| Location | Jackson, MS |
| Salary | $47,425.15–$73,345.13 Per Year |
Education Program Development Specialist III
Salary
$47,425.15 - $73,345.13 Annually
Location
25 - HINDS COUNTY, MS
Job Type
Full-Time
Job Number
9335-0201-20260916HIN
Department
0201 - EDUCATION - CONSOLIDATED PROGRAM
Opening Date
09/16/2026
Closing Date
10/1/2026 11:59 PM Central
Agency Minimum Salary
$47,425.15
Agency Maximum Salary
$73,345.13
Preferred Qualifications
Typically requires a relevant Bachelor's Degree and 3+ years of experience.
About the Agency
The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) seeks to create a world-class educational system that gives students the knowledge and skills to be successful in college and in the workforce, and to flourish as parents and citizens. To inquire about this position, please contact Vergenia Coleman at vcoleman@mdek12.org.
About the Position
The Mississippi Department of Education is seeking to employ an individual to serve in the position of Education Program Development Specialist III as Contracts and Grants Specialist for the Office of Teaching and Leading. Third-level seasoned professional Educational Program position providing guidance and consultation services in highly complex and specialized fields of educational programs. Incumbents provide assistance and advice to other members of the department staff as well as to school Administrators and other agencies, institutions, or departments. The work involves analysis of problems and educational needs of schools and recommending corrective action necessary to maintain education standards commensurate with the needs of the school and community in meeting minimum state and federal requirements. May also be accountable for assisting in developing, scheduling, and screening of educational and other related programming. May assist in supporting program compliance with state and federal laws. Employees at this level may function as a lead worker and direct the work of lower-level positions. • Design and/or implement management systems to monitor service requests, approvals, funding sources, invoices, and payments for the Regional Education Service Agency (RESA) Mega Contract and other areas as needed. • Maintain compliance with established procedures for service procurement and delivery under the RESA Mega Contract across MDE Offices and Mississippi RESAs. • Implement the complex project plans, timelines, workflows, funding considerations, internal controls, and recordkeeping necessary to generate contracts, purchase orders, and service requests for statewide professional development in collaboration with relevant MDE offices and RESAs. • Ensure consistent and accessible communications regarding RESA Mega Contract processes. • Maintain a high level of detail orientation and initiative under general guidelines while managing multiple priorities and meeting deadlines with accuracy. • Maintain positive, collaborative relationships and participate in collaborative activities with MDE program offices, educator preparation providers, local school districts, and all other stakeholders. • Assist with complex, agency-level fiscal projects, including comprehensive project planning, resource identification, timeline development, and accountability structures. Oversees project execution, monitors deliverables, measures outcomes, and ensures alignment with agency priorities and regulatory requirements. Maintains frequent engagement with internal and external stakeholders to support coordination, transparency, and issue resolution. • Assist with management of the full procurement process and ongoing fiscal oversight of $2.9 million in state-funded grants awarded to nine universities: Delta State University, Jackson State University, Mississippi College, Mississippi State University, Mississippi University for Women, Mississippi Valley State University, University of Mississippi, University of Southern Mississippi, and William Carey University, ensuring compliance with procurement regulations, grant requirements, and fiscal controls, along with previously awarded and future MTR-related grants. • Perform other duties as assigned or required.
What youll need to be Successful
Ability to perform the following: • Ensure consistent and accessible communication regarding RESA Mega Contract processes. • Maintain a high level of attention to detail and initiative under general guidelines while managing multiple priorities and meeting deadlines with accuracy.
Characteristics of Work
See MSPB Careers for information regarding this classification.
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
What is the highest level of education (or semester hours of college) you have completed in a field related to the job classification? Refer to job posting for an explanation of relevant education.
02
How many years of related experience do you have? Refer to the job posting for an explanation of related experience.
Required Question
Employer State of Mississippi
Address 210 East Capitol Street
Suite 800
Jackson, Mississippi, 39201
Phone 601-359-1406
601-359-1406