The Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber of Commerce (WPBCC) is the business association for the Chicago communities of Wicker Park and Bucktown. We work to increase the economic development of our members and encourage profitable relationships within the community. We work to promote our business members through a variety of efforts, including marketing initiatives, special events, networking opportunities, and sponsorship programs. WPBCC activities include technical assistance to businesses, networking events, member newsletter, marketing programs, promotional materials, community relations, and business attraction and retention. WPBCC is the Sole Service Provider for the WPB Special Service Area (SSA) #33, which funds numerous programs and services in the commercial districts of Wicker Park and Bucktown.

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY:

The Farmers Market Manager is a part time position which handles market operations as well as marketing and programming year-round. This position has flexible office hours and works onsite at the outdoor market (rain or shine) every Sunday May through October 7am-3pm and works onsite at the indoor market December – April 9am-3pm. The FM Manager will become well-versed in local food system operations, gain hands-on experience with community development and food access issues, hone management and problem-solving skills, work with local businesses, artists, and volunteers to improve market operations. The FM Manager will have the opportunity to introduce their own initiatives to improve the farmers market with approval from the Executive Director.

Supervision:

Works under the supervision of the Executive Director.

Duties & Responsibilities: 

1. Operations -

• Manage vendor/local business tent/community table/sponsor recruitment, applications, acceptance, payments, and communications

• Coordinate logistics, insurance and all market related permits

• Monitor vendor attendance, market rules, and product offerings

• Manage market set up, operations, and clean up including FM tent and market supplies

• Manage market SNAP/LINK purchases including operation of the point-of-sale machine and coordinating monthly payments to vendors

• Schedule programming and coordinate with other Sunday Park activities

• Coordinate and manage market assistant and volunteers

• Oversee composting program and improve sustainability programming
• Report weekly to Executive Director with market statistics and updates

2. Marketing –

• Highlight market day offerings and updates on both social media and bi-weekly newsletter

• Maintain Farmers Market Website 

• Collect data for use in future market planning

• Create basic marketing graphics

• Coordinate market details to WPBCC PR Team for media releases

Qualifications: 

- Ability to work independently and with minimal direction

- Excellent at problem solving and is improvement oriented

- Strong skills in Microsoft Office, Google, Canva

- Professional communication style on the phone, in person, and in writing

- Ability to handle conflict with integrity and discretion

- Previous experience with a variety of social media (Instagram, Facebook, etc.)

- Ability to lift 50 pounds

- Interest in sustainability, local business, and economic development issues

- Knowledge of Chicago City Market’s and current market vendors is a plus

Compensation and Benefits: 

• Part time year-round position, compensated at $20/hour

• Hands-on experience with local community and economic development

• Insight into utilizing events and other programs as economic and community development tools

• Develop professional relationships and network with local vendors, business-owners, residents and City officials

• Exposure to the operation and management of a Chamber & SSA #33

• Opportunity to work on multiple Chamber & SSA projects and events

• Opportunity to create and guide own projects

• Ability to connect with City-Wide Market Managers

• Open invitation to attend all Chamber events, including monthly networking mixers, Wicker Park Fest, State of the Wards, and more

• Flexible office hours at WPBCC office and remote work

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

Submit cover letter, resume and writing sample with subject line: WPFM Manager to Pamela Maass, Executive Director, Pamela@wickerparkbucktown.com  No calls please. Selected candidates will be contacted for interviews.