Development & Communications Coord Maine Federation of Farmers' Markets
- Date Posted January 18, 2022
- Location Anywhere
- Category Nonprofit
- Job type Part-Time
Going to the farmers’ market is one of life’s great pleasures, a pleasure that’s at the root of the Maine experience. The Maine Federation of Farmers’ Markets (MFFM) cultivates that root and keeps it strong. Our statewide programs help sustain Maine farms, connect market farmers, strengthen farmers’ markets, and widen access to locally-grown food for all.
Farmers’ markets are a community hub and resource. And MFFM is the hub and resource for markets, and the farmers and customers who rely on and love them. While we do not operate, own or start markets, we provide what new and existing farmers’ markets need to run well. For example, we gather and disseminate information, offer consultations and advice, maintain the state’s directory of farmers’ markets, host an annual convention, help markets promote their activities, and broaden access to local foods for low-income Mainers.
Job descriptionThe Maine Federation of Farmers’ Markets (MFFM) seeks to hire a Development and Communications Coordinator who will strengthen organizational sustainability and improve MFFM’s messaging and communications activities across multiple platforms.
Overview
Position Type: Employee
Compensation: $22/hr
Hours: Flexible,10 to 20 hours per week; Average of 15 hours/ week for the year;
Benefits:
1 week paid vacation, per year, for part-time staff
$1500 healthcare stipend for insurance premium reimbursement
10 paid holidays
Employer-sponsored IRA with 3% matching contributions
Location: We are a remote organization. Job activities will take place mostly remote, with some market visits and in-person events expected each year throughout Maine. Candidates must live in Maine.
Additional details:This position requires occasional travel and weekend or evening work.
This position reports to MFFM’s Director of Programs.
Position Summary
The Development and Communications Coordinator (DCC) will help develop and execute MFFM’s outreach and promotion and support fundraising efforts for the organization.
The primary roles of the Development and Communications Coordinator is to:
- Grow awareness of MFFM’s programs, services, and farmers’ market news across Maine through e-newsletters, social media, partnership development, press releases, blog writing, and other multimedia initiatives.
- Strengthen the sustainability of MFFM through strategic fundraising projects, grant writing, sponsorship solicitations, event support, and other special projects.
- Collaborate with MFFM staff on resource and program development.
- Support internal communications and projects among MFFM staff, Board, and Committee members.
Primary Responsibilities
COMMUNICATIONS – Approximately 60% of time
- Work with MFFM staff, Board, and external consultants to develop a communications plan for MFFM’s programs, initiatives, and farmers’ markets
- Ensure outreach communications are aligned with strategic and annual goals to advance MFFM’s mission
- Collaborate with MFFM staff to see full execution of communications plan
- Develop new strategies for audience development and engagement
- Produce timely content and compelling stories, often in partnership with others on staff and within MFFM’s broader network of markets and stakeholders
- Write stories, narratives, case studies, articles, and reports for MFFM’s media channels
- Co-develop a social media strategy and co-manage MFFM’s 4 social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram
- Lead the production of MFFM’s monthly newsletter, Selling Outdoors, using Mailchimp
- Support program-specific e-newsletter development with MFFM staff
- Support photography, video production, media partnerships, and other special projects to advance MFFM’s mission
- Co-develop the MFFM Annual Report and program reports
- Manage content creation for MFFM’s website
DEVELOPMENT – Approximately 40% of time
- Co-lead sponsorship initiatives and grant-writing for program and organizational support
- Support sponsors in overseeing contract execution
- Help develop written appeals to stakeholders, partners and potential donors
- Assist with organizing special fundraisers
- Coordinate digital fundraising initiatives
- Support the development and execution of MFFM’s annual meeting, farmers’ market convention, and other workshops and gatherings
Qualifications
We encourage all people who think they will be successful in this role to apply. We don’t expect all candidates to possess all of the qualifications listed below.
- Knowledge and experience with working at farmers markets or a passion for local food systems
- Skilled with Microsoft Office and GSuite programs, as well as applications typically used for communications: video conferencing (Zoom), website (WordPress), CRM (Mailchimp), social media (Facebook, Instagram)
- Excellent communication skills in a wide variety of contexts with emphasis on online, virtual formats
- Ability to craft concise, casual, and compelling messages and storylines
- Comfort with being on video and hosting online meetings and workshops across large networks with a variety of stakeholders
- Experience supporting or leading fundraising campaigns, grant writing, soliciting sponsorships, and other nonprofit development activities
- Self-directed organizational abilities, meets benchmarks, and flexible with changing timelines and end goals. Ability to work independently and as part of a team; shows willingness to support others to build momentum and share success.