Smoky Mountain Farmers Co-op is seeking a creative, organized, and motivated Marketing Specialist to join our growing marketing team. This position plays a key role in promoting our retail locations, products, services, and community involvement through digital marketing, graphic design, event coordination, and strategic marketing initiatives.
The Marketing Specialist will support marketing efforts across five retail locations, a crop center/feed mill, and two partner retail locations throughout East Tennessee, Southwest Virginia, and Western North Carolina. Occasional travel is required to support store events, community outreach, and marketing initiatives.
The ideal candidate is a self-starter with a positive attitude, strong communication skills, and a passion for agriculture and rural communities.
Primary Responsibilities
Digital Marketing
- Create engaging social media content for Facebook, Instagram, and other digital platforms.
- Design graphics, advertisements, and promotional materials using Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar graphic design software.
- Assist in developing and executing monthly digital marketing campaigns.
- Maintain and update Google Business Profiles to ensure accurate business information and promotional content.
- Monitor digital marketing performance and recommend improvements.
Graphic Design & Advertising
- Design monthly promotional materials for company-wide advertising campaigns.
- Develop print and digital advertisements for retail locations and special events.
- Coordinate production of signage, flyers, brochures, catalogs, and other promotional materials.
Website & Content Management
- Create, edit, and maintain website content.
- Update product information, promotions, events, and seasonal messaging.
- Assist with search engine optimization (SEO) and website improvements.
Marketing & Promotions
- Planning and executing traditional and non-traditional marketing initiatives.
- Learn and manage Co-op advertising reimbursement programs and available vendor marketing funds.
Events & Community Relations
- Coordinate company events including customer appreciation events, educational workshops, grand openings, etc.
- Represent Smoky Mountain Farmers Co-op at community events, agricultural meetings, trade shows, and industry functions.
- Build and maintain relationships with local agricultural organizations, vendors, extension offices, FFA, 4-H, cattlemen's associations, and community partners.
Collaboration
- Work closely with store managers and department leaders to promote products, services, and seasonal campaigns.
- Assist with photography, videography, and storytelling highlighting customers, employees, and community involvement.
- Support additional marketing initiatives as assigned.
Qualifications
Preferred
- Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Graphic Design, Agriculture, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience).
- Experience with Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar graphic design software.
- Experience managing business social media platforms.
- Website content management experience.
- Strong writing, editing, and communication skills.
- Photography and basic video editing experience is a plus.
- Knowledge of digital marketing principles.
Desired Skills
- Highly organized with excellent time management.
- Self-motivated with a "go-getter" attitude.
- Creative thinker with attention to detail.
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Comfortable working independently and collaboratively.
- Strong interpersonal skills with a customer-first mindset.
- Passion for agriculture, rural communities, and relationship marketing.
Physical Requirements
- Occasional travel to company locations and community events.
- Ability to lift up to 25 pounds when setting up displays, event materials, or promotional items.
- Ability to work occasional evenings or weekends for company events.
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
