Build your Food & Ag Law Expertise

Consider joining us in the LL.M. Program in Agricultural and Food Law at the University of Arkansas School of Law. Our students attend either full- or part-time, on-campus or by distance. Many are experienced professionals. We provide an excellent value and an exceptional opportunity. Vist our website at law.uark.edu/llm or email us at LLM@uark.edu.

Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Senior Sustainability Analyst - General Mills

Sr. Sustainability Analyst
Job Number: 5434
Location(s): Berkeley, CA


We serve the world by making food people love. As one of the world’s leading food companies, General Mills believes that food should make us better. Food brings us joy and nourishes our lives, connecting us to each other and the earth. General Mills operates in more than 100 countries and markets more than 100 consumer brands, including Cheerios, Häagen-Dazs, Nature Valley, Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, Old El Paso, Yoplait and more. Headquartered in Minneapolis, General Mills had global net sales of US$16.6 billion during fiscal 2016.

We seek out the best talent, provide them with rich development resources, support, and the chance to lead something big. Choosing a career with General Mills means joining a company where you can make a difference in the lives of millions of people. There is tremendous opportunity here for individuals who are leaders, innovators, and want to be part of a company that serves the world by making food people love.

Located in Berkeley, CA, Annie’s Inc. (a Division of General Mills) is a rapidly growing natural and organic food company with a widely recognized brand, offering consumers great-tasting products in large packaged food categories. We sell premium products made from high-quality ingredients at affordable prices. Our products appeal to health-conscious consumers who seek to avoid artificial flavors, synthetic colors and preservatives that are used in many conventional packaged foods. Our loyal and growing consumer following has enabled us to migrate from our natural and organic roots to a brand sold across the mainstream grocery, mass merchandiser and natural retailer channels. Today, we offer over 145 products and are present in over 35,000 retail locations in the United States and Canada.

Position Summary:

Annie’s is seeking a Sustainability Senior Analyst who will play a key role in supporting and expanding our supply chain sustainability programs and reporting activities, and supporting the team with internal and external engagement. At Annie’s, the sustainability team plays a critical role by guiding and collaborating with cross-functional teams to provide substantiated and meaningful data about the brand’s sustainability efforts and then collaborates with the marketing team to communicate these details in a credible and approachable manner. The Sustainability Senior Analyst reports to Annie’s head of Sustainability and will collaborate internally across Annie’s and General Mills, as well as with external stakeholders such as suppliers, consultants, and vendors.

Key Responsibilities:

Refresh and lead sustainable packaging strategy by collaborating with Packaging Engineer, Operations and Brand teams to identify opportunities for more sustainable materials, better recoverability and optimized design. Identify opportunities within General Mills and through external engagement to improve sustainable packaging position.
Support manufacturing programs focused on environmental and social impacts.
Support research and initiatives captured through our ingredient action plans, including refining and improving our programs to have a more positive impact on the agricultural origins of our products.
Collect and analyze data to identify opportunities for environmental and social impact improvements in ingredients, packaging and manufacturing, leveraging existing systems and also creating new processes to manually track data.
Lead reporting and benchmarking of sustainability metrics and data collection, as currently defined and aligned with best practices (e.g. Sustainable Food Trade Association), involving cross-functional departments as necessary. Work with sustainability team to maintain baseline measurements and key sustainability metrics to monitor progress.
Support development of public facing report, continually reviewing the reporting process to ensure it’s aligned with industry best practices and reflective of Annie’s brand mission and values.
Contribute evidence-based research and analysis and convert to consumer-friendly sustainability messaging; engage with internal teams to share messages through appropriate channels.
Provide content expertise and thought leadership to internal community on sustainability issues. Support sustainability team to consult to General Mills’ family of organic/natural brands and the Organic Center of Excellence on sustainability issues and strategies.
Develop presentations and speak at conferences and seminars on sustainability topics.

