Haymaker Farmers’ Market Manager

(HFM Manager) Job Description

We are looking for the next Market Manager of Haymaker Farmers' Market. This isn't just a job—it's an opportunity to be at the heart of a vibrant local marketplace, connecting talented producers, artisans, and small business owners with the community they serve. You’ll be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations and be able to witness firsthand the positive impact you have on our local food system, creating a lively and welcoming environment for everyone who visits.

The HFM Manager works closely with the BOD, while remaining flexible to proposed changes that support the vision, mission, and goals of HFM. Beyond this, the expectation of this role includes maintaining deep, specialized knowledge of current food systems and health regulation topics as they apply to Ohio farmers’ markets and Portage County. 

Specific activities include, but are not limited to: 

Market Day Event Coordination (40% effort) 

Manages all Market Day events, including: 

  • Transports HFM property/materials safely to/from the event site.

  • Conducts timely setup and cleanup for scheduled Market Day events, based on seasonal and event expectations. 

  • Arranges for necessary on-site maintenance, (towing, site-repair requests, restroom facilities, other as needed).

  • Administers Market programs (Power of Produce Kids Club, Music Program, Art Program, other programs as relevant). 

  • Ensures all HFM transactions are conducted accurately, timely, and HFM assets/property are always maintained and secure.

  • Manages market-day staff (cashiers) and volunteers.

  • Collects vendor fees based on Vendor rules and contracts. 

  • Works with organizations, vendors, and customers to administer, track, and report food access programs.

  • Maintains accurate inventory of all HFM merchandise.

  • Collects visitor data for BOD and external stakeholder reports. 

  • Supervises events, including conflict management with customers, vendors, staff & volunteers, and balances competing needs of diverse stakeholders.

  • Responds to public relations requests and takes photos to post on social media and to use in promotional materials.

  • Prioritizes the customer experience at Market by anticipating business demands, relevant to Market Day scheduled activities and local community events to ensure a positive and equitable experience to Market-goers.

  • Coordinates and cooperates with regulatory agencies, including Kent Health Dept, Kent Fire Dept, etc.

  • Remains knowledgeable and prepared to implement the HFM emergency plan. 

Market Planning and Operations (40% effort) 

  • Maintains current knowledge of HFM food access programs in order to promote and adhere to each program’s criteria and regulations.

  • Manages the monthly “Art at the Market” and the weekly “Music at the Market” programs by recruiting applicants, processing/accepting applicants, and scheduling them appropriately.

  • Organizes and communicates the layout and placement of Vendors.

  • Prepares accurate vendor reimbursements and reports for food access programs.

  • With the support of the Market Treasurer, manages Market bookkeeping.

  • Attends monthly BOD meetings as requested.

  • Carries out HFM BOD approved budget, and annually offers budget requests for HFM BOD consideration.

  • Organizes and maintains all HFM property/materials when not in use. (Suggest delete)

  • Works with BOD to manage contracts, liabilities, and agreements associated with HFM.

  • Schedules and completes site-visits for any new vendor and provides photos and feedback from their visit to BOD before the annual vendor selection meeting.

Market Promotion and Event Support (20% effort)

Collaborates with BOD and contractors to facilitate Market events. Communicates regularly with current and prospective HFM vendors, community organizations/partners, musicians, customers, volunteers, regulators, and HFM BOD via email, social media, etc. 

Minimum requirements

  • Availability on ALL Market Saturdays.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication capabilities including experience facilitating discussions, leading meetings, and resolving conflicts.

  • A commitment to continuous improvement by applying lessons learned each week to anticipate future Market Day needs.

  • Strong time management, organizational skills, and ability to manage competing priorities.

  • Maintaining the integrity of the HFM brand and image in all business dealings and social media posts.

  • Financial acumen, budget management, and planning.

  • Insured vehicle with trailer towing capability and ability to operate the vehicle and trailer, personally lift up to 50 lbs., navigate uneven terrain and climb a ladder.

Nice to have

Grant experience, QuickBooks, experience with non-profits, local to Kent community, and/or experience in agriculture.

 Other duties as needed                  Hours: Up to 24 per week               Rate: $20/HR   

Job Type: Contract

Work Location: Hybrid

If you are interested in this opportunity please send your resume along with a one-page cover letter that details your qualifications and interest in this role and 2 professional references to haymakerfmboard@gmail.com. 

Haymaker Farmers Market  provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants and contractors without regard to race, color, religion or belief, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information or any other class protected by applicable law. We are committed to providing an inclusive environment free of discrimination and harassment of any kind.