Position:
Logan Square Farmers Market, Assistant Market Manager
Timeline:
May to October
General Description:
The Logan Square Farmers Market, “the Best Farmers Market in
Chicago” (2012, Chicago Reader; 2011, WBBM “Best of Chicago”, etc.) began
operating in 2005. It is held weekly on
Sundays from mid May through March in the Logan Square neighborhood on the
northwest side of Chicago.
The mission of the market is threefold: to build an
alternative food delivery system; to foster entrepreneurship; and to build
community. During peak season, more than
50 vendors of raw and processed agricultural products participate, selling
their goods to three thousand or more customers and visitors.
The Assistant Market Manager is a new, part-time position,
created in response to the growth of the Market and the overall need for
trained farmers market managers. There
is the possibility for this position to be structured as an internship for
school credit. The person filling this
position will have the opportunity to learn the skills needed to successfully
operate an urban farmers market including:
- Vendor
recruitment and relations
- Volunteer
recruitment and management
- Market
promotion
- Collaboration
with city departments, local businesses, and other organizations
- Market
day logistics and execution
- Farm
and producer visits/inspections
- Financial
record keeping
Qualifications:
A strong candidate for this position will have a
demonstrated passion for local, sustainable food production and/or community
building and civic engagement. This is a
physically demanding role, requiring the ability to work in all weather
conditions and to lift and carry up to 50lbs.
Applicants must be 18 years of age or older and legally eligible for
employment in the U.S.
Other desired qualifications are:
- Familiarity
with the Logan Square neighborhood
- Proficiency
with Microsoft Office suite
- Basic
understanding of social media, internet communications, and Constant
Contact
- Experience
in customer service and/or event planning
- Agricultural
background
- Valid
driver’s license
- Graphic
design
- Demonstrated
ability to engage with diverse populations
Position Responsibilites:
The Logan
Square Farmers Market 2013 outdoor season will operate on Sundays from May 19th
through October 27th on Logan Blvd., just east of the intersection
of Logan Blvd. and Milwaukee Ave. in Chicago, IL. The Assistant Market Manager will be expected
to attend at least 20 of the 24 Markets that comprise the Logan Square Farmers
Market’s 2013 outdoor season. The Market
is open from 10am to 3pm. The Assistant
Market Manager will be expected to arrive at 8am and stay through tear down
(approximately 4pm). During that time,
s/he will assist the Market Manager in setting up the Market, coordinating volunteers
and vendors, processing electronic payments, security, and tear down of the
Market. This is a physically and
mentally demanding role that is best filled by someone with enthusiasm and a
positive, resilient attitude.
In addition
to the day of the Market, the Assistant Market Manager will be expected to
complete 4-8 hours of work during the week.
This time will be used to learn and assist with administrative tasks,
develop new programming or promotions, with potential for other projects as
identified by Market Management. This
work may be completed in the Chamber of Commerce offices or at other locations,
as is appropriate. These hours will be
scheduled with the Market Manager and may be flexible in order to accommodate school
or other employment.
The
Assistant Market Manager will also be invited to attend community events or
meetings that will enhance her/his experience and broaden her/his understanding
of the complexities of running a farmers market, as those opportunities arise.
This is a
seasonal position, running from early May to the end of October, with the
possibility of extension or becoming an established position for the indoor
season and/or the 2014 outdoor season.
Compensation:
The Assistant
Market Manager will receive $100 a week, disbursed in monthly installments.
How to Apply:
Submit a
cover letter describing your interest in this position and a resume with
relevant skills and experience to the Logan Square Chamber of Commerce by April
22nd . You may email these to
megan@loganchamber.org with “Assistant
Market Manager Position” in the subject line or send via regular mail to
Megan
Larmer
Logan
Square Chamber of Commerce
Attn:
Assistant Market Manager Position
3147 W.
Logan Blvd., Suite 12
Chicago, IL
60647
Or you may
also deliver your application by hand to the Chamber Office M-F, 10am to 1pm.