Requirements:

Master’s Degree in a related field required.
5+ years of experience in working on corporate responsibility/sustainability issues within a consumer products company or as an advisor/consultant.
Demonstrated industry experience, ideally within the organic/natural industry for consumer goods and/or manufacturing. Familiarity with industry research and trends, and ability to distill substantial and complex data into key insights and relevant takeaways.
Ability to work cross-functionally and effectively to create awareness on sustainability issues.
Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills and outstanding relationship building skills at all levels inside and outside the organization, including senior executives, vendors, and suppliers.
Strong quantitative analytical skills, problem-solving, and ability to assess the quality of others’ work, particularly quantitative work.
Results oriented with an ability to operate multiple projects. A self-starter with superior organizational skills.
Demonstrated business and financial analysis skills, and proficiency with Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and SharePoint.
Proven ability to work in a fast-paced, changing environment, and effectively manage and meet multiple, simultaneous deadlines with minimum assistance while maintaining a sense of humor.
Ability to travel up to 20%

Apply at: www.careers.generalmills.com

Tuesday, November 22, 2016

USDA - Agricultural Marketing Service

USDA - Agricultural Marketing Service - Various Positions

This job will be posted beginning tomorrow (11/23) through 11/30.

https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/457203900

Summary

You can make a difference! The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Marketing and Regulatory Programs (MRP) needs bright, energetic and committed professionals to facilitate the domestic and international marketing of U.S. agricultural products and to protect the health and care of animals and plants in the United States. MRP offers an array of occupations and is committed to diversity in the workplace. We operate in domestic and global markets. Be part of an organization that protects the health and agriculture of the American people. Join our team!

Transportation and Marketing (TM) consists of three business lines - transportation research and analysis, local food marketing research and technical assistance, and competitive grants administration that support the orderly marketing of agricultural products and promote wholesale and direct marketing opportunities.

The Marketing Services Division is responsible for conducting and supporting market research and analysis of agricultural marketing channels, processes and methods, and providing planning and design recommendations for agricultural marketing facilities, in order to facilitate the efficient and economical distribution of U.S. food and fiber products, primarily locally produced and distributed agricultural products.

Salary Information: First time hires to the Federal government normally start at the lowest rate of the salary range.

Salary Range

$53,435.00 to $100,736.00 / Per Year
Duties

The duties described are for the full-performance level. At developmental grade levels, assignments will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity.

The duties may include, but are not limited to:
Provides consultations, designs, drawings incorporating applicable design standards, codes, techniques, and practices which have potential impact on buildings, facilities and functional operations.
Keeps abreast of the latest developments in architecture, engineering and related disciplines.
Collaborates with architectural and engineering firms and in-house design staff to assure that site-specific architectural requirements are satisfied and all technical requirements are coordinated.
Recommends changes to plans or specifications developed by contract architects, engineers and others, and prepares comments.
Writes design articles in lay-person language for agricultural and community planning/development press.
Periodically develops blogs to market services to more general audiences.
Writes or participates in writing journal articles in architectural review publications.
Makes clear written and oral presentations and communications to governmental conferences, tribal groups, and other organizations, as required.

Monday, November 14, 2016

Senior Manager Social Responsibility, Springdale AR


Title Sr Manager Social Responsibility
Job Function Corporate & External Affairs
City Springdale, AR

Position Number 10757335 Sr Mgr Social Responsibility

Job Description SUMMARY: The primary responsibility of this position is responsible for the planning, design, daily management and evaluation of community investment programs in Tyson Foods' headquarters communities (Northwest Arkansas; Chicago, Illinois;Siouxland/Dakota Dunes, South Dakota).

This position works with key business and functional leaders, advisory committees, executive leadership and related non-profits and communities to advance the company's business and CSR goals. Other responsibilities include: Assists in the creation and implementation of a five-year community investment plan in alignment with corporate social responsibility strategy; Implements and monitors a comprehensive community grants portfolio specific to geographic regions, funding priorities and other needs as identified, to ensure the successful start-up and establishment of the community investment program; Supports refinement of grant program portfolio in alignment with community investment program focus areas; identifies other opportunities to streamline grant-making process for maximum efficiency; Oversees all stages of grant-making in the community portfolio including solicitation, due diligence and evaluationof funding proposals. Develops collaborative relationships with grant applicants to help build capacity of organization and ensure achievement of grant objectives; Manages the community portfolio of grants in accordance with the work plan and budget; ensures proper and timely disbursement of grant funds and tracks grant expenditures; makes funding recommendations to the Sr. Director and Advisory Committee in accordance with corporate priorities; Works with grantees to monitorand evaluate the performance and progress of grants to ensure consistency with the conditions of the award. Assists in the creation of a comprehensive system to measure return on social investments; Creates and facilitates regional community giving councils utilizing employee volunteers; Produces summary and analysis on progress of grants and targeted initiatives for submission to the Sr. Director, functional and executive management, and advisory committees; Supervises program associate and provides day-to-day guidance on assignments and tasks.

