Marketing Specialist for Peach, Watermelon, and Specialty Crops

About the Role

The South Carolina Department of Agriculture (SCDA) is seeking a Marketing Specialist to serve as a representative for the SC Watermelon Industry, working with the SC Watermelon Board (SCWB) and the SC Watermelon Association (SCWA). This role also includes representation for the SC Peach industry via the SC Peach Council (SCPC) and the South Carolina Specialty Crop Growers Association (SCSCGA).

Responsibilities

• Manage the daily activities of the SCWB, SCWA, SCPC, and SCSCGA, including financials, assessments, reports, and correspondence.
• Build and maintain relationships with board members, producers, and other industry partners at the state and national levels.
• Develop an in-state marketing plan to promote expanded sales of South Carolina watermelons, peaches, and specialty crops.
• Prepare exhibits and attend industry meetings, field days, tradeshows, and school/institution events (in-state, out-of-state, and virtual).
• Serve as project manager for watermelon and peach industry-sanctioned research projects.
• Plan and conduct quarterly and annual meetings.
• Conduct membership activities to enrich and grow membership.
• Develop and execute outreach activities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and one year of agricultural experience (e.g., farm hand or marketing agricultural products). Academic credits in agricultural courses may substitute for experience.
• Valid Driver’s License and ability to drive a vehicle.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior board management experience.
• Familiarity/background in agriculture.
• Familiarity with checkoff organizations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Two years’ budget management experience.
• Ability to accurately process assessments and remit accordingly.
• Experience planning meetings, including Board meetings and industry-wide events (up to 400 people).
• Excellent public speaking and communication skills.
• Membership recruitment/retention for industry-related associations.
• Government relations experience and knowledge of legislative policy structure.

Additional Details

• High degree of organizational skills and strong attention to detail.
• Ability to prepare clear, concise, and comprehensive oral and written reports.
• Ability to communicate effectively and cooperatively with various audiences.
• Must work effectively in a transparent, team-oriented environment.
• Significant in-state and out-of-state travel required.
• High level of customer service to farmers/growers.
• Position is located in the Wade Hampton building on the Statehouse grounds; daily in-office reporting required when not traveling. Remote work eligibility (one day per week) may be available after one year of employment.

Benefits

• Generous State benefits, including retirement, health, vision, dental, and life insurance.
• Premium for BCBS State Standard Plan: less than $100/month for employee-only coverage; $307/month for full family coverage.
• 13 paid holidays, generous annual and sick leave accruals.
• Up to six weeks of paid parental leave.
• Deferred Compensation Program.
• Access to fleet vehicle for required travel.
• Employee Assistance Program: free counseling sessions for employees and household members.
• Free Life Management Services (legal, financial, and more).