Western Wake Farmers’ Market

Market Manager Position Description

Contracted position available for a Market Manager for the new Western Wake Farmers’ Market (WWFM).  The WWFM opened for its inaugural season on May 2, 2009.  The WWFM has over 30 vendors that sell freshly harvested fruits, vegetables, seafood, meats, wines, cheese, eggs, flowers, herbs, honey, artisan baked goods, coffee, crafts and more.

The mission of WWFM is for all people in our community to become educated about and benefit from locally grown food.  Our aim is to help all walks of life, from the farmers to the local community members to those less fortunate who might need assistance through the local food bank.

Our focus is to educate consumers about locally produced and sustainable food. We will achieve this by offering a farmers’ market where consumers have direct access to locally grown produce. We will use the market day to provide a concentric forum for consumers and their families to understand, appreciate, and learn about the interconnectedness of food and the environment.

The Market Manager will be a key position in supporting our mission and goals.  This is the only paid position but will be supported by a Board of Directors, Executive Committee, as well as many other volunteers.

Market Manager Responsibilities

    * Interview farmer applicants and explain market procedures and requirements
    * Develop relationships with vendors
    * Communicate and enforce rules with vendors, volunteers, and general public (market customers)
    * Work with the Operations Manager to mediate any disputes at Market and respond to any complaints
    * Be the primary Western Wake Farmers’ Market contact for farmers and crafters, as well as inspectors and customers
    * Work with Marketing to plan and orchestrate 4-6 special events per season
    * With the Operation’s Manager, develop Site Plan and assign vendor spaces
    * Supervise the upkeep and operation of the farmers’ market
    * Maintain accurate records of vendor attendance and collect vendor fees weekly
    * Assure safety and security at the Market at all times
    * Contribute to the website and e-newsletter copy
    * Responsible for market day cash management, recording and preparation of deposits and vendor attendance
    * Inspect frozen and refrigerated items for proper temperature
    * Review Market Rules on a regular basis to ensure vendors are following them and recommend updates to the Board
    * Work with the Volunteer Coordinator to organize the volunteers
    * Regularly attend and contribute to Board and Executive Committee meetings.
    * Other duties as determined by governing board
    * Physical labor duties will be required in setting up and taking down tents, tables, signs, etc. on market day

Qualifications:  Undergraduate degree or working towards an undergraduate degree.  Experience working in management and agriculture field desired.  Owning a truck or large vehicle is preferred.
 
 

Skill Set:

    * Leadership and delegation skills
    * Ability to recruit and retain interested vendors and volunteers
    * Flexibility required to meet the requests of vendors, Board of Directors and coordinating volunteer help
    * Ability to manage vendors and volunteers
    * Must be able to work Saturday’s from 6:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. during the Market season (April – November).  Flexibility will be given for some weekends off as long as a board member is able to fulfill the Market Manager market duties.  Must also be able to attend regular Board and Executive Committee Meetings typically held on Monday evenings.
    * Ability to communicate the mission and purpose of the WWFM in both verbal and written communication
    * Computer skills are essential, and knowledge of MS Word, Excel, web calendars and blogs, twitter, facebook
    * Must have own computer and phone

Contract & Salary:  This contract will be from the time of hiring for 3 months with the potential to extend the contract.  We estimate 15 hours per week to fulfill contract.  $12.00 for 15 hours per week.  This is a contracted position and applicants must provide their own computer, some office supplies and cell phone.

Additional Information:  Western Wake Farmers Market is located at 1226 Morrisville Carpenter Road, Cary, NC 27519.  Website is www.WesternWakeFarmersMarket.org.

Contact:  Please send resume and cover letter to:

Jennifer Gibbs

Operations Manager

Western Wake Farmers’ Market

PO Box 1113

Morrisville, NC 27511

Or

jgibbs@WesternWakeFarmersMarket.org

Deadline:  July 3, 2009