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Community Economic Development Jobs in Mississippi

State of 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 ...

Envolve

Resident Services Coordinator

Meridian, MS · On-site

$19.50 - $25.50/hr

... economic development as well as opening ad establishing bank accounts. * Works with non-profit organizations to provide services and activities for residents. * Serves as a liaison to community ...

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All JobsCommunity Economic Development JobsCommunity Economic Development Jobs in Mississippi

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 8, 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:
Community Economic Development jobs near you
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 Representative - Project Manager

Southern Company

Gulfport, MS • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Southern Company rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Description

This position is responsible for generating project leads and managing projects to achieve our mission of increasing revenue through the location, expansion, and retention of business. The Economic Development Representative is responsible for participating in recruiting events to market the MPC service territory to business executives and site selection consultants. The position is also responsible for working closely with state, regional and local economic development organizations and providing professional project management assistance on both new and expansion projects. 

JOB REQUIREMENTS: 

  • Four Year College Degree is preferred in business administration, marketing, economic development or related field. Master's degree in business, economic development or related field is preferred.
  • A minimum of 3 years of experience in economic development, sales or marketing, business or related field is required. 
  • Demonstrated knowledge of the economic development process and the political economic development environment.
  • A track record in exercising sound judgment and in handling confidential information.
  • Highly organized with attention to detail and the ability to work on multiple time-critical projects without direct supervision.
  • An understanding of relationship-based sales and marketing.
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively with a diverse team, both internally and externally.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills, including presentation skills.
  • A general working knowledge of company operations is preferred.
  • Model all aspects of Our Southern Company Values and PCL behaviors. 

MAJOR JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:  

  • Develop strong working alliances with State, regional and local economic development organizations. Provide professional project management support of new business recruitment efforts and projects involving the retention or expansion of existing businesses.
  • Meet and establish relationships with business executives who are considering expanding or relocating their operations. Build a business case for locating business in the MPC service territory.
  • Build strong working relationships with site location consultants, industrial realtors, construction companies, and others. Leverage these relationships effectively market communities.
  • Become knowledgeable about MPC rates, power delivery, generation, and finance.
  • Maintain strong collaborative relationships within the power delivery, rates and finance organizations to provide accurate and timely responses to projects and leads.
  • Take responsibility for planning and conducting site tours for prospects and consultants in our service territory.
  • Participate in familiarization tours, conference calls and other events to generate leads.
  • Take primary responsibility for the development and timely submittal of responses to Requests for Proposals (RFPs). Provide oversight to support personnel engaged in research, mapping, creative design, and packaging.
  • Become knowledgeable about our area - our workforce, transportation and utility infrastructure, industrial parks, available building, etc.
  • Routinely maintain pertinent project details and updates within Economic Development CRM for accurate tracking of industrial project progress.
  • Manage an individual budget for meals and travel.
Mississippi Power, a subsidiary of Southern Company, provides clean, safe, reliable, and affordable energy to more than 192,000 customers and communities in 23 southeast Mississippi counties. For over 100 years, Mississippi Power is a leader in customer service, workforce development and education, environmental stewardship, and employee volunteerism. The company is an industry leader when it comes to working safely, providing around-the-clock reliable service and its expert storm response. Mississippi Power has been at the forefront of innovation in the state through strategic partnerships in electric transportation and solar energy. The company has worked with the Coast Transit Authority to put the state's first electric public transportation bus in operation and with Forrest County Agriculture High School on the state's first electric school bus. It also partnered with the Hattiesburg Zoo on a new electric train and worked with the country's largest Domino's franchise to electrify its delivery fleet. Also, a leader in renewable energy, Mississippi Power partnered with the Naval Construction Battalion Center to install the first microgrid at a Navy facility. The company was among the first to introduce utility scale solar in the state with nearly 160 MW of renewable energy produced, enough to power 23,000 homes for a year. Mississippi Power's mission is to provide world-class value to our customers and communities every day.

Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million customers across the Southeast and beyond through its family of companies. Providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy with excellent service is our mission. The company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company, a leading distributed energy solutions provider with national capabilities, a fiber optics network and telecommunications services. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, resilience and sustainability, we are taking action to meet customers' and communities' needs while advancing our goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and are the key to our sustained success. We are transforming energy into economic, environmental and social progress for tomorrow. Our corporate culture has been recognized by a variety of organizations, earning the company awards and recognitions that reflect Our Values and dedication to service. To learn more, visit www.southerncompany.com. 

Southern Company invests in the well-being of its employees and their families through a comprehensive total rewards strategy that includes competitive base salary, annual incentive awards for eligible employees and health, welfare and retirement benefits designed to support physical, financial, and emotional/social well-being. This position may also be eligible for additional compensation, such as an incentive program, with the amount of any bonus/awards subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable incentive plan(s). A summary of the benefits offered for this position can be found here https://seo.nlx.org/southernco/pdf/SOCO-Benefits.pdf. Additional and specific details about total compensation and benets will also be provided during the hiring process.


Southern Company is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law.

Mississippi Power

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