The International Seed Testing Association (ISTA), with headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland, has a vacancy for the position of Marketing Specialist.

ISTA is a non-profit Association under Swiss law. It produces internationally agreed rules for seed sampling and testing, accredits laboratories, promotes research, and disseminates knowledge in seed science and technology. Its membership currently consists of laboratories, personal members and associate members from 79 countries around the world.

The successful candidate will be responsible for leading and executing the marketing and promotion activities of the Association. The following requirements are essential for success in this role:

Experience: At least 3 years’ experience in marketing, reflecting progressive expansion in responsibilities, preferably in the seed sector or related fields.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Marketing or related field. Masters in Business or Marketing preferred.

Required Skills, Knowledge and Characteristics:

• Familiarity and skill with the tools of the trade including PR, market research, written communication, web site development, Internet and social media strategy, visual communication software products and creative services.
• Strong effective communicator. Demonstrated effectiveness in holding conversations with customers (members in the Association’s case), and customer-focused product/service development and outreach.
• Highly developed and demonstrated teamwork. Ability to coordinate the efforts of a team of diverse participants with varied skill levels. Experience of working in and contributing to a flexible, employee-empowering work environment.
• Demonstrated ability to increase productivity and continuously improve methods, approaches and contribution; commitment to continuous learning and ability to lead in an environment of constant change.
• Demonstrated ability to see the big picture and provide useful advice and input across the Association. Experience in the global marketplace is a plus.
• Language requirements: English proficiency is required, German will be useful, additional languages an advantage.

Job Requirements:
The successful candidate must be able to perform effectively in each of these areas:

Driving the Association’s growth:

• Identify and research areas of potential growth for the Association in underrepresented geographical areas as well as within various seed sectors.
• Translate market research information into concrete marketing plans; implement and see through successful execution.

Continued service for existing members:

• Overall marketing strategy and execution of plans for existing services.
• Researching and evaluating new service opportunities, demand for potential products, and members’ needs and insights.
• Managing launch campaigns for new products and novel distribution channels for products and services.

General:

• Adapt marketing efforts to the multicultural nature of the Association; tailor campaigns and materials to maximize effectiveness in different geographical areas and cultures.
• Ensure effective, branded marketing communications, including the corporate web site, social media, print communication, and advertising.
• Cooperate with external marketing, media and PR agencies.
• Contribute to improve communication and cooperation with other seed organizations.
• Analysis of the effectiveness of all marketing efforts.

To apply: please send your cover letter, résumé, and the names and contact information of three references to the attention of :

Ms. Patricia Muschick
ISTA Secretariat
Zürichstrasse 50
8303 Bassersdorf
Switzerland
ista.office@ista.ch 

Deadline for application: 30 August 2014.