Market Director
Priority Application Date: January 9, 2023
Compensation: Dependent on experience, starts at $65,000/year, full time
Reports to: Board of Directors
The Shoreline Farmers Market Association (SFM) operates a seasonal farmers market on Saturdays June – October with additional off-season markets. Supporting 70+ unique vendors and dozens of community partners, SFM is more than a farmers market—we offer educational programming and special events for the community, support local and sustainable agriculture and small business, build community, offer food equity programs, and support economic development efforts in the city of Shoreline.
Position Summary
SFM is entering its 12th season and is seeking a Market Director who is passionate about the local food system, developing community relations, and values community driven missions. This position oversees the operations of SFM and will be in charge of the planning and development of the organization, management of the on-site market staff, and creating opportunities for growth and collaboration within the Shoreline community. The Market Director will report to the Board of Directors and supervise 2-3 part-time staff.
Primary Responsibilities
• Recruit, train, schedule, and supervise market staff, including Market Day Manager.
• Foster new and existing fundraising and sponsorship efforts.
• Recruit, schedule, and retain farmers, crafters, food trucks and entertainment for the market.
• Maintain and develop new outreach opportunities and special events.
• Ensure market compliance with all rules and regulations including those set forth by Seattle - King County Department of Public Health, City of Shoreline, and Washington State Farmers Market Association (WSFMA).
• Coordinate with City of Shoreline, King County, and other agencies to execute annual contracts.
• Identify and coordinate additional partnerships in the community.
• Enforce SFM rules and regulations.
• Foster Board relations, communication, and collaboration in developing and implementing SFM’s Strategic Plan.
Market Director Essential Functions
Membership Development and Maintenance:
• Develop and implement plans to recruit and retain market members (vendors), to establish appropriate vendor mix.
• Develop a working familiarity with the policies and bylaws of SFM and ensures vendors, site, and market processes in compliance with these. Review and update annually.
• Respond to requests for membership information, receive applications, and provide follow up.
• Receive, secure, and track completed membership applications.
• Manage and maintain membership records.
Finance Responsibility:
• Develop annual budget with the Board President.
• Establish sound and acceptable financial systems for the security and handling of cash and other receivables, bank deposits, and all other financial transactions and records.
• Coordinate with the Board Treasurer to process accounts payable and receivable, track gross sales and gross income, ensure accuracy of payroll, reconcile vendor fees, and resolve fee payment issues with vendors.
• Supervise volunteers and staff working with cash and other assets to ensure secure cash handling and inventory control procedures are followed.
• Secure and maintain records of the organization, files and financial data.
• Secure appropriate permits, licenses, and insurance for market operation.
Resource Development:
• Secure long-term and occasional sponsors based on annual financial targets and alignment with SFM purpose.
• Creatively negotiate relationships to meet sponsors’ needs and maintain SFM’s integrity.
• Determine and project fee structure for vendors that attracts vendors and meets SFM’s income needs.
• Write grant proposals for government and private foundations as needed and opportunity allows.
Staff and Volunteer Management and Supervision:
• Recruit, hire, train, assign work, schedule, and evaluate staff and volunteers.
• Develop personnel policies and manage personnel issues including termination as needed.
• Establish staffing plan to ensure adequate staffing for market days.
• Track staff work hours and provide appropriate documentation to the bookkeeper.
• Provide appropriate and motivational staff and volunteer recognition.
Market Site Management:
• Ensure a well-organized, safe, clean, and community friendly market operation by ensuring scheduling, site planning, adequate staffing, set up, clean up, and other essential tasks are accomplished.
• Oversee procedures for SFM income and direct merchandise sales transactions including the recording, receipt, and security of daily stall cash on hand and received, beginning and ending till balancing, and vendor fees received.
• Coordinate and schedule space for educational/non-profit/community groups and special events.
• Manage quality control issues through organizing farm inspections, following up on complaints, and other reasonable measures.
• Work with the Board President to collaborate with City of Shoreline liaison and King County Metro contact on major site or planning issues.
• Develop and organize special events.
Market Promotion, Communication, and Public Relations:
• Develop and implement effective marketing campaigns to promote attendance and participation.
• Develop press releases, advertisements, posters, public service announcements, etc.
• Maintain and create content for SFM’s website using GoDaddy.
• Develop marketing plan, content, and schedules social media and electronic newsletters.
