Farmers Market Manager

Who We Are: Mass Farmers Markets (MFM) partners with farmers, consumers, and communities to improve the health of individuals, strengthen community vitality, and enhance local farm viability through farmers markets. We are a 501(c)(3) organization.

As part of our work, MFM produces farmers markets in the Greater Boston area from May to November. These markets include: the Central Square Farmers Market every Monday (12-6 PM); the Davis Square Farmers Market runs every Wednesday (12-6 PM); the Kendall Square Farmers Market every Thursday (12-6pm), the Copley Square Farmers Market every Tuesday and Friday (11AM-6 PM); and .the Fish & Farm Market on the Boston Fish Pier every Saturday (9:30AM-1:30PM).

Who You Are: The Market Manager serves as a positive, energetic face of the Farmers Market. You are an individual who is passionate about building community, the food we eat, and where it comes from; you will also have the opportunity to inject your ideas and creativity into building, growing and managing the markets. You are aware that our farmers markets are businesses which must turn a profit that contributes to the overall fiscal health of our organization. You recognize the need to balance the food access part of our mission with the entrepreneurial spirit needed to operate a financially successful farmers market.

You will be the onsite market manager for two MFM farmers markets. As the market manager, you will act as the liaison with and between all parties served by the market - the vendors, shoppers, and the surrounding communities and cities around them. The market manager is required to be present for the set-up, operation, and teardown of the market, be available to support vendors and consumers, supply information, answer questions, and address concerns. Additionally, the manager is responsible for promoting the markets and managing resources.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

Market Operations Management

• The Market Manager is responsible for creating a safe, healthy, and vibrant marketplace
• Coordinates and oversees day-to-day operations at your farmers markets in accordance with market policy. This includes, but is not limited to: the logistics of setup and breakdown; the management of onsite staff and/or volunteers; interfacing with host cities, the public and vendors; and the collection, control and documentation of fees.
• Assures the market is operated in a timely and efficient manner and that sales occur only within the specified market hours. Enforces regular hours of operation.
• Responsible for SNAP/HIP customer info and processing of SNAP / SNAP Match tokens at the markets. Documents and reports all SNAP and SNAP Match transactions during market season. Oversees any of this work that may be delegated to other market staff, such as an EBT coordinator, as applicable.
• Manages conflict between vendors and / or customers in a respectful, fair and confidential manner.

Vendor Management & Relations

• Collaborates with Lead Market Manager to recruits new producers to expand the variety of products for sale.
• Collaborates with Lead Market Manager (LMM) to ensure that all applicable licenses, permits, and insurances are filed with relevant agencies. Knowledgeable about where to refer a vendor in need of permits or registrations.
• Monitors vendor operations and ensures compliance to market rules and agreements, as well as city health inspection standards and state regulations. Monitors quality of vendor products and presentation.
• Develops and manages positive relationships with vendors, ensuring timely communications and resolution of issues or problems.
• Provides orientation and training to new vendors and offers ongoing coaching to help ensure vendors’ success.
• Ensures accuracy of vendor information in our vendor database and communication tool(s) to ensure smooth lines of communication with vendors.

Market Promotion

• Interacts with the public at the markets. Monitors and ensures markets’ attractiveness and appeal.
• Reports to and advises the MFM team on market conditions. Continually evaluates the markets strengths and weaknesses. In collaboration with LMM, conducts customer surveys, tracks overall sales, and monitors for potential improvements in daily logistics, outreach efforts, and product selection.
• Works with the Lead Market Manager to develop and implement strategies to enhance market quality, increase total sales, and promote both the market and MFM in a positive, professional manner.
• Works with the MFM team and LMM to review, update, or create market rules, strategies for future growth, and partnerships with other organizations.
• Collaborates with LMM to promote the market in the community and online via social media, website, email newsletters and other marketing channels.
• Collaborates with LMM to develop and facilitate special event programming at the markets, including event signage, promotion and staffing.

Additional Responsibilities

• Regularly and consistently communicates with the Lead Market Manager to ensure smooth and consistent operations at the markets.
• Attends MFM general team meetings to maintain a connection with the entire MFM team.
• Participate in Fundraising events and activities for Organization and market
• Expands & coordinates Food Access Programs
• Attends community, governmental and food access meetings for the community served by the market.

Qualifications:

• Knowledge of and passion for farmers markets and growing the local food community.
• Personal confidence and the ability to communicate effectively with a variety of people.
• Experience managing staff, volunteers and/ or vendors.
• Must have a strong work ethic, be punctual, be customer service focused, reliable, enthusiastic and a team player.
• Good problem solving and organizational skills along with strong time management skills and the ability to handle multiple tasks at once.
• Demonstrated experience collaborating with diverse groups, developing and maintaining effective working relationships with stakeholders including farmers, community members, sponsors, local media, the general public and staff.
• Experience in developing and facilitating event programming.
• Ability to lift and carry 50 lbs.
• Must have access to reliable private transportation and possess a valid driver’s license.
• Must be able to work non-standard hours as required, based on market hours during the market season and administrative needs.
• Proficient with cloud office suite such as Google Workspace, and comfortable learning new tools and technologies as needed in this role.
• Working knowledge of budgeting and managing resources within budgetary constraints.
• Food Safety Manager certified or the ability to become certified in a timely manner.
• Proficient with cloud office suite such as Google Workspace, and comfortable learning new tools and technologies as needed in this role.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior farmers market experience.
• Comfortable with social media posting for sharing market updates and special events during the market season.
• Marketing, promotion and graphic design skills helpful. Basic website editing skills are a plus.
• While there are no specific language requirements, knowledge of and some fluency in Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Mandarin or Cantonese is beneficial.