WE’re hiring!

 
 
 

Position Announcement: Farmers Market Manager

Job Title: Farmers Market Manager

Reports To: Executive Director of The Worthington Partnership

Salary: $26,000-$33,000 with opportunity for bonus

Benefits: Hybrid Role, Part-Time, Flexible Schedule, PTO  

Work Schedule: Onsite Saturdays, year-round. (6am-1:30pm, May-October and 7am-1:30pm, November-April). Hours during the remainder of the week are flexible. Some evenings and holidays, as needed.

Work Conditions: The Worthington Farmers Market is held outdoors, rain or shine, April through October. Working conditions include but are not limited to rain, heat, freezing temperatures and wind. Occasional lifting of equipment weighing up to 50 lbs., stepping up and down from a cargo van, setting up canopies, carrying large boxes and responding to onsite emergencies. 

Who We Are: The Worthington Farmers Market is a weekly, year-round event hosted by The Worthington Partnership, a volunteer-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The organization's focus is on enhancing the geographic heart of Worthington, as well as attracting visitors and positive attention to the City of Worthington and areas within the Worthington City School district.

We promote the essence of community by designing special occasions to gather; supporting the advancement of local small businesses; and beautifying and enhancing our historic district. We stand as a strong and unique community advocate for growth, sustainability, collaboration, and engagement.

The Farmers Market Manager is a part-time, 30 hours a week, position with primary responsibility for the operation of the year-round Saturday farmers market. This will include an on-site presence at the market during all market hours, as well as off-site, remote work during non-market hours. The manager will work closely with the Assistant Market Manager, Market volunteers and the Executive Director of The Worthington Partnership. The Worthington Partnership team comprises the Executive Director, the Tourism Director, the Farmers Market Manager and the Assistant Market Manager. The Worthington Farmers Market is supported by a team of volunteers.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

The Farmers Market Manager builds and maintains positive relationships with producers, customers, representatives of the City of Worthington, community partners and neighboring businesses to create a safe and vibrant gathering place where small businesses can prosper. The Farmers Market Manager will have a thorough understanding of The Worthington Partnership’s mission and goals and keep informed of best practices for areas of innovation and improvement by collaborating with other organizations, participating in professional development opportunities and conducting research.

The Market Manager should be able to interact and positively engage with a variety of people and groups. This role is public-facing and should routinely present a service-first mentality. Demonstrated ability to lead a team and make quick decisions as well as diplomatically handle confrontation. Comfortable leading and working in a team environment, communicating ideas, proactively identifying potential problems, providing feedback and offering creative solutions that take into account the point of view and impact of multiple stakeholders, as needed.

Small business, entrepreneurship, event management and/or hospitality-industry experience is valuable. Experience recruiting and overseeing volunteers is a plus. Knowledge of local food sources and agriculture is helpful. 

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Ensure all market rules and regulations comply with local food safety rules and guidelines, laws, ordinances and regulations set forth by the municipal law, the State of Ohio, and the United States.

Vendor recruitment and maintenance of proper mix of products. Collect all stall fees owed, make accurate accounting, and deposit in a market account. Arrive prior to market vendors arriving and remain throughout the market day to:

  • Understand the needs of market participants, property owners and area merchants to create booth layout and producer placement 

  • Place market signs

  • Ensure all rules and regulations are adhered to

  • Ensure all state,county and city regulations are adhered to

  • Answer questions for vendors and consumers

  • Maintain supportive relationships with producers, be familiar with their products and practices and promote their success

  • Resolve disputes that arise

  • Maintain market grounds in a safe manner

  • Operate information booth

  • Operate EBT/SNAP program

  • Create and manage Farmers Market related programming

  • Provide guidance and leadership to Farmers Market staff and volunteers regarding customer service, Market logistics and compliance

  • Accurately track Market tokens, merchandise and producer payments and routinely reconcile each form of income

  • Set up eye-catching display of WFM merchandise for sale at market booths

  • Track and record vendor attendance, shoppers counts and information booth sales data

  • Communicate market policies, activities, and rules to vendors, keeping them informed throughout the season

  • Assure the market site is clean once the market is closed

  • Maintain database of farmers, vendors, their contact information, and any licenses or permits each vendor possesses based on the products they are selling

  • Community relationship development—with Old Worthington merchants as well as Shops at Worthington Place management and merchants

  • Assist Partnership Executive Director with ideas for fundraising specific to farmers market

  • Assist with the posting of interesting, relevant and high quality photos/information to social media outlets that encourage shopper attendance

  • Advertising/promotional program development, including special events planning

  • Work with The Worthington Partnership to plan for market growth and development (including attending board meetings quarterly and committee meetings monthly)

 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES

REQUIRED:

  • Commitment to diversity and inclusion practices 

  • Thorough and respectful verbal and written communications skills

  • Ability to think creatively

  • Ability to understand rules and comfort holding others accountable

  • Demonstrated diplomacy when resolving disputes 

  • Organizational skills

  • Proficient in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel and the G-Suite of products

  • Ability to work some evenings, holidays and every Saturday

  • Remote office set-up including a cell phone, computer, printer and reliable internet connection

HELPFUL:

  • Marketing and social media skills helpful

  • Some financial knowledge helpful: i.e., budgeting

  • Self-motivated

  • Passionate about the community, local agriculture, or food equity 

APPLICATION PROCESS

Please submit a resume and cover letter to owfarmersmarketmanager@gmail.com. Position will be kept open until filled but applications received before Sept 9 will be given preference. Cover letter should answer the questions “Why do you want to be our new Farmers Market Manager? What skills do I bring that can benefit the Worthington Farmers Market?”