Seafood Business & Market Development Specialist

NC State University; Raleigh (NC); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Childcare benefits

Wellness & Recreation Membership

Wellness Programs

Job summary

North Carolina Sea Grant seeks a Seafood Business & Market Development Specialist to help seafood businesses grow markets, analyze trends, and strengthen supply chains along the North Carolina coast.

The role emphasizes collaboration with Sea Grant, extension services, researchers, and industry partners to advance seafood priorities and education initiatives.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Aquaculture, Business Administration, Marketing, Agricultural/Applied Economics, Marine Science, Fisheries, Marine Policy, or a closely related field.
• Undergraduate degree in the same fields with a minimum of six years’ seafood-related business management or consulting experience.

Responsibilities

• Advise seafood businesses on planning, growth, market opportunities, financial resources, and operating challenges.
• Strengthen supply chains and distribution linking NC seafood to retail, restaurants, and other markets.
• Support diversification through direct-to-consumer sales and value-added products.
• Use market trends and data to anticipate risks and respond to market shifts.
• Strengthen branding, traceability, and value propositions for local seafood.

Skills

Collaboration

Initiative

Communication

Relationship building

Education

Master's degree

Undergraduate degree with 6+ years experience

Job description

Seafood Business & Market Development Specialist

Anticipated Hiring Range $70,000-$75,000

Work Schedule Core Business Hours: Monday - Friday; 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM; flexible and variable hours, May include some travel and evening/weekend events.

Job Location Location to be determined. NC Sea Grant has offices in Manteo, Morehead City, Raleigh, and Wilmington, with some flexibility regarding placement based on available office space.

Department North Carolina Sea Grant

North Carolina Sea Grant provides research, education and outreach opportunities relating to current issues affecting our coast and its communities. Since 1970, North Carolina Sea Grant has prided itself on being a valuable resource for communities, scientists, local officials, government agencies, coastal businesses, educators, and the public to find unbiased, scientifically sound information about coastal ecosystems and economies. Our initiatives touch a broad range of topics, including but not limited to healthy coastal ecosystems, sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, resilient coastal economies, and environmental literacy and workforce development. The state/federal partnership receives funding from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Sea Grant College Program. Learn more: nceseagrant.org.

Wolfpack Perks and Benefits

As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

Attain Work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership , and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.

Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.

Key Responsibilities

Business & Market Development

• Advise seafood businesses on planning, growth, market opportunities, financial resources, and operating challenges.
• Strengthen supply chains and distribution while connecting North Carolina seafood with retail, restaurant, and other markets.
• Support diversification through direct-to-consumer sales, value-added products, and “blue tourism.”
• Use market trends and economic data to help businesses anticipate risks and respond to market shifts.
• Strengthen branding, traceability, and value propositions that differentiate locally harvested seafood.
• Leverage resources such as Mariner’s Menu to build consumer confidence and demand for local seafood.

Partnerships & Strategic Initiatives

• Collaborate with Sea Grant, Cooperative Extension, researchers, industry, and state and federal agencies to advance seafood priorities.
• Support initiatives such as the NC Shellfish Mariculture Strategic Plan and engage with the National Sea Grant network.

Applied Research & Program Development

• Develop proposals, pursue funding, and support research and extension projects from development through reporting and evaluation.
• Contribute to Sea Grant planning, interdisciplinary projects, grant reviews, and program initiatives.

Education & Industry Readiness

• Deliver training and develop practical resources on business fundamentals, market readiness, marketing, supply chains, and seafood safety.
• Track program reach, outcomes, and performance for NC Sea Grant and the National Sea Grant Office.

Other Responsibilities

In addition to the core responsibilities of this role, there may be occasional opportunities to take on additional duties. This offers an opportunity to build on your skills, explore new areas, and gain a deeper understanding of the department’s operations.

Qualifications

Minimum Education and Experience

Master’s degree in Aquaculture, Business Administration, Marketing, Agricultural/Applied Economics, Marine Science, Fisheries, Marine Policy, or a closely related field, and a minimum of three years of experience in seafood business management or consulting, small business advising, food system coordination, marine industry extension, or related practice.

OR

Undergraduate degree in Aquaculture, Business Administration, Marketing, Agricultural/Applied Economics, Marine Science, Fisheries, Marine Policy, or a closely related field, and a minimum of six years of experience in seafood-related business management or consulting, small business advising, food system coordination, marine industry extension, or related practice.

All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

Other Required Qualifications

• Collaboration skills to work effectively with faculty, administrators, colleagues, industry partners, and other stakeholders in a complex organization or university setting.
• Initiative and independence to move work forward while contributing to a collaborative team.
• Experience developing and implementing work plans with clear goals, timelines, and measurable outcomes.
• Communication skills to translate complex, research-based or technical information into clear, practical language for varied audiences.
• Relationship‑building and listening skills to understand stakeholder needs, build trust, and maintain effective partnerships.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of aquaculture and commercial fishing practices, with experience providing extension programming or technical assistance to the seafood industry.
• Experience working in a university, land‑grant, or Cooperative Extension setting.

Required License(s) or Certification(s)

Valid NC driver’s license.

Commercial Driver's License required No

Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions

Job Open Date 10/09/2026

Anticipated Close Date 11/15/2026

Position Number

00106849

Position Type

EPS/SAAO

Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week)

1.0

Appointment

12 Month Recurring

EEO

NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability‑related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.