Hiring: Farmers’ Market Manager – Lexington Farmers’ Market

Job: Lexington Farmers’ Market Market Manager

Location: On-site – Lexington, MA (hybrid)

Pay: $24 per hour (commensurate with experience)

Hours: 15-20 hours per week

The Lexington Farmers’ Market (MA) is hiring a Market Manager.

We are looking for a dedicated individual to serve as the Market Manager for the LFM’s seasonal markets held throughout the year. A valued nonprofit community institution entering its 22nd summer season, the LFM is seeking an organized, welcoming and professional individual who can work both independently and as part of a team committed to providing access to local, healthy food. This is a year round, paid part-time position; see attached job description for more details. Please send a cover letter and resume to lexingtonfarmersmkt@gmail.com; we look forward to hearing from you!

Job Description

The Lexington Farmers’ Market connects residents with local farmers and vendors, providing greater access to fresh, locally-grown and -produced food to community members of all income levels. The LFM educates people about healthy eating, nutrition and sustainable agriculture, and provides a social experience that builds community.

 General Description: 

The Market Manager has day-to-day responsibility for the successful operation of the Lexington Farmers’ Market, working in close collaboration with the LFM Board. The LFM is a producer-only market with an average of 30 farmers/vendors, artisans and community groups on-site weekly during the regular season, rain, heat or shine, and other seasonal markets listed below. 

This job requires approximately 15-20 hours per week. The Market Manager is onsite every market day, with more administrative hours as required on a flexible schedule. Compensation starts at $24/hour, commensurate with experience, along with periodic bonuses. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis with the goal of hiring the best candidate by mid-May. Visit www.lexingtonfarmersmarket.org for more information on the LFM.

 Dates and Times: 

• Regular season market dates are last Tuesday in May-last Tuesday in October from 2-6:30 pm (23 markets); Thanksgiving FEASTival Tuesday before Thanksgiving, 12-4 pm; Small Yet Mighty Winter Market, bi-weekly indoors Saturdays January-April, 11-2 pm, (8 markets)
• On summer market days, the Market Manager is on site for approximately 2.5 hours before opening and remains until one hour after closing and/or all vendors have left
• Additional hours are budgeted for off-site weekly organization for all markets, approximately 5-7 hours during the regular season and summer market preseason

 Major Responsibilities (approximately 15 hours per week)

1. Market Management

The Market Manager serves as the first point of contact and public face of the LFM on market days. The MM manages the weekly market, coordinating and overseeing day-to-day operations and enforcing market rules for all participants and customers. This includes but is not limited to: 

• Market setup and breakdown, including signage, putting up tents and assisting farmers/vendors before opening bell 
• Setup and oversight of the LFM Market Manager’s table: information for customers, SNAP/EBT transactions, and general questions
• Connecting with farmers and vendors throughout the market day to ensure smooth market operations
• Troubleshooting and conflict resolution: resolve questions or issues that may arise around market operations and customer interactions
• Onsite assistance for weekly musicians, artisans, and community groups when needed

2. Farmer and Vendor Relations (market days and throughout the season)  

• Develop and manage relationships with farmers/vendors for a cooperative market environment 
• Ensure timely and proactive communications with market participants 
• Monitor farmer/vendor compliance with market rules and agreements 
• Identify and mediate conflicts or challenges with or between farmers/vendors
• Provide orientation and training for new vendors 

  Communication, Volunteer and Event Management, 

• Promote LFM activities in weekly newsletter, community spaces and through online engagement
• Recruit, train and manage day-of-market volunteers throughout the season
• Plan and oversee special event programming at the LFM (example: Sustainability Day)

  Organizational, Financial Planning & Management (with Board President and Treasurer)

• Track key metrics, manage LFM calendar and complete weekly reconciliation related to market operations 
• Prepare materials and reports for and participate in periodic evening board meetings
• Attend relevant conferences, workshops and meetings
• Engage with all stakeholders on SNAP/HIP program, including licensing, equipment, and improving day-of program implementation

 Market Planning and Organization (working with Board)

• Coordinate and implement application process for regular season market, Thanksgiving FEASTival and bi-weekly Small Yet Mighty Winter Market 
• Manage recruiting, followup, scheduling and acceptance of applicants
• Work closely with Town of Lexington departments as appropriate (including but not limited to Board of Health, Town Manager’s Office, Dept. of Public Works, and Lexington Police) 

6. Additional Duties

• Work with Board on additional responsibilities based on interest and skill level 
• When possible with board member(s), conduct routine visits to farms and vendor kitchens to ensure compliance and become familiar with operations  

 Reporting Relationships  

• Reports to Board President; works with additional Board members on financial tracking, budgeting, Board of Health issues, artisan and entertainment scheduling

 Qualifications 

• Passion for and knowledge of local food systems, local farms and farmers’ markets

• Attention to detail, strong organizational and problem-solving skills 
• Management experience, including working with multiple constituencies/stakeholders 
• Ability to enforce rules and regulations
• Strong interpersonal skills, professional and patient in interactions with farmers, vendors and a diverse customer base 

• Knowledge of and facility with Google Drive/Documents/Forms/Sheets, Constant Contact Newsletters 
• Ability to lift 50 lbs 
• Not required but extremely useful: facility with languages, primarily Mandarin and Cantonese

The Lexington Farmers’ Market does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, identity, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. The Lexington Farmers’ Market is an equal opportunity employer.