CDA – Climate Smart Marketing Specialist, Production & STAR Program

Who we are:

Agriculture is a part of all our lives. When you eat, put on clothes, or care for an animal–your life is touched by agriculture. Colorado’s food and agriculture industry generated $47 billion of economic activity in 2019 and supports nearly 5% of the state’s workforce. CDA is proud to be a part of such an important industry.

Mission:

The CDA’s mission is to strengthen and advance Colorado’s agriculture; promote a safe and high-quality food supply; protect consumers; and foster responsible stewardship of the environment. 

Core Values: Partnership, Service, Professionalism, Proactivity, and Respect 

CDA Wildly Important Goals:

To accomplish our mission, CDA focuses on four “wildly important goals:” 

• Goal 1: Advancing Local Food Access
• Goal 2: Expanding Water-Resilient Agriculture 
• Goal 3: Supporting the Next Generation in Agriculture 
• Goal 4: Advancing Animal Health and Welfare

We use these goals to focus and align the daily work of our staff in support of Colorado farmers and ranchers. Learn more about our Department and our wildly important goals in our performance plan on our website.

What you get from us: 

In addition to a great work location and rewarding and meaningful work, we offer:

• Strong, secure, yet flexible retirement benefits including a PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan plus optional 401(k) and 457 plans (www.copera.org)
• Medical and dental health plans (https://stateofcoloradobenefits.com/)
• Employer supplemented Health Savings Account ($60 per month)
• Paid life insurance, plus additional optional life insurance options
• Paid Short Term Disability and optional Long Term Disability coverage
• 11 paid holidays per year plus generous vacation and sick leave accruals
• BenefitHub state employee discount program
• Employee Wellness program MotivateMe
• Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible schedules, remote work opportunities, free parking, professional development and more!

To learn about the total compensation package for State government employment visit: https://www.colorado.gov/dhr/totalcompensation

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

The State of Colorado believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law.

Learn more about our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion by visiting our EDI Homepage: https://dpa.colorado.gov/about-us/edi. 

Work Unit:

The Conservation Services Division exists to provide oversight and coordination of the department’s efforts to protect and enhance the state’s agriculture activities as they relate to drought and climate resilience, land use and range management, conservation, soil and vegetation management, public land management, water quality and quantity, wildlife habitat, endangered species, and energy development. The purpose of this unit is to develop functional programs that support voluntary conservation on private and public lands. It also includes coordination and collaboration with National STAR (Sustaining Tomorrow’s Agricultural Resources program), other state, multi-state, and federal agencies. 

Position:

This position is term-limited, funded through USDA and the term will end on December 31, 2026. 

The primary mission of the STAR Marketing Specialist is to advance marketing and promotion of conservation practices and products, including commodities grown on STAR rated fields. This position will accomplish this mission by developing market opportunities and connecting ag producers enrolled in the STAR Soil Health Program to the most appropriate. Position will determine which options are available for producers to choose for price premiums when they sell their crop. Position will correlate purchase premiums available for specific crops for producers enrolled in the STAR program and will provide outreach and education to help producers navigate the various options. 

This position will collaborate with the Consumer Awareness and Manufacturing Specialist to identify and work with consumer groups and food manufacturing companies interested in incorporating climate smart products from Colorado in their business model. Specifically, this position will develop an overall strategy and outreach activities to engage producers who want to market their climate smart products in the national/international agricultural marketplace. Assistance includes providing an overview of market premiums available for specific crops, developing STAR branding protocol; utilizing research and stakeholder input to inform development of strategy, key messaging, and marketing and communications plans, budgets, and timelines which will set metrics for evaluating success. In addition, this position will work with CDA team members, National STAR, and industry partners to establish business connections with climate smart producers.

The position will require the organization of events, industry meetings, and seminars as well and development of resource material. Position will be required to travel statewide, nationally, and possibly internationally. Position will travel overnight or for extended travel, both by car and commercial airline. This position will require some lifting and other physical demands as related to trade show display set up, shipping/movement of product samples, etc.

Duties:

STAR Market Development and Strategic Planning

The position will develop and manage the Climate Smart/STAR Marketing and Promotion program, including implementing a strategic plan that identifies program initiatives that advance the understanding of ecosystem services marketing opportunities for food and agricultural sectors.

