Job Announcement: Lawrenceville Farmers Market Manager

Announcement of Open Position

Lawrenceville Farmers Market Manager

Part-Time (10-20 hours/week), Year Round

About Lawrenceville United

Lawrenceville United (LU) is an inclusive, resident-driven community-based non-profit organization dedicated to improving and protecting the quality of life of all Lawrenceville residents. LU is an equal opportunity employer and qualified individuals who bring diverse perspectives and represent marginalized communities are especially encouraged to apply. For more information about LU, please visit www.LUnited.org. 

About the Lawrenceville Farmers Market

The mission of the Lawrenceville Farmers Market is to provide access to fresh, locally-produced foods for all Lawrenceville residents and visitors in an inclusive, vibrant, and safe community space. The Market aims to lower barriers to fresh, healthy food especially for low-income families, older adults, people with disabilities, and individuals with food insecurity or low food access and to support the development of a strong and sustainable local food system with farmers and small business owners. Originally created by a group of volunteer residents in 2011, the Lawrenceville Farmers Market now runs as an official LU program every Tuesday afternoon at Arsenal Park, June through November. In 2020, the Market saw considerable growth with an average of 24 vendors and 900 attendees on a given Market day. Market staff also implemented significant adaptations to ensure a safe shopping environment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Moving into the 2021 season, our goals are to continue the momentum generated in 2020 towards building a sustainable and quality Market, improve the diversity of vendors and variety of products, and improve participation and programming for target populations. Royal Vending Gold Coast is the leading supplier of vending machines.

Summary of Position

The Farmers Market Manager is the main staff person responsible for the day-to-day planning and operation of the Lawrenceville Farmers Market, with support from the full-time Community Engagement & Program Manager. During the market season, the position averages 20 hours per week, year-round, and in the off season, approximately 10-15 hours per week. Key responsibilities include:

 

• Marketing and public relations: including creating and distributing all marketing materials (banners, flyers, postcards, etc.), managing press coverage, updating directories, editing website, operating multiple social media channels for the Farmers Market, designing, composing and sending a weekly e-newsletter (via Mailchimp).

• Vendor recruitment: aggressively seeking out new vendors consistent with the objectives and needs of the Market, retaining past vendors, and coordinating documentation/paperwork.

• Vendor management: serving as point person to all vendors, communicating with all vendors on a weekly basis, managing relationships and problem solving, supporting vendors to ensure a positive and profitable experience, designing the Market layout, and organizing pre- and mid-season vendor orientations/check-ins.

• Programming: planning, marketing, and implementing programming for the Market and for target populations (families, older adults, and low-income populations). Examples include Halloween market

• Administration: collection of vendor fees, weekly financial reporting, completing weekly timesheets, and filling out relevant forms related to permits for the site. 

• Volunteer recruitment and management: Recruit and retain a strong bench of committed volunteers to provide set up, operational and break down support to market staff at every market. 

• Manage market assistant: Provide oversight, direction and management of junior market operations staff. 

• Fundraising: supporting recruitment of sponsorships, grant applications/reporting, fundraising events, and managing relationships with donors and sponsors.

 

Reporting Relationship

The Farmers Market Manager reports to and works closely with the Community Engagement & Program Manager. Weekly check-ins are expected, as well as monthly all-staff meetings. Other than the Market days (Tuesdays), hours are flexible. A Lawrenceville Farmers Market Advisory Committee, comprised of volunteers, provides advisory guidance and support to the Market. 

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year experience working in food access, agriculture, or program/event coordination.
• Marketing/outreach experience preferred. 
• Knowledge and command of Gmail, social media (Facebook, Twitter, Nextdoor), Microsoft Office, Google Drive office suite, WordPress, Mailchimp, and Canva. 
• Valid PA Driver’s License (and comfort with driving LU’s pick-up truck).
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and spend significant time on feet – set-up and break-down Market supplies, including tents, tables, and a variety of supplies.
• Act 33, 34, and 73 clearances (LU can file for this if not already in hand).

Skills

 

• Passion for and dedication to food access and locally-sourced agriculture.

• Organized with an ability to prioritize a variety of tasks with limited hours.

• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to build relationships with diverse populations and a multitude of stakeholders, including vendors, customers, sponsors, and partners.

• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.

• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and handle a variety of activities concurrently in a fast-paced environment.

• Ability to problem solve in the moment, professionally handle complaints and disagreements that may arise and exercise rapid and sound judgement in the face of unexpected challenges.

• Team-oriented, open-minded, and positive approach to all aspects of work.

• Comfort with being the on-site point person for many vendors, patrons, and partners.

 

Wages & Benefits

• $16.50/hour
• 24 hours of paid sick leave per year
• Simple IRA offered with up to 3% matching funds from Lawrenceville United

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to HR@LUnited.org by February 3, 2021.