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Economic Development Director Jobs in Mississippi

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Economic Development Director information

See Mississippi salary details

$45.9K

$117.4K

$191.3K

How much do economic development director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for economic development director in Mississippi is $117,374.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,800.00 and $145,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an economic development director?

An economic development director is a city government employee who helps spur the city economy. Your two biggest responsibilities are to persuade new businesses to move into your town and to encourage existing businesses to expand. You attend fundraising events for civic and business groups and interact with donors to make connections with potentially valuable economic partners. Your duties include developing strategic programs for economic and financial growth, analyzing market trends, writing city tax policy proposals, and advising the city manager and the city council.

What does an economic development director do?

An Economic Development Director is responsible for creating and implementing strategies to promote economic growth within a community or region. They work to attract new businesses, support existing ones, and encourage job creation by collaborating with local government officials, business leaders, and community organizations. Their duties often include managing economic incentive programs, overseeing redevelopment projects, and conducting market research to identify opportunities for development. Ultimately, their goal is to improve the local economy and enhance the quality of life for residents.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an economic development director, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Economic Development Director, you need expertise in economic analysis, project management, and public policy, typically supported by a degree in economics, public administration, or a related field. Familiarity with economic modeling software, GIS tools, and grant management systems is often required, along with certifications such as Certified Economic Developer (CEcD). Strong leadership, strategic communication, and relationship-building abilities help foster collaboration among public, private, and community stakeholders. These skills are crucial for identifying growth opportunities, securing funding, and driving sustainable economic progress in a community or region.

What are the main challenges economic development directors face when balancing community needs and business interests?

Economic Development Directors often need to align the interests of local businesses, government stakeholders, and community members, which can be challenging due to differing priorities. For example, attracting new businesses might conflict with preserving community character or addressing affordable housing. Success in this role frequently involves transparent communication, creative problem-solving, and building consensus through public engagement and strategic partnerships. Navigating these complexities requires adaptability and a strong understanding of both economic trends and local needs.

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

AspectEconomic Development DirectorEconomic Development Specialist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Economics, Business, or Public Administration; experience in economic planningSimilar credentials, often with less managerial experience
Work EnvironmentLeadership role in government agencies or economic development organizationsSupport role, assisting with projects and research
Employer & IndustryMunicipalities, regional agencies, economic development firmsLocal government departments, economic development offices
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding leadership roles in economic developmentLearning about supporting roles in economic growth projects

The main difference between an Economic Development Director and an Economic Development Specialist lies in their level of responsibility and leadership. The Director oversees strategic planning and manages teams, while the Specialist focuses on supporting projects and research. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and work within government or economic organizations, but the Director holds a higher managerial position.

What are the most commonly searched types of Economic Development jobs in Mississippi?

The most popular types of Economic Development jobs in Mississippi are:

What are popular job titles related to Economic Development Director jobs in Mississippi?

For Economic Development Director jobs in Mississippi, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Mississippi are hiring for Economic Development Director jobs?

Cities in Mississippi with the most Economic Development Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Economic Development Director job openings in Mississippi as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,374 per year, or $56.4 per hour.

Community and Economic Development Specialist I

Pearl, MS

Central Mississippi Planning And Development District

$40K - $45K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST I
The Central Mississippi Planning amp; Development District has promoted regional excellence since 1968. We aim to assist our member governments with creative regional solutions to relevant and emerging issues.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Classification: Non-Exempt
Department: Planning
Reports to: Director of Planning amp; Management Division
Summary/Objective
This position is responsible for technical work involved in the planning, preparation and implementation of regional short-range community development programs and projects. Incumbents assigned to this classification are responsible for specific economic development and community development activities as directed. The work involves considerable contact with localities within the District.
Essential Functions
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Responsible for grant administration to include approving invoices, tracking spending, ensure grant compliance, financial quarterly reporting, environmental assessments, public hearings, etc for Delta Regional Authority and Community Development Block Grants. Procurement, collection, and distribution of documents to the appropriate persons.
Assist with environmental clearance for Community and Economic projects as needed for CDBG grants.
File maintenance for grant sources.
Assist with various internal administrative tasks to maintain the Districts EDA eligibility and in fulfillment of the Districts Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS).
Prepare correspondence, graphs, charts, and reports for grant applications and administration assistance.
Monitor the department's budgets and prepare monthly updates.
Attends numerous meetings, conferences, and seminars to view models and examples of projects that could be used within the District and for general educational development.
Other tasks as assigned.
Competencies
Planning and Organizing
Communication
Initiative/Independence
Customer Orientation
Supervisory Responsibility
This position has no supervisory responsibilities.
Work Environment
While performing the duties of this position, the employee may travel by automobile or airplane and be exposed to changing weather conditions.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently lifts and moves up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
This is a full-time position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Travel
Travel is primarily local, with some out-of-area and overnight travel expected.
Required Education and Experience
A Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four-year college or university in a related field of study.
OR
An associate’s degree or technical certificate in administrative assistance or business-related field from an accredited community college or technical training institute and two (2) years of full-time experience in related work.
OR
Four (4) years of experience in related work.
Additional Eligibility Qualifications
Strong organizational, project management, problem-solving skills and impeccable multi-tasking abilities are necessary.
Demonstrate the ability to handle difficult situations while maintaining a professional demeanor tactfully.
Ability to speak confidently and effectively, present information, and respond to questions from groups of government officials, clients, customers, and the public.
Strong interpersonal skills, including experience building and maintaining relationships with a diverse network of individuals and organizations.
Self-motivation, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn are essential to this role.
Excellent proofreading and editing skills with strong attention to detail are required.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office products (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) is required.
Must have and maintain a valid Mississippi driver's license.
Other Duties
Assist in preparing grant applications, including binding, as needed.
Maintain and organize all files from all grant sources applied and administered by CMPDD’s Economic and Development area.
Handle procurement for engineering and construction related to grants.
Draft documents (press reports, resolutions of matching funds, mid-year reports, etc.)
Communications with Municipalities and Non-Profits.
Assist with the Annual MAPDD Conference as assigned.
Accepts and routes calls and messages for the Economic and Development Area.
Mailing, delivery, and assistance with grant applications.
Assist with the Front Desk on a rotation schedule.
Please note that this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.
AAP/EEO Statement
CMPDD provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.