FRESHFARM Markets
Executive Director
Location: Washington DC
FRESHFARM Markets
The mission of FRESHFARM Markets is to provide vital economic opportunities
for local farmers and to educate the public about healthy, local food and
sustainable food systems. We accomplish this through our farmers markets and
related programs.
OUR FARMERS MARKETS
FRESHFARM Markets is the leading voice for farmers markets in the Washington,
DC, metropolitan region, and a national leader in the local-food movement. We
strive to build and strengthen the local-food movement in the Chesapeake Bay
region, using our farmers markets to create vibrant urban and community
places, providing economic opportunities for farmers and artisanal food
producers and showcasing our region's agricultural bounty. We aim to create a
sustainable urban-rural partnership that brings the blessings of healthy local
food to our communities and sustains the working landscapes that feed us.
FRESHFARM Markets, founded in 1997, operates 13 producer-only farmers markets
with more than 150 farmers and producers from five states. Our markets attract
more than 450,000 shoppers annually in DC, MD and VA.
OUR PROGRAMS
To ensure the future of farmland in our region and promote the growth of a
local, sustainable food system, it is essential to spread the word about
sustainable agriculture. With this in mind, FRESHFARM Markets runs five
outreach and educational programs: Chef at Market, FoodPrints, SNAP/Matching
Dollars, Gleaning and the Jean Wallace Douglas Farmer Fund. These programs
inform residents of the Chesapeake Bay region about the true cost of
conventionally produced food versus local, sustainable and organically grown
food. The programs make fresh, healthy food available to people of all income
levels, provide nutrition education to elementary school students, and engage
chefs and restaurateurs as partners and teachers.
We are a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization with a current staff of 12 full and
12 part-time employees and an operating budget of over $1 million. More
information at www.freshfarmmarkets.org
THE OPPORTUNITY
FRESHFARM Markets is seeking an experienced, passionate, visionary,
articulate, strong, collaborative, strategic and organized leader to advance
our mission to strengthen the economic viability of our farmers and producers,
raise awareness and build partnerships in support of local, sustainable food
systems, and direct the organization in market and program development.
The Director is responsible for articulating the mission of FRESHFARM Markets,
formulating and implementing policies, managing staff and volunteers in the
development and operation of our markets and programs–shaping communications,
outreach and education activities, modeling desired organizational behavior
and driving financial, administrative and fundraising efforts.
The Executive Director will be joining a successful organization with
excellent prospects for growth in scope and influence, world-class markets, a
positive inclusive culture, and a committed and active Board of Directors.
The Executive Director position provides a platform for high visibility in the
local food movement and the opportunity to make a substantive impact on the
viability of farmers and producers who practice regional sustainable farming.
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES
Promotes and advances FRESHFARM Markets’ mission and vision, and assures the
organization keeps pace with marketplace and regulatory developments
Keeps the Board abreast of material external factors that have the potential
to impact the organization, and works collaboratively with the Board in
development of strategic plans, policies, programs, and fundraising
initiatives
Ensures the organization is organized and staffed, workload and
responsibilities are appropriately delegated and effective systems,
technologies and controls are employed to achieve approved strategic
objectives
Directs the hiring, training, retention, performance appraisals, and
professional development of staff
Conducts regular staff meetings and fosters a positive, collaborative, team
ethic encouraging transparency, communication, personal development and
professional growth
Develops and manages the budget and allocates resources for maximum
effectiveness
Develops new revenue sources and drives all aspects of fundraising and
philanthropic development activities
Stewards development of a FRESHFARM Markets’ brand and communications strategy
to increase the organization’s brand awareness and equity and increase
engagement in, and support for, our mission and programs by our targeted
audiences
Acts as principal spokesperson, negotiator, liaison, and advocate with the
media, farmers/producers, other organizations, outside vendors, partners, and
government agencies.
Performs other responsibilities and tasks as necessary to achieve the
organization’s objectives
QUALIFICATIONS INCLUDE
Strong passion for the mission and vision of FRESHFARM Markets
Demonstrated ability to inspire, mentor and effectively lead and manage staff
and volunteers, fostering a positive culture of collaboration, team building
and professional development
Excellent interpersonal, networking and communication skills with all
constituencies including staff, Board, farmers/producers, government and the
public
Strong verbal and written communication skills including public speaking and
media outreach
Successful track record growing an organization and programs, building
coalitions and developing new partnerships
Entrepreneurial approach to program and revenue development
Proven experience with grant writing, stewarding individual donors, driving
fundraising activities, and engaging a Board of Directors in fundraising and
development efforts
Successful track record of financial management
Unquestioned professional and personal ethical standards and integrity
Strong technical and software proficiency, and use of social media
Minimum of five years executive experience, preferably in a nonprofit
organization
COMPENSATION
This is a full-time, exempt position which involves work on weekends and
occasional evenings as well as occasional out-of-town travel for farm visits,
conferences and other events. The compensation package includes a competitive
salary, workers compensation coverage, earned sick leave, and paid vacation
and holidays. Healthcare benefits are provided after a three month
probationary period.
TO APPLY
Please send a cover letter and resume to FRESHFARM Markets ED Search Committee
at careers@freshfarmmarket.org and include “FFM ED Position” in the subject
line.
In your cover letter, please include a statement about how your experience is
relevant to the organization and how you might envision furthering our
mission.
All applications must be received by March 15, 2015. All correspondence and
submissions are to be sent via Email. Please be prepared to have references
submitted upon request.