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this job's deadline has passed
This job expired on August 30, 2020

Farmers Market Manager for CHFM Seattle Neighborhood Farmers Markets

  • Date Posted July 01, 2020
  • Location Seattle, WA
  • Category Agriculture / Nonprofit
  • Job type Full-Time
Company description

Seattle Neighborhood Farmers Market (NFM) is a community-based, 501c3 non-profit organization that has been operating farmer/food only markets in Seattle neighborhoods since 1993. NFM is committed to supporting and strengthening Washington's small family farm businesses by creating and operating vibrant, successful neighborhood farmers markets. 

In addition to supporting the local sustainable food economy, the markets provide a weekly community gathering place where shoppers can meet the people who grow their food, creating a strong connection between the farmers and the customers for a positive market experience. 

NFM also plays an important advocacy role on the state and local level, standing up for vendors, low-income consumers, and the markets themselves. In support of farmers, NFM established the Good Farmer Fund, which provides assistance to farmers in the case of emergencies and unforeseen circumstances. NFM has been at the forefront of advocating for low-income benefits programs to ensure equal food access for all. NFM developed and piloted the successful "Fresh Bucks" program, which doubles the money of people using food assistance subsidies (EBT/SNAP) to make purchases at the markets with a dollar-for-dollar match, and is now replicated across the state. 

Our 7 neighborhood markets include: University District, West Seattle, Capitol Hill-Broadway, Columbia City, Lake City, Phinney, and Magnolia. Three of our seven markets operate year-round. Market vendors include 208 farmers, foragers, fishers, and artisan food businesses, who together serve over 631K shoppers for more than $11.6 million in annual sales. 

Job description

The Market Manager is the face of the Capitol Hill Farmers Market, working with peer Market Managers, Market Staff, vendors, and NFM Administrative team to plan and oversee all market operations. This position requires an individual with demonstrated administrative and people skills, a commitment to vendor and customer service, and an ability to maneuver quickly to solutions when things do not go as planned.

Main duties include: (1) year round management of the Capitol Hill Farmers Market and Market Staff; (2) planning and executing on the relocation of the market in late Fall 2020; (3) vendor, shopper, and community relationship management.

MARKET OPERATIONS & MANAGEMENT

Develop and implement operations plan for each market day with the goal of working several weeks in advance using Farmspread and other tools.

Complete all tasks related to pre-season arrangements, opening day, ongoing market days, and end of season activities (including report-writing) for each market.

Communicate with vendors regarding stall placement and market issues as they arise via Farmspread and phone.

Review and analyze market statistics and individual vendor sales totals on a regular basis with an eye toward making decisions related to increasing market and vendor sales.

In consultation with market management team, coordinate the implementation of market adjustments as necessary to accommodate expansion, relocation, and special events.

On-Site Duties:

Maintain a pleasant, positive, and safe market atmosphere for vendors, staff, and shoppers.

Supervise or implement, as needed, set-up and teardown of the market site and layout including street closures, no-park permitting, signage, towing vehicles, removing detritus, and chalking the layout.

Supervise Market Staff, delivering constructive, timely feedback, clear and consistent enforcement of duties and market expectations, and overseeing additional training as needed.

Manage market in accordance with established NFM policies, making adjustments on site as needed. Bring difficult decisions back to the weekly market operations meeting and consult vendor board members on-site when necessary (example: dangerous weather).

Enforce COVID protocols, labeling, hygiene, cleanliness, and temperature control standards for vendors and NFM events, in accordance with King County Health Department and WSDA policies.

Supervise SNAP and Fresh Bucks benefits redemption on-site and maintain accurate records. Oversee WIC, Senior, and other food access programs, and help vendors stay in compliance.

Supervise and implement the processing of vendor payments safely and accurately.

Assist with surveys, special events, and food access programs.

Assist with on-site marketing initiatives like Market Bucks, passport programs, and special shopper recognition days.

Accommodate nonprofit booths, musicians, partner booths, and sponsor booths as necessary.

Purchase market equipment and supplies as needed, in line with market budget, gaining approval from Director of Business Operations if outside of annual budget.

VENDOR, SHOPPER, COMMUNITY RELATIONSHIP BUILDING

Maintain positive vendor relations and communications striving to understand the unique needs of each vendor in balance with the market needs. Communicate vendor concerns (verbal or formal) and other vendor issues with administration and market management team.

Ensure that NFM vendor policies are equitably and fairly implemented. Track vendor infractions, process fees, and maintain boundaries with vendors.

During annual application process and on as needed basis, evaluate new vendor inquiries, process vendor applications, recruit new vendors, and recommend a market-specific mix with an eye toward making each market excellent and unique while supporting the system as a whole.

Maintain outstanding customer service for shoppers, which includes being knowledgeable about the NFM mission, Washington agriculture and the products available at a given market.

Manage planned events within the market to increase shopper attendance and build community relationships.

Represent NFM to community groups, local member/partner organizations, and businesses.


Skills Required:  

Event management experience including creation, logistics & onsite management. Good spatial understanding for creating market layouts.

Ability to work and thrive in an outdoor environment in all weather conditions.

Ability to optimistically work flexible hours, including weekends, evenings and/or holidays, especially during peak market season.

Physically able to lift 50 pounds safely.

Knowledge of WA State agriculture, Farmers Markets and home cooking.

Experience working effectively with people from different cultural, economic, racial and religious backgrounds.

Ability to problem solve and resolve conflict, maintain composure, and mediate issues as they arise.

Ability to provide leadership that promotes teamwork, empowerment, growth, and a positive work environment.

Ability to manage timelines both for Market day and preparation.

Excellent verbal and written communication.

Ability to count money and do basic math in a busy environment.

Computer proficiency in Outlook, Word & Excel.

Entrepreneurial spirit. Patience. Optimism. Clarity.

Access to reliable vehicle for transporting materials on market day.


Skills Preferred

Current King County Health Department Food Handlers Permit, Current First Aid/CPR Certification

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Compensation this position is : salaried Application instructions
This job expired on August 30, 2020
DeadlineJuly 10, 2020

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