Job Title: Farmers Market Manager

Location: Rockport Farmers Market, Rockport, MA and remote

Job Type: Part-Time year round, Saturdays during market season

Schedule: Saturdays, June 14 – October 11, 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM plus semi-flexible time during the week, plus one Holiday Market in Nov.

Compensation: $26/hour

About the Rockport Farmers Market:

The Rockport Farmers Market is a lively, community-centered event showcasing local farmers, food producers, and artisans. Held every Saturday from June through October, the market

provides fresh, locally sourced products to residents and visitors while fostering a strong local food culture.

Our Mission:

The Rockport Farmers Market is a project of the Rockport Exchange, a 501(c)(3) organization.

See rockportexchange.org for more details. Our mission is to strengthen community by focusing on access to local foods, community building, and growing the local economy.

Job Summary:

Join a dynamic nonprofit comprised of hardworking, dedicated volunteers and board members. The Market Manager, supervised by a member of the Rockport Exchange (REX) Board of

Directors, will be responsible for managing the overall operation of the Rockport Farmers Market. This is a part-time, year-round position compensated at \$26/hour. The 2025 Farmers Market season will start on Saturday, June 14, and run through Saturday, October 11, with approximately 15-20 hours per week expected during the Market season. Preseason Market work is expected to begin as early as April 1, 2025, and postseason Market work

will continue until the end of the calendar year, with approximately 5-15 hours per week. Additionally, one holiday pop-up market (indoors) is planned for November 2025, requiring additional hours. The Market Manager’s hours at the Market on Saturdays are from approximately 8:00 AM until 2:00 PM, including setup, general operation, and breakdown. Public Market hours are from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Some flexibility is possible outside of market hours for planning and administrative tasks.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

1. Market Coordination

- Manage approximately 18 Saturday Market days during the season and one or two Holiday Markets postseason.

- Use Convention Force program to process vendor applications, payments, and map out vendor booth placements.

- Coordinate/Assist with setup and breakdown, including tents, tables, signage, waste bins, and Market merchandise.

- Ensure vendor compliance with permits and insurance using Convention Force.

- Assist vendors in the application process and promote positive market/vendor relations.

- Oversee transactions for SNAP and other food access programs at the Market.

- Recruit, train, and manage volunteers, maintaining a volunteer schedule.

- Supervise the Market Assistant.

2. Financial Accountability & Reporting

- Work with the REX Treasurer to ensure timely vendor payments and track financial records.

- Maintain accurate financial records, submit monthly financial reports, and provide financial updates to the board.

- Ensure vendor payments are processed accurately and on time using Convention Force.

3. Vendor Management & Software Implementation

- Grow the vendor list, food selection, and SNAP participation.

- Implement and manage a vendor management system (Convention Force) for vendor registration, communication, and payment processing.

- Track vendor attendance and compliance with market rules.

- Communicate market rules and updates to vendors ahead of time.

- Foster positive experiences and interactions with vendors.

4. Outreach & Communications

- Manage communications with vendors, musicians, nonprofits, and volunteers using email,Sign Up Genius and Convention Force.

- Maintain lists of current and potential vendors, volunteers, and musicians.

- Promote the Market through social media (Facebook, Instagram), MailChimp, using Canva, WordPress, and Survey Monkey.

- Send weekly "Market Newsletter" email to shoppers on email list during market season to promote the market and vendors. Expand the email outreach list by collecting emails at the

market and on the website.

5. External Relations

- Work with the Board of Health, Select Board, Police Department, and adjacent property owners regarding permits, parking, and electricity.

- Engage with the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce and other community organizations to promote the Market.

- Support the REX Board with grant applications and reports.

6. Supervision & Support

- Supervise the Market Assistant and volunteers, sending weekly emails to review tasks and ensure Market-day responsibilities are covered.

- Train volunteers on vendor assistance, waste management, and safety protocols.

7. Other Duties

- Attend REX Board Meetings as requested. Please report issues and suggestions to improve the market to the REX Board.

- Attend Mass. Farmers Market zoom meetings as needed.

- Submit timesheets bi-weekly.

- Identify areas for improvement and suggest solutions to enhance market operations and

vendor engagement.

Qualifications

- Ability to develop strong relationships with Board members, volunteers, vendors, and shoppers.

- Strong organizational and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.

- Computer proficiency, including Google Sheets and Google Docs.

- Experience with social media management and digital communication tools.

- Ability to lift 30-40 lbs.

- Nonprofit experience preferred.

- Experience in farmer markets or event management is a plus.

Work Environment

- Outdoor work on Market days with indoor administrative duties during the offseason.

- Flexibility in hours outside of Market days for planning and communications.

Training

The Market Manager will receive training in all aspects of the Market, including the use of Convention Force software, vendor requirements, scheduling, setup and breakdown, and

general Market operations. The Market Manager is also expected to complete a ServSafe and First Aid course.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, please send your cover letter and resume to

rockportexchange01966@gmail.com with the subject line: “Job Application- Market Manager” Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Rockport Exchange is an Equal

Opportunity Employer.

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