Position Description: MFFM Coordinator

For more information or questions please contact Sherie Blumenthal at maineffm@gmail.com or (207) 333- 0481.

Our goal is to have someone hired by the second week of January, 2012. (Posted 30-Nov-11.)
Applications for this position are now closed. (23-Dec-11)

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Overview of the Maine Federation of Farmers’ Markets:

The purpose of the Maine Federation of Farmers’ Markets (MFFM) is to cultivate a vibrant and sustainable farmers’ market community, to provide a forum and repository for the exchange of ideas, and resources and to be an effective liaison and voice for the promotion, education and advocacy of Maine Farmers’ Markets.  In its first phase of existence (1991-1997) the exclusively volunteer-driven MFFM provided several key services for federation members including a quarterly newsletter focusing on technical assistance to market vendors, coordination of a cooperative bulk purchasing program, and sponsorship of a mentoring program that paired new vendors with experienced vendors. The MFFM also served as a valuable resource for the Maine Department of Agriculture and engaged in activities to encourage Maine communities to patronize farmers’ markets and establish new markets where needed. Looking to the future, the goal of the MFFM will be to continue to serve the needs of Maine farmers market’s, define and focus it’s mission, strengthen existing and new partnerships, and create a strong organizational foundation on which to meet the needs of Maine’s farmers and consumers.

Position Summary

Working closely with the Board of Directors, the MFFM Coordinator will have overall strategic and operational responsibility for a fledgling organization including development and execution of it’s mission, program development and expansion, advocacy and relationship building, resource procurement and management and strategic planning around sustainability and fiscal endurance.

This is a full-time position supported by grant funding.

Responsibilities

• Update and finalize organizational mission and by-laws
• Make contact with every existing farmers' market in Maine to determine demographics, market members' needs, potential for growth and willingness to participate in MFFM
• Recruit and develop a committed membership base
• Build and strengthen relationships with markets and market leaders around the state through mailings, phone calls, emails and market site visits
• Oversee media development and management including but not limited to a new website, weekly electronic newsletter, facebook page and quarterly paper newsletter
• Organize the development a full range of materials for market members and consumers that support marketing efforts, promotion of locally sourced foods, and other aspects of consumer education around farmers’ markets
• Facilitate communication, information sharing and networking among farmers' markets and market leaders through whatever means deemed most effective
• Develop and coordinate projects and provide services of value to all farmers' markets in the state as determined by federation members
• Develop and implement performance and evaluation tools to determine the effectiveness of the MFFM
• Work with the Down East Business Alliance to coordinate the annual Maine Farmers’ Market Convention
• Promote and work to create a unified voice for farmers' markets throughout the state
• Work to increase access to farmers' markets for low-income customers by identifying under-served communities and accomplish the target goal of developing new farmers' markets in at least two food-desert tracts in partnership with local leaders
• Develop strategic partnerships with public and private organizations to support farmers' markets
• Pursue other objectives as determined by the board and the growing membership

• Raise funds as necessary to support the MFFM activities and programs.

• To apply please send resume and cover letter electronically to maineffm@gmail.com.

Desired Qualities and Experience:

• Committed to the mission of the Maine Federation of Farmers’ Markets.
• Strong background in, and passion for, promoting farmers’ markets.
• Highly organized, punctual, and able to handle multiple responsibilities and meet deadlines.
• Self-motivated, flexible and able to work independently and as an effective team player.
• Ability to develop trusting and respectful relationships with a wide variety of people.
• Excellent written and oral communication with all personnel, volunteers, partner agencies, and the public.
• Strong media and marketing skills.
• Fluent and skilled in computer programs such as Excel, Word, and Publisher.

• Experience managing outreach and marketing for programs and events.