Austin Town Hall City Market Manager

The Opportunity

Forty Acres Fresh Market has partnered with the city of Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events for the Austin City Town Hall Market. The goal is to leverage the City Market program to incubate an independent farmers market for the Austin community. We are seeking a market manager who can deliver impact and growth.

COMPENSATION: This is a 35-40 hour position and includes holidays, sick pay and PTO. Salary starts at $45,000 (paid annually), depending on relevant experience.

Who You Are

As a successful applicant you will have an interest in real food, farmers’ markets, community outreach, restaurants, event management, and urban neighborhoods. You’ll take attendance seriously since markets are open rain or shine. You’ll work well with others. You’ll have a reliable transportation plan and be able to stay cool under pressure - market set up can be a bit hectic.

The Job

Seeking Market Manager for on-site farmers‘ market operations at the Austin Town Hall City Market. Market Manager duties start now with vendor curating, recruitment and training, contributing to marketing plan and implementation, developing special event plans and coordinating social media and maintaining records. Market season launches in June!

You will be employed by Forty Acres Fresh Market, with training and support from professional farmers market consultants. You’ll operate the market as part of a small team.

This is a year-round, full time position, 35 to 40 hours per week. Expect one long day per week on site for market set up, management and break down. Additional days will include visiting markets and farms for recruitment, and office work remote or at Forty Acres offices.

SCHEDULE Availability Required:

Thursdays 10:30 am to 7:30 pm on site at market. Additional hours are somewhat flexible, a schedule will be established to meet the needs of the manager and the market.

Job Duties and Requirements

ON SITE DUTIES

• Support farmers, vendors and customers from market set up through breakdowns to ensure a safe, successful weekly event, rain or shine.

• Lift and carry tables, pop up tent, and barricades – must be able to lift up to 50 lbs. Experience putting up a tent means bonus points!

• Direct farmers and vendors during set up and throughout the market, answering questions and maintaining site and market rules and local regulations.

• Observe traffic safety procedures to keep attendees and vehicles separate.

• Answer questions and provide information for farmers, vendors, shoppers and occasional inspectors during the markets.

• Provide excellent customer relations, collect email addresses and sell merchandise at market Welcome Booths.

• Coordinate and assist with special events and complete other tasks as needed

OFF SITE DUTIES (remote)

• Recruit and train new farmers and vendors with support from market development team

• Invoice farmers and vendors accurately and promptly every week

• Distribute flyers and posters, and attend local events periodically to promote the farmers market

HAVE SOME OR ALL OF THESE TALENTS? WE’RE LOOKING FOR YOU!

• A strong interest in food, events and community is required; experience related to any of those fields is preferred. Retail and restaurant experience is typically valuable.

• Good verbal and written communication skills, and the ability to relate to a diverse group of people, from farmers, vendors and booth staff to shoppers, sponsors, neighborhood residents and inspectors.

• Accurate and honest cash management.

• Bonus points for marketing experience including Mailchimp or other newsletter platform and social media.

Apply Now

Austin Town Hall Farmers Market (ATHFM) is sponsored by The Department of Cultural Affairs, and Special Events (DCASE) dedicated to enriching Chicago’s artistic vitality and cultural vibrancy.