Job Description

Job Title

Climate Smart Markets Specialist

Job Description

The purpose of the Markets Division is to help increase marketing and processing opportunities for Colorado's food and agricultural industry. Specifically, the mission of the Division is to extend in every practicable way the distribution and sales of Colorado agricultural products throughout the world market and support agricultural development from farm to market.

Major Objectives of the Position: The Climate Smart Markets Specialist manages the existing Climate Smart Markets program within the Markets Division and is specialist regarding the markets components of the Advancing Markets for Producers grant. This position serves under the supervision of the Markets Division Director and with support from the AMP Program Manager, Senior Programs Manager, and Program Grant Leads. This position is responsible for serving as the staff authority and main point of contact for the Climate Smart Markets program and for operating all facets of two grant programs across Market's Division programs - Colorado Proud and Climate Smart Markets. This includes supporting the grant process in its entirety- from ideation of priorities and requirements to drafting applications and guidelines, posting announcements, recruiting and organizing review teams, selection criteria, awarding grants, tracking invoices, ensuring reporting requirements are met, communicating and problem solving with grantees and managing closeout of awards.

Primary Duties:

• Serve as the Climate Smart Markets program manager and the subject matter expert on market trends and emerging markets for climate smart products and related initiatives with oversight from the Division Director
• Utilize research and stakeholder input to inform development of general strategy, key messaging, marketing and communications plans, budgets, and timelines.
• Design and implement specific initiatives in conjunction with Colorado Proud that advance the general understanding of how to market and promote climate smart products successfully to both consumers and manufacturers.
• Work in collaboration with Colorado Proud to raise consumer awareness by utilizing a marketing plan that includes different forms of media (i.e social, packaging, in-store advertising, media kits for manufacturers/retailers/companies/farmers markets).
• Set metrics for evaluating success and draw on evaluation of activities to continually revise/improve.
• Work with the International Marketing team to identify opportunities to reach international consumers and develop actions that will capitalize on demand for climate smart products.
• Create periodic and yearly reports outlining program accomplishments.
• Compile program and statistical data to provide reports to CDA leadership and other partners on programs' performance and implementation.

This position will need to travel within the state a few times a year. When possible, a Fleet Car will be provided.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

Must be a Colorado resident at the time of application. This posting may be used to fill more than one vacancy. ***This is a Grant Funded Position set to expire on 3 /31/2028 if not renewed*** Please note that this position is considered hybrid for the Broomfield Office location and is eligible for flexible work arrangements, including some work-from-home options.

Skills-based Hiring: This position is advertised in alignment with Executive Order 2022-015, Skills-Based Hiring. Recruitment for this position recognizes that skills can be developed through various pathways, including formal education, work experience, volunteering, self-directed learning, and other life experiences, opening doors to individuals from varied backgrounds. Those with relevant experience but without traditional credentials are welcome to apply!

Salary Range: BIWEEKLY $2,779.38 - $3,335.08 ANNUALLY $72,264.00 - $86,712.00 Although the full salary range for this position is provided, appointments are typically made at or near the range minimum.

Minimum Requirements: Proven Experience, Knowledge, Skills:

• Seven (7) years of relevant experience in an occupation related to program management, agricultural markets, business development, and/or grantmaking in non-profit/governmental organizations

OR Education and experience:

• A combination of education in agriculture, business, marketing, or economic development and/or relevant experience in agricultural markets, program management, and/or grant writing in non-profit/governmental organizations equal to seven (7) years.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Relevant years of Colorado State service.

Conditions of Employment:

• Must possess and maintain a valid Colorado Driver's License with the ability to independently travel. Must be able to pass a motor vehicle background check. (When using your own vehicle, mileage will be reimbursed for the travel).
• Circumstances may require the position to work outside of regular business hours.

Required Competencies:

• Experience in program management.
• Experience leading new initiatives and expanding existing programs
• Experience working in agricultural markets or business development initiatives
• Experience working in grant management
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and public speaking skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and juggle multiple priorities, and able to react and adjust quickly to changing conditions.
• Detail oriented.
• Excellent communication skills; able to communicate effectively and articulately in writing and orally with diverse communities in all corners of the state.
• Works well under pressure.
• Strong relationship management skills and excellent representation of the department in community interactions.
• A proven track record for developing and maintaining trusted relationships with stakeholders and industry experts.
• Excellent negotiation and consensus building skills.
• Proactive approaches to problem-solving and with strong decision-making capability.
• Highly resourceful team-player, with the ability to also be extremely effective independently.

Important Information: Part of, or the entire selection process for this position will involve a review of the information you submit in your application materials. Therefore, it is paramount that in the experience portion of your application, you describe the extent that you possess the education, experience and competencies outlined in the job announcement as well as the special and/or preferred qualifications. Failure to include adequate information or follow instructions may prevent you from competing in subsequent measures used to arrive at a top group of applicants. Please submit the following:

• Online application (completed fully) describing how you meet the minimum qualifications
• DD214 (if applicable)
• Unofficial copy of transcripts (if applicable)

Factors that will be assessed:

• Technical Competence Technical experience as it relates to the duties outlined in this job announcement.
• Depth and Breadth of Experience Experience that covers multiple areas outlined in this job announcement. Experience should be varied and not one dimensional and demonstrate a wide range of community involvement.
• Job Fit Experience will be evaluated to determine how well your past experience aligns with and meets the business needs of this position. Current experience is preferred.

Appeal Rights: As an applicant who has been removed from consideration during the selection or comparative analysis process, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board and/or request a review by the State Personnel Director. A standard appeal form is available on the State Personnel Board website. If you appeal, your appeal must be submitted in writing on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative, and received at the following address within ten (10) days of your receipt of this notice: Colorado State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director, Attn: Appeals Processing, 1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver, CO 80203. Fax: 303-866-5038. Phone: 303-866-3300. Email address: dpa_state.personnelboard@ state.co.us. The ten-day deadline and these appeal procedures also apply to all charges of discrimination. Refer to Chapters 4 and 8 of the State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, 4 CCR 801, for information about the appeals process. The State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures are available at spb.colorado.gov.

Benefits

The State of Colorado offers permanent employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, as well as a comprehensive leave program. Please click the following link for detailed information:

Job Tags

Similar Jobs