Cecil County Office of Economic Development – Agribusiness Development Coordinator

• Agribusiness Development Coordinator
• Cecil County Office of Economic Development
• Grade: 118G
• Job Code: 2122
• Filing Deadline: 9/4/2025

Position Summary

The Agribusiness Development Coordinator serves as a vital connector between Cecil County’s agricultural community, local government, and economic development partners. This position supports the growth, sustainability, and innovation of Cecil County’s diverse agricultural sector—including farms, value-added producers, ag-tech businesses, and agritourism operators. The Coordinator will champion initiatives that strengthen farm businesses, administer key county programs such as Cecil Grown, and ensure that agriculture remains a thriving part of Cecil County’s economy and community identity.

Position Responsibilities

Business Support & Development

1. Serve as the primary point of contact for agricultural businesses, assisting with permitting, licensing, financing, and regulatory navigation.
2. Provide training and technical assistance for new and existing farm and ag-related businesses, including business planning, marketing, and resource identification.
3. Connect producers with retail/wholesale markets, restaurants, institutions, and other sales opportunities.
4. Support farm diversification strategies such as value-added products, direct-to-consumer markets, agritourism, and renewable energy initiatives.

Program & Marketing Management

1. Administer the Cecil Grown program, including branding, marketing, and outreach through publications, directories, events, and social media campaigns.
2. Utilize digital platforms and social media to highlight agribusinesses and promote agricultural programs.
3. Organize and promote seasonal and regional events that showcase local producers, educate the public, and expand consumer access to local food.
4. Maintain accurate records of agribusinesses and resource partners in Salesforce (or similar CRM)

Community & Industry Engagement

1. Build and maintain strong relationships with the farming community, commodity groups, extension services, and agricultural nonprofits.
2. Engage with schools, local businesses, and community partners to expand the visibility of agriculture in Cecil County.
3. Represent Cecil County at agricultural conferences, tradeshows, and stakeholder meetings.
4. Facilitate workshops, roundtables, and outreach sessions to connect producers with state and federal programs and share best practices.

Strategic Alignment & Administration

1. Manage and promote agricultural incentive and grant programs, including the County’s Micro Ag Grant and other local, state, or federal opportunities.
2. Track agricultural trends, prepare reports, and provide analysis to inform county leadership and policy decisions.
3. Coordinate with Planning & Zoning, Tourism, Workforce Development, and other departments to align agricultural priorities with broader county initiatives.
4. Support marketing and storytelling efforts that highlight the value of agriculture to Cecil County’s economy and quality of life.

Why Cecil County?

Cecil County, Maryland is home to a rich agricultural heritage and a vibrant farming community. With strong roots in dairy, grain, livestock, equine, and growing opportunities in agritourism and ag-tech, Cecil County offers a unique opportunity for an innovative professional to make a lasting impact on the future of agriculture in the region.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Education

Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, agribusiness, economic development, public administration, natural resources, or related field

Experience

Minimum of three (3) years’ experience in agricultural business support, farm operations, agribusiness development, or community/economic development.

*An interested candidate with an equivalent combination of education and experience as listed above may be considered.

Certificate(s) and/or License(s)

1. Possession of a valid Class “C” non-commercial driver’s license.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

1. Strong relationship-building and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with farmers, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and community leaders.
2. Ability to problem-solve and reduce barriers for agricultural entrepreneurs.
3. Program management experience, including grants and event planning.
4. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and CRM systems (Salesforce preferred).
5. Experience with social media and digital platforms for marketing and promotion.
6. Passion for agriculture, with knowledge of both traditional and emerging trends.

Miscellaneous Position Information

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

This role is primarily sedentary in nature but may involve occasional strenuous effort, such as handling moderately heavy boxes, tools, equipment, or other materials; walking or climbing over uneven surfaces; and sitting/standing in fixed position for extended periods of time. Must be able to lift 50 pounds unassisted on a regular basis. General conditions involve working at a computer, using telephonic equipment, and interfacing regularly with internal and/or external stakeholders.

Work is normally performed Monday through Friday during normal business hours, however, it may require alternate work hours 24 hours a day, seven (7) days a week.

Individuals appointed or promoted to a position in this class will be required to serve a minimum probationary period of six (6) months. Performance will be carefully evaluated during the probationary period. Continuation in this class will be contingent upon successful completion of the probationary period.

*Telework is available for this position based in accordance with the County’s Personnel Policies & Procedures Manual. Consideration for telework must follow the application, review and approval/denial process as set forth within the P&P Manual.

Conditions of Employment

1. Prior to appointment, employees may be subject to pre-employment medical history review and drug testing, extensive background investigation (which may require CJIS and NCIS clearance), including but not limited to reference checking, and driving history, and an evaluation of training or experience.

Benefits (*Not all positions may be eligible for these programs.)

Why work for Cecil County Government? As an employer of choice, Cecil County Government understands the importance of family. Our family-friendly policies offer the support and flexibility you need at work and at home. Among the many benefits of working for Cecil County Government, we provide:

Leave Benefits

Our generous leave package for permanent full-time County employees includes 12 to 27 days of annual (vacation) leave per year worked, depending on seniority, as well as 5 personal days each calendar year (prorated based on start date). In addition, Cecil County Government offers 11 paid holidays and 15 days of sick leave per year. Although more limited, Cecil County Government offers other forms of paid time off to a majority of our contractual and part-time staff. Our leave policies also adhere to the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA).

Health Coverage

When you come to work for Cecil County Government, as a permanent County employee or eligible contractual employee, you and your eligible dependents may enroll in our medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage.

Retirement Benefits

Permanent classified employees are required to participate in the Maryland State Retirement and Pension Plan, a contributory defined benefit pension plan in which they are vested after ten years. There is a mandatory pre-tax 7% contribution. Public Safety employees are required to participate in the Cecil County Public Safety Pension Plan. There is a mandatory pre-tax 8% contribution. Employees may also participate in a Supplemental Retirement 457B Deferred Compensation Plan with a County match of $500 annually.

Flexible Schedules We understand that finding the right balance between home and career is a challenge and may offer the following programs: flexible work arrangements/compressed schedule and telework/remote office opportunities. This position description is representative of the general and most important components of this role and does not characterize every aspect of the job; other duties and responsibilities may be assigned as warranted and deemed appropriate. This document does not constitute a contract of employment, nor a guarantee of continued employment. Cecil County Government is an equal opportunity employer.