Specific duties include:

• Develop and successfully implement a programmatic strategic plan with key actions and measurable goals.
• Implement specific initiatives that advance the general understanding of how to market and promote STAR branded products successfully.
• Assess the needs for strategic research, as well as designs and implements, related to STAR marketing.
• Utilize research, retail/supply chain partner, and stakeholder input to inform development of general strategy, key messaging, marketing and communications plans, budgets, and timelines.
• Set metrics for evaluating success and draw on evaluation of activities to continually revise/improve.

Outreach and Sector Development

This position develops outreach materials to inform STAR-enrolled producers of market opportunities that may be available as they sell their crop. Specific duties include:

• Research opportunities and conduct in-person meetings with industry leaders.
• Create marketing and communication plans that will help with department, division, and program goals set in the strategic plan.
• Develop workshops and marketing readiness training programs. This includes organizing, setting up, tear down, and transportation for any workshops, booths, or other outreach events.
• Partner with organizations representing the assigned sectors and in collaboration with the Division’s Business Development Specialist.
• Work closely and with the reciprocating position within and in general the Markets Division to coordinate market strategies. This position will also work closely with the Colorado Proud Program, National STAR, and the International Marketing Program as these programs do align with new market opportunities and sharing resources.

Individualized Climate Smart Marketing Assistance to Agricultural Producers

Provide STAR Marketing assistance and readiness training to agricultural producers through individualized counseling. Specific duties include:

• Utilize country and market research, trade statistics, and other information to provide guidance to producers and companies on Climate Smart Marketing opportunities, as well as to address logistics, regulatory, and financing issues.
• Track industry connection to the program and provides necessarily follow up to key industry contacts.
• Provide consultation to retailers and industry organizations through phone calls, one-on-one meetings, media kits, etc.

Administration and Reporting

This position will provide overall administration for the Climate Smart Marketing and Promotion program. Specific duties including:

• Management of revenues and expenses within the parameters of approved spending authorities and requirements of funders.
• Assist with overall budgeting needs of the program.
• Oversee the initiation, management, and completion of any procurement contracts.
• Operate in accordance with established CDA fiscal policies and procedures.
• Provide program status updates to the Deputy Division Director and Commissioner’s Office through regular reporting, identifying progress, successes, and challenges.
• Support Department and Division-level strategic planning processes and provides information and results as needed to assist leadership in evaluating progress toward WIGs and other performance measures.

The Colorado Department of Agriculture has two (2) Marketing and Communications positions within the Climate Smart development focus. If you are interested in applying for both positions, please see the following link for the CDA – Climate Smart Marketing Specialist, Consumer Awareness & Manufacturing: CDA – Climate Smart Marketing Specialist, Consumer Awareness & Manufacturing.

Residency Requirement: 

This posting is only open to residents of the State of Colorado at the time of submitting your application. 

This position is a grant funded appointment with funding through December 31, 2026, with a possibility of extension. Appointment to this position is contingent upon continued funding and available work. The incumbent will be required to sign a Waiver of Retention Rights. 

This position is advertised in line with the Governor’s executive order focused on skills-based hiring practices that focuses on the knowledge, skills, and abilities specific to the job and aligns the hiring process accordingly. Skills-based hiring reduces potential barriers for applicants and allows for reduced bias in the hiring process by providing a direct description of skills that are unique to the duties assigned to the position with a recognition that the applicant may have developed these skills through education, training, or past experiences. 

Salary:

$2,619.23 – $3,143.08 Biweekly

$68,100.00 – $81,720.00 Annually 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Proven Experience, Knowledge, Skills:

• Seven (7) years of professional experience in marketing and/or communications.
• Part-time experience will be prorated.

OR

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in agriculture, marketing, or communications or in a field of study closely related to the position.

AND

Experience:

• Three (3) years of professional experience in as listed above.
• Part-time experience will prorated.
• See substitutions below.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Relevant years of state service.
• Experience in an agriculture field.
• Experience in a conservation field.

Substitutions:

• Master’s or doctorate degree from an accredited college or university in agriculture, marketing, or communications, or a degree closely related to the assignment may be substituted for the bachelor’s degree and one year of general experience. 

