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 RespectCDA Wildly Important Goals:
To accomplish our mission, CDA focuses on five "wildly important goals:"
Goal 1: Expanding National and International Market Access
Goal 2: Developing Agricultural Leaders
Goal 3: Advancing the Colorado Water Plan
Goal 4: Implementing the Beaver Strategy
Goal 5: Providing Education on Animal Mistreatment and Livestock Theft
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 aPERA 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 State of Health
- 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
Equal Opportunity
The State of Colorado strives to create a Colorado for All by building and maintaining workplaces that value and respect all Coloradans through a commitment to equal opportunity and hiring based on merit and fitness.
The State is resolute in non-discriminatory practices in everything we do, including hiring, employment, and advancement opportunities.
We believe 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.Organizational Purpose:
The purpose of the Markets Division is to help increase marketing and processing opportunities for Colorado’s food and agricultural industry. Specifically, the mission of the Division is to extend in every practicable way the distribution and sales of Colorado agricultural products throughout the world market and support agricultural development from farm to market.
Major Objectives of the Position:The Climate Smart Markets Specialist manages the existing Climate Smart Markets program within the Markets Division and is specialist regarding the markets components of the Advancing Markets for Producers grant. This position serves under the supervision of the Markets Division Director and with support from the AMP Program Manager, Senior Programs Manager, and Program Grant Leads. This position is responsible for serving as the staff authority and main point of contact for the Climate Smart Markets program and for operating all facets of two grant programs across Market’s Division programs - Colorado Proud and Climate Smart Markets. This includes supporting the grant process in its entirety- from ideation of priorities and requirements to drafting applications and guidelines, posting announcements, recruiting and organizing review teams, selection criteria, awarding grants, tracking invoices, ensuring reporting requirements are met, communicating and problem solving with grantees and managing closeout of awards.Primary Duties:
Climate Smart Markets Program Management:
- Serve as the Climate Smart Markets program manager and the subject matter expert on market trends and emerging markets for climate smart products and related initiatives with oversight from the Division Director
- Utilize research and stakeholder input to inform development of general strategy, key messaging, marketing and communications plans, budgets, and timelines.
- Design and implement specific initiatives in conjunction with Colorado Proud that advance the general understanding of how to market and promote climate smart products successfully to both consumers and manufacturers.
- Work in collaboration with Colorado Proud to raise consumer awareness by utilizing a marketing plan that includes different forms of media (i.e social, packaging, in-store advertising, media kits for manufacturers/retailers/companies/farmers markets).
- Set metrics for evaluating success and draw on evaluation of activities to continually revise/improve.
- Work with the International Marketing team to identify opportunities to reach international consumers and develop actions that will capitalize on demand for climate smart products.
- Create periodic and yearly reports outlining program accomplishments.
- Compile program and statistical data to provide reports to CDA leadership and other partners on programs’ performance and implementation.
Grants Specialist:
- Allocate and monitor funding awards, encumbrances, expenditures and matching requirements for the AMP Program.
- Monitor multiple funding sources and multiple allocations across several Markets programs.
- Utilize available software and Excel to track and monitor budgets, encumbrances and expenditures.
- Determine the rules and guidelines for grantees to qualify for the Colorado Proud and Climate Smart grants.
- Monitor project status through consultations with grantees and review of grant reports.
- Position monitors and ensures compliance and satisfactory performance of grantees, both for scope of work and adherence to federal and state rules under the Supervision of the Program Manager and Managing Director.
Advancing Markets for Producers- Markets Specialist:
- Work with Colorado Proud and Conservation Services Division program to align grant opportunities to match federal requirements and advance market opportunities for qualifying producers and qualifying agricultural businesses.
- Execute the deliverables outlined by the federal AMP grant agreement to achieve the greatest degree of success and impact in advancing markets for climate smart commodities and products
- Manage communications internally and externally to announce grant opportunities, receive stakeholder feedback, and promote programs. This includes the ability to update website information on a regular basis to share the most up-to-date information with the public.
- Serve as subject matter expert on market trends and opportunities connected to climate smart and regeneratively produced goods to set appropriate guidelines for the related grant
***This is a Grant Funded Position set to expire on 3/31/2028 if not renewed***
Please note that this position is considered hybrid for the Broomfield Office location and is eligible for flexible work arrangements, including some work-from-home options.
****************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
Skills-based Hiring:
This position is advertised in alignment with Executive Order 2022-015, Skills-Based Hiring. Recruitment for this position recognizes that skills can be developed through various pathways, including formal education, work experience, volunteering, self-directed learning, and other life experiences, opening doors to individuals from varied backgrounds. Those with relevant experience but without traditional credentials are welcome to apply!
Salary Range: BIWEEKLY
$2,779.38 - $3,335.08
ANNUALLY
$72,264.00 - $86,712.00Although the full salary range for this position is provided, appointments are typically made at or near the range minimum.
Minimum Requirements:Proven Experience, Knowledge, Skills:
- Seven (7) years of relevant experience in an occupation related to program management, agricultural markets, business development, and/or grantmaking in non-profit/governmental organizations
- A combination of education in agriculture, business, marketing, or economic development and/or relevant experience in agricultural markets, program management, and/or grant writing in non-profit/governmental organizations equal to seven (7) years.
- Relevant years of Colorado State service.
- Must possess and maintain a valid Colorado Driver's License with the ability to independently travel. Must be able to pass a motor vehicle background check. (When using your own vehicle, mileage will be reimbursed for the travel).
Circumstances may require the position to work outside of regular business hours.
- Experience in program management.
- Experience leading new initiatives and expanding existing programs
- Experience working in agricultural markets or business development initiatives
- Experience working in grant management
- Excellent interpersonal, communication and public speaking skills.
- 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.
- Works 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.
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. Paper applications must be received (either by US mail or email to mary.hunt@state.co.us by the closing date and time of the application period listed on this announcement.
- DD214 (if applicable)
- Unofficial copy of transcripts (if applicable)
- 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.
As an applicant who has been removed from consideration during the selection or comparative analysis process, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board and/or request a review by the State Personnel Director. A standard appeal form is available on the State Personnel Board website, https://spb.colorado.gov/forms-and-filing. If you appeal, your appeal must be submitted in writing on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative, and received at the following address within ten (10) days of your receipt of this notice: Colorado State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director, Attn: Appeals Processing, 1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver, CO 80203. Fax: 303-866-5038. Phone: 303-866-3300. Email address: dpa_state.personnelboard@state.co.us. The ten-day deadline and these appeal procedures also apply to all charges of discrimination. Refer to Chapters 4 and 8 of the State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, 4 CCR 801, for information about the appeals process. The State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures are available at spb.colorado.gov.
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 mary.hunt@state.co.us or call 303-869-9006.
E-VerifyCDA uses e-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.
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.
Listed under Nonprofit & Advocacy jobs.