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ADMINISTRATOR IV SUPERVISOR

Director of Marketing Initiatives

Recruitment #26-002577-0004

Introduction


The Maryland Department of Agriculture is a department under Maryland's Executive Branch.  Formed in 1972 by the Maryland General Assembly to address the agriculture needs for the State of Maryland, the Department oversees and serves as a regulatory body for animal health, consumer services to include marketing and lab services, plant and pest management and resource conservation.  As the number one industry in Maryland, the diversity of agriculture programs in the State continue to expand and grow. 

Maryland's Best, Maryland’s state-wide marketing program connecting consumers to fresh and local Maryland products, works to identify and develop profitable marketing local, national, and international opportunities for Maryland farmers and agricultural producers. The program also serves as a conduit for federal resources and for policy information specific to the agricultural sector. These programs have direct and indirect financial impact on farmers and producers and affect the way they sell their products and develop new buyers. ​

This is a statewide recruitment limited to current Maryland State employees. Applicants must be actively employed by a Maryland State agency at the time of application.

GRADE

19

LOCATION OF POSITION

MDA Headquarters, Annapolis MD

Main Purpose of Job

The Director of Marketing Initiatives provides leadership and strategic direction for the Department's agriculture and seafood marketing efforts. Reporting directly to the Marketing and Agricultural Development Program Manager, this position oversees the Seafood Marketing Director and is responsible for developing, coordinating, and executing all promotion, advertising, social media, and outreach activities that support Maryland-grown and Maryland-made products. The position also manages staff, oversees project budgets, and ensures promotional activities are delivered within available resources.

POSITION DUTIES

Duties include but are not limited to the following: 

  • Program Leadership & Strategic Direction 
    • Lead statewide marketing, promotional, and public awareness initiatives supporting Maryland agriculture and seafood. 
    • Establish strategic goals, timelines, and priorities; analyze market trends and align campaigns with departmental objectives. 
  • Staff Supervision & Personnel Management
    • Supervise the Seafood Marketing Director and coordinate team activities to ensure effective program execution. 
    • Manage routine personnel matters, performance evaluations, and professional development. 
  • Campaign Development & Digital Strategy 
    • Develop and manage multi-channel marketing campaigns, including seasonal promotions. 
    • Oversee social media strategy, content development, and audience engagement. 
    • Create and maintain branded promotional materials and ensure consistent messaging across platforms. 
  • Budget & Grant Management 
    • Plan, monitor, and manage program budgets and advertising expenditures. 
    • Identify and administer grants and external funding sources; provide fiscal updates and recommendations to leadership. 
  • Media Relations & Public Engagement 
    • Coordinate media outreach, messaging, and press opportunities in collaboration with the Communications Office. 
    • Represent the program at events, meetings, and public-facing activities. 
  • Stakeholder & Industry Partnerships 
    • Build and maintain relationships with producers, industry groups, tourism partners, and restaurant associations.
    • Collaborate across sectors to expand markets, strengthen partnerships, and enhance public visibility

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.

Experience: Six years of administrative staff or professional work.

Notes:

1. Candidates may substitute 30 credit hours from an accredited college or university for each year up to four years of the required experience.

2. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and two years of experience in administrative staff or professional work for the required experience.

3. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Master's degree from an accredited college or university for five years of the required experience.

4. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer involving staff work related to the administration of rules, regulations, policy, procedures and processes, or overseeing or coordinating unit operations or functioning as a staff assistant to a higher ranking commissioned officer on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preference will be given to applicants who possess the following preferred qualification(s). Include clear and specific information on your application regarding your qualifications. 

  • Experience developing and implementing marketing, storytelling, or public awareness campaigns, including digital and social media content. 
  • Experience planning and coordinating public-facing events, promotional initiatives, or outreach campaigns. 
  • Experience leading teams and coordinating work across multiple staff or program partners. 
  • Experience in project management, including setting timelines, coordinating stakeholders, and delivering initiatives on schedule. 
  • Experience managing program budgets, including tracking expenditures and participating in the budgeting process. 
  • Experience working with government funding, procurement, grants, or contract processes, preferably within a public-sector environment. 
  • Experience collaborating with diverse stakeholders, including industry groups, producers, tourism partners, or community organizations. 
  • Experience working in or supporting agriculture, seafood, natural resources, or other related industries. 
  • Experience managing social media platforms and media relations, including content development, engagement strategies, and coordination with communications teams. 
  • Strong organizational, communication, and collaboration skills with the ability to represent programs in public and professional settings.

LIMITATIONS ON SELECTION

This is a statewide recruitment limited to current Maryland State employees. Applicants must be actively employed by a Maryland State agency at the time of application.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator's license valid in the State of Maryland.

SELECTION PROCESS

Please make sure you provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not accept information submitted after this date. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be considered for this position. Therefore, it is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Report all education and experience related to the essential functions and qualifications of this position.

For education obtained outside the U.S., a copy of the equivalent American education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service must be provided prior to hire.

EXAMINATION PROCESS

Your application is part of the examination process. The examination will consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience related to the requirements of this position. The rating will be based on the information provided on your application. Therefore, it is important you detail all experience and education related to this position completely and accurately.

BARGAINING UNIT STATUS

BARGAINING UNIT: S

BENEFITS

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

The online application is strongly preferred. If you are unable to apply online, you may submit a paper application and supplemental questionnaire to: Maryland Department of Agriculture  Human Resource Office, Room 304, 50 Harry S. Truman Parkway,  Annapolis, MD  21401. The Human Resources unit is not responsible for applications sent to any other address.

Faxed or e-mailed applications will not be accepted. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing the application. If you are submitting additional information, such as diplomas or transcripts, the preferred method is to upload them online with your application. If you are unable to upload, email is the preferred method of delivery. You may also mail, hand-deliver or fax (HR Fax # 443-602-9831). All paper applications must be received by the closing date, no exceptions. (Postmarks not accepted.) 

If you are having difficulty with your user account, need to make adjustments to a submitted application or have general questions about the online application system, please contact the MD Department of Budget and Management at Application.Help@maryland.gov ; ATTN: Recruitment and Examination Division 

Inquiries regarding this recruitment can be directed to Courtney Blackistone at courtney.blackistone1@maryland.gov. 

TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay 
Candidates with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. 

We thank our Veterans for their service to our country, and encourage them to apply. 

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity.


Click on a link below to apply for this position:

Fill out the Supplemental Questionnaire and Application NOW using the Internet. Apply Online
View and print the Supplemental Questionnaire. This recruitment requires completion of a supplemental questionnaire. You may view and print the supplemental questionnaire here.
Apply via Paper Application. You may also download and complete the Paper Application here.

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