REQUIREMENTS:
EDUCATION: BA/BS minimum; Master's preferred.

EXPERIENCE: 5+ years of experience in community-based issues and/or program development within a corporatephilanthropy/giving department. Minimum of three years of supervisory experience.

COMPUTER SKILLS: Personal computer skills including proficiency with Microsoft Office Word, Excel and PowerPoint; proficient in social media.

COMMUNICATION SKILLS: Exceptional communication skills, including public speaking and relationship-building with senior executives, community leaders and organizations. Must be able to translate plans/policies into specific goals, tactics, action plans and deliverables.

SPECIAL SKILLS (if applicable): Excellent project management skills including planning, project implementation, analysis and evaluation; experience with social investment ROI highly desired. Experience working, and relationships with, senior management, governmental agencies, community-based organizations and/or philanthropic organizations. Curiosity, passion and commitment to excellence in addressing issues facing communities. Excellent problem-solving, conceptual thinking, quantitative and analytical skills. Ability to work independently and/or be a team player working collaboratively across functions and business lines. Ability to anticipate, analyze and develop recommendations and/or solution.

To apply please go to:  https://www.tysonfoodscareers.com/Professional/Search-for-Careers.aspx

Friday, November 11, 2016

Head of Governmental Relations and Regulatory Affairs




Head of Government Relations and Regulatory Affairs
Location: Cincinnati, OH, US, 45201

Company: Kroger

Position Summary:

Responsible for leading and implementing the company’s federal government relations strategy and tactics including working closely with division leadership to counsel and guide state and local advocacy activities. Collaborate with the company’s executive team to help the company realize an ambitious public affairs strategy to expand its license to operate and be recognized among the most reputable and influential companies in America. Demonstrate the company’s core values of respect, honesty, integrity, diversity, inclusion and safety.

Essential Functions:
Lead, develop and implement plans to achieve company’s key legislative and regulatory priorities
Serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO, EVPs and other senior leaders on issues, policies and industry matters
Provide foresight and insight; continuously scanning the horizon for trends and themes prior to and as they emerge concerning legislative and regulatory issues
Provide leadership and counsel to division public affairs leaders as they work to achieve state and local legislative and regulatory priorities
Manage external contractor and lobbyist relationships while keeping work on schedule and within budget
Manage relationships with federal trade associations to ensure company’s perspective and interests are represented
Lead annual division solicitation for company’s Political Action Committee (PAC) and lead contribution strategy
Serve as a lead team member on all topics that impact the company’s license to operate, including managing the internal policy-making process to ensure company is apprised of and responding to emerging issues
Provide advice and strategies to senior leadership regarding government, regulatory and policy issues that may affect the company’s business and reputation
Serve as a core member of the External Affairs team to align and execute on corporate priorities and initiatives, including managing potential crisis and reputational issues
Travel independently to participate in government, industry and trade association meetings while representing the organization
Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation
Minimum Position Qualifications:
8+ years of experience in public affairs or government relations
Previous experience in Washington, D.C. is critical, serving as a primary point of contact to legislative offices for a company, organization or issue
Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing or Political Science
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Ability to analyze and solve problems
Strong planning and organizational skills
Desired Previous Job Experience:
Previous work as a public affairs leader in retail or corporate environment, within/managing public relations agencies
Previous work with elected officials or political campaigns
Experience in the food and agriculture value chain

Required Travel: Up to 50%

Apply at https://jobs.kroger.com/

University of Arkansas - Associate General Counsel




Assoc. General Counsel
Posting Number NC589P
Quick Link for Posting http://jobs.uark.edu/postings/17247
Working Title Assoc. General Counsel
Position Number 2576
Department Legal Services
About the University

Founded in 1871 as a land grant institution, the University of Arkansas is classified by the Carnegie Foundation among the top two percent of universities in the nation with the highest level of research activity. Ten colleges and schools serve more than 26,700 students with more than 200 academic programs. University of Arkansas students earn nationally competitive awards at an impressive rate and represent 50 states and more than 120 countries.

Located in the stunning Ozark Mountains of Northwest Arkansas, Fayetteville is home to the University of Arkansas campus, known for its spectacular views and ample green spaces. Fayetteville is considered one of the country’s finest college towns, and the surrounding northwest Arkansas region is regularly ranked one of the best places to live in the U.S. Some of the nation’s best outdoor amenities and most spectacular hiking trails are within a short drive of campus.

