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Type of Position:

Professional Staff - Project/Program AdministrationNo

Job Type:

Fixed Duration of Project/Grant (Fixed Term)Yes

Institution Name:

Division of Agriculture of the University of Arkansas

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is a state wide campus, with faculty based on University campuses, at Research and Extension Centers and in every Arkansas county. It consists of the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station (AES) and the Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service (CES), and is home to more than 1400 employees. The Division was established in 1959 and is headed by the Vice-President for Agriculture. The Division headquarters is located in Little Rock with the rest of the University of Arkansas System Administration. As an employer, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers a vibrant work environment and a workplace culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance.

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening. To apply for the position, please click the Apply link/button.

If you have a disability and need assistance with the hiring process and require reasonable accommodations, please contact the Division's Office of Inclusion, Access, and Compliance at bbatiste@uada.edu.

For general application assistance or if you have questions about a job posting, please contact Human Resources at 501-671-2219 or 479-502-9820.

Department:

AFIC@MCO

Summary of Job Duties:

The Department of Food Science at the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture (UADA) is seeking a highly motivated and creative individual to provide marketing and business development for the UADA’s operations (fruits & vegetable processing plant and commercial kitchen) of Market Center of the Ozarks (MCO), a 45,000-square-foot facility set to open in late summer 2024 in downtown Springdale, AR. This facility is a part of Northwest Arkansas Food Systems, an initiative focused on improving access to local food. The Business Development Manager will be an experienced sales and marketing professional with preference being given to an individual having experience in the food industry and will play a key role identifying and pursuing new business opportunities, building strategic partnerships, implementing effective marketing strategies to attract and retain clients, and assisting-on and leading grant proposals to increase facility utilization and maximizing revenue generation.

Responsibilities:
The business development manager will be responsible for the marketing and business development opportunities of the Arkansas Food Innovation Center at the Market Center of the Ozarks (AFIC@MCO) operations and report to the Executive Director of the AFIC@MCO within the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. The manager will have responsibility for pursuing business opportunities, enhancing strategic partnerships, implementing marketing strategies, and providing customer service and support. Specific responsibilities will include:

•Conduct local food industry market analyzes to execute marketing plans through compelling promotional materials, including digital content, showcasing the benefits and features of the shared-use kitchen while analyzing marketing performance metrics to optimize campaigns and improve ROI using data-driven recommendations.

•Establish and maintain relationships with relevant industry stakeholders, such as local food associations, culinary schools, incubators, and food-related organizations to leverage their networks to increase facility utilization and brand visibility.

•Generate leads and proactively reach out to potential clients, including food entrepreneurs, caterers, food trucks, and small-scale food producers, acting as the primary point of contact, responding to inquiries, conducting facility tours, and addressing their needs and concerns to build and maintain a robust pipeline of prospects.

•Collaborate closely with operations and facilities teams to ensure a seamless onboarding process for new clients while fostering strong current client relationships and providing ongoing support, ensuring client satisfaction and retention.

•Conduct SWOT analysis to identify areas for differentiation and recommend innovative solutions, services, or partnerships to maintain a competitive edge with up to date industry trends, regulations, and emerging opportunities within the shared-use kitchen space.

•Find, write, and support grant applications that further the mission of the AFIC@MCO and UADA.

Qualifications:

• Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in business administration, marketing, or a related field, with 8+ years’ experience or a food science degree, or related field, with 3+ years’ experience in a sales or marketing role OR a Master's degree with 4+ years' experience.
• Desired Qualifications:
  • Other advanced business degree preferred and can reduce 1 year of experience.
  • Demonstrated ability to find, write, and support foundation, economic development, and corporate grants.
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Proven experience in business development, sales, or marketing within the food industry or shared-use kitchen sector.
  • Proficiency in marketing tools and analytics platforms.
  • Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strategic partnerships.
  • Strong understanding of the food industry, including current trends, regulations, and market dynamics.
  • Excellent communication, cooperation, and interpersonal skills.
  • Highly motivated self-starter with a track record of achieving sales targets and driving revenue growth.
  • Exceptional organizational and time management skills, with the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Flexibility to travel, as needed, and work outside of regular office hours, as required.

Additional Information:

Commensurate with education and experienceCover Letter/Letter of Application, Curriculum Vitae, List of three Professional References (name, email, business title), Unofficial/Official Transcript(s)

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Darryl Holliday, Director of AFIC @ MCO, darrylh@uark.edu

All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Site https://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS

Please do not send to listed recruitment contact.

Pre-employment Screening Requirements:

Criminal Background Check, Motor Vehicle Reports Check

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture may conduct pre-employment background checks on certain positions for applicants being considered for employment. The background checks may include a criminal background check and a sex offender registry check. Required checks are identified in the position listing. A criminal background check or arrest pending adjudication information alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absences of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background check information will be used in a consistent, non-discriminatory manner consistent with the state and federal law.

The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, marital or parental status, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, or sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity). Federal law prohibits the University from discriminating on these bases. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University's Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.

Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

All application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act.

Constant Physical Activity:

Hearing, Manipulate items with fingers, including keyboarding, Repetitive Motion, Sitting, Talking

Frequent Physical Activity:

Driving, Feeling, Grasping, Standing, Walking

Occasional Physical Activity:

N/A

Benefits Eligible:

Yes