The Hartland Farmers Market has been a part of the Hartland community for 13 years, supporting our local artisans, crafters, farmers and producers while creating a family, fun experience for our customers through weekly markets, educational programs, and special events in collaboration with other local groups and organizations. The Market Manager for the Hartland Farmers Market (HFM) will be responsible for the organization and operation of the market during the summer season (runs weekly June through September) and during any additional events/markets throughout the year. The Market Manager provides direction for the Assistant Market Manager as well as coordinates and assists with market set-up and break-down. Other duties include general outreach to promote the market, communicating with vendors, assisting market-affiliated programs and special events, and serving as liaison between the market and market board.
While expected to have a basic understanding of all market operations, primary responsibilities include::
1. Serve as the primary point of contact for the market and communicate in a timely manner with members of the public, vendors, the HFM Board, and state agency officials on a year-round basis. Specific duties include:
Manage HFM communications: Check the post office box weekly, communicate with vendors regarding market applications and rules, send weekly market-season newsletters, listserv posts, and maintain a customer email list via Mailchimp in coordination with the Asst. Market Manager, ensure that HFM social media and the website are updated regularly.
Serve as HFM board liaison: Participate in all HFM Board meetings, draft monthly agendas, and submit monthly written reports to the Board as needed before the meetings. Attend and represent the HFM at meetings and events directly related to the HFM as approved by the HFM Board, including meetings with state and local officials, as well as attending the VTFMA Annual Conference and/or other educational opportunities.
Serve as the market representative for community, state, and national groups as directed by the Board, such as the Northeast Organic Farmers’ Association (NOFA) and the Vermont Farmers’ Market Association (VTFMA).
2. Facilitate the effective operation of the market during the summer season, as well as other additional markets and/or events. Specifically:
Prepare for the market: Prepare materials for each market day, including signage, data tracking forms, and any other items/materials as needed (e.g,ensuring necessary equipment for EBT & other card processing are ready for use, creating a vendor map and distributing prior to each market etc.). Schedule daily vendors to fill open spaces each week as well as non-profit organizations for the Community Booth.
Running the market: Be present at the market site prior to the arrival of vendors, and until all vendors have left after the end of the market.. Circulate among vendors to assure compliance with market rules and report problems to the HFM Board. Process card transactions in tandem with the Asst. Market Manager. Orient new vendors to market procedures and rules. At the end of each market, ensure musicians are paid and that the market site is clean and secured.
Additional market duties: Coordinate and promote special events in collaboration with the Hartland Community Oven and Hartland Public Library. Manage EBT-related incentive programs, including promotion, distribution, and reporting, in collaboration with NOFA or other managing agencies. Serve as the coordinator for the Crop Cash and Farm to Family programs. Manage and/or collect vendor sales data as well as purchase, sell, and keep records of promotional materials.
3. Participate in the season’s preparatory work and closure in conjunction with the HFM Board. Specifically,
Prepare for and facilitate the Annual Vendor and Annual Board meetings: Communicate announcements relating to annual meetings to vendors and community members. Prepare drafts of the vendor application and rules for the HFM Board to review. Perform logistical tasks related to facilitating annual meetings, such as reserving a room and scheduling a virtual meeting option.
Coordinate vendors and other market logistics: Solicit and communicate with prospective new vendors. Distribute the vendor application and rules to past vendors, the market website, and post on local listservs. Collect all applications/fees and record data in a format that can be shared and is accessible to the HFM Board. Schedule musicians and arrange for collection and removal of compost, recycling, and trash at the market site.
Participate in managing market expenses: Track income and expenses in coordination with the Bookkeeper and/or Treasurer. Keep abreast of and apply to grant opportunities.
Compensation will be provided as an annual stipend.
Please send resume to hartlandfarmersmarket@gmail.