As an employer, the University of Arkansas offers a vibrant work environment and a workplace culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance. The benefits package includes university contributions to health, dental, life and disability insurance, tuition waivers for employees and their families, 12 official holidays, immediate leave accrual, and a choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5 to 10% of employee salary.
About the College/Department
Department Home Page
Job Type Administrator
Summary of Job Duties

The Associate General Counsel will advise the University, its Board, officers, administrators, campuses, units, faculty and staff on legal issues affecting the campuses and units of the University, including employment matters, litigation representation, policy and contract drafting and review. The duties of the Associate General Counsel contribute in the effort to further the mission of the UA System.

Minimum Qualifications
Please ensure that all relevant application materials include details addressing the minimum qualifications. Applicants not meeting the minimum qualifications will be disqualified from consideration.
Juris Doctor degree from an accredited American Bar Association law school
License to practice law in the State of Arkansas
Three years experience in the practice of law, with a governmental or nonprofit entity, in private practice, with a corporation, or clerkship
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in litigation, employment law, higher education legal issues, and governmental compliance

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs)
Knowledge of employment law, contract law and legal issues in higher education
Outstanding written and oral communication skills
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work professionally under pressure
Ability to maintain confidentiality
Ability to have a strong commitment to teamwork, customer service and collaboration
Maturity, sound judgment, good work ethic and ability to work closely with the other members of the General Counsel’s office
Physical activities associated with this position

For questions regarding reasonable accommodations please contact the Office of Equal Opportunity

Posting Detail Information

Future Open Date 11/05/2016
Close Date 11/19/2016
Open Until Filled

All application materials must be uploaded to the U of A’s employment system at jobs.uark.edu.

Thursday, November 3, 2016

Capture Consultant - Winrock International

Capture Consultant, USDA Food For Education - Mauritania

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION: 
Winrock International is a nonprofit organization that works with people in the United States and around the world to empower the disadvantaged, increase economic opportunity, and sustain natural resources.
Winrock International Welcomes Applicants from all geographic regions of the world. If you do not have a five digit zip code in your region, please populate the zip code prompt with 11111 to proceed.

CONSULTANCY ANNOUNCEMENT:
Effective with the release of this position announcement, Winrock International is recruiting applicants for Capture Consultant for its Civil Society and Education team. The responsibilities, duties and qualifications are described in the position description.

GENERAL:
Winrock International is a nonprofit organization that brings more than 30 years of experience empowering the disadvantaged, increasing economic opportunity, and sustaining natural resources. Around the world, Winrock works collaboratively with government officials and staff to address educational constraints in curriculum and teacher training, works with communities to increase agricultural production, provides training on water sanitation and hygiene (WASH), and improves energy and water use efficiencies. Our work is designed to ensure sustainability, local ownership, and increased resilience to climactic and economic shocks.

Winrock has been working in West Africa since the 1990s to develop sustainable energy solutions for agricultural development, open new markets for smallholder farmers, increase educational opportunities for girls and boys through scholarships and mentoring, and address root causes of hunger and poverty through building the capacity of African leaders, communities, and institutions.

SALARY: The annual salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

APPLICATIONS:
Applicants may go to Winrock’s job page at www.winrock.org to complete an online application, submit a current resume and cover letter referencing Capture Consultant, Food For Education by November 15, 2016. EEO/AA.

POSITION DESCRIPTION:
Title: Capture Consultant

Location: Nouakchott, Mauritania (Primary) and Assaba, Brakna, Gorgol, and/or Guidimaka (Secondary)

Department: Civil Society and Education

Reports to: Proposal Lead

Position Summary:
Winrock is seeking a capture consultant to help with proposal preparation for a U.S. Department of Agriculture Food for Education project. The primary role of the consultant is to assist the capture team in setting up and facilitating meetings with stakeholders in Nouakchott as well as the Southern regions of Assaba, Brakna, Gorgol and/or Guidimaka. The total level of effort will not exceed 25 days.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

