Director of Sales & Marketing (Aquaculture / Seafood)

The Cultured Abalone Farm • Full-time • Santa Barbara, California, United States • USD $75k - USD $90k / year • 1w ago

About The Cultured Abalone Farm (TCAF)

The Cultured Abalone Farm exists to evolve human food systems through regenerative aquaculture. Established in 1989 along the Gaviota Coast of Santa Barbara County, we raise red abalone from hatchery to harvest, produce seaweed, ranch purple sea urchins, and support a broad range of research initiatives. Our work restores abalone as an iconic California seafood while demonstrating that environmentally responsible aquaculture can be both profitable and regenerative.

Role Overview

The Director of Sales & Marketing is a hands-on, revenue-driving leader responsible for expanding and optimizing income across TCAF’s core business lines:

Seafood and product sales (abalone and related products)
Tours and experiential offerings
Research partnerships and grant-supported initiatives

This role blends strategic thinking with daily execution. You will personally drive sales, develop partnerships, and refine go-to-market strategies, while also managing and mentoring a small team. Success in this role requires a passion for farm-to-table food systems, seafood, sustainability, and relationship-based growth.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and execute integrated growth strategies across product sales, tours, and research partnerships
Lead direct sales efforts with chefs, restaurants, distributors, retailers, and specialty buyers
Expand relationships with academic institutions, laboratories, and research organizations
Shape and execute TCAF’s marketing strategy, oversee storytelling, content, and outreach
Grow and refine on-site tours and experiences as both a revenue stream and brand-building tool
Support and grow grant-funded and research-based revenue opportunities
Manage and mentor a small team, fostering accountability, collaboration, and growth

Qualifications & Experience

5+ years of experience in business growth, sales, marketing, or partnerships, preferably in food, seafood, agriculture, or aquaculture organizations
Proven track record of driving revenue growth through partnerships, relationships, and execution
Background in sales and marketing across multiple channels, including social media, email, events, and outbound calling.
Experience working with chefs, food buyers, distributors, or farm-to-table ecosystems strongly preferred
Comfort operating in a hands-on, entrepreneurial environment
Demonstrated ability to manage people while remaining an individual contributor
Familiarity with research partnerships, grants, or institutional sales is a plus

Who You Are

Passionate about seafood, farm-to-table systems, and regenerative food production
A relationship-builder who thrives on trust, credibility, and long-term partnerships
Mission-driven, yet commercially savvy
Comfortable working on a farm and engaging directly with team members, customers, researchers, and partners

Why Join TCAF

Be part of a pioneering organization restoring abalone as an iconic California seafood
Work at the intersection of food, sustainability, science, and business
Have a tangible impact on revenue, partnerships, and the future of regenerative aquaculture
Join a small, committed team where your work is visible, meaningful, and hands-on

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $75,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year

Benefits: