MARKETING SPECIALIST - 66106

Executive Service

Marketing Specialist

Department of Agriculture

Market Development

Nashville, TN

Salary: $4,017.00 - $6,039.00 /mo

Closing Date: 03/24/2025

For more information, visit the link below:
https://www.tn.gov/agriculture/department/business-development-division/team.html

Who we are and what we do:

The Business Development Division works with Tennessee producers and agricultural/forestry businesses to build rural economies and increase farm and forest derived income. Development activities provide diverse growth opportunities, including industry and producer-focused incentives, as well as promotions that reach consumers and the non-farming public through a variety of methods.

How you make a difference in this role:

The Business Development Team works to attract new industry partners, as well as the expansion of existing agricultural and forestry businesses. Our team partners with agencies ranging from statewide producer associations to local governments and regional retail chains. The Business Development Team has longstanding relationships with Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development, USDA Rural Development, Tennessee Valley Authority, University of Tennessee, Tennessee State University, UT/TSU Extension, and national and international trade associations like the Southern United States Trade Association (SUSTA), U.S. Livestock Genetics Exports (USLGE) and Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS).

Job Overview:

Key Responsibilities: - Assist Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program (TAEP) Verification Coordinator with scheduling animal health technicians, staff veterinarians and livestock graders for on-site verification; observe staff in the field as verifications are made; monitor progress of all field staff and work to seek solutions to issues in coordination with the Verification Coordinator when they arise; assist with providing training for verification field staff as needed. - Disperse verification forms and receive completed documentation from field staff monthly; review data; enter data into data system. - When suspected abuse is discovered, communicate with the producer and the vendor; oftentimes an on-farm visit is conducted prior to presenting data to the Office of General Counsel. - Alongside Verification Coordinator, coordinate distribution of program applications to verification staff and industry partners for their distribution. - Receive mail; open paper applications; review for accuracy; conduct phone calls to applicants for any revisions. - Verify age of used equipment having a serial number. - Collaborate across the TAEP Team to update and prepare program applications, reimbursement instructions, and verification checklists.

Key Responsibilities:

• Answer incoming calls, mail application packets and reimbursement packets, approval notices and disapproval notices, respond to program inquiries, and conduct data entry. Provide customer service and education to all inquiries for assigned program area(s).
• Increase rural economic activity across all agricultural sectors consistent with department's strategic goals and in keeping with the Governor's Rural Initiative which focuses on Tennessee's distressed and at-risk counties.
• Place emphasis on distressed counties by encouraging growth and expansion in the all agricultural sectors by encouraging participation in other grants administered by TDA, such as: Agricultural Enterprise Fund, FARM Cost Share, AgTrack, etc.
• Possess an awareness and understanding of local, state, and federal government processes and procedures, and demonstrate the ability to diplomatically advise and/or resolve governmental affairs issues.
• Maintain a focus on adhering to the biosecurity standards established by the State Veterinarian's Office, while conducting on-farm visits.
• Must be a critical thinker, possess complex problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities.
• Practice effective interpersonal skills when working with people at various levels within the organization as well as with external stakeholders, including local and federal governmental officials, company executives, agribusiness industry professionals, and the public.
• Candidate must be an individual who can facilitate a team concept of management and can present complex topics effectively and in a concise manner.
• Motivated and highly energetic performer with the flexibility to adapt to a variety of different situations. - Must be a self-starter who can manage multiple tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced and high-intensity environment.

Minimum Qualifications:

Qualified candidates should possess a Bachelor's degree preferably in agribusiness, business administration, animal science or marketing. Experience in rural economic development preferred. Graduate degrees in any of these areas listed above or similar are desired, but not required.

Pursuant to the State of Tennessee's Workplace Discrimination and Harassment policy, the State is firmly committed to the principle of fair and equal employment opportunities for its citizens and strives to protect the rights and opportunities of all people to seek, obtain, and hold employment without being subjected to illegal discrimination and harassment in the workplace. It is the State's policy to provide an environment free of discrimination and harassment of an individual because of that person's race, color, national origin, age (40 and over), sex, pregnancy, religion, creed, disability, veteran's status or any other category protected by state and/or federal civil rights laws.