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:
Work Location: In person
