Program Manager, Mississippi Delta National Heritage Area

Delta State University

Program Manager, Mississippi Delta National Heritage Area

Position Type: Staff

Department: Delta Center for Culture and Learning

Posting Number: 201201154

Full or Part Time: Full Time

Tenure/Non-Tenure:

Salary Basis: 12 month

Responsibilities:
Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

Program/Project Management

Under direct supervision from the Executive Director and in collaboration with MDNHA Board of Directors and Delta Center staff, devise and execute strategies to implement the MDNHA Management Plan, including but not limited to funding, information, and human capital resource development (e.g., MDNHA grant program; virtual resource center; volunteer engagement), community/regional tourism partnerships (e.g., MDNHA passport program; tour guide certification; MS Delta Tourism Association), and public relations, marketing, and branding (e.g., publication development and distribution; website development and maintenance; communications strategies).

Manage programmatic aspects of the MDNHA Grants Program (e.g., community engagement, site visits, workshop development, communications with grant awardees) in collaboration with The Delta Center's Program Associate for Projects who manages compliance functions for the Grants Program.

In collaboration with the Executive Director, strategically leverage partnership opportunities with The Delta Center and entities throughout the 18-county MDNHA toward fulfillment of the MDNHA Management Plan.

Using project management principles, monitor and document overall progress with MDNHA Management Plan implementation, apprising and advising the Executive Director regularly on strategic planning and budget management implications.

In consultation with the Executive Director, design and implement a performance measurement system for the MDNHA Management Plan in alignment with National Park Service and relevant partner reporting procedures.

Education and Community Engagement

In collaboration and consultation with the Executive Director and Delta Center staff, develops and implements educational experiential learning opportunities and partnerships (e.g., MDNHA Cultural Heritage Ambassadors Program) that interpret the history and culture of the Mississippi Delta aimed at educating and engaging local and visiting groups.

Toward executing aspects of the MDNHA Management Plan, works with Executive Director and Delta Center staff to provide experiential learning opportunities and products (e.g., publications, artifacts) to local, regional, statewide, and national partners and stakeholders toward attracting visitors to the Mississippi Delta region and educating residents about understanding the value of their own cultural heritage.

Assists Executive Director and Delta Center staff with organizing logistics and leading implementation of public programs, events, and meetings (e.g., tours, workshops, MDNHA board and committee meetings) with local and visiting groups.

Communications

In collaboration and consultation with the Executive Director and MDNHA Board of Directors, researches, develops, and implements MDNHA branding and visual identity policies and procedures. Ensures compliance with university, state, and federal guidelines where applicable.

Provides management expertise for maintaining a robust online presence (e.g., multiple web sites, social media, and online newsletters) that promotes the MDNHA and its various programs, projects, and initiatives.

Devises and implements promotional strategies for the MDNHA in collaboration with the Executive Director and Delta Center staff, as well as MDNHA partners and stakeholders (e.g., MDNHA board members, consultants, committees, community members).

Other duties as assigned. This job posting in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by this employee. The incumbent is expected to perform other duties necessary for the effective operation of the department.

Qualifications:
A bachelor’s degree in a relevant humanities or social sciences field is required (e.g., art, community and regional planning/development, education, history, media studies, museum studies, sociology, tourism). At least 5 years experience in a related field is required. Evidence of excellent verbal and written communication skills. Demonstrated understanding of the complex history and culture of the Mississippi Delta, particularly awareness of race, socioeconomic, gender, and other power relations that influence community building and engagement. Must have a valid driver’s license, as some travel is involved.

A graduate degree preferred. Experience with supervising college students and/or community volunteers preferred. Knowledge of project management, budget management, and grant program management preferred.A bachelor’s degree in a relevant humanities or social sciences field is required (e.g., art, community and regional planning/development, education, history, media studies, museum studies, sociology, tourism). At least 5 years experience in a related field is required. Evidence of excellent verbal and written communication skills. Demonstrated understanding of the complex history and culture of the Mississippi Delta, particularly awareness of race, socioeconomic, gender, and other power relations that influence community building and engagement. Must have a valid driver’s license, as some travel is involved.A graduate degree preferred. Experience with supervising college students and/or community volunteers. Knowledge of project management, budget management, and grant program management.

