Job Title: Agribusiness Development Planning Coordinator

Division: Agriculture Business Development

Headquarters: TBD (To be Determined)

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Salary Range: $35,000 to $40,000

OPEN UNTIL FILLED

***Contingent upon grant funding***

Nature of Work: The business development team cultivates professional relationships with partners throughout the state to promote agriculture business both domestically and internationally by providing a broad range of business and technical assistance to facilitate the start-up and growth of agriculture-based businesses.

Examples of Work:

• Act as a local WVDA liaison, coordinator and facilitator for agriculture projects and agribusinesses to support economic and business development efforts, while addressing food insecurities and building resiliency in local communities.
• Facilitate activities related to strategic planning, marketing, industry, product and brand development of agriculture products in regional territories
• Develop and foster local relationships with entities such as universities, state, federal, private and profit/non-profit partners.
• Create and maintain collaborative client (agribusiness/producers) files.
• Maintains strict client confidentiality associated with the work product in accordance with professional business development principles and techniques.
• Assist with, coordinate and/or facilitate opportunities with partners for producers to develop agricultural-based business plans for financial, marketing and risk management, etc.
• Provide producers with tools and guides for various business development resources.
• Host and/or provide collaborative partner assistance for local outreach activities including but not limited to new market development, funding opportunities, learning opportunities (i.e., new industry exploration, market exploration, GHP, GAPs, FSMA, on farm readiness, etc.) in order to assist interested parties into agribusinesses and established scale up operations in moving product through domestic and international markets.
• Assist and facilitate agribusinesses with product label approvals, information/resources for required permitting, certifications, inspections and evaluation of business for scalability for local, regional, national and international market opportunities.
• Coordinates and facilitates partnerships to connect agribusinesses with resources to ensure statewide food security by fostering new and expanded agribusiness development for resilient communities.
• Coordinate local high tunnel production planning and assistance (irrigation, optimal growing methods, etc.).
• Assist local partners and collaborative groups to expand farm to school programs and ensure food safety and distribution to schools.
• Expand opportunities for seniors to access local fresh foods.
• Other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions:
Sitting, standing, driving and/or walking for extended periods, using a computer and other office equipment, working extended hours as needed, and overnight travel as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Basic understanding of horticulture.
• Advanced knowledge of computers and software including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint to retrieve and utilize information and resources from multiple sources to complete assignments.
• Advanced ability to work collaboratively with remote technologies (i.e. cloud services, CRM, etc.).
• Skilled in performing calculations required for business planning.
• Advanced attention to detail to maintain records of resources, client/producer files, and project records according to prescribed format.
• Ability to take direction and work independently.
• Excellent organizational skills and problem-solving ability.
• Excellent skills in developing and maintaining courteous, professional relationships with internal team members, superiors, subordinates and external clients, including small business owners, regardless of profession, and the general public.
• Ability to tour producer businesses, including on-farm site visits.
• Proficient in economic development activities including business and/or production planning, and project development and management.
• Proficient in grant/project application, development and management.
• Advanced written skills to compose correspondence, reports, etc. and excellent oral communications skills, including public speaking.
• Excellent project management skills to handle multiple projects and meet established deadlines.
• Compose correspondence dealing with routine inquiries regarding the services or procedures of the Department.
• Ability to collaborate to plan, schedule, and organize local activities independently or with partners.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in economics, agriculture, agribusiness, food sciences/technology, agriculture finance, business administration, marketing or related field.

Experience: Two (2) years of demonstrated success in economic and/or business development.

Additional experience in agribusiness development or agribusiness marketing; small farmer agribusiness capacity development; knowledge of the agribusiness sector in West Virginia; or a strong background in private sector business administration and management preferred.

Additional Requirements:

• Valid Driver’s License.
• 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.