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Community Economic Development Jobs in Mississippi

Training Coordinator

Jackson, MS · On-site

$43K - $47K/yr

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 ...

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Showing results 1-20

Community Economic Development information

See Mississippi salary details

$29.4K

$97.6K

$146.8K

How much do community economic development jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for community economic development in Mississippi is $97,567.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,200.00 and $117,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is community economic development?

Community economic development (CED) is a process where local communities take action to stimulate economic growth and improve the quality of life for their residents. This involves initiatives such as supporting small businesses, creating jobs, developing affordable housing, and fostering local leadership. CED often emphasizes collaboration among residents, local organizations, and government to address economic challenges and create sustainable, inclusive growth. The goal is to empower communities to drive their own economic futures while addressing social, environmental, and economic needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in community economic development, and why are they important?

To thrive in Community Economic Development, you need expertise in economic analysis, project management, and stakeholder engagement, often supported by a degree in economics, urban planning, or public administration. Familiarity with data analysis software, GIS tools, and grant writing platforms is typically required. Strong communication, cultural competency, and leadership skills distinguish top professionals in this field. These qualifications enable effective collaboration and sustainable solutions that drive economic growth and community well-being.

What is the difference between Community Economic Development vs Economic Development Specialist?

AspectCommunity Economic DevelopmentEconomic Development Specialist
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in urban planning, public policy, or related fieldsSimilar credentials, often with additional certifications in economic analysis or project management
Work EnvironmentFocuses on local communities, nonprofits, government agenciesWorks in government, consulting firms, or economic development agencies
Employer & IndustryLocal governments, community organizations, non-profitsMunicipalities, economic development agencies, consulting firms
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in community-focused projectsExploring careers in economic growth strategies

Community Economic Development and Economic Development Specialist roles share similar credentials and work environments but differ in focus. Community Economic Development emphasizes local community projects and nonprofit collaborations, while Economic Development Specialists often work on broader economic growth strategies for municipalities or agencies. Both roles aim to promote economic prosperity but target different scopes within the industry.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in community economic development roles and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Community Economic Development often encounter challenges such as limited funding, balancing diverse stakeholder interests, and navigating complex regulatory environments. Success in this role requires strong communication and negotiation skills to build consensus among community members, local businesses, and government agencies. Proactively seeking out grant opportunities, fostering collaborative partnerships, and staying informed about economic trends can help address these challenges and drive sustainable development projects.
What are popular job titles related to Community Economic Development jobs in Mississippi? For Community Economic Development jobs in Mississippi, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Community Economic Development jobs in Mississippi look for? The top searched job categories for Community Economic Development jobs in Mississippi are:
Infographic showing various Community Economic Development job openings in Mississippi as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,567 per year, or $46.9 per hour.

Economic Development Team Lead

State of Mississippi

Jackson, MS • On-site

$85K - $92K/yr

Full-time

Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


State Of Mississippi rating

5.9

Company rating: 5.9 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

50th of 50 rated states


Job description

Salary: $85,000.00 - $92,000.00 Annually
Location : 25 - HINDS COUNTY, MS
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 9322-0411-20260722H
Department: 0411 - MDA-MISSISSIPPI DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
Opening Date: 07/24/2026
Closing Date: 8/10/2026 11:59 PM Central
Agency Minimum Salary: $85,000.00
Agency Maximum Salary: $92,000.00
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: This is a time limited position. The Economic Development Team Lead provides leadership and coordination for economic development projects, programs, and staff assignments in support of MDA's Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) grant responsibilities. This position helps administer federally funded disaster recovery activities by tracking projects, coordinating stakeholders, maintaining documentation, supporting compliance, and ensuring grant-related work is completed timely and accurately. Work supports MDA's role in advancing economic recovery, community development, and compliance with applicable state, federal, HUD, and agency requirements. This is a time-limited position.Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:• Lead and coordinate economic development projects, programs, and staff assignments in support of the CDBG-DR grant.• Support federally funded disaster recovery activities that advance economic recovery and community development.• Coordinate project responses, site visits, briefings, presentations, and follow-up activities with partners and stakeholders.• Monitor deadlines, deliverables, documentation, reporting, and compliance requirements related to grant-funded activities.• Communicate with agency leadership, business representatives, community partners, local officials, and other stakeholders.• Assist with incentive proposals, grant-related processes, reports, project materials, and required documentation.• Coach, mentor, and guide assigned staff in project activities, agency procedures, and CDBG-DR responsibilities.• Maintain accurate project records and perform other related duties as assigned.
What you'll need to be Successful: To be successful in this role, a candidate should have strong project management, communication, and organizational skills; and the ability to lead staff, coordinate stakeholders, maintain accurate documentation, and ensure compliance with applicable state, federal, HUD, and agency requirements.Demonstrated knowledge of economic development, community development, disaster recovery, grant administration, project coordination, and stakeholder engagement.
Preferred Qualifications: Typically requires a Bachelor's Degree and 3-5 years of experience. Hiring agency prefers:Experience working with federally funded programs, including CDBG-DR or similar grant programs, is preferred, along with the ability to monitor deadlines, maintain accurate documentation, support compliance requirements, prepare reports and project materials, and coordinate effectively with agency leadership, local officials, business representatives, community partners, and other stakeholders.Experience with economic development, community development, grant administration, or disaster recovery programs;
Characteristics of Work
See for information regarding this classifications
Minimum Qualifications
Typically requires a Bachelor's Degree and 3-5 years of experience.
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.
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What is the highest level of education (or semester hours of college) you have completed from an accredited four-year college or university?
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  • GED / High School
  • 30 semester hours
  • Associate's Degree / 60 semester hours
  • 90 semester hours
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How many years of experience do you have?
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  • More than 10 years

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About State of Mississippi

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Transparency in Mississippi Government is a concerted effort to provide visibility, openness, and accessibility to state government financial activity for Mississippi taxpayers as mandated by the State Legislature. As part of our continuing effort to set new standards for transparency and accountability in state government, the Department of Finance and Administration now provides access to a variety of financial data that is updated regularly. Revenue, expenditures, payments to city and county governments, contracts, and travel expenses are updated daily. Workforce information is updated monthly. Some of the expenditure data is considered private or protected under state and federal laws. If a payee/vendor/customer name is protected by law, the vendor name will be displayed as 'Confidential' throughout the queries.

Industry

Executive offices and legislative bodies

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Jackson, MS, US