Market Manager

Key Responsibilities

• Saturday Market Operations (6 hours): 
  • Ensure smooth market operations, including set-up and tear-down. 
  • Manage vendor check-ins, confirm compliance with market policies, and resolve any vendor issues. 
  • Serve as the main point of contact for vendors and customers, addressing inquiries and concerns. 
  • Manage EBT/SNAP 
  • Maintain a welcoming and vibrant market atmosphere, ensuring an enjoyable experience for all visitors. 
• Vendor Coordination: 
  • Reach out to vendors each Monday (1 hour) to confirm participation and provide any necessary updates. 
  • Send reminder emails on Friday (1 hour) to all vendors about the market schedule, set-up instructions, and relevant reminders. 
• Volunteer Management: 
  • Communicate with existing volunteers and send weekly reminders or updates as needed. 
  • Actively recruit CNA volunteers to assist with any health and safety needs at the market. ○ Manage volunteer scheduling, ensuring adequate coverage for market activities and other operational needs. 
  • Serve as a point of contact for volunteers, addressing questions or concerns and providing on-site support during the market. 

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in event planning, market management, or customer service is a plus.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage with a diverse range of vendors, customers, and volunteers. 
• Experience in volunteer management or recruiting is preferred. 
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. 
• Ability to work independently and handle fast-paced environments. 
• Flexible, adaptable, and proactive in problem-solving. 
• Passion for equitable food access, small business and economic development, sustainable agriculture, and/or community development is preferred. 
• Previous experience working with CNA volunteers is a plus but not required. 

Schedule

• Saturdays June - September: on-site at the market (typically between 7:00 AM and 1:00 PM, exact times may vary).
• Time during the week:
  • communication with vendors, committee, and CNA Board (flexible scheduling) 
  • SNAP/EBT processing (flexible scheduling) 
  • Volunteer coordination and recruitment as needed (flexible)

Compensation

• $3,000 for the entire market season. Will be paid via stipend. 

The Creston Neighborhood Association serves the residents of Creston, the largest neighborhood in Grand Rapids, Michigan! 

Since the Creston Neighborhood Association became incorporated in 1979, neighbors have continued to rally together to shape their home community by preserving what is good and changing what needs improvement.

Through CNA, Creston neighbors:

• Helped to keep a Grand Rapids Public Library branch in the heart of Creston
• Rallied to bring a credit union to the neighborhood
• Supported strong neighborhood schools by organizing parents and safe routes to school
• Collaborated with partners to create Catherine’s Health Center
• Organized business owners to revive Creston’s business district
• Collaborated with artists & students on public art projects
• Brought many entities together to build bioretention islands along Plainfield Ave-– the first of their kind in Grand Rapids!
• Created an urban orchard at Aberdeen Park
• AND MORE!

Please send your resume or a brief summary of your qualifications to farmersmarket@crestongr.com