Organize meetings with national level government ministries (Ministry of Health and Social Affairs, Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Ministry of Rural and Economic Development, etc.), service providers, international and Mauritanian NGOs, and other stakeholders working to support primary school education, health and nutrition, and food distribution in Southern Mauritania, within Assaba, Brakna, Gorgol and/or Guidimaka.
Organize meetings with district and commune level government ministries (Ministry of Health and Social Affairs, Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Ministry of Rural and Economic Development, etc.), service providers, local NGOs, community leaders, school authorities, and other stakeholders working to support primary school education, health and nutrition, and food distribution in Southern Mauritania, within Assaba, Brakna, Gorgol and/or Guidimaka.
Organize a meeting with local school officials, teachers and potential beneficiaries in one or two target districts to ensure the needs of communities with schools will be met by the project.
Accompany Winrock staff in meetings and where appropriate, serve as translator with local stakeholders.
Assist in leading a stakeholder workshop among project beneficiaries in either Assaba, Brakna, Gorgol and/or Guidimaka.
Prepare follow up emails or letters of thanks to those who met with Winrock.
Assist in the collection of relevant follow-up documents (project reports, research, policy, tools, etc.) from stakeholder groups and other sources.
Assist in collection of “Letters of Support” from potential partners identified with Winrock
Help develop and continuously add to the list of potential stakeholders relevant to proposed programming.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:
The consultant will be expected to produce the following during his/her consultancy:

A complete itinerary of confirmed meetings with key stakeholders and a final version with all names, titles, and contact information of individuals met

Copies of all thank you emails or letters sent

Draft agenda and confirmed participants for a stakeholder workshop in one of the target districts.

Summary report of main information conveyed at meetings attended.

2-page consultancy report detailing work completed corresponding to the tasks assigned

Letters of support collected from partners as instructed by Winrock staff

Qualifications and Background:

Education: Bachelor’s Degree preferred

Experience: 10+ years of experience interfacing with government ministries, local Mauritanian NGOs, local government, and community groups.

Skills & Knowledge:
Knowledge of Southern Mauritania (Assaba, Brakna, Gorgol, Guidimaka) required.
Fluency in Arabic, English and French required.
Local Language knowledge a plus.





Assistant Professor of Urban Agriculture - Kentucky State University

Kentucky State University Location: Frankfort, KY 40601

Document ID: AA324-091N

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF URBAN AGRICULTURE (TENURE TRACK)

SUMMARY:

The Assistant Professor of Urban Agriculture is a tenure track position at Kentucky State University in the College of Agriculture, Food Science, and Sustainable Systems (CAFSSS). This Ph.D. level position will lead cooperative research and extension projects to assist in the development of urban agricultural systems. This position will support the horticultural production and associated economic issues with urban agriculture, as well as work with other programs to support the development of community gardens and aquaponics ventures. Stakeholders include urban farmers, small-scale and organic fruit and vegetable farmers, aquaponics producers, home and community gardeners, environmental consultants, and urban planners. The successful candidate will assist in teaching excellence at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Teach undergraduate and graduate courses including urban agricultural systems and related areas.

Develop an integrated research program in support of the development of community gardens and aquaponics ventures. Stakeholders include urban farmers, small-scale and organic fruit and vegetable farmers, aquaponics producers, home and community gardeners, environmental consultants, and urban planners.

Develop research and extension proposals, conduct research, analyze research results, and publish results in area of urban agricultural systems.

Share research-based results with stakeholders through extension programs.

Mentor graduate and undergraduate students engaged in applied research projects.

Serve on committees for university, stakeholder groups, and professional associations.

Work with small and limited resource farmers and underserved communities.

Other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Ph.D. degree required in the field of Agriculture, Horticulture, or related areas. Salary is commensurate with experience. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

Candidates should have knowledge in the areas of urban agricultural systems.

Candidates must demonstrate the potential for collaborative, integrated, multi-disciplinary research, granting, publishing, and stakeholder involvement.

Preference will be given to candidates with a record of excellence in research and teaching and the ability to mentor undergraduate and graduate students.

Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in the university setting.

Ability to monitor or supervise laboratory research.

Ability to work under deadlines.

Will need a valid Kentucky Driver's License.

Please fill out the application located in the employment section on www.kysu.edu and submit a cover letter and resume in Microsoft Word format to: jobs@kysu.edu .

Wednesday, November 2, 2016

Director - Heritage and Agritourism Program, Colorado

Director, Heritage and Agritourism Program
Denver Metro, CO
Office of Economic Development and International Trade


Job Number: EDA-0038-10/16 Closing
Closing Date: 11/3/2016 11:59 PM Mountain




The purpose of the Colorado Tourism Office (CTO) is to encourage economic growth throughout Colorado with the promotion of tourism. The CTO promotes Colorado to travelers through international and domestic advertising, marketing and public relations campaigns, the Official State Vacation Guide (OSVG), Official State Map, and www.COLORADO.com; provides traveler services at State Welcome Centers; and works with partners statewide to enhance and develop tourism offerings. The CTO collaborates with destination marketing organizations, local communities, industry associations, government agencies and private businesses to implement its programs. The FY17 budget is $19.8 million.

