Job Announcement—Executive Director of Portland Farmers Market

      Posted On: May 21, 2008

The mission of the Portland Farmers Market is to support our region’s farms by connecting local food producers directly to consumers, strengthening urban-rural community bonds, and educating the general public on the benefits of eating locally produced food.

Job Description

Title: Executive Director

Status: Regular, full time, exempt position

Starting Salary: $60,000–$ 65,000 annually plus benefits

 

Background and Scope of Responsibility

The Portland Farmers Market (PFM) began in 1992 as a community effort by a handful of dedicated volunteers. Today, it is one of the premier farmers markets in the country, with four urban markets generating annual sales in excess of $5 million. PFM is a 501 C-6 organization, with four full-time, two part-time (seasonal) staff, and several hourly crew people working at the markets. Our annual budget is $450,000.

 

PFM is operating in an ever-changing environment in which there is increasing awareness of environmental issues, sustainability, the urgency of protecting our small farms, and the health benefits of eating healthy local food. All of these concerns affect our business.

We are looking for a dynamic, experienced leader to help shape and take us through our next period of growth. We seek someone with the following skills and characteristics:

  • The passion and ability to ensure the highest quality farmers markets and service to our vendors and customers.

  • Experience in leading a successful, efficient, and effective organization with a collaborative and proactive work style.

  • Ability to establish and maintain good relationships with diverse constituents—staff, board, vendors, sponsors, community groups and local, regional and state government to accomplish our mission

  • Demonstrated ability in business systems, finance and budgeting

  • Ability to broaden the influence of the region’s small farms and the Portland Farmers Market in local, regional, state and national arenas

  • Demonstrated interest in and knowledge of the regional food system and how a farmers market fits into that system

  • A minimum of 2-3 years successful leadership experience, preferably in a food/agriculture related organization, in either the non-profit or private sector

  • Demonstrated ability to provide leadership and make decisions in planning and implementing program, organizational and financial plans with the staff, vendors and the Board of Directors.

  • Strong written and oral communication skills with staff, board and as the public face of the market.

  • Nonprofit experience preferred (either as a board member or employee).

The Executive Director’s job scope is broad, demanding, and seasonally intense. During high season, we must execute four weekly markets as flawlessly as possible while managing the complex administrative business in the office, and maintaining a public presence with our sponsors, vendors and the larger community. For more information and a copy of the full job description, please go to: www.portlandfarmersmarket.org

To Apply: Please submit a detailed letter showing your passion for the mission of Portland Farmers Market and why this position is a good fit for your skills, experience, aptitude and style of leadership, as well as names of three references and a resume to: pfmsearch@comcast.net with “Executive Director Application” in the subject line by Monday June 23rd at 5:00. Or by mail to: Portland Farmers Market 1001 SE Water St, Suite 455, Portland, OR 97214. Attn Search Committee, Portland Farmers Market.

Timeline: As stated above the application deadline is Monday, June 23rd. Interviews for selected candidates will be conducted in July and early August. We hope to have the new Executive Director in place by mid-September.

Portland Farmers Market is an equal opportunity employer.