Responsibilities

• This position will advance Western North Carolina’s agriculture industry through media, advertising and public relations channels.
• This position will lead the media, advertising, and public relations initiatives for Western Ag. Programs and Small Farms divisions, including the WNC Farmers Market and NC Mountain State Fair at the NC Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services.
• This position works to promote the products offered by NC farmers, food and fiber producers, commodity groups and to share their story with retailers, wholesalers, and consumers.
• This position will require traveling due to the nature of the job.
• The position may also supervise full-time, part-time, and contract staff who assist with content production, media relations, photography, video, and advertising, while managing production schedules, procurement, and project budgets.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, business administration, crop science, animal science, horticulture, home economics or related area of assignment from an appropriately accredited institution and four years of experience in the related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Some state job postings say you can qualify by an “equivalent combination of education and experience.” If that language appears below, then you may qualify through EITHER years of education OR years of directly related experience, OR a combination of both. See the Education and Experience Equivalency Guide for details.

Preferred

• Knowledge of public relations, marketing, media communications, and content development.
• Skill in writing, editing, social media management, and media relations.
• Experience managing multiple projects, budgets, advertising campaigns, and deadlines.
• Ability to lead staff, work independently, and make sound decisions.
• Ability to learn and use a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system, analytics tools, and other communication technologies.