New West Farmers Market Society is seeking a passionate, food-loving, community-oriented person to join our team as Market Manager. Is that you?
New West Farmers Market Society operates a mid-sized, year-round farmers market based in New Westminster, BC. The summer market takes place in Tipperary Park from 3-7 on Thursdays from Victoria Day to Thanksgiving. The winter market currently takes place outdoors on the first and third Saturday of the month on Belmont Street in uptown New West from November to April. The organization will host its tenth summer season in 2018. We seek a qualified individual to join our team in a leadership capacity as our Market Manager. The ideal candidate loves food, people, and community and is detail and task-oriented, and capable of self-starting.
Amount and Type of Work:
This is primarily a work-from-home position, however the Market Manager is expected to attend all markets for their duration and occasionally attend community events and/or market-related meetings in the community. Some lifting and physical work is required. The position is somewhat varied in hours due to seasonality, but is roughly 30 hours a week in the summer, and an average of 10-15 hours a week in the winter.
Compensation and Support:
This position is paid hourly and is based on a contract that includes the winter and summer market season, renewed annually. New West Farmers Market (NWFM) Society is a living wage employer and is committed to an inclusive and supportive working culture. The Market Manager is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors (elected annually) with a designated Board liaison and is supported by a market-day assistant and long-term contractors who manage the accounting and social media.
Equipment Required:
The successful candidate is expected to supply an internet-connected computer to work from, however the society will provide a cellular phone, which is to be answered during set times (to be agreed upon). NWFM can supply a printer if required. A car or driver’s license is not required for this job, however having a reliable means of transportation to get to and from the market site as well as occasionally transporting larger supplies is.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Market Logistics: The Market Manager is responsible for the planning and implementation of all aspects of market days, including but not limited to: allocating spaces to vendors, determining market mix, booking musicians and other entertainment, seeking and booking community groups, managing volunteers, and collecting stall fees from vendors.The Market Manager is required to work with the bookkeeper and social media contractor to ensure the market’s accounting and promotions are streamlined and accurate. Understanding of the use of accounting software such as QuickBooks is a valuable asset.
Vendor Management: The Market Manager is responsible for active recruitment and management of vendors to offer a unique and diverse market blend. This may mean attending other markets or conducting farm visits on occasion. It may mean managing feedback from vendors as well as ensuring the Vendor Guidelines are met. NWFM uses a cloud-based database system developed for the back-end management of the vendors; training will be provided on its use.
Community Partnerships and Collaboration: NWFM collaborates a great deal in the community for events or programs with a variety of partners, including local government, community groups, and individuals. The Market Manager is responsible for managing existing partnerships as well as seeking out and bringing new opportunities to the Board for consideration. Often, Board members assists with these collaborations. A comprehensive understanding of the NWFM Strategic Plan and Bylaws and Constitution is required.
Securing Funding: As a non profit, NWFM relies on occasional grants or sponsorships to support programs and initiatives. The Market Manager, working with the Board, may be responsible for seeking out and securing grants and sponsorships. Additionally, the Market Manager may be responsible for planning an annual fundraiser with support from a Board sub-committee.
Volunteers: Along with Board members, the Market Manager is responsible for the recruitment, retention, and management of volunteers. New West Farmers Market Society is known for helpful and friendly volunteers who staff the information booth and support vendors as well as attend community events. Experience working with volunteers is considered an asset.
Supervision of Market-Day Assistant: The Market Manager is responsible for assigning duties and tasks to the Market Day assistant, and in providing feedback to the board for performance evaluations.
Communication with the Board of Directors: As the Board is comprised of volunteers, communication with the Board is mostly done online. Regular updates are required. The Board may provide direction or ask questions of the Manager through these online means. Additionally, there is a monthly meeting the Market Manager is required to submit a report for.
Other Work as Assigned: Depending upon areas of focus for NWFM, other duties may come up from time to time that fit into the hours available.
How to Apply:
Send your resume along with a cover letter to board@newwestfarmers.ca before 5pm September 15th, 2017. Applications received after this time will not be considered.
Preference will be given to candidates who: live in New Westminster, have an understanding and/or interest in food and food security issues, regularly shop at our or other farmers markets in the region, have experience with event planning, and consider themselves “people persons”.
The successful candidate will start very quickly after the closing date, as this is a crucial time of learning while the Winter Market is planned and prepared for, however full onboarding is likely to occur mid-late October.
We apologize to those applicants who apply but are not contacted – only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interviews. Interviews will be conducted in the evening.