Salary:
12 monthCommensurate with experience, qualifications, and university’s resources.

Minimum Qualifications:
A bachelor’s degree in a relevant humanities or social sciences field is required (e.g., art, community and regional planning/development, education, history, media studies, museum studies, sociology, tourism). At least 5 years experience in a related field is required. Evidence of excellent verbal and written communication skills. Demonstrated understanding of the complex history and culture of the Mississippi Delta, particularly awareness of race, socioeconomic, gender, and other power relations that influence community building and engagement. Must have a valid driver’s license, as some travel is involved.

Preferred Qualifications:
A graduate degree preferred. Experience with supervising college students and/or community volunteers. Knowledge of project management, budget management, and grant program management.

Special Instructions to Applicants:
At least two letters of recommendation are required. Requests for letters of recommendation will automatically be generated to the references you list on the application. They will be sent a link to allow them to submit a letter directly to the application.

No phone calls please. Only selected candidates will be contacted and scheduled for interviews.

Additional Information:
The mission of The Delta Center for Culture and Learning (hereafter referred to as The Delta Center) is to promote greater understanding of Mississippi Delta culture and history and its significance to the world through education, partnerships, and community engagement. The Delta Center fulfills its mission through management of a dynamic educational and cultural program portfolio, including the Mississippi Delta National Heritage Area, the International Delta Blues Project, National Endowment for the Humanities workshops, and the Mississippi Blues Commission (fiscal agent). The Delta Center receives external funds from various entities, including a state appropriation line item in Delta State University’s annual budget. To learn more about The Delta Center, visit http://deltacenterdsu.com.

The Mississippi Delta National Heritage Area (MDNHA) is a partnership with the National Park Service. It includes 18 counties that contain land located in the alluvial floodplain of the Mississippi Delta: Bolivar, Carroll, Coahoma, DeSoto, Holmes, Humphreys, Issaquena, Leflore, Panola, Quitman, Sharkey, Sunflower, Tallahatchie, Tate, Tunica, Warren, Washington and Yazoo. Designated by U.S. Congress in 2009, the MDNHA is governed by a 15-member board of directors representing agencies and organizations defined in the Congressional legislation. More information about the MDNHA, including the complete approved management plan, is available at www.msdeltaheritage.com.

The Program Manager is primarily responsible for assisting the Executive Director of the MDNHA - who also serves as the Director of The Delta Center - with executing the MDNHA Management Plan. Under direct supervision from the Executive Director, the Program Manager’s primary goal is to fulfill the primary mission of Mississippi Delta National Heritage Area: to preserve, perpetuate, and celebrate the 18-county MDNHA region’s heritage through collaboration and sustainable economic development. The Program Manager reports directly to the Executive Director of the MDNHA.

As part of a learning organization team, the Program Manager works collaboratively with MDNHA Board of Directors, the MDNHA Executive Director, and all staff members within The Delta Center. The Program Manager interacts with stakeholders at Delta State University, throughout the 18-county Delta region, and beyond on behalf of the MDNHA and The Delta Center. As a Delta State University employee working on behalf of the MDNHA and The Delta Center, the individual in this position will be expected to be flexible in accepting assignments that cooperatively advance both the MDNHA and The Delta Center’s missions toward advancing an integrated, systems-oriented, and place-based “Center of Excellence.”

Open Date: 07/08/2021

Close Date:

Open Until Filled: Yes

To be considered for this position please visit our web site and apply on line at the following link: Click Here

Delta State University is committed to a policy of equal employment and educational opportunity. Delta State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, or veteran status. This policy extends to all programs and activities supported by the University.

jeid-d17e1c8e814f8141a1f6385010d2a8e2