Conditions of Employment:

• Must possess and maintain a valid Colorado Driver’s License with the ability to independently travel.
• Circumstances may require position to work outside of regular business hours.

Required Competencies:

• Clear understanding and experience in marketing.
• Understanding of conservation in an agricultural setting.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and public speaking skills.
• Project management skills: ability to multitask, problem-solve, prioritize, create systems and processes and collaborate with and engage others.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and juggle multiple priorities, and able to react and adjust quickly to changing conditions.
• Detail oriented.
• Excellent communication skills; able to communicate effectively and articulately in writing and orally with diverse communities in all corners of the state.
• Work well under pressure.
• Strong relationship management skills and excellent representation of the department in community interactions.
• A proven track record for developing and maintaining trusted relationships with stakeholders and industry experts.
• Excellent negotiation and consensus building skills.
• Proactive approaches to problem-solving and with strong decision-making capability.
• Highly resourceful team-player, with the ability to also be extremely effective independently.

Important Information:

Part of, or the entire selection process for this position will involve a review of the information you submit in your application materials. Therefore, it is paramount that in the experience portion of your application, you describe the extent that you possess the education, experience and competencies outlined in the job announcement as well as the special and/or preferred qualifications. Failure to include adequate information or follow instructions may prevent you from competing in subsequent measures used to arrive at a top group of applicants.

Please submit the following: 

• Online application (completed fully) describing how you meet the minimum qualifications
• OR If you are not able to submit an online application, a paper application is available at this link: PDF State Paper Application (Download PDF reader). Paper applications must be received (either by US mail or email to [email protected] by the closing date and time of the application period listed on this announcement.
• DD214 (if applicable)
• Unofficial copy of transcripts (if applicable)

Factors that will be assessed: 

• Technical Competence – Technical experience as it relates to the duties outlined in this job announcement.
• Depth and Breadth of Experience – Experience that covers multiple areas outlined in this job announcement. Experience should be varied and not one dimensional and demonstrate a wide range of community involvement.
• Job Fit – Experience will be evaluated to determine how well your past experience aligns with and meets the business needs of this position. Current experience is preferred.

Appeal Rights: 

An applicant who has been removed from an employment list or removed from consideration during the selection process may request a review by the State Personnel Director.

As an applicant directly affected by the results of the selection or comparative analysis process, you may file a written appeal with the State Personnel Director.

Review of the completed, signed and submitted appeal will be timely on the basis of written 

material submitted by you, using the official appeal form signed by you or your representative. This form must be completed and delivered to the State Personnel Board by email at [email protected] within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgment of the Department’s action.

For further information on the Board Rules, you can refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director’s Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, at spb.colorado.gov/board-rules.

Important Information: Part of, or the entire exam for this position will involve a review of the information you submit in your application material. Applications are considered complete and accurate at the time of submission. Therefore, additional information may not be solicited or accepted after your application has been received. Therefore, it is very important that you clearly describe all of your relevant experience on the application itself. Applications left blank or marked “SEE RESUME” will not be considered.

All applications that are received by the closing date of this announcement will be reviewed against the Minimum Qualifications in this announcement by a Human Resources Specialist. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications may proceed to the next step. Colorado Revised Statutes require that state employees are hired and promoted based on merit and fitness through a comparative analysis process.

ADAAA Accommodations: Any person with a disability as defined by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) may be provided a reasonable accommodation upon request to enable the person to complete an employment assessment. To request an accommodation, please contact by phone or email at least five business days before the assessment date to allow us to evaluate your request and prepare for the accommodation. You may be asked to provide additional information, including medical documentation, regarding functional limitations and type of accommodation needed. Please ensure that you have this information available well in advance of the assessment date.

The Department of Agriculture is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to Mary Hunt, at [email protected] or call 303-869-9006.

Toll Free Applicant Technical Support: If you experience technical difficulty with the NEOGOV system (e.g. uploading or attaching documents to your online application) call NEOGOV technical support at 855-524-5627 Mon-Fri between 6 am and 6 pm (Pacific Time). Helpful hints: if you are having difficulty uploading or attaching documents to your application first, ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files and second, close the document before you attempt upload (attach) it.

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