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

ABOUT THE ROLE: Market Managers are the face of the Neighborhood Farmers Markets (NFM). Working with peer Market Managers, Market Staff, vendors, and the NFM Administrative team, managers plan and oversee all market operations. This position is ideally suited for someone who is passionate about farmers markets as inclusive community spaces and is enthusiastic about applying their demonstrated administrative and people skills, commitment to vendor and customer service, and ability to adapt quickly when things do not go as planned.

As a key member of a collaborative and supportive Market Operations team you will: (1) manage one NFM farmers market and Market Staff at that market; (2) work alongside vendors, shoppers, and community partners to build, maintain, and strengthen collaborative relationships; (3) support the ongoing recovery of NFM farms markets and vendors from the COVID-19 pandemic, alongside opportunities for new growth and initiatives; (4) collaborate on projects as needed to support market operations, vendor relationships, and organizational goals.

MARKET OPERATIONS & MANAGEMENT
Market Preparation Duties:
 Develop and implement operational plans for each market day with the goal of working several weeks in advance using Farmspread and other management tools.
 Complete all tasks related to pre-season arrangements, opening day, ongoing market days, and end of season activities (including reporting) for your market.
 Coordinate with market vendors around scheduling, market-day stall placement, and other market details to support their participation and success in your market and address any issues as they arise. Work with fellow Market Managers for support, problem-solve, and communicate at weekly market operations meetings.
 Review and analyze market statistics and individual vendor sales totals on a regular basis to identify opportunities for increasing market attendance and vendor sales.
 Coordinate market adjustments to accommodate expanded opportunities for additional vendors, potential COVID-19 related restrictions, and community and other special events.

On-Site Duties:
 Develop, maintain, and work toward continuously improving a welcoming, inclusive, positive, and safe market atmosphere for vendors, staff, shoppers, and other community members.
 Supervise and/or implement set-up and teardown of the market site and layout including street closures, no-park permitting, signage, layout chalking, and general safety and cleanliness.
 Supervise Market Staff by delivering constructive, timely feedback - clearly and consistently enforcing duties and market expectations - and overseeing training as needed.
 Manage market in accordance with established NFM policies, make adjustments on-site as needed, and bring difficult decisions back to the weekly market operations meeting for collaborative discussion.
 Supervise food access programs on-site, maintain accurate records, and support the participation of both vendors and shoppers in food access programs.
 Supervise and implement the processing of vendor payments safely and accurately.
 Assist with on-site marketing initiatives including sponsorships and seasonal shopper programs.
 Facilitate the participation of nonprofits, musicians, community partners, and sponsor booths in the market through stall space and other on-site support as necessary.
 Purchase market equipment and supplies as needed, in line with market budget or with approval from Director of Business Operations if outside of annual budget.

VENDOR, SHOPPER, AND COMMUNITY RELATIONSHIP BUILDING
 Maintain positive and supportive vendor relations and communications, striving to balance vendor and market needs. Communicate vendor concerns and 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.
 Evaluate new vendor inquiries, process vendor applications, recruit new vendors, and recommend a market-specific vendor mix with an eye toward creating a market that is responsive and inclusive of community needs while supporting NFM markets as a whole.
 Ensure a welcoming, inclusive, and enjoyable market environment for shoppers, including staying knowledgeable about NFM‘s mission, your market community, Washington State agriculture, and the products available at your market each week.
 Manage planned market events to increase shopper attendance and build community relationships.
 Actively represent NFM to community groups, local member/partner organizations, and businesses, and seek out opportunities for collaborative partnerships to expand and enhance the accessibility and inclusivity of your market.

NFM ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES
Perform a variety of administrative support duties that help ensure smooth operations of NFM and the operations team. This may include:
 Optimizing and coordinating specific processes
 Maintaining SOP’s (standard operating procedures)
 Working with other Specialists as needed or required to support overall organization

Compensation

this position is: salaried, $50,000 - $75,000

Application instructions

Deadline

July 21, 2022