Main Street Farmers Market
Manager Position

Market Manager Responsibilities

The primary responsibility of the Main Street Farmers Market Manager is to maintain the daily and ongoing operations of the Market. The Market Manager is responsible for managing all stakeholder relationships (including, but not limited to vendor, customer, sponsor, and board relationships). The Market Manager is responsible for managing

all volunteer positions. The Market manager is an employee of the Main Street Farmers Market and is supervised by the MSFM Board of Directors.

Off-season (December – March) Tasks. (Approximately 10 hours per week).

•Update and maintain website, face book, and twitter accounts (at least one update/ communiqué per week, and one per day for the two weeks leading up to the market; monthly newsletter updates through April);

•Create/Review vendor application;

•Recruit vendors, process vendor applications, and ensure necessary paperwork is obtained. Have a record keeping system of the necessary information. Get information to the Farmers Review Committee within 24 hours of receipt of applications Conduct site visits with farmers as needed;

•Create sponsorship package for MSFM;

•Fundraise for MSFM projects. Recruit community sponsors, write and apply for grant proposals;

•Develop fundraising events with board participation (i.e. farm tours, seasonal festivals, etc.);

•Obtain necessary lease, permits, insurance, licenses, etc…;

•Develop Emergency Response Protocol;

•Oversee development of market merchandise;

•Recruit and train the Market Assistant;

•Recruit and train volunteers; work closely with GSU and OTC to develop intern possibilities and supervise once established

•Promote the market through various modes of advertising, including but not limited to press and community outreach, creation of marketing materials, and media platform, speak to civic groups, schools, businesses

•Create the schedule of events for the Market, and recruit necessary participants, including but not limited to Chefs, Educators, Musicians, and Artists, participants in the WELLNESS TENT and community education booths which relate to the market mission;

•Attend educational sessions, meetings and conferences related to managing a market. Serve as the representative for MSFM. Promote and endorse local, sustainable farmers markets; become a board member representative for entities such as the Chamber of Commerce, City and County committees, Keep Bulloch Beautiful, GSU Botanical Garden as examples

•Educate and ensure vendors are aware of all Market policies and procedures, including safety regulations and EBT.

In- Season Ongoing Tasks (April – November). (Approximately 15 hours per week).

•Communicate regularly with vendors regarding product availability, policies, attendance, and logistics. Send weekly email to vendors on Monday;

•Update and maintain website, Facebook page, twitter account, and weekly newsletter. Create or supervise creation of articles and information for these platforms. Send e-newsletter and update Facebook page by Wednesday afternoon each week;

•Continue to recruit and coordinate ancillary participants, including but not limited to Chefs, Educators, Musicians, and Artists;

•Supervise farmers market volunteer committees, agendas and goals and send out quarterly reports to the MSFM membership

•Continue to recruit, train, and manage volunteers liaise with other stakeholders, including but not limited to sponsors, board members, and community businesses and agencies;

•Manage any and all activities related to educational outreach and/or grant funding. Transfer Market Day Weekly Report and Weekly EBT

•Be present for Board meetings with report of market activities ;

•Organize and coordinate special events and participation in area events, including but not limited to Events occurring with Downtown Statesboro Main Street, Averitt Center for the Arts, Convention and Visitors Bureau and GSU Botanical Garden;

•Stay abreast of, and connected to, MSFM events and happenings through communication with SCVB, GSU Botanical Garden and DSDA and other communityleaders; and

•Any additional tasks that ensure the smooth operation and sustainability of the MSFM.

Day-of Market Tasks (SaturdaysApril 2- November 20):

The Market Manager is responsible for performing the following tasks or supervising interns and/or volunteers performing the tasks. The Manager should be present at least 90 percent of the markets, and must submit at least two weeks in advance to the Board of Directors dates of absence and plans for responsible management coverage.

Set Up:

•Arrive at 7:00 a.m.;

•supervise volunteers

•Set up Information Tent with EBT processing machine and information, MSFM informational materials, sponsor signage, e-newsletter signup sheet, merchandise, and any other pertinent materials;

•Help to Set up chef demo tent, if needed, with necessary cooking equipment, sampling supplies, flyers, etc…;

•Blockade Market entrances from vehicles;

•Check in vendors and supervise vendor booth set-up;
Display market signs; and

•Place trash and recycling cans.

During Market Tasks:

•Manage the Market Assistant and volunteers;

•Maintain and build customer relationships. Greet customers, encourage customers to sign up for the e-newsletter, sell merchandise and answer any customer questions/ concerns. Observe customer trends; work with survey committee for the surveys being done to gauge market trends;

•Maintain and build vendor relationships. Check in with each vendor throughout Market. Take note and act accordingly to all vendor and customer concerns and requests. Observe vendor trends;

•Manage MSFM financial transactions. Supervise or perform customer EBT Card transactions and token allocation at Information Booth and implementing rules that apply to EBT. Collect fees from vendors and record all monetary transactions (merchandise, vendor fees, etc) for Market Day Weekly Report. Collect EBT Tokens at the end of market and record on the Weekly EBT/ Report;

•Manage the Information Booth. Maintain inventory of marketing, merchandise, and informational materials. Implement traffic counts of customers for each market every 30 minutes Document Market activities for website and newsletter;

•Supervise Market break down, store supplies, and ensure site is left in presentable condition;

•Handle any and all emergencies according to protocol; and

•Ensure safety of customers and vendors at all times.

Qualifications:

•Innovative and creative;

•Knowledge of agriculture issues and practices;

•Ability to act independently, take direction, and work with a team;

•Strong interpersonal relationship skills. Be able to relate and get along with diverse groups of people;

•Strong problem solving skills;

•Strong communication skills. Be an honest and open communicator. Be able to communicate via verbal and written modes in appropriate and situational manner;

•Acute observation and decision making skills;

•Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Excel;

•Organized, with the ability to multi-task;

•Comfortable working outdoors in any weather and lifting 20 pounds;

•First Aid and CPR Certification (or willingness to become certified).

Compensation:

Compensation is $12 per hour

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