Posted: 10/27/2015

Location: Portland Metro

Closing Date: 11/19/2015

Industry: Communications, Event Planning, Nonprofit

Type: Full Time

Description:
Job Title: Program Manager
Reports To: Executive Director
FLSA Status: non-exempt/hourly
Benefits: Health insurance, PTO, 401(k) work with great people and food
Hourly Pay: $18-$20 DOE
Schedule: Full-time, weekends and evenings required, seasonal variation

Overview
The Program Manager is dedicated to creating and coordinating on-site programs and events at all Portland Farmers Market (PFM) market locations and to building relationships with diverse community groups to develop partnerships and attract shoppers. All programs educate targeted publics about healthy eating, seasonal agricultural products and other messages that meet PFM’s mission and strategic goals.

The Program Manager develops and delivers at-market activities for children and adults at most of our markets, nearly each week they are open. There are several on-going weekly programs and some annual events that the Program Manager coordinates. Additionally, there are special events generated by PFM, our sponsors or partners that require the Program Manager’s involvement.

Please see our website for a description of our programs and events.
Essential duties are as follows:

Manage Programs and Events
1. Manage all aspects of educational programs and events including: locations and times, program content, recruiting of professionals, coordinating ingredients and equipment, fulfilling sponsorship requirements, supervising volunteers, and registering participants.

2. Develop programs and events that address the needs of key audiences, particularly: adults, seniors/elderly, children, ethnic groups, and low income families.

3. Conduct classes, demonstrate cooking technique, lead various programs for all ages and supervise volunteers and co-workers in production of events as needed.

4. Identify and recruit community partners or sponsors that might lead and/or benefit from education initiatives and events occurring at PFM markets.

5. Develop and manage programs for vendors that encourage their success, such as vendor mentorships, sustainability programs and local ingredients sourcing.

6. Understand the needs of sponsors and assure fulfillment of PFM obligations.

7. Maintain accurate and current financial documentation associated with all programs and events.

8. Track participation at events, produce reports and recommendations at completion of each season or event.

Build Partnerships in the Community
9. Coordinate an equity awareness program with Executive Director for PFM staff to build deeper understanding of community needs and develop farmers markets that address them.

10. Engage with community groups surrounding market locations to educate about markets, attract shoppers and build programming that benefits the community.

11. Coordinate with Market Managers to attract vendors that represent the interests and shopping habits of the community surrounding each market.

12. Coordinate with Communications Manager regarding messages and activities that attract and retain shoppers.

13. Represent PFM at various meetings and events, lead market tours, speak publically, promote PFM by tabling at others’ events, conduct occasional media interviews.

14. Support PFM market operations by occasionally setting up market booths, merchandise displays and other equipment; selling tokens and merchandise at markets; providing general customer service to vendors and shoppers.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
1. At least two years of experience coordinating public events, educational events or other multi-faceted gatherings.
2. At least two years of experience with community organizing, outreach, coalition building, partnership or sponsorship development or fulfillment.
3. Bachelor’s degree or at least three years of college level education.
4. Experience working with diverse communities of people and various ethnic groups.
5. Proven and excellent project planning and communication skills.
6. Ability to work well in partnerships involving a variety of organizations and businesses.
7. Strong personal initiative, problem solving skills and natural creativity.
8. Comfort with public speaking, presentations and meetings of all kinds.
9. Comfort working independently and as a team member/leader.
10. Professional or educational experience with food preparation, nutrition and healthy eating.
11. Intermediate familiarity with Microsoft Office products.
12. Ability to pack cooking equipment into boxes and carry up to 25 pounds while walking.
13. Passion for service to community, support for underserved populations and healthy local food.

Application Guidelines/Contact:
Program Manager

Portland Farmers Market (PFM) seeks a Program Manager to join our team! We’re looking for an individual who has proven capacity to develop and implement creative activities for market shoppers of all ages and to build relations with community groups surrounding our markets to support vendor success and enhance our community gathering places.

Excellent planning and organization skills, friendly and informative communication style and commitment to promoting local food for a healthy community are required.

There is distinct seasonal variation to this work. January through May is for planning and preparation primarily done in the office. June through October is when activities are implemented and most of the work is conducted outdoors at farmers markets which are on Saturday and Sunday and weekday late afternoons. November and December is time for wrap up, reporting and vacation.

Our markets attract shoppers from all income levels and ethnicity. We value diversity and encourage people of color, individuals from low-income backgrounds, and other population groups to apply.

Find more about PFM on our website at www.portlandfarmersmarket.org.

How to Apply:
Please do not call our office. We look forward to seeing your cover letter and resume sent to contact@portlandfarmersmarket.org by 4:00 pm on Thursday, November 19, 2015. Please put Program Manager and your last name in the subject line.

Please note the knowledge, skills and abilities listed. We will stick closely to those requirements.

The application process may include a written screening tool, an onsite visit, a panel interview, staff group and private interviews, and reference checks. We hope to have our new Program Manager on the job in early February.

Salary:
$18 to $20 per hour depending on experience