Program Development Manager Jobs in Jackson, MS (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $73,673.08 - $113,938.73 Annually
Location : 25 - HINDS COUNTY, MS
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 9515-0671-20260814HDS
Department: 0671 - EMPLOYMENT SECURITY
Opening Date: 08/21/2026
Closing Date: 9/3/2026 11:59 PM Central
Agency Minimum Salary: $73,673.08
Agency Maximum Salary: $113,938.73
About the Agency: The goal of the Mississippi Department of Employment Security is to help Mississippians get jobs. Through our network of WIN Job Centers, MDES matches qualified, prospective employees with employers. Also at Job Centers, Mississippians can obtain job training to sharpen their work skills and make themselves more competitive in the job market. The mission statement for the Mississippi Department of Employment Security is "Helping Mississippians Get Jobs." The email address for the MDES Human Resources Department is HumanCapital@mdes.ms.gov, and the phone number is 601-321-6000.
About the Position: The Applications & Development Manager leads technical operations and oversees the development, maintenance, and reliability of mission-critical applications. This role manages interstate and inter-agency data-exchange processes while ensuring required files are delivered, validated, and processed according to established standards. The position also supports modernization initiatives by coordinating environment setup, system updates, and collaboration with external vendors and partner teams to ensure smooth integration and ongoing application support. Additional responsibilities include working with Infrastructure and Cybersecurity teams to meet security needs such as access updates and connection requirements, leading cross-functional meetings, and guiding incident-response efforts to maintain system stability and resolve outages affecting applications and batch processing. The Applications & Development Manager also oversees development work performed jointly with contractors to align on deliverables and ensure high-quality outcomes, and manages project delivery by defining scope, coordinating timelines, and ensuring that implementation activities meet established objectives.
What you'll need to be Successful: Preferred candidates should demonstrate strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills, along with solid organizational and time-management abilities. They should be able to work effectively with technical teams, vendors, and other agencies/officials and show the ability to interpret requirements and support reliable application operations.
Preferred Qualifications: Typically requires a Bachelor's Degree and 7-10 years of relevant IT experience. Incumbent often possesses specialized knowledge in an IT discipline. - Agency Preferred Qualifications:Bachelor's Degree in Information Technology or a computer-related field from an accredited four-year college or university and at least 10 years of experience in an information-technology environment. Experience collaborating with state and federal agencies, contractors, and familiarity with U.S. Department of Labor programs is a plus.All applicants must have a valid driver's license and be able to pass an extensive background check.
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 relevant IT experience do you have?

• 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?

• None
• 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

03
Do you possess specialized knowledge in an IT discipline?

• Yes
• No

Required Question