Director of Agribusiness Development

Do you have a passion for agriculture? Do you want to be part of creating business opportunities in SC for agriculture and agricultural products? Are you a "people person" who never meets a stranger? If you said "YES!" to these questions, then this is the perfect position for you! The SC Department of Agriculture (SCDA) is seeking a Director of Agribusiness Development. In this role you will:

• Oversee the research conducted on various agribusiness economic development projects and utilize the data to highlight South Carolina agriculture in various projects and to various companies.
• Work to implement SCDA's Agribusiness Development strategic plan.
• Develop a proficiency of SCDA's economic development incentives, as well as all incentives offered by the State of South Carolina.
• Participate and assist in the development of SCDA's long-term planning document (10-15 year strategic plan).
• Serve as key agribusiness economic development contact for the department.
• Develop and leverage relationships with industry partners.
• Recruit target industry sectors and work to expand existing agribusiness operations.
• Develop a plan for industry recruitment and expansion.
• Create and maintain all marketing materials for SCDA agribusiness development programs and incentives.
• Attend and present at various annual economic development conferences, including but not limited to SC Power Team, SC Economic Developers Association, National Protein & Food Distributors Association, regional and national trade shows.
• Lead team focused on industry development, research, and entrepreneurship.

BENEFITS• Generous State benefits to include retirement, health, vision, dental and life insurance.• Premium for BCBS State Standard Plan for employee only coverage is less than $100/month!

• Premium for BCBS State Standard Plan for full family coverage is only $307/month!

• 13 paid holidays, generous annual and sick leave accruals.

• Up to six weeks 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)

• Bachelor's degree in a related field and at least three years' experience in marketing, economic development, sales, or customer service.

• Valid Driver's License and ability to operate a vehicle.

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, or Agricultural Science/Economics or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

• A strong understanding of South Carolina's agribusiness industry, as well as South Carolina's economic development industry and associated players.

• Experience managing employees.

• Must be able to communicate both verbally and written at every level.

• Ability to deal with all aspects of general public, producers, and economic development leaders.

• Detail oriented and be able to multi-task with a wide variety of on-going projects.

• Must be able to walk and stand for periods of time. Lift 50 lbs. and assemble and dismantle exhibits.

• Will require frequent day travel along with periodic overnight travel and weekend work.

• Schedule may vary with attendance required at meetings held after regular business hours.

• Manage Agribusiness Development team who specialist in agricultural research, entrepreneurship and data collection.

• Work closely with legal on performance agreements and incentive negotiations.

• This position is located in the Wade Hampton building on the Statehouse grounds and the selected candidate would be expected to report to the office daily when not traveling. The right candidate may be eligible to work remotely one day per week after a probationary period.