• Act as primary public contact for the SFM.
• Develop community partnerships and programs to support the organization and its mission.
• Provide information and referral on market business and processes and receives and responds to information requests from the membership and public.
Support to the Board of Directors:
• Foster board development, through recruitment and orientation of new board members.
• Work with the Board to develop short term and strategic long-term plans for market growth, development, and sustainability, and reports on progress.
• Attend board meetings, executive committee meetings, and other committee meetings providing regular reports and updates on market programs, finances, and project accomplishments.
Other Essential Duties:
• Coordinate with Washington State and King County representatives about the WIC program and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program; assist farmers with compliance. Promote Food Access programs to customers and the Shoreline community.
• Coordinate with Washington State Department of Health about SNAP Market Match Program; sign contract, track participation, and provide invoices.
• Complete WSFMA membership application materials and verifies compliance with WSFMA bylaws.
• Attend conferences that provide personnel development and professional skills that support the organization.
• Attend monthly King County Market Manager's meetings & quarterly WSFMA meetings.
• Attend Shoreline Community Partner meetings and Chamber of Commerce meetings.
• Ability to work in all weather conditions and lift 50 lbs.
Experience, Skills, and Qualifications:
• Ideal candidates will have a background related to sustainable agriculture, event management, and/or project development.
• Experience with event planning, fundraising, project management, board development, organizational development, accounting, staff management.
• Demonstrated organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, strong people skills and high energy.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office 365, Manage My Market, and QuickBooks.
• BA/BS from an Accredited University.
• 2+ years of experience managing or 5+ staffing a farmers market or related organization
• Familiarity with SNAP, SNAP Market Match, WIC and other local food access programs.
• Experience and enthusiasm for soliciting sponsorships and fundraising for non-profits.
Compensation
Compensation begins at $65,000, depending on experience. Shoreline Farmers Market Association offers generous holiday, sick, and vacation benefits.
To apply: submit a resume and a brief cover letter describing professional and personal experience relevant to the position to ------------. Include “Market Director” in the subject line. This position is open until filled, with priority given to applications received by January 9, 2023.
If you have any questions, please contact ------------. View other information about the Shoreline Farmers Market at ------------. We look forward to hearing from you!
Priority Application Date: January 9, 2023
Compensation: Dependent on experience, starts at $65,000/year, full time
Reports to: Board of Directors
The Shoreline Farmers Market Association (SFM) operates a seasonal farmers market on Saturdays June – October with additional off-season markets. Supporting 70+ unique vendors and dozens of community partners, SFM is more than a farmers market—we offer educational programming and special events for the community, support local and sustainable agriculture and small business, build community, offer food equity programs, and support economic development efforts in the city of Shoreline.
Position Summary
SFM is entering its 12th season and is seeking a Market Director who is passionate about the local food system, developing community relations, and values community driven missions. This position oversees the operations of SFM and will be in charge of the planning and development of the organization, management of the on-site market staff, and creating opportunities for growth and collaboration within the Shoreline community. The Market Director will report to the Board of Directors and supervise 2-3 part-time staff.
Primary Responsibilities
• Recruit, train, schedule, and supervise market staff, including Market Day Manager.
• Foster new and existing fundraising and sponsorship efforts.
• Recruit, schedule, and retain farmers, crafters, food trucks and entertainment for the market.
• Maintain and develop new outreach opportunities and special events.
• Ensure market compliance with all rules and regulations including those set forth by Seattle - King County Department of Public Health, City of Shoreline, and Washington State Farmers Market Association (WSFMA).
• Coordinate with City of Shoreline, King County, and other agencies to execute annual contracts.
• Identify and coordinate additional partnerships in the community.
• Enforce SFM rules and regulations.
• Foster Board relations, communication, and collaboration in developing and implementing SFM’s Strategic Plan.
Market Director Essential Functions
Membership Development and Maintenance:
• Develop and implement plans to recruit and retain market members (vendors), to establish appropriate vendor mix.
• Develop a working familiarity with the policies and bylaws of SFM and ensures vendors, site, and market processes in compliance with these. Review and update annually.
• Respond to requests for membership information, receive applications, and provide follow up.
• Receive, secure, and track completed membership applications.
• Manage and maintain membership records.
Finance Responsibility:
• Develop annual budget with the Board President.
• Establish sound and acceptable financial systems for the security and handling of cash and other receivables, bank deposits, and all other financial transactions and records.
