Agricultural Promotions and Outreach Coordinator

Do you have a passion for South Carolina Agriculture?  Are you skilled in building relationships and have a desire to make a positive impact in the Agribusiness community?  If these aspects sound appealing to you then this unique position may be just what you have been looking for! The South Carolina Department of Agriculture (SCDA) is seeking an Agricultural Promotions and Outreach Coordinator to assist the South Carolina watermelon and peach industries, as well as to serve as a representative for the South Carolina Specialty Crop Growers Association (SCSCGA).  

Responsibilities for this Agricultural Promotions and Outreach Coordinator will include:

• Managing the daily activities of the South Carolina watermelon and peach industries and the SCSCGA to include financials, assessments, reports, and correspondence.
• Serving as a liaison with the South Carolina Watermelon Board.
• Consistently communicating, building and maintaining relationships with board members, producers, and other industry partners, both at the state and national levels.
• Developing an in-state marketing plan to promote the expanded sales of South Carolina watermelons, peaches and specialty crops. (Fruit & Vegetable)
• Preparing exhibits for and attending industry meetings, field days, various tradeshows, and school / institution events to include in-state, and out-of-state.
• Serving in a project management role for watermelon and peach industry sanctioned research and promotional projects.
• Planning and conducting quarterly and annual meetings. (To include prep, securing facilities, agenda, proofing minutes, lining up guest speakers, meals and related conference details)
• Developing and executing promotions and outreach activities.

BENEFITS:

• Generous State benefits to include retirement, health, vision, dental and life insurance.
  • Premium for BCBS State Standard Plan for employee only coverage is less than $100/month!  
  • Premium for BCBS State Standard Plan for full family coverage is only $307/month!
• 13 paid holidays, generous annual and sick leave accruals.
• Up to six weeks paid parental leave

• Deferred Compensation Program.
• Access to fleet vehicle for required travel.
• Employee Assistance Program
  • Free counseling sessions for employees and household members.
  • Free Life Management Services. (legal, financial, and more)

• Bachelor's degree and one year agricultural experience, including but not limited to farm hand or marketing agricultural products.  Academic credits in agricultural courses may be substituted for required the experience.  
• Valid Driver's License and the ability to drive a vehicle. 

• Prior Board management experience.
• Familiarity/background in peach, watermelon, and specialty crops.
• Familiarity with checkoff organizations.
• Familiarity with budget tracking.
• Ability to accurately process assessments and remit accordingly. 
• Experience planning meetings to include Board meetings and Industry wide meetings.
• Excellent public speaking/communication skills.
• Government relations experience, knowledge of legislative policy structure.

• High degree of organizational skills and strong attention to detail.
• Ability to prepare clear, concise, and comprehensive oral and written reports.
• Ability to communicate effectively and cooperatively with various audiences.
• Ability to exercise judgment in applying and interpreting policies, procedures, rules, and regulations, be detail oriented, and highly organized.
• Must work effectively in a transparent, team-oriented environment.
• Significant travel in and out of state.
• High level of customer service to farmers/growers.
• This position is located in the Wade Hampton building on the Statehouse grounds, and the selected candidate would be expected to report to the office daily when not traveling.  The right candidate may be eligible to work remotely one day per week after one year of employment.

Salary : $49,000 - $59,000