JOB TITLE: CHIEF, AGRICULTURAL MARKETING DIVISION

JOB CODE: 51322

DEFINITION: This is professional and administrative work planning, developing, directing, and evaluating agricultural market development programs for the Department of Agriculture. The employee in this job oversees marketing programs to promote Pennsylvania-produced food and agricultural products within Pennsylvania. Work involves directing the development of promotional and advertising programs to assist commodity organizations and agribusinesses, overseeing and directing locally grown product promotions, researching agricultural production and business information to evaluate program effectiveness, and recommending program policy and operational changes. Work includes serving as a marketing liaison between the department and industry stakeholders; collaborating with department staff and other government partners to write and administer grants for state and federal marketing program development; and speaking at meetings, conferences, seminars, and other events involving agencies and organizations that participate in agricultural market development. Supervision is exercised over professional staff. Work is performed independently and reviewed by the bureau director through conferences and reports for effectiveness of programs and recommendations.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.)

• Supervises, develops, and oversees market development program priorities and activities to promote Pennsylvania agricultural and food products, such as dairy, produce, eggs, and meat.

• Assists with developing promotional advertising and marketing methods and materials, such as out-of-home and media advertising, for Pennsylvania farmers, agribusiness, and commodity organizations.

• Encourages agribusinesses to participate in the PA Preferred® program by conducting presentations, participating in trade events, and developing website advertisements and printed brochures.

• Researches agricultural business information, such as consumer and production trends, data, pricing, surveys, and market development programs, to improve program effectiveness and recommend policy or procedural changes.

• Coordinates with other commonwealth and governmental agencies and commodity organizations regarding grant activities, program initiatives, and food marketing education and research to plan promotional activities.

• Writes and administers grant funding applications to promote agricultural products.

• Serves as marketing liaison between the department and industry stakeholders, such as farmers, processors, commodity organizations, and the United States Department of Agriculture.

• Attends and conducts presentations at meetings, conferences, seminars, and other events for agencies and organizations involved in agricultural market development.

• Provides reports to the bureau director and executive staff detailing marketing efforts and recommending improvements to services and programs.

• Performs the full range of supervisory duties.

• The employee in this job participates in the performance of subordinates’ work consistent with operational and organizational requirements.

• Performs related work as required

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of marketing.

• Knowledge of marketing methods used to promote and brand products.

• Knowledge of media use in communications and public relations.

• Knowledge of economic and business factors relating to agricultural products, processing, and production.

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret policies, procedures, and regulations.

• Ability to develop and conduct presentations.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities.)

• Three years of professional experience in agricultural marketing and a bachelor’s degree in agribusiness management, public relations, economics, marketing, communications, or a closely-related field;

or

• Seven years of experience in agricultural marketing, which includes three years in a professional capacity;

or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training.