Job opening: Director of Public Programs

Deep South Today is a nonprofit network of local newsrooms that includes Mississippi Today and Verite News.

Founded in 2016, Mississippi Today is now one of the largest newsrooms in the state, and in 2023 it won the Pulitzer Prize for Local Reporting. Verite News launched in 2022 in New Orleans, where it covers inequities facing communities of color. With its regional scale and scope, Deep South Today is rebuilding and re-energizing local journalism in communities where it had previously eroded, and ensuring its long-term growth and sustainability.

The Director of Public Programs is a leadership role responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive strategy for in-person and virtual events and programs that align with the organization’s mission and goals. This role will oversee the planning and execution of events for all Deep South Today newsrooms.

In this position, you will be a thought partner in developing event concepts, and you will create the marketing strategies and execution plans to ensure they are successful and well attended. This will include coordinating venues, staffing, catering, transportation, accommodations and equipment for in-person events, as well as protocols for virtual events. The Director of Public Programs will be responsible for managing the event budgets and negotiating pricing with vendors while working closely with newsroom leadership to determine details such as the goal of the event, number of guests and expected outcomes. Organization skills, an eye for detail, and the ability to multitask, prioritize, and delegate duties are imperative. Excellent communication skills are required to create productive relationships with vendors, sponsors, and internal clients which is key to a successful career. This position reports to the Chief Executive Officer while supporting all Deep South Today locations. 

Responsibilities:

Provide strategic direction, planning, oversight, and leadership for newsroom events and event staff including full-time staff and contractors.

Develop and implement effective marketing plans for generating revenue.

Communicate event strategies, budgetary needs and any issues with all levels of the organization leadership team.

Oversee all aspects of event operations, including the run-of-show plans, setup, execution, and procurement of equipment and personnel needs. 

Manage project budgets and expenses to ensure events are fiscally viable.

Conduct post-event wrap up meetings with newsroom leadership to document wins and opportunities from each event. 

Create and implement systems for reviewing event profitability, while monitoring expenses and maximizing revenue.

Track progress, metrics, and deliverables to demonstrate impact, and/or areas of growth resulting from events.

Ensure compliance with all venue restrictions and insurance requirements. 

Required Skills:

Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to articulate and present ideas effectively.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to use data to inform decision-making.

Strong leadership and collaboration skills with the ability to inspire and motivate peers and newsroom leadership.

Extensive background in brand strategy, marketing, and consumer engagement.

Proven experience in a leadership role overseeing in-person and virtual event programming.

Extensive background in event planning, program development, and content curation.

Demonstrated ability to think creatively and develop innovative brand experiences.

Education and Experience: 

Bachelor’s degree or 5 years of progressively responsible management experience in a supervisory role in an event planning function in lieu of college degree. 

Requires a minimum of 5 years of experience managing special events, conferences, and similar large-scale, revenue-generating events

Working conditions:

Work schedule may include weekends, evenings, and/or holidays based on business needs.

Salary Range: $105,000 to $125,000

What you’ll get:

Highly competitive salary with medical insurance, and options for vision and dental insurance.

29 days paid time off.

Up to 12 weeks of parental family leave, with return-to-work flexibility.

Simple IRA with 3 percent company matching. Group-term life insurance provided to employees ($15,000 policy).

Support for professional training and attending industry conferences.

How to Apply:

We’re committed to building an inclusive newsroom that represents the people and communities we serve. We especially encourage members of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply for this position, including women, people of color, LGBTQ people and people who are differently abled.

Please click this link to apply.

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