Communications Manager Jobs in Clinton, MS (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $61,416.94 - $67,558.63 Annually
Location : 25 - HINDS COUNTY, MS
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 9321-0411-20260903HS
Department: 0411 - MDA-MISSISSIPPI DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
Opening Date: 09/04/2026
Closing Date: 9/17/2026 11:59 PM Central
Agency Minimum Salary: $61,416.94
Agency Maximum Salary: $67,558.63
About the Agency: The Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) is the state's lead economic and community development agency. MDA recruits new companies to Mississippi, helps existing companies expand and provides support to foster growth and new opportunities in a variety of areas, including energy, small and minority business, trade, film, retiree recruitment and more. Additionally, MDA attracts millions of visitors to the state each year through Visit Mississippi, the tourism division of the agency. MDA also supports pass-through funding and provides support for a variety of grant programs and non-profits, such as Innovate Mississippi and Mississippi Main Street Association.
About the Position: The Economic Development Specialist III will serve as the Communications Manager for Visit Mississippi at the Mississippi Development Authority. This position is responsible for executing communications efforts that tell Mississippi's story to potential visitors, media audiences, industry partners, and stakeholders. The Communications Manager will support media relations, editorial communications, and public-facing messaging that enhances the Visit Mississippi brand and positions Mississippi as a premier travel destination.The Communications Manager serves as a key communications resource for the Office of Marketing & Communications and Visit Mississippi, supporting the development and execution of public relations, events, and other initiatives. Under the direction of the Chief Marketing Officer, this position manages day-to-day communications activities, including responding to media inquiries, developing content, and maintaining relationships with media and tourism partners.This position ensures consistency in Visit Mississippi's messaging and brand standards while collaborating with internal teams, tourism stakeholders, and media representatives to generate positive visibility and inspire travel to Mississippi. The position requires strong writing, editing, and project management skills, as well as the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:• Develop and distribute media advisories, news releases, briefing documents, and other media materials for Visit Mississippi, trail systems, and affiliated programs through Cision and other digital platforms.• Maintain media databases and support day-to-day media relations activities, including responding to inquiries and coordinating fulfillment of requests for information, photography or video assets, and interviews.• Write, edit, and proofread content for Visit Mississippi's owned, earned, and paid channels, including newsletters, blogs, online articles, itineraries, collateral, and other consumer-facing communications. Review and edit vendor- and agency-developed content to ensure accuracy and consistency with Visit Mississippi's brand voice, messaging standards, and objectives.• Develop executive communications, including talking points, presentation materials, scripts, and other public-facing content that supports Visit Mississippi leadership, initiatives, and events.• Assist with planning, promotion, and execution of Visit Mississippi events, including press conferences, marker unveilings, industry events, and activations through media relations, collateral development, and event support.• Support Visit Mississippi trail programs through the development of press materials and promotional collateral. Current trail programs include the Mississippi Blues Trail, Mississippi Country Music Trail, Mississippi Freedom Trail, Mississippi Writers Trail, and the Great Mississippi Nature Trail.• Collaborate with Visit Mississippi's public relations firm, partner organizations, and the Chief Marketing Officer to identify, develop, and execute story opportunities regularly. Maintain editorial calendars aligned with Visit Mississippi priorities, campaigns, events, and organizational goals to support positive coverage of Mississippi tourism assets.• Represent Visit Mississippi at tourism conferences, media marketplaces, industry events, professional meetings, and industry organizations. Participate in committees and industry activities on behalf of Visit Mississippi.• Provide support for broader Office Visit Mississippi initiatives, including marketing campaigns, special projects, stakeholder communications, and brand initiatives.• Review invoices, contracts, and vendor documentation; assist with administrative functions related to the Office of Marketing & Communications activities, budget and deliverable tracking/reporting, vendor management, and contract coordination.• Ensure all communication materials align with Visit Mississippi's brand voice, messaging standards, and strategic objectives.• Develop and maintain relationships with in-state media outlets and monitor, track, and report on earned media coverage.• Maintain positive relationships with key stakeholders, tourism partners, industry organizations, and professional associations.• Manage multiple projects simultaneously while prioritizing deadlines and maintaining quality standards.• Maintain organized records of media contacts, editorial calendars, communication materials, and performance reporting.The duties and responsibilities outlined in this job description are representative of the work performed but are not intended to be all-inclusive. Visit Mississippi reserves the right to revise, modify, or assign additional duties and responsibilities as needs evolve. Employees may be required to perform other job-related duties as assigned.
What you'll need to be Successful: To be successful, the candidate must have strong writing, editing, and project management skills, as well as the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. The candidate should demonstrate strong communication skills, excellent customer service, and the ability to build good rapport with staff and the public. The candidate should also have knowledge of social media channels and the ability to create and manage content, along with strong critical thinking, creativity, and organizational skills.
Preferred Qualifications: Typically requires a bachelor's degree and 3-5 years of experience. Preference given to candidates with a degree in Public Relations, Marketing, Communications, or related field.
No available description
Health/Prescription InsuranceEligible 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 LeaveFull-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.)

• No experience
• 1 year of experience
• 2 years of experience
• 3 years of experience
• 4 years of experience
• 5 years of experience
• 6 years of experience
• 7 years of experience
• 8 years of experience
• 9 years of experience
• 10 years of experience
• More than 10 years

02
What is the highest level of education (or semester hours of college) you have completed?

• 8th grade
• GED or High School Equivalency Diploma / High School Diploma
• 30 semester hours
• Associate's Degree / 60 semester hours
• 90 semester hours
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree
• Specialist Degree
• Doctorate Degree
• 9th grade
• 10th grade
• 11th grade

Required Question