Economic Development Specialist I
The Economic Development Specialist I will serve in the Business Incentives Division, which is responsible for administering grant, loan, and tax incentive programs that 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 statutes, 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 the state and federal government. • 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. • 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. 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 the Mississippi Main Street Association.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills in a professional and friendly manner. • Proficient in Microsoft Office suite. • Possess a strong work ethic and a 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. • 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.
Typically requires a Bachelor’s Degree and 0-2 years of experience. **Agency Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Public Administration, Public Policy, Banking, or related field and 0-2 years of experience.
