| Location | Jackson, MS |
| Salary | $42,000–$48,000.70 Per Year |
Research/Data Analyst I
Salary
$42,000.00 - $48,000.70 Annually
Location
25 - HINDS COUNTY, MS
Job Type
Full-Time
Job Number
9076-0411-20261110HDS
Department
0411 - MDA-MISSISSIPPI DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
Opening Date
11/12/2026
Closing Date
11/30/2026 11:59 PM Central
Agency Minimum Salary
$42,000.00
Agency Maximum Salary
$48,000.70
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
Characteristics of Work: The Research/Data Analyst I supports the Marketing, Communications, and Research Division's research and data analytics activities. Under supervision, this position assists with collecting, organizing, analyzing, and reporting information to support MDA's business recruitment, retention, and expansion efforts. Work includes assisting with industry research, responding to requests for information, maintaining databases, and preparing reports and presentation materials in collaboration with project managers and other agency staff. Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: • Assist with research on target industries, businesses, and economic development opportunities. • Collect, organize, and review data for accuracy and completeness to support agency research and reporting needs. • Assist with preparing responses to requests for information and proposals, briefing materials, and lead-generation research within established deadlines. • Compile information requested by MDA project managers and site selection consultants. • Assist with preparing reports, tables, graphics, and geographic information system (GIS) materials to communicate research findings. • Maintain and update databases supporting business recruitment, retention, and expansion. • Work with project managers to reconcile data, prepare reports, and provide timely follow-up on assigned projects. • Assist with technical information and research support for economic developers, businesses, and communities throughout Mississippi. • Collaborate with staff across offices and divisions, communicate findings accurately, and refer questions or challenges to the appropriate supervisor. • Perform other duties as assigned.
What youll need to be Successful
To be successful, the candidate should have strong analytical and research skills, attention to detail, and the ability to organize and present data clearly and accurately. The candidate should also be comfortable using Microsoft Office and data tools, able to manage multiple requests and deadlines, and able to communicate findings effectively to project managers and agency staff.
Preferred Qualifications
Education and Experience Requirements: Typically requires a Bachelor's degree and 0-2 years of experience. Preferred Experience: Experience or coursework in economic development, business administration, marketing, finance, or a related field. Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams. Familiarity with research and data resources such as EMSI, JobsEQ, IMPLAN, D&B Hoovers, IBISWorld, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Bureau of Economic Analysis, and the U.S. Census Bureau. Experience with database management, GIS tools, sites and buildings databases, Adobe Creative Suite, and SharePoint is preferred.
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?
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