Economic Market Leader (#MABZ66)
$70,750.00 Yearly Min / $88,438.00 Yearly Mid / $106,126.00 Yearly Max

A class incumbent is responsible for developing, implementing and coordinating a statewide economic development program for Delaware agricultural markets to improve market penetration locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.

An incumbent in this class reports to the Secretary of Agriculture and is responsible for developing, implementing and coordinating Delaware's agricultural economic development plan to enhance the economic viability of agriculture in Delaware.  Work involves developing partnerships in the private and public sector to ensure an outcome which improves the overall agricultural economic health through sustained growth and innovation.  Works closely with the state's Agricultural Statistician, DEDO, USDA and other State Departments of Agriculture and private industry to identify barriers in the promotion and marketing of agricultural products.

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.

• Directs, coordinates, prioritizes and manages the marketing unit.  Prepares the annual budget and grant applications for funding.
   
• Plans, assigns, reviews and evaluates the work of professional marketing staff.
   
• Coordinates the development of and oversees the execution of a strategic and tactical agricultural economic development plan to increase and sustain economic growth and viability of agriculture in Delaware.
   
• Markets agricultural products and services locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. 
   
• Develops markets for Delaware agricultural products. Assists producers and processors in their sales efforts by locating buyers, merchandisers and corporate executives to initiate sales leads, provide producer information and pertinent industry information.
   
• Partners with DEDO, USDA and other State Departments of Agriculture and private industry to identify barriers in the promotion and marketing of agricultural products. 
   
• Conducts strategic product planning, market research and analysis.
   
• Identifies and pursues new business opportunities including new markets.
   
• Develops and directs advertising campaigns promoting Delaware agricultural products.  Increases name recognition of Delaware agricultural products regionally and nationally through branding and other methods.
   
• Partners with the department's Public Information Office to develop marketing communications as well as media/communication vehicles to deliver message.
   
• Attends national and international trade shows to enhance exposure of Delaware's agricultural products.
   
• Serve as conduit to connect producers and processors as well as potential consumers.  Recruits out of state processors and channels Delaware agricultural products into other markets.
   
• Cultivates relationships between business sectors and determines methods to best affect the market place through joint efforts.
   
• Provides assistance, advice and counsel to agricultural producers, industry representatives, and organizations through individual consultations or public presentations to enhance and influence marketing efforts.
   
• Keep informed of legislative and statutory changes. Advocates for the needs of agricultural producers and processors.
   
• Prepares economic reports and recommendations on the effects of initiatives.

The intent of the listed knowledge, skills and abilities is to give a general indication of the core requirements for all positions in the class series; therefore, the KSA’s listed are not exhaustive or necessarily inclusive of the requirements of every position in the class.

• Knowledge of Delaware agricultural business practices, stakeholders and opportunities.
• Knowledge of domestic and international marketing principles, practices and techniques as they apply to agricultural products.
• Knowledge of capitalizing on local, national, regional and international markets. 
• Knowledge of the department's mission, vision, goals and practices.
• Knowledge of agricultural statutes and regulations and their impact on the agricultural business community.
• Knowledge of economic development.
• Knowledge of staff supervision.
• Skill in developing strategic and tactical agricultural economic development plans.
• Skill in interfacing with public, private and professional individuals, groups and organizations.
• Skill in economic analysis
• Skill in planning, organizing and conducting market expansion and improvement activities.
• Skill in analyzing economic factors impacting agricultural markets.
• Skill in collecting, compiling and analyzing marketing data to draw sound conclusions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a wide range of individuals including the general public, commodity groups, representatives from other states, foreign countries and private agencies, the media, legislators and government officials.

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Economic Market Leader
Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

1. Possession of a Bachelors degree or higher in Economics, Finance, Business, Marketing or related field.
2. Three years experience in analyzing economic factors impacting agricultural markets or markets within the food and fiber system.
3. Three years experience in developing strategic and tactical economic development plans.
4. Three years experience in marketing products and services to domestic and international markets.
5. Knowledge of staff supervision acquired through course work, academic training, training provided through an employer, or performing as a lead worker overseeing the work of others; OR supervising staff which may include planning, assigning, reviewing, and evaluating the work of others; OR supervising through subordinate supervisors a group of professional, technical, and clerical employees.