The Michigan Farmers Market Association (MIFMA) is seeking proposals for a contracted Curriculum Writer to compile, organize, and write a curriculum for our Market Manager Certificate Program. MIFMA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to place equity at the forefront of supporting the viability of community-driven marketplaces so that they can connect ALL consumers to local farms and businesses. MIFMA consists of an 11-member volunteer Board of Directors, 9 employees, and over 500 members representing community-driven marketplaces and organizations that align with our mission. The Market Manager Certificate Program is a voluntary program designed by MIFMA in 2011 to encourage farmers market managers to pursue leadership skills and professional development on topics essential to market management. Market managers are recognized with a certificate upon completion of the full program that acknowledges the market manager is a trained professional. The Curriculum Writer will work with MIFMA staff to organize and write the curriculum based on the content and resources MIFMA has developed over the twelve-year span of the program. We expect the work product to include one text document communicating to future program facilitators how to present the course content (graphic design of the document is optional and would need to adhere to MIFMA’s design and brand standards). If deemed appropriate, this could include annotated slide decks of existing program presentations for instructor-led trainings. We do not anticipate the need to create graphics, audio or visual files, assessments, or other online or printed materials unless the development of those items is preapproved by MIFMA. Upon completion, the Curriculum Writer will be recognized as an author of the curriculum while the intellectual property rights will continue to be owned by MIFMA.
Proposals should include at least the following services:
- Compiling, organizing, and writing the curriculum for the Market Manager Certificate Program using existing resources provided by MIFMA, including bundling and categorizing topics into modules, ordering of lessons, and ensuring flow of movement through the curriculum. It is recommended that contractors start with a content audit and analysis of the existing materials to inform the curriculum’s outline and design approach. Existing resources that will inform curriculum development include, but are not limited to:
- Program brochure that includes established learning objectives
- Presentations, handouts, worksheets, and activities used to deliver the program in the past
- Access to a virtual classroom utilized by the 2023 program cohort
- Evaluation data from past program cohorts
- Assisting with tailoring content to accommodate different methods of delivery. The program is currently offered as a fully virtual program and as a hybrid program with some in-person and some virtual content.
- Working with MIFMA staff throughout the entire process, including attending periodic check-ins and maintaining virtual communications for accountability
Other items to include in your proposal are:
- A written explanation of why you would be a good fit to work with MIFMA in this capacity
- The experience and qualifications of the personnel who would serve as a writer. Experience with farmers markets and/or local food systems is preferred, but not required.
- An estimated timeline for the writing process. Proposals that can complete the process within the calendar year will be prioritized.
- The anticipated fee for services to be provided. Proposed fees should include work as identified in the services above within the range of $5,000 – $15,000.
- 2-3 professional references, preferably from nonprofits of a similar size and scope
Proposals should be submitted as a single pdf file to office@mifma.org with the subject line “Response to Curriculum Writer RFP.” MIFMA will accept proposals from firms and individuals through September 29, 2023. The selected applicant would be expected to begin work in mid to late October 2023. Please submit proposals and any questions to MIFMA at office@mifma.org.
The Michigan Farmers Market Association is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of MIFMA to provide equal employment and contracting opportunities to all qualified individuals in its recruitment, hiring, and employment/contracting practices. MIFMA will observe and adhere to all employment laws, rules, and regulations established by State and Federal law.