Executive Director, MS Delta National Heritage Area

Executive Director, MS Delta National Heritage Area Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening. | Posting Details Position Information Job Title Executive Director, MS Delta National Heritage Area Working Title Executive Director, MS Delta National Heritage Area Position Type Staff Department MS Delta National Heritage Area Posting Number 201201679 Full or Part Time Full Time Benefit Eligible Yes

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Tenure/Non-Tenure Track Non-Tenure Track Salary Basis 12 month

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Position Summary Information Responsibilities The Executive Director is a full-time, 12-month position that reports to the Mississippi Delta National Heritage Area (MDNHA) Board of Directors. MDNHA, a partnership with the National Park Service, is one of 55 National Heritage Areas designated by Congress. MDNHA's mission is to preserve, promote, and celebrate the Mississippi Delta's rich cultural heritage while supporting sustainable economic development. Its work centers on five interrelated themes: (1) The Mississippi River and the Land It Embraces; (2) The Culture of the Blues and the Birth of an American Sound; (3)

Moving Toward Freedom:

Changing America's Character in the Struggle for Rights; (4)

Growing More Than Cotton:

The Delta as a Wellspring of Creativity; and (5)

The Delta Divide:

Creating the Delta's Diverse Communities. To learn more, visit: Mississippi Delta National Heritage Area.

Duties include:

Provide leadership to MDNHA's development activities, oversee day-to-day administrative activities, and serve as the organization's spokesperson to local, regional, national, and international communities. Develop/implement mission-driven programs in coordination with MDNHA Board of Directors and staff. Ensure alignment of activities with the MDNHA's Management Plan/Strategic Plan. Travel locally, statewide, nationally, and occasionally internationally to represent MDNHA; build partnerships; attend conferences, meetings, and site visits; and support program development and partner engagement. Establish and maintain relationships with diverse organizations to support MDNHA's success. Engage and empower Mississippi Delta communities to preserve and share cultural heritage. Develop and implement outreach strategies to increase awareness of MDNHA's programs. Identify, secure funding, and manage budgets for MDNHA's long-term financial sustainability, in collaboration with the MDNHA Board. Recruit, supervise, and lead MDNHA staff and volunteers, with authority over hiring, performance evaluations, and disciplinary actions. Maintain compliance with federal and non-federal funding match requirements. Perform additional responsibilities as needed to support MDNHA's mission and operations. Qualifications Bachelor's degree required, master's preferred, with relevant experience in cultural heritage development (preservation, education, interpretation, tourism, advocacy). Demonstrated experience in program administration, strategic planning, and community engagement. Proven success in grant writing, fundraising, financial management, and budget oversight. Strong leadership, communication, and collaboration skills, including experience supervising a diverse team, working with multiple stakeholders, and ability to navigate cultural dynamics within the Mississippi Delta. Experience working with legislators, funders, community partners, and the public. Knowledge of heritage tourism, historic preservation, and cultural interpretation. Ability to travel regionally, nationally, and occasionally internationally. Salary Commensurate with experience, qualifications, and university's resources. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree required, relevant experience in cultural heritage development (preservation, education, interpretation, tourism, advocacy). Demonstrated experience in program administration, strategic planning, and community engagement. Proven success in grant writing, fundraising, financial management, and budget oversight. Strong leadership, communication, and collaboration skills, including experience supervising a diverse team, working with multiple stakeholders, and ability to navigate cultural dynamics within the Mississippi Delta. Experience working with legislators, funders, community partners, and the public. Knowledge of heritage tourism, historic preservation, and cultural interpretation. Ability to travel regionally, nationally, and occasionally internationally. Preferred Qualifications Master's degree preferred Special Instructions to Applicants Additional Information Posting Detail Information Open Date 01/20/2026 Close Date Open Until Filled Yes