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Market Development Specialist (Agriculture)

Michigan Soybean Committee
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Michigan Soybean Committee (MSC) is hiring a Market Development Specialist. MSC facilitates the soybean checkoff and focuses on improving Michigan soybean farmers’ return on investment with a focus on innovation and sustainability. The market development specialist will be part of a dynamic team that works together to support soybean farmers through outreach, communication, agronomic research, and development of new soybean markets.

This is a hybrid position, with time split between your home office, travel for meetings/events, and regular team meetings in the St. Johns, MI office. MSC offers a competitive salary, full benefits, and tuition assistance opportunities in addition to its great team and work environment.

This is the perfect position for someone with great business networking abilities, a passion for agriculture, exceptional attention to detail, and a team-oriented mindset that is looking to advance the work of soybean farmers in a fun fast-paced environment.

The selected candidate will work closely with the current Market Development Director to learn their role and will have the opportunity to advance into the director role in the future, based upon their performance. The market development specialist answers directly to the CEO and will be part of an energetic team that enjoys leading the advancement of the Michigan soybean industry on behalf of its farmers.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Experience in the agriculture industry
  • Effective communication skills
  • General understanding of agriculture economics and marketing
  • Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, agriculture, ag economics or another field related to the position’s duties, or at least (4) years’ work experience marketing an agriculture product or service.
  • Further qualifications: Working knowledge of the soybean industry. Experience collaborating with contractors, marketers and/or other stakeholders to promote agricultural products. Proficient in MS Office 365 products including Word, Excel, Teams, Zoom, Outlook and PowerPoint. Work experience including verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills for group presentations and one-on-one interactions. Ability to set priorities and make decisions within approved policies and procedures. Ability to work unsupervised and maintain workflow independently. Willingness to travel, extensively within Michigan, as well as some domestic travel, with the possibility of international travel in the future. Furnish own vehicle when necessary, with reimbursement of mileage.

KEY FOCUS AREAS

Biobased Products

  • Promote increased adoption of biobased products through educational events, product giveaways, informational releases and more.

Biodiesel Promotion

  • Oversee Michigan Advanced Biofuels Coalition (MiABC) and maintain a positive relationship with coalition stakeholders.
  • Manage contractors and maintain all records and contracts related to coalition contractors.
  • Plan biofuel related events and tours.

Emerging International Markets

  • Maintain projects with the World Initiative for Soy in Human Health organization and others related to emerging markets.
  • Monitor emerging markets for Michigan soybeans and soybean products.

International Education

  • Plan, manage and conduct export market development missions to key markets for Michigan specialty/food grade and commodity soybeans and soy-based products.

International Aquaculture

  • Maintain projects with the Soy Aquaculture Alliance organization and others related to aquaculture feed rations and increased soy feed adoption.

International Marketing

  • Develop projects that increase exports of Michigan soybeans and promote international trade.
  • Monitor market access and trade issues that have potential to impact Michigan and US soybean exports.
  • Serve as the MSC staff lead for national export promotion organizations, including US Soybean Export Council, US Meat Export Federation, USA Poultry and Egg Export Council, and others as needed.
  • Plan and host international soybean buying delegations on their visits to Michigan.
  • Partner with Michigan soybean exporters on projects and promotions that are mutually beneficial.
  • Serve as a liaison for new Michigan soybean customers as they build relationships with Michigan soybean exporters.

Industry Coordination

  • Continue to build the Great Lakes Alliance for Sustainable Shipping (GLASS) coalition and plan all GLASS events.
  • Collaborate with other Michigan agricultural organizations to promote Michigan agricultural products.
  • Identify road, rail, and water logistics opportunities and challenges that affect Michigan soybeans.
  • Work with state and national transportation organizations on projects and programs that enhance Michigan and US transportation infrastructure, including Soy Transportation Coalition.
  • Be willing to educate farmers and industry partners on biobased products in collaboration with the Michigan Soybean Association.
  • Collaborate with state and national livestock organizations to promote use of Michigan and U.S. meat and poultry products.
  • Support existing and encourage new development in the Michigan value-added soybean industry including non-GMO, organic and food grade soybean businesses.

Research Coordination

  • Manage research projects that work to increase demand for soy, including research at Airable Research Labs and universities.
  • Develop relationships with researchers and increase knowledge of how soy can be utilized.
  • Identify products or processes that can capture royalties for the checkoff and facilitate royalty and licensing agreements.

General Responsibilities

  • Manage all market development activities, ensuring objectives and expectations are accomplished, projects are conducted within budget, and project deadlines are met.
  • Manage the request for proposal process including posting, review, oversight of subcommittee meetings and scoring, and reporting to the MSC board of directors for final approval.
  • Report to CEO and board on status and results of projects. Prepare and present project and program updates to MSC Board, corporate partners, and other audiences.
  • Identify and recruit farmer leaders to participate in domestic and international programs.
  • Develop and maintain information on domestic and international market flows of Michigan soybeans and soybean products to educate and inform farmers and other key stakeholders.
  • Assist, as needed, in the promotion of soybean products and occasional staffing of a soybean booth at various trade shows and events.
  • Prepare presentations, press releases, and other communication materials related to market development activities.
  • Provide articles for the Michigan Soybean News on market development efforts, specific to each program area, quarterly.
  • Maintain Switchbox project database and ensure all invoices and quarterly reports are uploaded and submitted to the accounting department.
  • Assist fellow MSC staff members with projects as needed.
  • Address and coordinate with communication director to facilitate incoming inquiries related to market development, or other project areas as necessary.
  • Provide accurate and timely staff time reports and all other reports as directed by the CEO.
  • Set and work toward annual goals as set during annual performance appraisal.
  • Uphold and adhere to the values of the Michigan Soybean Office.
  • Activities, projects, and duties as assigned by CEO.