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Economic Development Director Jobs in Ridgeland, MS

Phi Theta Kappa

Development Associate

Jackson, MS · On-site

Executive Director of the PTK Foundation FLSA STATUS: Exempt, Full-Time WORK LOCATION: PTK ... economic status, ethnic background, sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status ...

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Economic Development Director information

See Ridgeland, MS salary details

$40.4K

$103.3K

$168.3K

How much do economic development director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for economic development director in Ridgeland, MS is $103,259.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,600.00 and $127,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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.

More about Economic Development Director jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Economic Development jobs in Ridgeland, MS? The most popular types of Economic Development jobs in Ridgeland, MS are:
What job categories do people searching Economic Development Director jobs in Ridgeland, MS look for? The top searched job categories for Economic Development Director jobs in Ridgeland, MS are:
What cities near Ridgeland, MS are hiring for Economic Development Director jobs? Cities near Ridgeland, MS with the most Economic Development Director job openings:
Economic Development Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Economic Development Director job openings in Ridgeland, MS as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,259 per year, or $49.6 per hour.

Associate Vice President for Research Development

Jackson State University

Jackson, MS • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

Location : JSU Main Campus, MS
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 202400330
College/Division: Research and Federal Relations
Opening Date: 05/04/2026
Description
The Division of Research and Economic Development at Jackson State University is accepting applications for the Associate Vice President for Research Development position. The Associate Vice President (AVP) for Research Development is a senior leader within the Division of Research and Economic Development, responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive strategy to enhance the institution's research enterprise. This role focuses on growing the university's capacity to secure external funding, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, supporting the development of major research centers, and establishing strong partnerships with federal agencies, foundations, and industry stakeholders. The AVP plays a critical role in enabling faculty success, building sustainable research infrastructure, and advancing the university's mission of research excellence, innovation, and economic empowerment.
Examples of Duties
Strategic Research Development and Institutional Capacity Building
  • Lead the strategic direction and implementation of research development initiatives across the university.
  • Identify, assess, and disseminate funding opportunities aligned with institutional strengths and emerging research priorities.
  • Facilitate the development of competitive, large-scale, multi-investigator proposals (e.g., UARCs, Centers of Excellence, NIH/NSF Centers).
  • Advance interdisciplinary research by fostering collaborations across colleges, departments, and external entities.
  • Oversee programs that enhance faculty research engagement, mentoring, and readiness for largescale grants and contracts.

Proposal Development and Funding Strategy
  • Direct the design and execution of institutional strategies for securing external research funding.
  • Provide executive-level oversight for proposal planning and team formation for complex, high-priority submissions.
  • Guide faculty in aligning proposals with sponsor priorities and institutional goals.
  • Organize faculty development workshops, proposal writing bootcamps, and early career investigator support.

Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement
  • Build and maintain strategic partnerships with federal agencies, philanthropic organizations, industry, and community partners.
  • Lead efforts to bring program officers and decision-makers to campus for engagement with researchers.
  • Promote the university's research strengths at external conferences, federal briefings, and strategic convenings.

Metrics, Operations, and Continuous Improvement
  • Develop and track research development metrics to evaluate effectiveness and drive data-informed decisions.
  • Collaborate with academic deans, Institutional Advancement and Academic Affairs to align research development activities.
  • Manage staff and resources dedicated to research development and proposal support.
  • Monitor trends in federal funding and research policy to inform institutional strategy.

Research Excellence and Visibility
  • Contribute to initiatives that position the university as a leader in research innovation and economic development.
  • Promote the visibility of faculty research and institutional accomplishments through strategic communications.
  • Support the development and recognition of major research centers and university-wide initiatives.

Typical Qualifications
  • Master's degree in a research-related field such as STEM, biomedical sciences, social sciences, or public health (Ph.D. or terminal degree strongly preferred).
  • Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in research development, research strategy, or research administration in a higher education or research-intensive environment.
  • Proven track record of leading successful large-scale, multi-institutional grant proposal efforts.
  • Demonstrated experience building interdisciplinary teams and forming external partnerships.
  • Deep understanding of federal funding mechanisms (e.g., NIH, NSF, DoD, DOE) and sponsor requirements.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Strong record of leadership in faculty development, especially for early-career researchers.

Skills and Competencies
  • Strategic thinker and collaborative leader.
  • Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Strong organizational and project management skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneously.
  • Commitment to research capacity-building.

We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees, including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
Part-time employees who work 20 hours or more per week are eligible for the complete benefits package.
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03
Will you now or in the future require sponsorship to work in the United States?
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