Company description

We operate seven farmers markets in the City of Seattle. Our mission is to support and strengthen Washington’s small, sustainable family farms by creating and operating vibrant, neighborhood-scale markets where farmers and food producers can sell their goods, develop relationships with customers, and grow their capacity to produce local ingredients and artisanal products. Local farms make our communities more welcoming, more food-secure, and much more delicious. Our mission is to help them thrive.

Job description

Market Manager

Columbia City + Magnolia Farmers Markets

Summary: The NFM is hiring for two positions. This description applies to both positions: one for our Columbia City Farmers Market and the other for our Magnolia Farmers Market. When submitting your application, please indicate which market you are applying for or for which market you have a preference.

Status: 30 hours per week, non-exempt

Compensation: $67,000 annualized or up to $52,250

Benefits: Regular employees who work at least 25 hours per week on average receive full-time classification. Full-time employees are eligible for PTO, health care coverage, flexible spending accounts, retirement benefits, commuter benefits, and a clothing allowance, but are not eligible for Seattle Sick and Safe leave.

Regular Hours: One regular market day on-site and (remote) office hours four days per week. Occasional coverage at other markets is required.

Reports To: Director of Farmers Market Operations

ABOUT THE ROLE: As a Market Manager, you will be the face of the Neighborhood Farmers Markets (NFM), working across the organization to plan and oversee all market operations. This unique position is ideally suited for someone passionate about farmers markets as inclusive community spaces for everyone and can work alongside vendors, shoppers, and community partners to build, maintain, and strengthen community relationships, as well as support opportunities for new growth and initiatives.

MARKET OPERATIONS & MANAGEMENT

Market Preparation and Community Engagement Duties:

· Create and implement effective operation plans for each market day.

· Ensure all tasks related to pre-season arrangements, opening day, ongoing market days, and end-of-season reporting are completed thoroughly.

· Collaborate with fellow Market Managers for support and problem-solving during weekly operation meetings.

· Adapt quickly for new vendor opportunities and community and special events to enhance the market experience for everyone.

· Maintain positive and supportive vendor relations and communications.

· 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.

On-Site (Market Day) Duties:

· Create a Welcoming Atmosphere: Continuous improvement for the market experience for vendors, staff, shoppers, and other community members.

· Market Setup and Teardown: Supervise and implement the setup and teardown of the market site. This includes managing street closures, placing signage, coordinating layout chalking, and ensuring general safety.

· Staff Supervision: Supervise Market Staff by providing constructive and timely feedback. Clearly and consistently enforce duties and market expectations.

· Policy Management: Manage the market in accordance with the NFM Vendor Handbook and safety protocols. Ensure that NFM vendor policies are equitably and fairly implemented.

· Food Access Programs: Supervise on-site food access programs, maintain accurate records, and support both vendors and shoppers in participating in these programs.

· On-Site Marketing Initiatives: Assist with on-site marketing initiatives, including sponsorships and seasonal shopper programs.

· Community Engagement: Facilitate the participation of nonprofits, musicians, community partners, and sponsors by providing stall space and other necessary on-site support.

Administrational Duties:

To maintain market manager roles throughout the year, so our employees have year-round work, market managers are tasked with administrative projects such as, scheduling and maintaining our in-market programming, vendor relationships, managing budgets, implementing yearly shopper surveys, ordering and maintaining market supplies and other organizational goals. The bulk of this work takes place in the off-season.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ATTITUDES:

• Ability to work flexible work hours, including weekends, evenings and/or holidays.
• Ability to count money and do basic math in a busy environment.
• Physically able to lift 25 pounds safely.
• Access to reliable vehicle for transporting materials on market day.
• Experience planning and/or managing events in a professional or volunteer capacity.
• Ability to solve problems, resolve conflict, maintain composure, and mediate issues as they arise.
• Experience supervising staff.
• Community outreach experience or similar organizational-relationship building.
  

Commitment to NFM’s mission and values:

• Passion for farmers markets as vibrant, inclusive community spaces bringing together Washington State farmers and local food producers with Seattle area residents.
• Commitment to working with farmers market vendors, shoppers, and community members to expand accessibility and inclusivity within local food systems.
• Commitment to equity and social justice and willingness to learn and engage in dialogue in alignment with NFM’s organizational priorities.
• Knowledge of and/or willingness to learn about Washington State agriculture, farmers markets, local food systems, and Seattle communities.

Language skills in Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese or Vietnamese a plus.

Compensation

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

Application instructions

Deadline

February 14, 2025