Job Description

Nature of Work

***This job opportunity is not in the classified service and is not covered under the Administrative Rule of the WV Division of Personnel.

If you are interested in this position, you must apply directly to the hiring agency. ***

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Full-time employees of the West Virginia State Department of Agriculture are eligible for Public Employee Insurance Agency benefits and a number of other benefits available to state employees.

Location: Guthrie Agricultural Center, Charleston, WV

Job Type: Full-Time, Not in the Classified Service; FLSA; Exempt

Division: Agriculture Business Development

Nature of Work:

The Director of Agriculture Business Development leads the West Virginia Department of Agriculture\'s Agriculture Business Development Division\'s efforts to support the economic development of West Virginia\'s agriculture industry by fostering the growth of agribusinesses in domestic and international markets. Work with WV Departments of Commerce and Economic Development to identify and attract agribusiness and food manufacturing and assist in identifying and inventorying potential sites for development. Under the direction of the Commissioner or his designee, the incumbent directs collaborative efforts across division functional areas including marketing, business development, and programs to deliver targeted results. This employee is responsible for the program oversight of the following areas: Agriculture-Business Development, Farmers\' Market Development, Veterans to Agriculture Programs Development, West Virginia Senior Farmers\' Market Nutrition Program Administration, International and Domestic Marketing Programming, and the GHP/ GAP Audit Program. Employee must show a high degree of initiative, make decisions in an independent and efficient manner and be able to interact with the public, legislators, and members of the media in an effective manner. Supervises both professional and clerical staff at multiple locations. The Commissioner and Executive Division reserve the right to review and amend this job description at their discretion.

Examples of Work

Examples of Work:

Plans and directs overall operations of the WVDA Agriculture-Business Development Division.

Develops, coordinates, and implements projects designed to drive success within a cross-functional team.

Develops division-related policy recommendations for consideration by the Executive Division.

Develops strategic partnerships with higher education institutions and other external entities.

Develops Division programmatic operating procedures.

Routinely works with Commerce, entrepreneurs, developers on feasibility and project development.

Develops practices and techniques to identify and implement effective economic development, marketing, and communications strategies for West Virginia producers.

Evaluates effectiveness of Division programs and staff

Analyze statistical and financial research methodology.

Prepares and administers Division operating budget.

Assist and connect developers with various resources.

Monitors and evaluates the effectiveness of various economic development programs and efforts.

Assist in the development of infrastructure (industrial parks, shell buildings, utilities, transportation, etc.) to support business growth and expansion.

Represents the Commissioner, as requested, before legislative, state, and federal agencies, trade associations, agricultural associations, individuals, farmers or farm groups, business, industrial and special interest groups.

Represents the Commissioner on various commodity and marketing related committees and boards.

Assists the Communications Division in the preparation of reports, publications, and news releases.

Assists the Executive Division with related legislative issues.

Works with members of the media when requested by the Executive Division.

Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor\'s Degree in Marketing, Economic Development and/or Agriculture-business or related major area of study. Master\'s Degree preferred.

Experience: Minimum of ten (10) years of relevant experience including a minimum of five (5) years supervisory experience preferred.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

General knowledge of rules, regulations, policies, and objectives of the West Virginia Department of Agriculture.

General knowledge or economic development resources, incentives, and pad development, retention programs and related support programs.

General knowledge of related state agencies that members of the Agriculture-Business Development Division work with on a regular basis.

General knowledge of veterans\' support programs.

Understands advanced principles and practices of economic development, and long-range planning.

Direct the preparation of designs and plans, field studies, inspection, contract documents and economic analyses.

Ability to manage multiple assignments and tasks, set priorities, and adapt to changing conditions and work assignments.

Ability to gather and analyze market and industry intelligence, metrics, and trends to determine customer needs.

Ability to guide and manage projects with a vision for efficiency and effective implementation.

Ability to understand economic development.

Ability to handle public, media, and legislative inquiries.

Ability to maintain effective working relationships with Executive Division other WVDA divisions, state and federal agency personnel, counterparts in other states, legislators, and the public.

Knowledge of state and federal marketing laws, rules, and regulations as they apply to or affect agriculture and/or agriculture-businesses.

Knowledge of grant writing, management, and solicitation.

Knowledge of legislative and rule making processes at the state and federal level

Excellent communication skills (oral and written).

Excellent fiscal management skills.

Excellent administrative skills.

Strong personnel management skills

Analyze and assess programs, policies, and operational needs and make appropriate adjustments.

Identify and respond to sensitive community and organizational issues, concerns, and needs. This description is subject to review and revision at the discretion of the Commissioner and designees. West Virginia Department of Agriculture is an equal opportunity employer.

Other Information

Agency:

West Virginia Department of Agriculture

Address:

1900 Kanawha Blvd. East Charleston, West Virginia, 25305

This job opportunity is not in the classified service and is not covered under the Administrative Rule of the WV Division of Personnel. Therefore, interested persons must apply directly to the hiring agency as indicated above.

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