AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SPECIALIST III

This is a full-time permanent position.  All eligible candidates are encouraged to apply.

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Maryland Department of Agriculture 

50 Harry S Truman Annapolis, MD 21401

This position plans, develops and implements national marketing projects to expand trade opportunities and economic growth for Maryland's agricultural business sector and to support the production,distribution and consumption of Maryland agricultural products. This position designs and manages databases, the Maryland's Best website, and other marketing publications and media placements, with significant latitude for independent judgment. This position also serves as liaison to related organizations, and seeks and administers grants related to the agricultural business sector. This contributes to the success of the Department of Agriculture in its mission to support the profitability of agriculture by marketing Maryland agricultural products throughout North America, primarily through wholesale marketing channels.

Design, develop, and manage databases and a public searchable Maryland's Best website to
promote Maryland agricultural products to wholesale buyers and consumers as well as other
electronic and print directories, publications and communications to producers, buyers, and related
groups. 

Develop and implement trade activities, seminars and other programs to encourage trade and
increase wholesale sales of Maryland agricultural products to grocery stores, brokers, restaurants,
garden centers, etc.  Recruit producer and buyer participants for MDA's annual buyer-grower
meeting, the Governor's annual buy local picnic, and for trade shows such the Produce Marketing
Association's annual Expo.

Develop and implement marketing program improvements (e.g., Maryland's Best promotions,
Buy Local picnic, cookbook, calendar or gardening guide featuring Maryland products, "know your
farmer" program, chefs' seminar or tour, fairs, press releases, "favorite product" contests).
Identify and develop new marketing opportunities for Maryland products by developing and
distributing to producers relevant information about market opportunities, constraints and buyer
profiles to assist producers in selling to wholesale buyers.

Prepare and present presentations, reports, demonstrations, promotional literature and statistical
data related to market development projects for MDA management and for producers using written
materials, newsletters, email, website, and other media, and at daytime and evening meetings around
the State.

Education:    A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

Experience: Three years of successful, progressively responsible experience in marketing, marketing research, economic analysis or a phase of the production, promotion or distribution of agricultural products.

Notes:

1. Additional experience in the area of economics, mathematics, statistics, marketing, consumer behavior, marketing research, sales, advertising, or public affairs may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for the required education.

2. Applicants may substitute 30 credits of graduate education from an accredited college or university for one year of the required experience.

3. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in business and industry classification or business and industry specialty codes in the agricultural marketing field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience and education.   

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with website design/management and social media

Experience connecting food businesses to available markets (for example, restaurants, food distributors, grocery chains). 

Experience in public speaking, developing and distributing promotional materials to farmers or seafood operations.

Please make sure that you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date. Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the eligible (employment) list for at least one year.

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

The online application process is STRONGLY preferred. If you are unable to apply online, you may
mail a paper application to: Maryland Department of Agriculture  Human Resource Office, Room 304,
50 Harry S. Truman Parkway  Annapolis, MD  21401.
If you are submitting additional information, such as diplomas or transcripts, the preferred method
is to upload them online with your application.  If you are unable to upload, you may mail,
hand-deliver or fax (HR Fax # 443-602-9831). All paper applications must be received by 4:30 PM on
the closing  date, no exceptions.  (Postmarks not accepted.) Resumes will NOT be accepted in lieu
of completing the online or paper application.
For questions concerning this recruitment, please contact: Kathleen Newhouse at 410-841-5837 or
kathleen.newhouse2@maryland.gov
TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to
recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity. People
with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. We thank our Veterans for their
service to our country.