AGRICULTURAL MARKETING SPECIALIST 4

Definition

Under supervision, in the Division of Marketing and Development, New Jersey Department of Agriculture, provides professional marketing advice and assistance of a routine nature; assists in the less complex market expansion and development programs and activities; participates in the implementation of promotional and educational activities; does related work as required.

Examples of work

• Provides professional marketing advice and assistance of a routine nature to Agricultural Commodity Councils and other commodity and producers' groups in support of their market promotion and development programs.
• Assists in the implementation of public relations, promotions, and publicity programs, to bring about greater efficiency and effectiveness in the marketing of New Jersey agricultural products.
• Assists in conducting consumer and retailer preference Surveys, concerning New Jersey agricultural products, to identify changes or new trends in the marketplace necessitating market development program alternations.
• Assists in the implementation of promotional and educational activities such as display and recipe contests, seminars and conferences, exhibits, and trade shows which highlight to producers, consumers, retailers, and others the benefits of purchasing and/or using New Jersey agricultural products.
• Assists in conducting market development and merchandising programs with agricultural buyers in local, national, and international market areas to develop new sales for New Jersey agricultural commodities.
• Solicits the cooperation of producers, consumers, community, civic, and government organizations in participating in agricultural promotion and market development programs which develop interest in and expand the sale of New Jersey agricultural commodities.
• Assists in the preparation of materials for newspaper, magazine, and outdoor advertising, as well as for point-of-purchase, news releases, and other printed material to promote the sale and use of New Jersey agricultural products.
• Assists in the development and conduct of market promotion and expansion programs in support of specialized agricultural outlets such as roadside markets, community markets, and auction markets.
• Assists with development and/or dissemination of information and promotional messages through online media; identifies opportunities for online media placements that extend traditional earned media efforts; assist in producing digital media packages featuring video, audio and photos for new online media opportunities.
• Assists with creating content of/for social media opportunities and results; tracks, reviews and compiles social media reports for staff distribution; responds to consumer inquiries.
• Assists in the preparation of technical reports on the results of market surveys and other marketing projects and special events.
• Drafts correspondence in the course of official duties.
• Maintains essential records and files.
• Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

Education

Graduation from an accredited college with a Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Agricultural Economics, Agriculture, Agribusiness, or Business Administration including or supplemented by at least twelve (12) semester hour credits in marketing.

Experience

One (1) year of professional experience in programs of promotion, marketing, or public relations for agricultural or other consumer products.

License

Appointee will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of public relations and publicity methods, procedures, techniques.
• Knowledge of communications techniques used in marketing and promotion programs.
• Knowledge of communication and advertising through social media.
• Knowledge of social media and analytics software.
• Knowledge of the principles, methods, and techniques of successfully marketing farm products.
• Knowledge of market development and promotion techniques as they relate to the sale of agricultural products.
• Knowledge of food distribution systems, components, and operating systems.
• Knowledge of the important farm products of New Jersey.
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse population of agricultural industry representatives, including farmers, buyers, dealers, distributors, food processors, and other groups.
• Ability to prepare appropriate, attractive, and useful promotional material used for retail marketing purposes and advertising copy used in various media and public appearances.
• Ability to remain knowledgeable of emerging developments in agricultural products marketing to improve the marketing of products produced in New Jersey.
• Ability to conduct marketing and paid advertising campaigns through social media outlets.
• Ability to assist in conducting verbal and written consumer and retailer surveys.
• Ability to assist in conducting consumer promotional events.
• Ability to prepare correspondence in connection with New Jersey marketing and promotion programs.
• Ability to prepare clear sound accurate and informative reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Ability to maintain essential unit records and files.
• Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, or communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
• Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible

Note

A Master's degree in any of the above fields may be substituted for one (1) year of the indicated experience.