POSITION:

Director, Heritage and Agritourism Program

The Colorado Heritage and Agritourism Program celebrates unique travel experiences stemming from Colorado's rich culture, heritage and roots in agriculture and ranching. This innovative program collaborates with partners throughout the state to develop and promote new tourism offerings aimed at enticing visitors to step off the beaten path, discover hidden gems and engage in a myriad of authentic culinary, heritage, creative arts, small town and agricultural experiences.

The Director works collaboratively with the CTO team, Colorado Department of Agriculture, State Historical Fund, Colorado Creative Industries, Heritage and Agritourism Committee (Committee), destination marketing organizations, Colorado Agritourism Association and private businesses and attractions to develop and promote high-quality visitor experiences in early-stage destinations and attractions to drive travel spending statewide.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Management
In concert with key stakeholders, provides leadership for development and promotion of Colorado's heritage, cultural and agritourism market segments through initiatives to create and brand high quality visitor experiences in early-stage Colorado destinations.

Working with the CTO team, Committee and other partners, provides strategic direction for the program through development of a strategic plan and annual action plans for the heritage, cultural and agritourism market segments.

Establishes and reports against metrics to measure outcomes from these segments.

Develops and manages an annual budget to support program initiatives, providing regular reporting of outcomes to the CTO Director, Colorado Tourism Board and other tourism stakeholders.

Provides direction for the Manager of the Heritage and Agritourism Program and Marketing Matching Grants Program.

In collaboration with CTO Director, recruits membership of Heritage and Agritourism Committee to represent and generate advocacy for all segments of the program in all parts of the state.

Manages effective communication with Committee, Colorado Tourism Board and other industry partners/associations engaged in heritage and agritourism development and promotion, including the reporting of initiatives, results, reports and opportunities.

Represents the CTO in initiatives and events aimed at strengthening the Colorado tourism brand and driving increased travel within the heritage, cultural and agritourism market segments.

Manages outreach across Colorado to expand knowledge of heritage, cultural and agritourism market and offerings.

Builds knowledge of responsibilities through attendance at trainings and conferences.

Other duties as requested by CTO Director.

Development
Directs development and growth of Colorado tourism product inventory specific to heritage, cultural and agritourism market segments to showcase Colorado as a premier destination for these experiences.

Working with CTO team and industry partners, develops initiatives to create branding of Colorado cultural, heritage, cultural and agritourism offerings to increase traveler awareness and drive travel.

Develops and manages initiatives to promote hospitality training and visitor readiness, with a focus on early-stage destinations.

Develops and manages initiatives to assist early-stage cultural, heritage or agritourism businesses or non-profits in achieving success and stability, including the Culture, Heritage, Agritourism Mentor Program (CHAMP).

Develops and manages other educational offerings for early-stage tourism destinations and attractions, including educational experiences for the annual Governor's Tourism Conference and regional tourism conferences, as requested.

Under direction of the CTO Director, establishes public and public-private partnerships to enhance program funding.

Maximizes opportunities to secure and leverage funding support for program from local, state and federal sources.

Collaborates with other entities in the Office of Economic Development on initiatives that support development of early-stage destinations.

Marketing & Promotion
In collaboration with CTO team and in keeping with CTO brand:

Provides direction for vendors to promote heritage, cultural and agritourism offerings through marketing, public relations, promotional and social media campaigns.

Provides oversight of Heritage and Agritourism Public Relations Strategist to develop annual PR plan, manage editorial calendar and create content aimed at driving travel and supporting growth of program.

Directs development of collateral specific to heritage and agritourism segments.

Directs development of content for heritage and agritourism promotion on www.colorado.com and in the Official State Vacation Guide.

Participates in CTO's targeted trade expos and sales trips/missions, as appropriate to promote heritage and agritourism offerings.

Develops events to promote heritage, cultural and agritourism offerings at CTO media, trade and consumer events, as appropriate.

Manages creation and execution of FAM tours related to heritage, cultural and agritourism offerings.

