Hartford Food System is seeking a Market Manager to lead the marketing and operations of the June-October North End Farmers Market (NEFM), which will start its ninth season in June 2016. Primary responsibilities, which will start in late March or early April, include farmer, vendor and resident outreach and recruitment, marketing, event planning and the market day operation of the EBT-certified NEFM. This includes an on-site presence at the market during all market hours, as well as off-site work during non-market hours. This seasonal position will conclude in early November. The successful candidate will report to the Executive Director and will demonstrate initiative, creativity, an understanding and passion for local agriculture and food justice; he/she will be a self-directed individual who is able to demonstrate strong outreach, organizational, leadership, and marketing skills. Knowledge of Hartford is a strong plus. Responsibilities will include:
Pre/Post Market
o recruiting farmers, including re-signing prior year farmers
o recruiting music, guest vendors, and community groups for tabling
o development and distribution of promotional materials, including e-newsletter and social media outreach, including website updates.
o planning events (such as musical performances)and soliciting donations of materials
o managing market schedule of events, special vendors, and music entertainment
o meeting with public/nonprofit groups and other markets for collaboration on promotion and events
o organizing market volunteers and supervising market interns
o promptly completing market reporting, including attendance and federal nutrition benefits and incentives utilization tracking, as well as providing data for grant reporting for any funds received
o planning for market growth and development, including pop-up markets
Market Day
o arriving prior to market vendors, supervising market-set up, and remaining throughout the market day
o ensuring compliance with all state, city and market rules and regulations
o serving as a farmer/vendor resource and troubleshooter at the market
o maintaining market grounds and breaking down set-up at the end of the market
o operating NEFM Table
o administering the SNAP/EBT machine and the incentive (market dollars) program, including a new “frequent shopper” incentive program
o coordinating volunteer assistance for market days
o conducting customer counts
o increasing, monitoring and maintaining email list for improved market outreach
Qualifications
o Great public-facing skills and able to interact confidently with diverse groups and perspectives
o Ability to problem-solve in a rapidly moving environment
o Excellent communication skills
o Excellent organizational skills
o Creative marketing and event planning skills
o Working within a limited budget
o Passionate about Hartford, urban food systems, and farmers!
o Spanish language skills are helpful
o Computer and social media proficient
o Ability to lift 50 pounds
o Driver’s license and own vehicle
Compensation will be commensurate with experience and market rates. Hours per week may vary, but will average about 15 hours during the season. Please e-mail a cover letter and résumé to mpage@hartfordfood.org . Apply by 2/15/16. Hartford Food System is a nonprofit organization focused on building a healthy food system in Hartford since 1978. To learn more, visit our website or on Facebook .