Position:
This position is term-limited, funded through USDA and the term will end on December 31, 2026.
This position is term-limited, funded through USDA and the term will end on December 31, 2026.
The primary mission of the STAR Marketing Specialist is to advance marketing and promotion of conservation practices and products, including commodities grown on STAR rated fields. This position will accomplish this mission by developing market opportunities and connecting ag producers enrolled in the STAR Soil Health Program to the most appropriate. Position will determine which options are available for producers to choose for price premiums when they sell their crop. Position will correlate purchase premiums available for specific crops for producers enrolled in the STAR program and will provide outreach and education to help producers navigate the various options.
This position will collaborate with the Consumer Awareness and Manufacturing Specialist to identify and work with consumer groups and food manufacturing companies interested in incorporating climate smart products from Colorado in their business model. Specifically, this position will develop an overall strategy and outreach activities to engage producers who want to market their climate smart products in the national/international agricultural marketplace. Assistance includes providing an overview of market premiums available for specific crops, developing STAR branding protocol; utilizing research and stakeholder input to inform development of strategy, key messaging, and marketing and communications plans, budgets, and timelines which will set metrics for evaluating success. In addition, this position will work with CDA team members, National STAR, and industry partners to establish business connections with climate smart producers.
The position will require the organization of events, industry meetings, and seminars as well and development of resource material. Position will be required to travel statewide, nationally, and possibly internationally. Position will travel overnight or for extended travel, both by car and commercial airline. This position will require some lifting and other physical demands as related to trade show display set up, shipping/movement of product samples, etc.
Duties:
STAR Market Development and Strategic Planning
The position will develop and manage the Climate Smart/STAR Marketing and Promotion program, including implementing a strategic plan that identifies program initiatives that advance the understanding of ecosystem services marketing opportunities for food and agricultural sectors.
Specific duties include:
- Develop and successfully implement a programmatic strategic plan with key actions and measurable goals.
- Implement specific initiatives that advance the general understanding of how to market and promote STAR branded products successfully.
- Assess the needs for strategic research, as well as designs and implements, related to STAR marketing.
- Utilize research, retail/supply chain partner, and stakeholder input to inform development of general strategy, key messaging, marketing and communications plans, budgets, and timelines.
- Set metrics for evaluating success and draw on evaluation of activities to continually revise/improve.
Outreach and Sector Development
This position develops outreach materials to inform STAR-enrolled producers of market opportunities that may be available as they sell their crop. Specific duties include:
- Research opportunities and conduct in-person meetings with industry leaders.
- Create marketing and communication plans that will help with department, division, and program goals set in the strategic plan.
- Develop workshops and marketing readiness training programs. This includes organizing, setting up, tear down, and transportation for any workshops, booths, or other outreach events.
- Partner with organizations representing the assigned sectors and in collaboration with the Division’s Business Development Specialist.
- Work closely and with the reciprocating position within and in general the Markets Division to coordinate market strategies. This position will also work closely with the Colorado Proud Program, National STAR, and the International Marketing Program as these programs do align with new market opportunities and sharing resources.
Individualized Climate Smart Marketing Assistance to Agricultural Producers
Provide STAR Marketing assistance and readiness training to agricultural producers through individualized counseling. Specific duties include:
- Utilize country and market research, trade statistics, and other information to provide guidance to producers and companies on Climate Smart Marketing opportunities, as well as to address logistics, regulatory, and financing issues.
- Track industry connection to the program and provides necessarily follow up to key industry contacts.
- Provide consultation to retailers and industry organizations through phone calls, one-on-one meetings, media kits, etc.
Administration and Reporting
This position will provide overall administration for the Climate Smart Marketing and Promotion program. Specific duties including:
- Management of revenues and expenses within the parameters of approved spending authorities and requirements of funders.
- Assist with overall budgeting needs of the program.
- Oversee the initiation, management, and completion of any procurement contracts.
- Operate in accordance with established CDA fiscal policies and procedures.
- Provide program status updates to the Deputy Division Director and Commissioner’s Office through regular reporting, identifying progress, successes, and challenges.
- Support Department and Division-level strategic planning processes and provides information and results as needed to assist leadership in evaluating progress toward WIGs and other performance measures.
