MN Grown Emerging Farmer Marketing Specialist - State Program Administrator Intermediate - Marketing

Working Title: MN Grown Emerging Farmer Marketing Specialist

Job Class: State Program Administrator, Intermediate - Marketing

Agency: Minnesota Department of Agriculture

• Job ID: 82828
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: Yes
• Full/Part Time: Part-Time (20 hours per week)
• Regular/Temporary: Limited
• Who May Apply: This vacancy is open to all qualified job seekers.
• Date Posted: 01/06/2025
• Closing Date: 01/27/2025
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Minnesota Department of Agriculture
• Division/Unit: Agriculture Marketing and Development Division / Domestic Markets Staff
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes - Up to 25% of the time
• Salary Range: $25.29 - $36.71 / hourly
• Job Class Option: Marketing
• Classified Status: Unclassified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - Minnesota Association of Professional Employees (MAPE)
• End Date: 09/30/2027
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: No
  
  

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

This position will assist staff in promoting Minnesota Grown and raised food and farm products through the Minnesota Grown Program. This position will:

• conduct program outreach, needs assessment, and engagement activities with priority producer populations.
• serve as point person for community advisors contracted to advise Minnesota Grown on adapting program outreach, communications, and service provision methods to better serve diverse producers.
• analyze data and make recommendations to program staff on changes in these areas.
• lead implementation of selected changes.
• assist with providing Minnesota Grown member marketing services including membership recruitment and renewals, making updates to the Minnesota Grown directory, helping Minnesota Grown members access cost-share and marketing material programs, and representing the program at producer-facing events.
  
  

This vacancy is located in St. Paul and will have the ability telework.

This is a temporary position anticipated to last two and a half years.

Minimum Qualifications

To facilitate proper years of service crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held.

Two years of experience in marketing, communications, agricultural program administration, or delivery of educational or marketing programs to agriculture or horticulture producers.

A Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, agricultural education, agricultural marketing, business administration/management, public or nonprofit administration or related field may substitute for one year of experience.

Additional required experience includes:

• Working knowledge of marketing local food and farm products, including an understanding of challenges, trends, and opportunities in the field, gained through formal training, work experience, or from having an agriculture background.
• Experience communicating, collaborating with, and engaging diverse groups of farmers, producers of local food/farm products, and agricultural organizations that serve them.
• Project management skills sufficient to set and achieve goals, priorities, and timelines for projects and activities and collaborate and engage others in project execution with clear shared expectations.
• Intercultural competence and human relations sufficient to build partnerships and collaboration among diverse colleagues, both within the MDA and externally across sectors, as well as speak clearly and persuasively in public to a diverse clientele.
• Must have a valid driver's license and an acceptable motor vehicle record subject to review.
• The ability to celebrate diversity and a strong commitment to a respectful and inclusive work environment.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

A Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, agricultural education, agricultural marketing, business administration/management, public or nonprofit administration or related field.

Experience collecting data through surveys, focus groups, and/or interviews.

Experience analyzing a mix of quantitative and qualitative data to assess needs and market conditions, summarize findings, and make data-informed program recommendations.

Spanish or Hmong language skills.

Experience preparing project budgets and tracking spending.

Experience writing standard operating procedures, program guidelines, and other correspondence to communicate program standards and requirements.

More than two years of experience in marketing, communications, agricultural program administration, or delivery of educational or marketing programs to agriculture or horticulture producers.

Preferred Qualifications

Ability to lift and carry up to 30 pounds.

Additional Requirements

A job offer will be contingent upon successfully passing a background check. It is the policy of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture, as part of its hiring procedures, to conduct background checks on the finalist(s) for positions within the agency. The background check may consist of the following components:

• SEMA4 Records Check (applies to current and former state employees only)
• Employment Reference Check
• Driver’s License Check
• Conflict of Interest Review
  
  

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture will not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the US.

How To Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Emily Jerve at emily.jerve@state.mn.us.

About Minnesota Department Of Agriculture

The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) has served our state for more than 125 years. The work we do touches every Minnesota citizen every day.

Our mission is to enhance all Minnesotans’ quality of life by equitably ensuring the integrity of our food supply, the health of our environment, and the strength and resilience of our agricultural economy.

Our three general areas of responsibility include:

• Protecting our food supply;
• Protecting our natural resources; and,
• Cultivating our agricultural economy.
  
  

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth
  
  

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
• Fertility care, including IVF
• Diabetes care
• Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being
  
  

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)
  
  

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care
  
  

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.