• Coordinate with the Board Treasurer to process accounts payable and receivable, track gross sales and gross income, ensure accuracy of payroll, reconcile vendor fees, and resolve fee payment issues with vendors.
• Supervise volunteers and staff working with cash and other assets to ensure secure cash handling and inventory control procedures are followed.
• Secure and maintain records of the organization, files and financial data.
• Secure appropriate permits, licenses, and insurance for market operation.
Resource Development:
• Secure long-term and occasional sponsors based on annual financial targets and alignment with SFM purpose.
• Creatively negotiate relationships to meet sponsors’ needs and maintain SFM’s integrity.
• Determine and project fee structure for vendors that attracts vendors and meets SFM’s income needs.
• Write grant proposals for government and private foundations as needed and opportunity allows.
Staff and Volunteer Management and Supervision:
• Recruit, hire, train, assign work, schedule, and evaluate staff and volunteers.
• Develop personnel policies and manage personnel issues including termination as needed.
• Establish staffing plan to ensure adequate staffing for market days.
• Track staff work hours and provide appropriate documentation to the bookkeeper.
• Provide appropriate and motivational staff and volunteer recognition.
Market Site Management:
• Ensure a well-organized, safe, clean, and community friendly market operation by ensuring scheduling, site planning, adequate staffing, set up, clean up, and other essential tasks are accomplished.
• Oversee procedures for SFM income and direct merchandise sales transactions including the recording, receipt, and security of daily stall cash on hand and received, beginning and ending till balancing, and vendor fees received.
• Coordinate and schedule space for educational/non-profit/community groups and special events.
• Manage quality control issues through organizing farm inspections, following up on complaints, and other reasonable measures.
• Work with the Board President to collaborate with City of Shoreline liaison and King County Metro contact on major site or planning issues.
• Develop and organize special events.
Market Promotion, Communication, and Public Relations:
• Develop and implement effective marketing campaigns to promote attendance and participation.
• Develop press releases, advertisements, posters, public service announcements, etc.
• Maintain and create content for SFM’s website using GoDaddy.
• Develop marketing plan, content, and schedules social media and electronic newsletters.
• Act as primary public contact for the SFM.
• Develop community partnerships and programs to support the organization and its mission.
• Provide information and referral on market business and processes and receives and responds to information requests from the membership and public.
Support to the Board of Directors:
• Foster board development, through recruitment and orientation of new board members.
• Work with the Board to develop short term and strategic long-term plans for market growth, development, and sustainability, and reports on progress.
• Attend board meetings, executive committee meetings, and other committee meetings providing regular reports and updates on market programs, finances, and project accomplishments.
Other Essential Duties:
• Coordinate with Washington State and King County representatives about the WIC program and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program; assist farmers with compliance. Promote Food Access programs to customers and the Shoreline community.
• Coordinate with Washington State Department of Health about SNAP Market Match Program; sign contract, track participation, and provide invoices.
• Complete WSFMA membership application materials and verifies compliance with WSFMA bylaws.
• Attend conferences that provide personnel development and professional skills that support the organization.
• Attend monthly King County Market Manager's meetings & quarterly WSFMA meetings.
• Attend Shoreline Community Partner meetings and Chamber of Commerce meetings.
• Ability to work in all weather conditions and lift 50 lbs.
Experience, Skills, and Qualifications:
• Ideal candidates will have a background related to sustainable agriculture, event management, and/or project development.
• Experience with event planning, fundraising, project management, board development, organizational development, accounting, staff management.
• Demonstrated organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, strong people skills and high energy.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office 365, Manage My Market, and QuickBooks.
• BA/BS from an Accredited University.
• 2+ years of experience managing or 5+ staffing a farmers market or related organization
• Familiarity with SNAP, SNAP Market Match, WIC and other local food access programs.
• Experience and enthusiasm for soliciting sponsorships and fundraising for non-profits.
Compensation
Compensation begins at $65,000, depending on experience. Shoreline Farmers Market Association offers generous holiday, sick, and vacation benefits.
To apply: submit a resume and a brief cover letter describing professional and personal experience relevant to the position to ------------. Include “Market Director” in the subject line. This position is open until filled, with priority given to applications received by January 9, 2023.
If you have any questions, please contact ------------. View other information about the Shoreline Farmers Market at ------------. We look forward to hearing from you!