1

Economic Development Manager Jobs in Mississippi

Training Coordinator

Jackson, MS · On-site

$43K - $47K/yr

... economic development, public-sector operations, or related governmental processes is preferred. • Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to coordinate schedules ...

Resident Services Coordinator

Meridian, MS · On-site

$19.50 - $25.50/hr

Works with project-based residents to find employment, job training and economic development ... Assists Manager in implementation of resident renewal and retention programs. * Any other job ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Economic Development Manager information

See Mississippi salary details

$29.4K

$97.6K

$146.8K

How much do economic development manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for economic development manager 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 are Economic Development Managers?

Economic Development Managers are professionals responsible for planning and implementing strategies to boost economic growth within a community, city, or region. They work with government agencies, businesses, and other stakeholders to attract new investments, support local businesses, and create jobs. Their role often involves analyzing economic data, coordinating development projects, and promoting the area to potential investors. By fostering a healthy business environment, they help improve the overall quality of life for residents.

What are some common challenges Economic Development Managers face when balancing community needs with business interests?

Economic Development Managers often navigate the complex task of balancing the goals of attracting new businesses and investments with the needs and concerns of the local community. Challenges can include addressing potential impacts on housing, infrastructure, and the environment while ensuring job creation and economic growth. Success in this role relies on strong stakeholder engagement, transparent communication, and creative problem-solving to find solutions that benefit both the community and business partners. Collaboration with local government, business leaders, and residents is essential for developing sustainable, mutually beneficial strategies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Economic Development Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Economic Development Manager, you need expertise in economic analysis, project management, and community engagement, typically supported by a degree in economics, urban planning, or public administration. Familiarity with GIS tools, economic modeling software, and grant management systems is often required, along with certifications like CEcD (Certified Economic Developer). Strong networking, negotiation, and communication skills help build effective partnerships and foster stakeholder collaboration. These competencies enable Economic Development Managers to drive sustainable growth, attract investment, and successfully implement development initiatives within communities.

What is the difference between Economic Development Manager vs Urban Planner?

AspectEconomic Development ManagerUrban Planner
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in economics, urban planning, or related field; often certifications in economic developmentBachelor's or master's in urban planning, geography, or related field; licensure may be required
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, economic development organizations, private sectorMunicipalities, government agencies, consulting firms
Employer & Industry UsageFocuses on economic growth, business attraction, and job creationFocuses on land use, zoning, and community development

While both roles aim to improve communities, the Economic Development Manager concentrates on economic growth and business development, whereas the Urban Planner focuses on land use and urban design. Their skills and work environments often overlap, but their core objectives differ.

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 Manager jobs in Mississippi? For Economic Development Manager jobs in Mississippi, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Economic Development Manager jobs in Mississippi look for? The top searched job categories for Economic Development Manager jobs in Mississippi are:
Infographic showing various Economic Development Manager job openings in Mississippi as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% 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

Economic Development Representative

Southern Company

Gulfport, MS • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 12 days ago


Southern Company rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description


Job Summary
This position is responsible for the development and implementation of strategies and programs that support industrial development within the Mississippi Power service territory. There will be flexibility in the day-to-day work location, based on department needs and successful candidate location. This will be located in a Mississippi Power owned facility.
Job Requirements
  • Four-year college degree preferred. Preference for a degree in marketing, business administration, or a master's degree in economic development.
  • A minimum of two years of experience in economic development, sales, marketing, or a related field is strongly preferred.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of the economic development process, product development, marketing and sales, general collateral, and graphic design.
  • Proven ability to lead complex projects through completion.
  • Excellent interpersonal and presentation skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to apply analytical processes and sound judgment to solve complex problems.
  • Proven ability to work closely with both internal and external groups.
  • General working knowledge of company operations is preferred.

Major Job Responsibilities
  • Work with the economic development team and leadership to proactively identify, assess, and implement economic development initiatives, incentives, and programs that support the goals of the economic development department.
  • Oversee the development and implementation of a marketing strategy, including collateral, presentations, and website design.
  • Provide oversight of the site evaluation and certification program for industrial and large commercial sites in partnership with the economic development team and local economic development partners.
  • Provide leadership and support for economic development initiatives that will enhance the growth of our communities. Assist in developing the recruiting strategy and existing business retention strategy.
  • Oversee and generate industrial leads for recruitment.
  • Monitor, assess, and recommend new and innovative economic development programs for department consideration.
  • Build and sustain key internal and external relationships, including Marketing, Distribution, and Transmission, as well as the Mississippi Development Authority and county economic development organizations.

About Us
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 benefits 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.
About the Team
Mississippi Power

What Southern Company employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom