ADMINISTRATOR II (Seafood Marketing Manager)

The Maryland Department of Agriculture is a department under Maryland's Executive Branch. Formed in 1972 by the Maryland General Assembly to address the agriculture needs for the State of Maryland, the Department oversees and serves as a regulatory body for animal health, consumer services to include marketing and lab services, plant and pest management and resource conservation. As the number one industry in Maryland, the diversity of agriculture programs in the State continues to expand and grow. MDA's Vision Achieving excellence in programs and services that preserve and protect agricultural resources and the environment, promote profitable agriculture and consumer confidence, and enhance the quality of life for all Marylanders. MDA's Mission Providing leadership and support to agriculture and the citizens of Maryland by conducting regulatory, service, and educational activities that assure consumer confidence, protect the environment, and promote agriculture. Maryland's Best, state-wide marketing program Connecting consumers to fresh and local Maryland products, works to identify and develop profitable marketing local, national, and international opportunities for Maryland farmers and agricultural producers. The program also serves as a conduit for federal resources and for policy information specific to the agricultural sector. These programs have direct and indirect financial impact on farmers and producers and affect the way they sell their products and develop new buyers. Maryland's Best Marketing Program GRADE 17 – This position offers a salary range of $71,805.00-$113,243.00 Yearly/annually based on qualifications, agency authority, agency budget, pay equity, and hiring salary guidelines. LOCATION OF POSITION 50 Harry S Truman Parkway, Annapolis, MD 21401 Main Purpose of Job This position will develop facilitate and maintain marketing initiatives to promote increased sales of Maryland seafood products and provide more value and awareness for Maryland’s Seafood industries. This position develops advertising and campaigns that promote Maryland seafood products and expand market opportunities for the State’s seafood business. Additionally, this position serves as the spokesperson for the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) while engaging with seafood processors, watermen and other producers. This position also serves as liaison to related organizations and serves as the Administrator and Coordinator for the Seafood Marketing Advisory Commission. This position contributes to the success of the Department of Agriculture in tis mission to support the profitability of agriculture and seafood by developing business to business contacts for Maryland processors, watermen and aquaculture producers as well as campaigns reaching consumers. This position will be the Department’s subject matter expert on seafood marketing and will receive a multitude of requests for input on any issue related to seafood. This role involves high-visibility projects, requiring an understanding of broad public policy issues as well as the ability to deal effectively with high-level elected officials and the media. Excellent interpersonal skills, strong written and verbal communication skills (including internet programs), the ability to recognize the need for confidentiality, and the ability to maintain that confidentiality are critical. This position contributes to the success of the Department of Agriculture in its mission to support the profitability of agriculture by locating, securing and administering grant-funded programs related to watermen and seafood processors. This position is also responsible for writing grants that support the Maryland seafood industry, along with determining what events are worth sponsoring for Maryland seafood. In addition, the position identifies what trade shows and conferences are worth attending to promote Maryland seafood, along with presenting at various conferences as subject matter expert. This position also oversees and manages the seafood marketing budget, along with allocating funds to certain projects that stimulate and leverage the Maryland seafood industry. POSITION DUTIES Develop, direct and maintain marking projects to enhance the production, distribution and consumption of Maryland seafood products. Design, develop, and manage databases and seafood directory on Maryland’s Best website to promote Maryland seafood products to wholesale buyers and consumers as well as other electronic and print directories, publications and communications to producers, buyers, and related groups. This involves close cooperation with other state and county agencies, industry organizations, watermen and seafood processors. Work directly and personally visit with companies participating in current marketing activities such as True Blue and wild caught Chesapeake blue catfish. Constantly developing and directing new marketing programs to invigorate the Maryland seafood industry. Develop and implement trade activities, seminars, and other programs to encourage trade and increase wholesale sales of Maryland seafood products to grocery stores, brokers, restaurants, etc. Recruit seafood processor participants for MDA’s annual Buyer-Grower Expo, the Governor’s Annual Buy Local Picnic, and for trade shows such as Seafood Expo North American held annually in Boston, MA. Attend and represent the Seafood Marketing Program and MDA at outreach functions. Present at various conferences and trade shows as a subject matter expert. Maintain measures for marketing activities. Keep records of marketing activities and results to be reported to management, executive directions, the Maryland Seafood Marketing Advisory Commission and possibly the legislature, if needed. Prepare and present presentations, reports, demonstrations, promotional literature and statistical data related to seafood market development projects for MDA management and for producers using written materials, newsletters, email, website, and other media, and at daytime and evening meetings around the State of Maryland. Contribute to the overall success of MDA and Seafood Marketing in achieving unit and agency goals. Develop and implement quarterly work plans and a regular report of accomplishments and goals (including key dates and budget) in consultation with the Director of Marketing Initiatives. Maintain appropriate confidentiality of information and adherence to all MDA requirements as promulgated from time to time. Participate in regular staff meetings; complete a monthly report of accomplishments for the prior month and a work plan for the coming month (including key dates, budget, and MFR goals. Assist in developing goals, budgets, operating procedures, standards, and appropriate controls. Collaborate effectively with other staff in Marketing and MDA; participate in agency-wide initiatives as requested. Participate in professional organizations and/or training opportunities to maintain and increase ability to provide top quality services. Develop and maintain effective relationships with assigned seafood industry groups. Participate in appropriate meetings; convey communications on important issues between the group and MDA to assist in the promotion/sale of their products; maintain current information in industry worksheets according to program procedures. Collaborate with International Marketing programs to development relationships with buyers and government officials to eventually implement foreign seafood marketing programs. Research issues and possible solutions to industry concerns; recommend actions and assist in implementation of accepted recommendations. Participate in MDA outreach (State Fair, Maryland Farm Bureau, MACO, etc.) and other duties as assigned. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Education: Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate. Experience: Five years of administrative staff or professional work. Notes: Candidates may substitute 30 credit hours from an accredited college or university for each year up to four years of the required experience. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and one year of experience in administrative staff or professional work for the required experience. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Master's degree from an accredited college or university for the required experience. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer involving staff work related to the administration of rules, regulations, policy, procedures and processes, or overseeing or coordinating unit operations or functioning as a staff assistant to a higher ranking commissioned officer on a year-for- year basis for the required experience. DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Preference will be given to applicants who possess any of the following preferred qualifications. Include clear and specific information on your application regarding your qualifications. 4 years of direct marketing experience in agriculture, seafood or beverage industries. 4 years of direct marketing experience in connecting food business to available markets (for example, restaurants, food distributors, food processors, and grocery store chains. 4 years of direct marketing experience in developing and managing advertising and promotional campaigns to influence public opinion. 4 years of direct marketing experience in website design/management and social media campaigns/content development. 4 years of direct marketing experience making presentations to constituent groups, including government agencies, private sector clients and members of the public. 4 years of budget management experience. LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator's license valid in the State of Maryland. SELECTION PROCESS Applicants who meet the minimum (and selective) qualifications will be included in further evaluation. The evaluation may be a rating of your application based on your education, training, and experience as they relate to the requirements of the position. Therefore, it is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the eligible (employment) list for at least one year. The resulting certified eligible list for this recruitment may be used for similar positions in this or other State agencies. Please report on all related education, experience, dates, and hours of work. Clearly indicate your college degree and major on your application, if applicable. For education obtained outside of the U.S., you will be required to provide proof of the equivalent American education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service. If you possess a degree obtained outside of the United States, please submit a detailed, course-by-course evaluation report from one of the U.S. equivalences evaluating members identified at Any job offer will be contingent on the candidate providing an official evaluation for equivalency by a foreign credential evaluation service prior to starting employment (and may be requested prior to interview). Complete applications must be submitted by the closing date. Information submitted after this date will not be added. Incorrect application forms will not be accepted. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application. EXAMINATION PROCESS The assessment may consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience related to the requirements of the position. It is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Please report on all experience and education that is related to this position.

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