Employment

Research & Education Intern

Reports to: Executive Director

Description:  The Farmers Market Coalition (FMC) is seeking a detail-oriented and creative intern interested in research and education for a non-profit devoted to strengthening farmers markets nationwide. With a small staff, FMC operates a ‘virtual office,’ with a high value on independence and initiative. The Research & Education Intern will have the opportunity to gain valuable experience in a young, growing nonprofit while working to support FMC’s national education activities.  Specifically, the intern will assist with a variety of research and writing projects designed to increase stakeholder understanding of the characteristics of farmers markets in the United States, and the roles they play in public health, local economies, farm viability, and community development.  This work will include the development of educational resources, case studies, surveys, newsletter articles, and funding proposals, combining the intern’s interests to create a mutually meaningful work experience.
Location: Flexible. Work will be conducted “virtually” from the intern’s place of residence, with flexible hours. Personal computer with reliable internet access required. Communication with supervisor will be conducted electronically via e-mail, phone, and on-line document sharing.

Time commitment:  Part-time (15 hours per week) for one year months, June 14, 2013 through June 13, 2014.  The start and end dates and hourly commitment of the internship are flexible and can be adjusted based on intern’s needs and potentially extended, pending performance.

Requirements: Personal computer with reliable internet access and phone for periodic phone meetings with supervisor.
Compensation: Intern will be paid a monthly stipend of $500, and FMC can arrange for them to earn academic credit through their college or university if the school offers such opportunities.

Responsibilities:  The Research & Education Intern will research farmers market characteristics and policy, as well as write educational outreach materials and policy briefs.  While some aspects of the workplan can be customized to skills and interests, the intern will:

• Assist in the creation and promotion of FMC educational materials, policy briefs, talking points, & case studies
• Update FMC WordPress sites
• Write 3-4 newsletter articles for the market beet, FMC’s quarterly newsletter, on policy or education topics assigned by the Executive Director
• Draft action alert emails and develop surveys to assess farmers market characteristics
• Assist Executive Director with the preparation of grant proposals and reports as needed
• Post relevant articles and resources of interest to the FMC listserv
• Other tasks as assigned

Application instructions:

Please email your résumé, cover letter, and a short (1-page) writing sample to  work@farmersmarketcoalition.org. Deadline for applications is June 7th, 2013.

The Farmers Market Coalition is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  Internship positions do not entitle the intern to future employment by the organization.

Volunteer Positions

Thanks for volunteering!  In FY 2010, FMC’s activities were made possible with the support of more than 1,800 volunteer hours.  Our organization is made stronger with your help and we thank you in advance.

Fundraising and Development Intern (Volunteer)

Description: The Farmers Market Coalition (FMC) is seeking a creative and outgoing intern to assist with the creation fundraising materials for our annual fundraising campaign, and contacting prospective donors via phone. The position will support FMC’s efforts to grow growers and healthy communities through vibrant farmers markets. The Fundraising and Development Intern will gain valuable experience assisting with the creation of a 10-week fundraising campaign. Tasks will include assisting with strategy and planning, writing promotional copy, and contacting prospective donors. FMC’s fundraising efforts are conducted through our website, email, direct mail, and social media. Social media factors heavily into fundraising efforts, so experience campaigning with Twitter and Facebook is desirable.

Time commitment:   Approximately 6 hours per week beginning June 15, 2013 and continuing until August 31, 2013.  The position may be extended upon performance and availability of the volunteer.

Location: This can be a remote position, or the intern can work from a desk at the FRESHFARM Markets office at 945 G Street, NW DC. The volunteer will communicate with FMC staff via e-mail, phone, and shared Google Drive documents.

Equipment needed: A personal telephone, computer, and internet access are required.

Compensation:  This is an unpaid position.

Communication: The Intern will be trained via teleconference by the Interim Executive Director.

 

Resource Library Editor (Volunteer)

Primary Job:  The Resource Library Editor will serve along with other as a peer leader in the curation of best practices, tools, and other resources in the Farmers Market Resource Library. The Resource Library Editor will ensure the accuracy of the FMC Resource Library by identifying and repairing broken links, and submitting appropriate resources not presently included.

Time commitment:   Approximately 3-5 hours per week beginning October 15, 2011 and continuing until May 31, 2012.  The position may be extended upon performance and availability of the volunteer.

Location: Flexible. Work will be conducted “virtually” from the volunteer’s home and communicated electronically via e-mail, phone, and on-line document sharing.

Equipment needed:

Computer with reliable internet access; Telephone for periodic phone calls. The Librarian will be provided with a 2 GB thumb drive for storage of data.

Major Tasks:

• Receive training from FMC in Joomla CMS platform for managing resources on the back end
• Review the Farmers Market Manager FAQ at www.farmersmarketcoalition.org/managerfaq and the FMC Resource Library at www.farmersmarketcoalition.org/resources and identify needed updates, clarifications, removal of duplications, details, or re-classifications
• Monitor the library to check for broken links and make corrections as needed
• Assist in the rating of resources and make improvements to descriptions of resources as needed
• Use social media and other outlets to encourage farmers market practitioners to use and submit to the Resource Library
• Identify, add, and appropriately annotate new entries to the library in addition to making specific additions at the request of FMC staff.

Communication:

The Resource Librarian will be trained by the Membership & Outreachr Coordinator, and will provide reports to the Coordinator at least every other week) by phone/e-mail regarding progress on activities and to resolve any arising questions.