Economic Development Specialist II

Medc; Jackson, Northern (MS, KY); Hybrid; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) seeks an Economic Development professional to serve as Program Manager for State and Federal Grants in the Community Incentives Division. The role focuses on contract management, project monitoring, cash processing, and ensuring compliance with HUD, federal and state regulations.

Primary responsibilities include preparing reports, providing technical assistance, and maintaining accurate budgets while coordinating with internal and external stakeholders

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 1-3 years of related experience preferred.
• Knowledge of HUD, federal and state rules and policies.
• Experience administering grant programs and contract management.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and timelines.

Responsibilities

• Implement, manage, monitor, and close contracts for grant programs and related projects.
• Ensure projects meet timelines and benchmarks.
• Review contracts and track grant expenditures and budgets.
• Provide technical assistance to staff and recipients.
• Prepare reports and respond to communications professionally.

Skills

Grant management

Contract management

Project monitoring

Budget modifications

Written communication

Oral communication

Time management

Problem solving

MS Office

Stakeholder collaboration

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Outlook

Job description

Typically requires a Bachelor’s Degree and 1-3 years of experience.

About the Agency

The Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) is the state's 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

This is a Time‑Limited position. The Economic Development Specialist II position will serve as Program Manager for State and Federal Grants in the Community Incentives Division. This position principal responsibilities include managing contracts, monitoring projects, processing requests for cash, reviewing expenditures and budget modifications, preparing reports, providing technical assistance, and ensuring compliance with federal regulations, state policies, and program guidelines.

Principal Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Implement, manage, monitor, and close contracts for the Development Infrastructure Program, Community Development Block Grant Program, Appalachian Regional Commission Grant Program, and other assigned programs as they pertain to economic development and community development projects.
• Ensure projects are managed against established timelines and reach required benchmarks.
• Comprehend and apply HUD, federal and state rules, regulations and policies.
• Complete work assignments with a high level of attention to details and accuracy.
• Maintain up to date knowledge of grant program regulations and guidelines.
• Process requests for cash accurately and in a timely manner.
• Review contracts, tracking grant expenditures, reviewing budget modifications.
• Provide technical assistance to staff and recipients to solve problems and resolve complaints in a timely and professional manner.
• Perform basic accounting as it relates to requests for cash processing and related workflow processes in regard to contract and budget modifications.
• Monitor projects for compliance with federal regulations and state policies and procedures, including project site visits within assigned areas of the state.
• Perform writing assignments, research projects/problems, prepare reports and respond to oral and written communications professionally and in a timely manner.
• Operate standard office equipment to include computers, printers, copiers, scanners, fax, etc.
• Proficiently use standard software such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.
• Ensure problems and issues are addressed and communications are professional, relevant and timely.
• Demonstrate a willingness and ability to work effectively with others.
• Assist with other duties and projects as assigned.

What you'll need to be Successful

To be successful, the candidate should have knowledge of HUD, federal, and state rules, regulations, and policies; the ability to perform basic accounting as it relates to contracts and budget modifications; excellent written and oral communication, time-management, organizational, and problem‑solving skills; and experience using standard software such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

• Demonstrated experience administering grant programs, including contract management, project monitoring, and closeout activities.
• Working knowledge of applicable federal regulations, state policies and procedures, and grant program guidelines.
• Experience processing requests for cash, tracking expenditures, reviewing budget modifications, and preparing related reports.
• Ability to provide technical assistance, resolve issues professionally, and communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Proficiency in the use of standard office equipment and Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders and willingness to travel overnight as needed.