| Location | Jackson, MS |
| Salary | $51,693.41–$66,000 Per Year |
Economic Development Specialist II
Salary
$51,693.41 - $66,000.00 Annually
Location
25 - HINDS COUNTY, MS
Job Type
Full-Time
Job Number
9320-0411-20260916hinds
Department
0411 - MDA-MISSISSIPPI DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
Opening Date
09/17/2026
Closing Date
9/30/2026 11:59 PM Central
Agency Minimum Salary
$51,693.41
Agency Maximum Salary
$66,000.00
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 II will serve as a Loan Program Manager in the Business Incentives Division. This role is essential for managing the Agribusiness Enterprise (ABE) loan program, along with other division loan programs aimed at attracting and retaining businesses in Mississippi. This position will oversee the administration of these programs to ensure they effectively support agricultural enterprises and contribute to economic growth in other areas. Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: • Administer state-supported loan and bond programs to attract business and industry to the state and encourage existing business expansion and retention. • Coordinate servicing activities related to financing programs and assist with marketing financing services provided through state-supported programs. • Promote Agribusiness loan programs administered by the agency to lenders and agribusiness industries. • Provide technical assistance by responding to requests, disseminating program information, aiding in the incentive application process, and explaining program policies and procedures. • Evaluate strengths and weaknesses of industries and communities being considered for incentive programs and assist in coordinating feasible financing packages. • Comprehend and apply state statutes, rules, regulations, and policies, and communicate program requirements to applicants. • Demonstrate decision-making skills and the ability to work effectively with individuals from varying backgrounds. • Apply knowledge of public administration, including budgeting, administrative law, and state bid laws, as well as public relations and negotiation skills. • Perform basic accounting related to request-for-cash processing and workflow processes associated with program administration. • Maintain proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word.
What youll need to be Successful
To be successful the candidate should possess knowledge of state-supported loan and bond programs, applicable state statutes, rules, regulations, and policies. The candidate should also have banking experience, a working knowledge of basic accounting principles, be proficient in Microsoft Excel and Word and possess a valid Mississippi driver's license. In addition, the candidate should demonstrate effective communication skills, sound decision-making abilities, and the ability to manage multiple tasks with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
Preferred Qualifications
Typically requires a Bachelor's Degree and 1-3 years of experience. The minimum qualifications in this job class are based upon a job analysis and the essential functions of the job. Experience demonstrating the candidate's ability to perform all essential functions of the position is beneficial. Hiring agency preferred qualifications: Education and Experience Requirements: • Bachelor's degree required. • Must possess a valid Mississippi driver's license or have the ability to obtain one. Preferred Experience • Experience in commercial and/or consumer lending, including evaluating loan applications and documentation, loan processing, and loan management, is preferred. • One to three years of experience in a relevant field. • Banking experience is required.
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? (Refer to the job posting for an explanation of related experience.)
02
What is the highest level of education (or semester hours of college) you have completed?
Required Question
Employer State of Mississippi
Address 210 East Capitol Street
Suite 800
Jackson, Mississippi, 39201
Phone 601-359-1406
601-359-1406