Agriculture Marketing Specialist I - Limited Service

at State of Vermont in Montpelier, Vermont, United States

Job Description

The Development Division at the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets (VAAFM) is recruiting for a marketing specialist. Are you a storyteller who's passionate about supporting and promoting Vermont agriculture? This position is a key part of the Division's Marketing Team and will play a major role in a variety of events and programs intended to promote the Vermont brand, including serving as a manager of the Vermont Building, a public-market style building that operates during the Big E fair in West Springfield, MA. In support of this event, the person hired for this role will be responsible for managing vendor relations and communications, will be required to be onsite for part of the fair, and will operate as lead building manager for multiple days during the 17-day event.

This position will also:

• Manage the Trade Show Assistance grant program
• Manage the Fairs and Field Days grant program
• Work closely with a variety of partners to support Vermont's agritourism sector
• Provide support for export market focused activities

Applicants for this position should be confident, able to adapt to last-minute changes, problem-solve quickly in the moment, and be comfortable interacting with the public in busy environments. Strong communication skills are critical in this role and experience across media channels, especially digital, is important. As a core member of the Division's Marketing Team, this position will work collaboratively with internal and external partners to identify and implement creative and impactful marketing and promotional initiatives. This is a dynamic and exciting position that requires an individual who is self-motivated, capable of rapidly shifting priorities, and willing to take on new challenges with enthusiasm.

Duties are performed in a variety of settings, including open floorplan office, producer and market sites, and public events, project sites and potential hearing settings. Some in-state and limited regional, out-of-state travel is involved, for which private reliable means of transportation must be available. Occasional public communication, both verbally and in writing, is required. An incumbent must coordinate activities with other departmental staff and interact considerably with agricultural and land development business people, interest groups and the general public. Certain required activities may occur outside of normal office hours.