Program Manager, Mill City Farmers Market

Program Manager

Full-Time Position 

Mill City Farmers Market & Mill City Farmers Market Charitable Fund

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Organizational Background

Mill City Farmers Market (MCFM) is Minneapolis’ trusted source for healthy, local and sustainable groceries, combining a vibrant marketplace with nourishing community connection. Established in 2006, MCFM is a national flagship market open year-round to support more than 100 local farmers, food makers and artists. MCFM operates weekly outdoor markets from May to October and bi-weekly indoor Winter Markets from November to April. In 2017, the Charitable Fund was established to increase our impact on food systems change through education, food access initiatives, and direct support for local farmers and food producers.

Position Summary

MCFM is seeking a Program Manager to manage the Charitable Fund’s portfolio of interconnected programs, including educational programming, food access initiatives and grantmaking for organic farms and local food producers. This position reports directly to the Senior Manager of Programs and Operations and will also assist with ongoing management of the Mill City Farmers Market through on-site management and vendor support. The Program Manager plays a critical role in advancing the mission of MCFM and its Charitable Fund by maintaining a vibrant community gathering place where vendors prosper and by building and maintaining positive relationships with vendors, visitors, community and grantee partners.

Key Responsibilities

Program Management (60%)

• Work closely with community partners and market staff to research, design, supervise, assess, and promote MCFM’s programming: Zero Waste Program, Mill City Cooks live chef demos, Power of Produce and food access programs (Greens for Good Gleaning)
• Lead the Next Stage Grant Program, which has funded over $395,000 since 2013 for local, sustainable farmers and makers. Manage the promotion and application process starting in January. Lead the application review and grant notification process in February-March. Collect results and promote grant success stories. Innovate and drive positive change within the program
• Create annual programming budgets and monitor expenses in collaboration with the team
• Manage all program equipment and supplies, fixing, ordering, and inventorying as necessary
• Coordinate weekly EBT program, including vendor token repayment and data management
• Assist with volunteer programming and other educational programming
• Assist with Annual Benefit in September as needed, including tasks related to event operations and logistics, staffing and volunteer coordination. staffing planning and execution of the annual benefit fundraiser in September

Market Operations & Vendor Support (25%)

• On-site management of the year-round Farmers Market including coordination of 100+ vendors, 5-6K average weekly visitors, equipment, and safe event setup and tear down
• Coordinate the annual vendor applications, serve as the first point of contact for vendors, in collaboration with the Sr. Programs and Operations Manager to ensure a smooth application process, including answering and assisting vendor questions, maintaining and updating vendor acceptance and rejection letters; and securing and managing vendor contracts, licenses, and other required forms
• Assist Sr. Manager in hiring, training, and supervising part-time Market Day Staff and volunteers
• Execute market prep list, including document prep, staff schedule of tasks, vendor booth cones, device charging, cashbox and equipment prep, and programming supplies
• Manage all market equipment and supplies; fixing, ordering, and inventorying as necessary
• Reinforce MCFM vendor policies, procedures, and rules along with city, state, and federal regulations
• Troubleshoot market problems and manage incidental un-planned issues onsite and in the office

Program Evaluation and Strategy (10%)

• Coordinate and manage evaluation activities for programs across the organization
• Track and maintain program data and assist with collection and sharing of program results
• Contribute to written reports and support grant writing when applicable
• Participate in the annual planning, review and evaluation of all educational and interactive market programs and events (educational value, resources and budget, fit with mission, etc.).
• Research and compare other market events, activities, application processes, etc. and legislation around Farmers Markets to continue to improve MCFM and the Farmers Market community in MN.
• Participate in annual market plan and strategy including, but not limited to: education, community outreach and partners.

Bookkeeping and Office Management (5%)

• Balance weekly market cashbox, including accounting for income and expenses and filling the cash box with necessary funds.
• Organize, record and deposit vendor payments and other income.
• Manage inventory and assist with selection and ordering for MCFM merchandise and manage inventory of market tokens
• Manage phone calls, emails, and other direct communication with the public
• Maintain efficient office practices and organized record keeping

Applicant Profile: Studies have shown that women, nonbinary folks, and People of Color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single one of the qualifications described in a job description. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organization and we are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job. That candidate may be one who comes from a background less traditional to our field of work, and that’s okay! Candidates who possess a familiarity with issues related to small- to mid-sized sustainable farmers and Farmers Markets are preferred. We strongly encourage all interested candidates to apply.
A successful applicant will have: 

• Background knowledge in food systems, gardening, environmental justice, nutrition, culinary arts or related field
• Interest in a deeper understanding about local food and agriculture and food systems change
• Previous experience in event planning, program development or management, and/or community engagement
• Keen attention to detail for project execution and system improvement
• A commitment to commitment to making programs inclusive and accessible for marginalized identities in our community
• Demonstrated ability to problem solve and make judgements independently, self-motivated
• Demonstrated ability to listen to program partners with empathy and implement feedback
• Excellent organizational and time management skills ● Sound judgment, integrity, and the ability to exercise discretion with sensitive information
• Technology proficiencies (MCFM uses Google Suite, Microsoft Office, Dropbox, Quickbooks Online, Manage My Market, and other systems to manage operations)

Work Environment: This position is mostly in an indoor office setting or remote, but involves managing the Farmers Market 2-3 times a month. Managing the market is a physical, public facing job, requiring an ability to occasionally lift equipment weighing up to 50 lbs., 10-hour work days standing and walking on concrete in a fast-paced environment. Market working conditions include rain, heat, freezing temperatures and wind.

Compensation: The starting salary range for this position is $40,000 – $44,000, commensurate with experience. MCFM has a competitive benefits package that includes health insurance, dental insurance, 401K with an employer match, paid time off, additional paid time off during the last week of the calendar year and 11 paid Federal holidays. MCFM benchmarks compensation with the MN Council of Nonprofit’s bi-annual salary and benefits survey.

Hours: Must be available to work on-site 14-16 Saturdays May-October (6am-3pm) and 6-7 Saturdays from November-April (7am-3pm). Remote work available, if desired, 2-3 days a week

How to apply: To apply for this position, please send a resume and cover letter as a single PDF to Sarah Holle at sarah@millcityfarmersmarket.org with “YOUR NAME - Program Manager Application” in the subject line.

Anticipated Hiring Process: The hiring process will include a brief application and two rounds of interviews, with an optional in-person meet and greet at the Farmers Market for final candidates. First round interviews are typically conducted via Zoom, however alternate arrangements can be made upon request. The anticipated start date of the position is August 12, 2024. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Mill City Farmers Market is an equal opportunity employer. Mill City Farmers Market is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity and to compliance with all federal, state, and local laws concerning employment discrimination, including the Americans with Disabilities Act. To this end, MCFM ensures equal opportunity to all employees and applicants regardless of race, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, lawful alien status, physical, mental, and medical disability, veteran status or liability for service in the United States Armed Forces.