Join our team!

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

(The following list is not a comprehensive but highlights the major areas of responsibility for the position) 

• Assist walk-in and phone customers with seed selection and agronomic advice
• Provide knowledgeable support on organic and conventional seed, including:
  • Viking & Blue River corn, soybeans, and alfalfa
  • Cover crops, small grains, pasture mixes, conservation, and wildlife seed
• Process orders, payments, and shipping logistics
• Support customers with licensing forms and organic certification documentation
• Attend field days, conferences, and educational events to stay current on industry trends
• Collaborate closely with office, sales, and warehouse teams to ensure a smooth customer experience

QUALIFICATIONS 

Knowledge, Skills and Personal Attributes 

• At least 2 years of farm or agronomy experience (preferred)
• Solid understanding of agricultural seed and crop systems
• Excellent communication and customer service skills
• Organized, detail-oriented, and tech-savvy (Microsoft Office proficiency required)
• A self-starter who thrives in a collaborative environment
• Willingness to travel occasionally for field days and industry events

Physical Demands 

• Must be able to sit for prolonged periods of time while working on a computer.
• Bending, twisting, and reaching conducive to an office environment.
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

(The following list is not a comprehensive but highlights the major areas of responsibility for the position) 

Marketing Strategy & Leadership 

• Lead the effort to clarify and update the organization’s marketing strategy in support of the business’s long-term strategic plan and go to market strategy.
• Direct the marketing function in the support of the overall marketing strategy and business plan.
• As a member of the Extended Leadership Team, participate in senior-level discussions of company strategy and opportunities.
• Partner with Sales and Product teams to promote the company vision and develop and drive product strategy.

 Market Analysis, Benchmarking, & Outreach  

• Perform ongoing competitive insight and market research.
• Stay current in the industry by attending workshops, conferences, trade shows, field days, and maintaining personal and professional networks.
• Develop and monitor performance indicators to evaluate the effectiveness of our marketing efforts.

 Marketing Team Operations & Performance 

• Oversee the marketing department, marketing operations, and approach.
• Lead the development of capabilities necessary to support the organization’s marketing and business strategy.
• Develop and manage the marketing budget.
• Design and implement marketing processes that lead to marketing plan success.
• Support the marketing team in tactical execution of marketing activities during peak times and as needed to ensure company success.

 People Management 

• Ensure department and teams are properly structured and staffed to meet organizational objectives.
• Provide supervision to direct reports to enable them to meet their goals.
• Ensure direct reports receive coaching and development to support their long-term professional development.

Member of Leadership Team 

• Set clear functional goals and priorities aligned to execution of company strategy.
• Lead and motivate direct reports and/or departmental team to achieve company goals and objectives providing guidance and support where needed.
• Provide regular progress updates for areas of responsibility including major objectives met, delayed work efforts, and support needed to keep departmental goals on track.
• Collaborate with other departments to ensure that business needs are being met.
• Communicate effectively with employees, stakeholders, and customers both verbally and in writing.
• Ensure company stays current on market forces, imminent or potential rule changes, and other issues that may impact organic farmers and their customers. Set clear functional goals and priorities aligned to execution of company strategy.
• Maintain confidentiality of financial, HR, and other sensitive information discussed in management team meetings.
• Champion the company’s core values.

Additional Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with all company policies, state and federal law licensing requirements regarding seed sales and treatment.
• Attend and participate in staff meetings and training sessions as required by the Albert Lea Seed House.
• Perform other job- and work-related responsibilities, tasks and projects as needed or assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS 

Knowledge, Skills and Personal Attributes 

• Successful employees on our team have a drive to improve and find new, better ways of doing things. Individual must seek opportunities to learn about the business, what makes us unique, what opportunities exist, and how to capitalize on our competitive advantage.
• Demonstrate the ability to oversee marketing efforts top to bottom, engage on any task (glamorous or not), and see projects through to completion.
• Demonstrate the ability to plan, prioritize and organize to effectively manage multiple projects and activities with minimal direction. Respond to change in a flexible manner to meet evolving department needs.
• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing – is comfortable and effective at speaking to groups of employees. Is cooperative, accommodating and exhibits a customer service attitude.
• Exhibit a high degree of ethical conduct and discretion. Exercise good judgement and exemplify professional behavior at all times with accountability, integrity and follow-through.
• Remain current on all required trainings and certifications.
• Support the Albert Lea Seed House mission.

Education, Credentials and Experience 

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing or related field.
• Minimum 10 years of professional agricultural marketing experience required.
• Passion for organic / sustainable / regenerative agriculture practices preferred.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience and knowledge in web-based marketing, social media and traditional print.
• Experience with CRM platforms for the purpose of executing the organization’s sales and marketing strategy.
• Strong organization and communication skills and attention to detail.

Physical Demands 

• Must be able to sit for prolonged periods of time while working on a computer.
• Bending, twisting, and reaching conducive to an office environment.
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times.