Market Development Strategist

The Montana Department of Agriculture is accepting applications for our Market Development Strategist in Great Falls.

Posted until filled with first review of applications occurring on December 16, 2024.

The Montana Department of Agriculture is serving Montana Agriculture and growing prosperity under the Big Sky.

The Agricultural Development Division's goal is to administer programs that promote and enhance Montana agriculture. The Montana Wheat and Barley Bureau is responsible for promoting and encouraging scientific and practical research in all phases of wheat and barley production, marketing and operating under the policies developed by the Wheat and Barley Committee.

Job Overview:

This position is responsible for gathering, analyzing, and sharing relevant market and industry information. The incumbent performs research and analysis on various facets of Montana's grains industry and will work with marketing staff to produce reports and presentations for the bureau, department staff, farm community and general public. This position is also responsible for monitoring research compliance for Montana Wheat and Barley grants, and supporting the bureau's research, education, marketing, and international trade promotion functions.

As a Market Development Strategist, you will:

• Measure the effectiveness of marketing, advertising, branding, and communications programs and strategies.
• Gather data on competitors and use analysis of data to determine pricing, sales, and methods of advertising, branding, and marketing
• Create and analyze customer satisfaction surveys, using data to implement improvements to current advertising, marketing, and/or communication strategies and build customer loyalty.
• Conduct public outreach and partnership development.
• Develop content to be used in marketing campaigns.
• Develop, implement, and manage the grant compliance program.
• Work directly with Montana State University staff regarding research to include projects, events, presentations, and publications.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Extensive knowledge and analytical skills in economics, statistics, and market research; the principles, practices, concepts, and techniques of marketing and international relations.
• Considerable knowledge of agriculture markets; public presentation practices; methods for presenting and interpreting statistical and marketing information.
• Ability to conduct complex research and analysis and translate findings into information for decision making.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with internal and external customers and colleagues.
• Provide information to the public about division policies, procedures, and marketing principles utilizing quick decision-making and problem-solving skills.
• Skilled in effective presentations, speaking persuasively to elicit interest, cooperation, and support for program goals and objectives.
• Ability to manage constantly changing priorities and heavy workload; to work effectively under deadlines with limited supervision and cooperatively with a team.
• Coordinate several activities concurrently both while traveling and in the office.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)

Physical and Environmental Demands

• Normal office environment.
• Travel 30% to include domestic and international.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associate degree in marketing, business, or a related field.
• Two years of relevant experience.
• Valid driver's license & passport.
• Experience in the agriculture industry is preferred.
• Other combinations of education or experience may be substituted.

Benefits:

Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation package Upon date of hire, employees working at least half-time for more than six months are eligible for state paid premiums toward employee "core" medical, dental, and basic life insurance coverage. Employees earn 15 working days of annual leave, 12 days of sick leave and 10-11 paid holidays each year. Membership in a Retirement System - vesting criteria apply.

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