
Retirement Programs
The State of Mississippi provides all its employees a Defined Benefit/Defined Contribution Retirement Program. Employees become vested in the State's retirement system after 8 years of employment. Both you and your employing agency contribute toward your retirement. More detailed information regarding the State's retirement program can be found at http://www.pers.state.ms.us
Deferred Compensation
State agencies offer several opportunities for their employees to participate in a deferred compensation voluntary retirement savings plan. More information can be found at Deferred Compensation.
State Credit Union
All state employees are eligible to participate in the Mississippi Public Employees' Credit Union. This organization offers state employees special savings and borrowing plans. For more information about this program, call 601.948.8191.
Tuition Reimbursement
Many state agencies provide opportunities for their employees to achieve higher education through tuition reimbursement. Common programs include medical and nursing fields, accounting, and business/administrative fields.
Career Development and Training
The Mississippi State Personnel Board offers several management and administrative certification programs, as well as professional development courses to enhance employee value to the agency. Individual agencies also offer technical training and allow membership in professional organizations to employees in their specific fields of employment.
Promotional Opportunities
Employees who have completed 6 or more months of service are eligible for promotional opportunities within state government employment. Minimum qualifications must be met.
Career Ladders
Many job classifications provide career-ladder opportunities based upon attainment of competencies. These career ladders can increase an individual's salary, provided funds are available within the agency.
01
How many years of experience do you have? (Refer to the job posting for an explanation of related experience.)
02
What is the highest level of education (or semester hours of college) you have completed?
Required Question
Employer State of Mississippi
Address 210 East Capitol Street
Suite 800
Jackson, Mississippi, 39201
Phone 601-359-1406
601-359-1406
| Location | Jackson, MS |
| Salary | $56,345.82–$64,797.69 Per Year |
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