Hillhurst-Sunnyside Community Association

The Hillhurst Sunnyside Farmers’ Market (HSFM) is seeking a Market Manager for the 2011 season. The HSFM is entering its second year of a three year revitalization process to make the community centre a local food hub of community activity. The position begins May 2nd, 2011 and finishes mid-October.

The position is contractual and requires a commitment of approximately 32 hours a week (upwards to 10 hours on some market days), however the job requires flexibility. Hourly wage exceeds the living wage in Calgary. The Market Manager will work in conjunction with the Farmers’ Market Action Group.

Job Purpose:

To develop and direct an outdoor, seasonal Farmers’ Market in the community of Hillhurst Sunnyside in accordance with the market’s guiding principles:

1)The Hillhurst Sunnyside Farmers’ Market exists primarily to provide a source of good quality, good tasting food and goods for the inner city community.

2) The focus will be on providing a venue for local farmers, food creators, and artisans.

3) Every effort will be made to have items that are organic, or transitioning to organic.

4) The Hillhurst Sunnyside Farmers’ Market will have a large variety of vendors, encompassing a broad spectrum of products.

5) The Hillhurst Sunnyside Farmers’ Market shall exist as a gathering space for the community, and will be a desired destination beyond just food. Weekly events, a jumping castle, buskers, and other accessory items will help contribute to this.

6) Patrons should be drawn not just from the local communities, but from all central communities, and light rail transit commuters.

Job Responsibilities:
Develop and manage all channels of communication including social media networks, newsletters, website, etc.
Develop special markets to help stimulate sales and increase visibility of Farmers’ Market
Evaluate and report on the market’s progress and overall performance in a monthly report to the Executive Director of the Hillhurst Sunnyside Community Association
Oversee market set-up and take down including posting signs/decorations and ensure operational success every market day
Plan additional events which compliment the Farmers’ Market such as Bicycle-In Movie Nights, Music Shows, etc
Register vendors for market, assign spaces as needed, collect table fees, distribute documents as needed (incl. Rules and Regulations, Permit applications, Health and Food Safety information, etc.).
Maintain detailed and accurate records of vendor’s membership status, contact information, markets attended and fees paid
Prepare weekly remittances
Prepare and distribute promotional flyers and other advertising to local businesses and community sites within the city.
Comfort with Microsoft Excel and Word, or comparable programs required
Liaise with representatives of the Kensington BRZ with regard to advertising and other issues of joint interest.
Have complete knowledge of Alberta Farmers’ Market Rules & Regulations

Qualifications & Skills Required:
Demonstrates exemplary problem-solving and negotiation skills
Able to work independently with minimal supervision
Excellent time management and organizational skills
Physical ability to set up and move tables and tents as needed. Must be able to circulate through the market during market hours
Exceptional multitasking skills
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Knowledge of Alberta’s organic food system
Competency in small business management
Demonstrates resolve and good judgment when handling vendor and patron complaints
Believes in organic farming/food production and its implications on both people and the environment
Previous experience managing a farmers’ market would be a definite asset

Interested candidates should send CV and Cover Letter (as one document in PDF format) to James Michi, Executive Director of HSCA at jay@hillhurstsunnyside.org, and Jordan Brown, Interim Market Manager at hscafarmersmarket@gmail.com Applications will be accepted until Friday, April 1st 2011 at 4:00pm MST. Successful candidates will be contacted shortly thereafter to arrange an interview.