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 Market Manager

Full-Time 35-40 hours per week

Starting salary $45,000/year

 

*Valid drivers license required

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Who We Are: 

Food is the foundation of good health. Forty Acres Fresh Market (FAFM) is an independent, Black woman-owned grocery business offering high-quality, fresh food to people across Chicagoland. We are working to restore healthy food access so that people across Chicago neighborhoods can have a worthwhile grocery experience regardless of zip code.

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Who You Are: ​

Do you want to be part of building a business that is a catalyst for community change? Do you believe that everyone should be able to get affordable fresh food in their neighborhood? Are you interested in rebuilding neighborhoods that have endured years of divestment? If so then this is the company for you. 

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The Job:

Forty Acres has partnered with the city of Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events for the Austin Town Hall Farmers Market. The goal is to leverage the City Market program to incubate an independent farmers market for the Austin community. We are seeking an individual who can deliver impact and growth.

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Seeking Market Manager for on-site farmers‘ market operations at the Austin Town Hall  Farmers Market. Market Manager duties start now with vendor curating, recruitment and training, contributing to marketing plan and implementation, developing special event plans and coordinating social media and maintaining records. Market season launches in June! 

You will be employed by Forty Acres Fresh Market, with 4 weeks of training and support from the outgoing Market Manager. As Market Manager you will lead a small team that includes an Assistant Manager and EBT Coordinator.

 

This is role will begin as Part-Time through July 3, then transition into a year-round, full time position, 35 to 40 hours per week. Expect one long day per week on site for market set up, management and break down. Additional days will include visiting markets and farms for recruitment, and office work remote or at Forty Acres offices.

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As a successful applicant you will have an interest in real food, farmers’ markets, community outreach, restaurants, event management, and urban neighborhoods. You’ll take attendance seriously since markets are open rain or shine. You’ll have a reliable transportation plan, be willing and able to operate a cargo van to transport market equimpment and supplies, and be able to stay cool under pressure - market set up can be a bit hectic.

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COMPENSATION: This is a 35-40 hour position and includes holidays, sick pay and PTO. Salary starts at  $45,000 (paid annually), depending on relevant experience.​

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SCHEDULE Availability Required: 

Thursdays 10:30 am to 7:30 pm on site at market. Additional hours are somewhat flexible, a schedule will be established to meet the needs of the manager and the market.

 

ON SITE DUTIES​

  • Support farmers, vendors and customers from market set up through breakdowns to ensure a safe, successful weekly event, rain or shine.

  • Transport market equipment and supplies between designated storage location and the market each week. 

  • Lift and carry tables, pop up tent, and barricades – must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. Experience putting up a tent means bonus points! 

  • Supervise Farmers Market staff (Assistant Manager and Cashier), including giving clear directions, assigning break times, and providing feedback and correction.

  • Direct farmers and vendors during set up and throughout the market, answering questions and maintaining site and market rules and local regulations.

  • Observe traffic safety procedures to keep attendees and vehicles separate.

  • Answer questions and provide information for farmers, vendors, shoppers and occasional inspectors during the markets.

  • Provide excellent customer relations, collect email addresses at market Welcome Booth

  • Coordinate and assist with special events and complete other tasks as needed

 

OFF SITE DUTIES (remote)​

  • Co create and manage annual farmers market budget. Seek out and apply for additional funding through available and applicable grant opportunities

  • Recruit and train new farmers and vendors with support from DCASE team

  • Invoice farmers and vendors accurately and promptly every week. Verify and track vendor payments on a weekly basis

  • Distribute flyers and posters, and attend local events periodically to promote the farmers market

 

HAVE SOME OR ALL OF THESE TALENTS? WE’RE LOOKING FOR YOU!

  • A strong interest in food, events and community is required; experience related to any of those fields is preferred. Retail and restaurant experience is typically valuable.

  • Good verbal and written communication skills, and the ability to relate to a diverse group of people, from farmers, vendors and booth staff to shoppers, sponsors, neighborhood residents and inspectors.

  • Bonus points for marketing experience including Mailchimp or other newsletter platform and social media.

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills. Experience with writing is a big plus.

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Forty Acres Fresh Market is an equal opportunity employer. We will not discriminate and will take affirmative action measures to ensure against discrimination in employment, recruitment, advertisements for employment, compensation, termination, upgrading, promotions, and other conditions of employment against any employee or job applicant on the bases of race, color, gender, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran's status, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.

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