Title: Regional Marketing Specialist #01141

State Role Title: Agricultural Specialist V

Hiring Range: $56,051 - $83,000 annually

Pay Band: 5

Agency: Virginia Department of Agriculture

Location: COURTLAND-DOMESTIC

Agency Website: www.vdacs.virginia.gov

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

The Virginia Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, Division of Marketing and Development is seeking a Regional Marketing Specialist in the Office of Domestic Marketing and Promotions. This position promotes the economic growth and development of Virginia agriculture by enhancing the profitability of Virginia food, agricultural and specialty crop products in the Central region of Virginia. Specifically, the selected candidate will implement strategies to assist farmers and agribusinesses to effectively market their products and identify profitable sales opportunities; organize and conduct production area tours; complete market analysis; participate and represent agricultural industries at trade shows; implement retail and consumer promotions; distribute marketing information during presentations; assist management in developing an agricultural marketing plan by providing information on the marketing needs and opportunities of the region, This position will assist with promoting participation in the Virginia Grown and Virginia’s Finest trademark programs to increase profit potential for producers and food processors. This position will also be responsible for managing the administrative responsibilities, industry check-off dollars and marketing initiatives related to VA cotton and small grains boards to maximize their program activities. Once onboarded, this position may be eligible for telework opportunities; availability, hours, and duration of telework shall be approved as outlined in the Commonwealth’s telework policy.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of agricultural marketing concepts as well as related regulations & economic factors in order to provide the necessary advice to the agricultural community & to Division management. Knowledge of agricultural commodities & products & their related growing details & other & agricultural business-related specifics. Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of marketing VA agricultural products, state and national check-off programs and their enabling legislation and demonstrated ability to design and implement marketing programs and activities. Experience in providing management and administrative assistance to boards or organizations and grant program management experience. Demonstrated ability to analyze & interpret statistical data related to agribusiness; & develop informational presentation, newsletters & other education materials. Current/recent experience in developing marketing/sales campaigns, specifically as related to agricultural economic development. Computer proficiency, exceptional organizational & project management skills, & the ability to work independently is required. Strong interpersonal skills demonstrated through experiences such as cultivating & maintaining internal & external professional relationships. Ability to establish professional working relationships with all areas of agricultural arena including producers, buyers, extension, agribusiness, & farm related organizations, & industry representatives. Strong verbal & written communication skills, demonstrated through experiences such as speaking at events, writing reports &/or correspondence, & representing the agency at events. Must have & maintain a valid driver’s license & a driving record that reflects a sense of responsibility for highway safety. H.S. Diploma/GED required.

Additional Considerations

A combination of related education, training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge, skills, and abilities to include knowledge of, or experience in, marketing, agriculture, business, economics, or a related field as well as extensive knowledge of agricultural products, preferably in Virginia.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Final candidate must successfully complete a fingerprint-based criminal background check.

If you have been affected by DHRM Policy 1.30 Layoff and possess a valid Interagency Placement Screening Form (Yellow Card) or a Preferential Hiring Form (Blue Card), you must submit the card before the closing date for this position. The Card may be submitted with the state application as an attachment.

Contact Information

Name: Human Resources

Phone: N/A

Email: hr.vdacs@vdacs.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.