Job Title:            West Virginia Grown Program Coordinator - P00352

Division:             Agriculture Business Development
Headquarters:   Guthrie Agricultural Center, Charleston WV
Reports To:        Assistant Director, Programs & Events
Supervisory 
Responsibility:  None 
FLSA Status:     Non-exempt 

Nature of Work:
The West Virginia Grown Program Coordinator will work with all current and potential producers and partners to increase the reach of the West Virginia Grown program to further develop local food systems in the Mountain State. This position will be primarily responsible for the West Virginia Grown program, which is West Virginia’s premier, local agricultural products branding program. This position will coordinate the program’s mission to market local products to consumers, and provide the public with assurance that product was grown or processed, with quality ingredients from WV. As consumers continue to request local, healthier, fresher options, creating brand awareness will be vital to increasing potential market opportunities for all agriculture products.

Examples of Work:

• Work to retain current WV Grown members and increase membership by contacting potential new producers and partners
• Further develop the WV Grown Program by establishing program benefits
• Increase brand awareness and education with WVDA partners
• Update public-facing lists and directories
• Host educational and outreach events
• Troubleshoot labeling and product issues
• Help producers identity new market opportunities
• Seek out new federal or other externally-funded grant opportunities to support program growth
• Develops methods, or tools for developing, scheduling, coordinating, and managing projects and resources, including grant reporting
• Protects the confidentiality of all personal information of individuals and businesses
• Demonstrates professionalism in all communications to individuals and businesses
• May perform other duties as assigned

Working Conditions:
Normal office environment; standing, sitting, walking, lifting, operating a computer and other office equipment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Advanced knowledge of computers and software including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint) to retrieve and utilize information and resources from multiple sources.
• Ability to write reports and business correspondence.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, producers, buyers, consumers, and the general public, including public speaking.
• Advanced ability to work collaboratively to plan, schedule, and organize local activities independently or with partners using remote technologies (i.e. cloud services, CRM, etc.).
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail to maintain records of resources, client/producer files, and project records according to prescribed format.
• Knowledge of marketing practices and principles, along with agricultural industries
• Proficient in grant/project application, development, management, and reporting.

Qualifications:
Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a four (4) year degree in agriculture, agribusiness, marketing or a related field, preferred.
Experience: Four years previous experience in agribusiness development or marketing is highly desirable as is experience in public speaking and public relations.

Additional Requirements:

• Valid driver’s license is required.
• Satisfactory completion of pre-employment drug testing.
• Satisfactory completion of pre-employment law enforcement background investigation, including DMV records.
• Must maintain a positive image of the Commissioner, West Virginia Department of Agriculture, and the State of West Virginia.

                        This description is subject to review and revision at the discretion of the Commissioner and designees.
                                                  West Virginia Department of Agriculture is an equal opportunity employer.