Des Moines Waterfront Farmers Market

Market Manager

Organization: Des Moines Waterfront Farmers Market

Job Type: Seasonal Contractor

Salary: $25 to $30 per hour

Location: Des Moines, WA

Work Schedule: Part-Time, Seasonal

Report to: Board of Directors

About us:

Since 2007, the Des Moines Waterfront Farmers Market has become a gathering place for the community while attracting 2,000 to 3,000 people each week. The market is not only a place to buy locally grown produce but also a place to shop for unique handcrafted items, enjoy live music, and amazing food. The Des Moines Waterfront Farmers Market has a rich 17-year history and is located at the Marina, which is considered the heart of Des Moines.

The mission of the Des Moines Waterfront Farmers Market is to create a community space that brings together farmers, producers, craftspeople, and community members to support local farms and farm producers while increasing access to local and sustainable goods for all people, including vulnerable populations.

About the role:

The Market Manager is organized, tech-savvy, outgoing, forward thinking with a passion for local businesses and sustainable agriculture. They will work with the board of directors to sustain and grow the market for the benefit of farmers, vendors, and our Des Moines community.

They are responsible for all daily operations of the market, including finance, volunteer recruitment & management, plus marketing. The Market Manager will work primarily from home, except on market days, when they will be on-site at Des Moines Marina market location.

This role is a part-time contracted position, estimated to be around 16 hours per week with a semi-flexible work schedule. Must be able to work every Saturday from 7AM to 4PM from June-September.

Essential Functions:

Manage market administration, including finding and applying for grants, creating and maintaining records, managing vendor application process, creating volunteer programs, filing for permits and insurance.

Manage market volunteers, non-profit booths, entertainment, and all vendors.

Builds a culture of collaboration, respect, and open communication between staff, volunteers, and vendors.

Manage the food access program. Including understand and staying up-to-date with all technical aspects, policy, programming, and technological trends for SNAP at farmers markets, matching programs, and the WIC and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition

Prospect for new vendors as needed and facilitate a full and diverse market product mix with priority concentration on more farmers and secondary concentration on processed food vendors.

Serve as primary contact for potential new vendors seeking to submit applications, providing guidance for compliance with market policies and procedures. Review all vendor applications (new /returning) in a timely manner.

Attendance at the market every Saturday over the regular summer season is required from 7 AM to 4 PM.

Set-up and break down for the Market, maintain presence for the entire duration of the Market in all weather conditions, assisting the information booth’s operations.

Attends monthly board meetings and assists the Board of Directors with strategic planning and execution.

Work with the Board to make sure all market day sponsor commitments are maintained (i.e. booth placement, supplies, etc.).

Works with the Board of Directors to develop budgets and financial plans. Maintains weekly market financial records, bookkeeping and required accounting.

Updates vendor layout and reach out to additional vendors as needed.

Sends weekly emails to confirm vendor attendance and booth location.

Stay informed about industry trends and best practices to enhance event planning.

Ensure emergency and safety protocols are observed and followed on market grounds.

Maintains accurate records and documents on Board Google drive and assist in keeping all governing documents relevant and accurate.

Ensure that all applicable licenses, and permits are filed with the relevant agencies

Required skills & qualifications:

2 years of experience with business or nonprofit management, event planning, or other work involving public engagement.

Strong computer skills; knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Google Suites, Word.

Experience and/or demonstrated passion for working in local food, food access, or agriculture.

Demonstrated ability to lead and implement budgeting, finance, and business planning processes

Self-starting/Self-directed individual with ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment with effective time management and organizational skills.

Willingness to work outdoors in various weather conditions.

Exercise strong critical thinking and decision-making skills with the ability to resolve conflicts quickly and satisfactorily

Outstanding customer service ethic to offer high quality experience to vendors, volunteers, community partners, and Market shoppers.

Highly positive attitude and behavior.

Previous experience working at a farmers market is a plus

Work Environment/Physical Demands:

Must be ambulatory, able to be on their feet for 8 hours, lift and carry up to 50 punds and operate a 2-way radio.

Some travel is required including, periodic drives to eastern WA for farm inspections, conferences, and/or meetings.

Work schedule will vary and does require weekend/evening work or working outdoors.

Job Types: Part-time, Contract

Pay: $25.00 - $30.00 per hour

Expected hours: 10 – 20 per week

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule

Experience level:

• 2 years

Shift:

• Day shift

Weekly day range:

• Weekends as needed
• Weekends only

Application Question(s):

• Have you worked for a farmers market previously?

Experience:

• Event planning: 2 years (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Des Moines, WA 98198 (Required)

Work Location: In person