PLANNING COORDIANATOR (PARKERSBURG, WV)

This position is contingent on grant funding; it is expected, but not assured, that funding will continue. In the event of funding loss, this position may be terminated.

About the Role

Under general supervision, the Planning Coordinator acts as a local WVDA liaison, coordinator, and facilitator for agriculture projects and agribusinesses to support economic and business development efforts, while addressing food insecurities and building resiliency in local communities.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate activities related to strategic planning, marketing, industry, product, and brand development of agriculture products in regional territories.
• Develop and foster local relationships with entities such as universities, state, federal, private, and profit/non-profit partners.
• Create and maintain collaborative client (agribusiness/producers) files.
• Maintain strict client confidentiality associated with the work product in accordance with professional business development principles and techniques.
• Assist with, coordinate, and/or facilitate opportunities with partners for producers to develop agricultural-based business plans for financial, marketing, and risk management.
• Provide producers with tools and guides for various business development resources.
• Host and/or provide collaborative partner assistance for local outreach activities including but not limited to new market development, funding opportunities, learning opportunities (e.g., new industry exploration, market exploration, GHP, GAPs, FSMA, on-farm readiness) to assist interested parties in agribusinesses and established scale-up operations in moving product through domestic and international markets.
• Assist and facilitate agribusinesses with product label approvals, information/resources for required permitting, certifications, inspections, and evaluation of business for scalability for local, regional, national, and international market opportunities.
• Coordinate and facilitate partnerships to connect agribusinesses with resources to ensure statewide food security by fostering new and expanded agribusiness development for resilient communities.
• Coordinate local high tunnel production planning and assistance (irrigation, optimal growing methods, etc.).
• Assist local partners and collaborative groups to expand farm-to-school programs and ensure food safety and distribution to schools.
• Expand opportunities for seniors to access local fresh foods.
• Other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions

Sitting, standing, driving, and/or walking for extended periods, using a computer and other office equipment, working extended hours as needed, and overnight travel as required.

Requirements

• Valid driver’s license is required.
• Satisfactory completion of pre-employment drug testing.
• Satisfactory completion of pre-employment law enforcement background investigation, including DMV records.
• Must maintain a positive image of the Commissioner, West Virginia Department of Agriculture, and the State of West Virginia.

Qualifications

Education: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in economics, agriculture, agribusiness, food sciences/technology, agriculture finance, business administration, marketing, or related field.

Experience: Two years of demonstrated success in economic and/or business development. Additional experience in agribusiness development or agribusiness marketing; small farmer agribusiness capacity development; knowledge of the agribusiness sector in West Virginia; or a strong background in private sector business administration and management preferred.

Skills

• Basic understanding of horticulture.
• Advanced knowledge of computers and software including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) to retrieve and utilize information and resources from multiple sources to complete assignments.
• Advanced ability to work collaboratively with remote technologies (e.g., cloud services, CRM).
• Skilled in performing calculations required for business planning.
• Advanced attention to detail to maintain records of resources, client/producer files, and project records according to prescribed format.
• Ability to take direction and work independently.
• Excellent organizational skills and problem-solving ability.
• Excellent skills in developing and maintaining courteous, professional relationships with internal team members, superiors, subordinates, and external clients, including small business owners, regardless of profession, and the general public.
• Ability to tour producer businesses, including on-farm site visits.
• Proficient in economic development activities including business and/or production planning, and project development and management.
• Proficient in grant/project application, development, and management.
• Advanced written skills to compose correspondence, reports, etc., and excellent oral communications skills, including public speaking.
• Excellent project management skills to handle multiple projects and meet established deadlines.
• Compose correspondence dealing with routine inquiries regarding the services or procedures of the Department.
• Ability to collaborate to plan, schedule, and organize local activities independently or with partners.