Economic Development Manager Jobs in Mississippi

Salary: $51,693.41 - $56,862.75 Annually
Location : 25 - HINDS COUNTY, MS
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 9320-0411-20260904HS
Department: 0411 - MDA-MISSISSIPPI DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
Opening Date: 09/04/2026
Closing Date: 9/17/2026 11:59 PM Central
Agency Minimum Salary: $51,693.41
Agency Maximum Salary: $56,862.75
Preferred Qualifications: Typically requires a Bachelor's Degree and 1-3 years of experience.
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 Specialist II position will serve as Program Manager for State and Federal Grants in the Community Incentives Division. This position principal responsibilities include managing contracts, monitoring projects, processing requests for cash, reviewing expenditures and budget modifications, preparing reports, providing technical assistance, and ensuring compliance with federal regulations, state policies, and program guidelines.Principal Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:• Implement, manage, monitor, and close contracts for the Development Infrastructure Program, Community Development Block Grant Program, Appalachian Regional Commission Grant Program, and other assigned programs as they pertain to economic development and community development projects.• Ensure projects are managed against established timelines and reach required benchmarks.• Comprehend and apply HUD, federal and state rules, regulations and policies.• Complete work assignments with a high level of attention to details and accuracy.• Maintain up to date knowledge of grant program regulations and guidelines.• Process requests for cash accurately and in a timely manner.• Review contracts, tracking grant expenditures, reviewing budget modifications.• Provide technical assistance to staff and recipients to solve problems and resolve complaints in a timely and professional manner.• Perform basic accounting as it relates to requests for cash processing and related workflow processes in regard to contract and budget modifications.• Monitor projects for compliance with federal regulations and state policies and procedures, including project site visits within assigned areas of the state.• Perform writing assignments, research projects/problems, prepare reports and respond to oral and written communications professionally and in a timely manner.• Operate standard office equipment to include computers, printers, copiers, scanners, fax, etc.• Proficiently use standard software such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.• Ensure problems and issues are addressed and communications are professional, relevant and timely.• Demonstrate a willingness and ability to work effectively with others.• Assist with other duties and projects as assigned.
What you'll need to be Successful: To be successful, the candidate should have knowledge of HUD, federal, and state rules, regulations, and policies; the ability to perform basic accounting as it relates to contracts and budget modifications; excellent written and oral communication, time-management, organizational, and problem-solving skills; and experience using standard software such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. • Demonstrated experience administering grant programs, including contract management, project monitoring, and closeout activities.• Working knowledge of applicable federal regulations, state policies and procedures, and grant program guidelines.• Experience processing requests for cash, tracking expenditures, reviewing budget modifications, and preparing related reports.• Ability to provide technical assistance, resolve issues professionally, and communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.• Proficiency in the use of standard office equipment and Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.• Ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders and willingness to travel overnight as needed.
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