Economic Development Specialist I
Salary
$43,509.31 - $52,211.17 Annually
Location
25 - HINDS COUNTY, MS
Job Type
Full-Time
Job Number
9319-0411-20261007Hs
Department
0411 - MDA-MISSISSIPPI DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
Opening Date
10/09/2026
Closing Date
10/23/2026 11:59 PM Central
Agency Minimum Salary
$43,509.31
Agency Maximum Salary
$52,211.17
About the Agency
The Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) is the states 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
The Economic Development Specialist I will serve in the Business Incentives Division, which is responsible for administering grant, loan, and tax incentive programs Mississippi offers to new and expanding businesses. This position will support grant and loan programs. This is a state service position. Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: • Administer state-supported grant, loan, and bond programs • Coordinate all servicing activities related to financing programs. • Help market financing services provided through state-supported programs. • Understand and apply state statues, rules, regulations, and policies. • Provide technical assistance to businesses, cities, counties, non-profits and other entities applying for funding through Business Incentive programs. • Respond and disseminate program information as requested to businesses, local economic development organizations, and local units of government. • Aid in the incentive application process. • Provide information regarding program policies and procedures. • Develop and maintain an integral knowledge of state incentive programs (i.e. discretionary grant programs and statutory tax incentive programs) and various other assistance programs offered by state and federal government. • Perform basic accounting functions in regard to requests for cash processing and the workflow process associated with program administration. • Assist with other duties and projects as assigned
What youll need to be Successful
To be successful a candidate must possess and maintain a valid Mississippi driver's license, have excellent communication and interpersonal skills in a professional and friendly manner, be proficient in Microsoft Office suite, possess a strong work ethic and high degree of initiative, proven ability to make independent decisions, demonstrate strong time management skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines, ability to exercise a high degree of confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion, and ability to be flexible and adapt to changes in priorities and demands. • Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word. • Strong communication, interpersonal, decision-making, and critical thinking skills. • Possess knowledge of public administration (budgeting, administrative law, and state bid laws) as well as public relations and negotiation skills to facilitate frequent interaction with business executives and others.
Preferred Qualifications
Typically requires a Bachelor's Degree and 0-2 years of experience. Hiring agency preferred qualifications • Bachelor's degree in accounting, public administration, public policy, banking, or related field.
No available description
Health/Prescription Insurance
Eligible 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 Leave
Full-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?
02
What is the highest level of education (or semester hours of college) you have completed in a relevant area?
Required Question
Employer State of Mississippi
Address 210 East Capitol Street
Suite 800
Jackson, Mississippi, 39201
Phone 601-359-1406
601-359-1406
| Location | Jackson, MS |
| Salary | $43,509.31–$52,211.17 Per Year |
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