COMPETENCIES:
Leadership: Creates and communicates a compelling vision; engages others to implement vision; builds enthusiasm, participation and positive morale and loyalty; takes charge of groups and situations; sets a strong leadership role by walking the talk; promotes a safe, challenging work environment.

Strategic Planning: Identifies and analyzes organizational opportunities; accurately forecasts trends and emerging needs; frames strategic questions; makes decisions and deploys resources in alignment with strategic priorities; plans for future problems and opportunities by forecasting business trends and outside forces.

Negotiation & Issue Resolution: Openly manages conflict and disagreement through collaborative discussion to reach positive conclusions; arrives at constructive solutions whiles maintaining positive working relationships; seeks win-win situations; diplomatically explores common and opposing options to reach mutually acceptable positive solutions.

Communication: Is understood by and understands others; clearly articulates key points when writing and speaking; actively listens; effectively interprets non-verbal communication and truly hears what a wide variety of people are trying to say; accurately assesses personal styles and adjusts own style of communication to optimize personal effectiveness.

Results Driven: Drives for successful results; makes things happen and conveys sense of urgency; sets aggressive goals and works hard to achieve these goals; move tasks and assignments toward closure; invests considerable effort to assure goals are met in a high-quality manner.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
Extensive knowledge and demonstrated skill in management, program planning, and coordination of multiple projects and assignments. Ability to work with a wide variety of people at all levels in stressful situations and exercise confidentiality and discretion as appropriate. Skill in relationship building and networking with a diverse population of organizations, associations and interest groups.

Highly developed oral and written communication skills that include the demonstrated ability to edit and write. Excellent time management skills, including the demonstrated ability to meet timelines and prioritize multiple projects.

Team orientation and the demonstrated ability to work effectively with peers, subordinates, and supervisors. Ability and willingness to work hours beyond the standard daily or weekly schedule when necessary.

EDUCATIONAL AND EXPERIENCE:
A four-year college degree in business, marketing, communications, or related subjects, or an equivalent 6 years experience in marketing, and/or related subjects.

Experience with heritage or cultural tourism, history, historic preservation, agritourism, arts and culture, marketing, rural economic development and community relations is strongly preferred. Supplemental Information

JOB APPLICATION PROCESS:

Applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and references in one document to The Office of Economic Development and International Trade by e-mail at oedit.info@gmail.com with the subject line "Director of Heritage and Agritourism Program" by November 3, 2016. Due to the large volume of resumes we receive, we do not acknowledge receipt of each resume and are unable to give status updates. If a strong match is found between your qualifications and the requirements of the position, a member of the recruiting staff will contact you to further discuss the career opportunity.

Public Affairs Specialist - USDA, Washington DC

Public Affairs Specialist
Department Of Agriculture - Washington, DC 
Job Number 20319

The Risk Management Agency (RMA) serves America's agricultural producers through effective, market-based risk management tools and solutions to strengthen the economic stability of agricultural producers and rural communities by providing World Class agricultural risk management products, tools, education and outreach. RMA strives to be a high-performance and inclusive workplace by promoting an environment of diversity, inclusion and respect. You will receive on-the-job training intended to further develop your talent, skills, and abilities in Federal service.

This position is assigned to Public Affairs Branch, External Affairs Division, Office of the Administrator, Risk Management Agency (RMA), Washington, DC.

* Develops and writes basic outreach materials including news releases, feature articles for magazines and trade papers, radio and television scripts, and other materials suitable for distribution to the media.

* Develops and clears press releases, speeches, Congressional testimony, and a variety of informational materials including background material and supporting data for the Office of the Administrator.

* Writes and critiques speeches, talking points, and other materials for Agency officials on a wide range of topics.

* Provides advice and consultation to Agency officials in planning public information activities, including recommending specific approaches to meet individual needs.

* Analyzes information program materials and provides assistance to regional office personnel relative to procedures and techniques involved in preparing material for presentation to a variety of audiences to include PowerPoint presentations, instructions, and suggestions on poster papers for conferences and exhibits, etc.

* Participates in the development of online (digital) campaigns.

* Schedules interviews and other avenues for the dissemination of appropriate information to RMA's customer base and the general public.

* Develops and edits stories about the Agency and its programs for the RMA employee newsletter and the internet.

* If skilled, many provide translation of English documents into a secondary language and be called on for interpreter assistance with farmers and ranchers who speak with limited English proficiency.

Apply at: usajobs.gov.