Outreach Coordinator

DEPT OF AGRICULTURE

The Mission of our Agency is to protect the health and safety of Arizona consumers, advance and support Arizona agriculture, and safeguard commerce.

Supporting farming, ranching and agribusiness in Arizona by protecting plants and animals, issuing agriculture and environmental licenses, inspecting farming practices and overseeing commerce standards and measurement devices.

AZ Grown Marketing and Communications Coordinator

Job Location:

Address: Agriculture & Food Systems Support

1110 W. Washington Street, #450, Phoenix AZ 85007

Posting Details

Salary: $24.00 - $25.96

Grade: 19

Closing Date: September 22, 2025

Job Summary

The Arizona Department of Agriculture is seeking a creative and dynamic Social Media & Marketing Outreach Coordinator to drive consumer awareness and engagement for the revitalized Arizona Grown® program. Arizona Grown is the State of Arizona’s official "buy local" campaign, supporting our local farmers and ranchers by promoting Arizona’s diverse specialty crops.

In this key role, you will work closely with the Arizona Grown Coordinator to develop and implement branded graphics, marketing materials, and social media strategies that ensure cohesive and impactful messaging across all platforms. You’ll manage day-to-day content creation and scheduling for social channels, while also contributing to broader campaigns that span digital, print, and in-person outreach.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative leader, skilled designer, and creative content creator who understands how to grow and engage digital audiences through compelling social media content and inspire real-world consumer action. If you're passionate about Arizona agriculture, local food systems, and using marketing to make a positive social and economic impact, we want to hear from you!

Job Duties

Duties to include but not limited to:

• Marketing & Campaign Development: Develop, launch, and manage targeted marketing campaigns to promote Arizona Grown® Specialty Crops in various channels, including retail, restaurants, schools, and other institutions.
• Illustration & Graphic Design: Design, create, and distribute compelling print and digital marketing materials, such as posters, shelf talkers, farmer trading cards, seasonality charts, and media kits for Arizona Grown members as well as educational resources, promotional items, and other marketing items for children, schools, community partners, and the public.
• Social Media Management: Take ownership of and grow the Arizona Grown® Instagram and Facebook accounts. Develop and execute a content strategy to significantly increase digital reach and engagement.
• Digital Content & Advertising: Create engaging and educational social media content that increases brand awareness, educates consumers, and drives sales of Arizona specialty crops.
• Member Perks Development: Collaborate with the Arizona Grown team to produce customized graphics and marketing assets, such as short videos, media kits, etc for Arizona Grown members as requested.
• Event & Demo Coordination: Assist with planning and executing engaging product demonstrations and educational events at farmers markets, grocery stores, local farm events, schools, and community centers to drive public interest and consumer education.
• Stakeholder Coordination: Collaborate with internal team members, partners, and stakeholders to ensure consistent messaging and successful alignment on all campaign goals.
  
  

Perform other duties as needed.

Knowledge Of

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

Understanding of project management principles, including life-cycle planning, execution, monitoring, and closure

Experience with data collection, organization, and analysis, particularly quantitative data

Familiarity with federal or state grant reporting processes (e.g., SCBGP)

Ability to develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs)

Basic knowledge of local and regional food systems and supply chains

Foundational understanding of nutrition and food access

Awareness of food safety principles and best practices

General understanding of food procurement and transportation logistics, especially for local food products

Google Suite and MicroSoft programs

Skills In

Proven ability to plan, execute, monitor, and close projects while overseeing daily operations and timelines

Proficiency in data collection, analysis, and reporting to assess program impact

Exceptional organizational skills to manage multiple tasks, priorities, and projects

Strong time management skills with the ability to meet deadlines efficiently

Excellent written communication skills for creating clear and professional reports and documents

Strong verbal communication skills for effectively engaging with diverse stakeholders

Experience in contract management, ensuring compliance and timely execution

Demonstrated problem-solving skills in addressing challenges and implementing solutions

High attention to detail in data handling, reporting, and administrative processes

Skilled in building relationships and serving as a liaison among growers, buyers, and institutions

Ability To

Oversee program implementation and daily operations

Manage multiple complex tasks and priorities

Ensure compliance with regulations and contracts

Track progress and use data to improve program impact

Develop and implement Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

Collect, organize, and document accurate data

Prepare and submit grant reports and reimbursement requests

Monitor contracts and project milestones

Present data findings to show program effectiveness

Administer applications, licensing, and contract processes

Act as liaison between stakeholders and partners

Identify and create new market opportunities for local produce

Troubleshoot and solve problems within program operations

Work independently while meeting goals and deadlines

Selective Preference(s)

Bachelor’s degree in Project Management, Nutrition, Sustainability, Public Administration, Public Health, Data Analytics, Agriculture, Business, or a closely related field

Experience in project management or project coordination, preferably within a grant-funded or government program

Proficiency in data collection, analysis, and reporting, with advanced skills in Microsoft Excel and Google Suite

Strong organizational and time management skills, with demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Experience with contract management and ensuring compliance with program guidelines and deliverables

Demonstrated interest in or commitment to local food systems and supporting Arizona’s agricultural communities

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with project management tools such as Asana, Trello, or Microsoft Project
• Master’s degree in Agribusiness, Public Health, Project Management, Nutrition, Public Administration, Data Analytics, Sustainability, Business Administration, or a related field
• Experience preparing and submitting reports for federal or state grant programs
  
  

Pre-Employment Requirements

Valid Driver's License

If this position requires driving or the use of a vehicle as an essential function of the job to conduct State business, then the following requirements apply: Driver’s License Requirements.

All newly hired State employees are subject to and must successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).

Benefits

The Arizona Department of Agriculture offers a comprehensive benefits package to include:

Sick leave

Vacation with 10 paid holidays per year

Paid Parental Leave-Up to 12 weeks per year paid leave for newborn or newly-placed foster/adopted child (pilot program).

Health and dental insurance

Retirement plan

Life insurance and long-term disability insurance

Optional employee benefits include short-term disability insurance, deferred compensation plans, and supplemental life insurance

Learn more about the Paid Parental Leave pilot program here. For a complete list of benefits provided by The State of Arizona, please visit our benefits page

Retirement

Positions in this classification participate in the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS). Mandatory condition of Employment for all employees who meet the eligibility and membership criteria defined in statue. Current contribution rate is 12.20%. Enrollment eligibility will become effective after 27 weeks of employment.

Contact Us

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Melissa Meek at [email protected] for assistance. The State of Arizona is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer.