Farmers' Market Manager

Position: Farmers’ Market Manager (Executive Director) — Year-Round, Part-Time
Reports To: Board of Directors
Organization: Sorauren Farmers Market Association
Location: Toronto, Ontario

• Hours Per Week: 20-25 hours; the market is year-round
• Hourly Rate: $28.00 to $31.00 per hour

Position Summary

The Market Manager (Executive Director) is responsible for both the day-to-day operations and the long-term strategic vision of the Sorauren Farmers’ Market. The Market Manager ensures smooth execution of market activities while leading sponsorship, governance, financial sustainability, and community engagement efforts. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the Market Manager plays a critical role in growing the market’s impact, securing funding, and strengthening relationships with vendors, sponsors, and the broader community. The Market Manager manages team members (which may include summer students and market assistants) and volunteers.

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Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Planning & Organizational Leadership

• Develop and implement a long-term strategic vision in partnership with the Board of Directors.
• Identify and pursue growth opportunities, such as expanding programming or advocacy efforts.
• Build and maintain relationships with local government, not for profits, businesses, and community organizations to strengthen partnerships.
• Act as the public spokesperson for the market, representing its interests in city consultations, local conferences, and media engagements.
• Ensure compliance with nonprofit governance best practices, bylaws, and regulatory requirements.

2. Market Operations & Vendor Management

• Oversee market setup, vendor placement, operations, and takedown to ensure smooth execution.
• Maintain a positive customer and vendor experience, resolving concerns as needed.
• Review vendor applications, determine vendor lineup, research new businesses, and allocate guest vendor spots.
• Develop and enforce market policies and vendor agreements, updating manuals annually.
• Create and manage vendor layout maps, ensuring efficient space usage.
• Oversee seasonal transitions (indoor/winter market operations).
• Coordinate children’s programming, community tables, and entertainment to enhance market engagement.
• Ensure all necessary permits and regulatory approvals are secured for market operations.

3. Financial Management & Fundraising

• Help develop and oversee the market’s budget, working with the Board Treasurer to ensure financial sustainability.
• Secure funding through grants or sponsorships.
• Invoice, track, collect, and process vendor payments and sponsorship contributions.
• Ensure timely payment of payroll taxes, HST, rent, and other mandatory expenses.
• Seek corporate partnerships and in-kind donations to enhance market activities.
• Manage weekly financial transactions, deposits, and expense tracking.
• Prepare financial updates for the Board, as appropriate.

4. Board Engagement & Governance

• Act as the primary liaison to the Board of Directors, preparing reports and updates.
• Provide financial and operational updates at Board meetings, helping shape strategic decisions.
• Assist the Board in recruiting and onboarding new directors.
• Maintain strong governance policies, ensuring compliance with nonprofit regulations.
• Work with the Board to develop and implement policy improvements for better market oversight.

5. Marketing, Community Engagement & Sponsorships

• Lead social media, newsletters, and community outreach.
• Develop sponsorship materials and secure sponsorships for market programs.
• Manage the market website, keeping vendor details, events, and promotions up to date.
• Organize community engagement initiatives, such as farm visits, educational workshops, and food security programs.
• Produce content for blogs, flyers, and local media publications.
• Coordinate volunteer appreciation events and networking opportunities.

6. Facilities, Health & Safety, and Infrastructure Oversight

• Oversee market safety procedures, including incident reporting.
• Ensure proper storage solutions for market equipment and vendor supplies.
• Purchase and manage consumables (e.g. signage materials, hardware, cleaning supplies).
• Secure access to power, water, and necessary amenities for vendors.

7. Human Resources & Volunteer Management

• Recruit, onboard, and manage market assistants, summer students, and volunteers.
• Oversee training, scheduling, and supervision of part-time and seasonal staff.
• Apply for funded positions (e.g., Canada Summer Jobs) to expand staffing capacity.
• Foster a collaborative and supportive work culture among staff and volunteers.

Interested candidates are invited to apply by submitting their resume to: soraurenmarketboard@gmail.com by Friday July 25th.

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