Govans Farmers Market Manager

Loyola University

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Govans Farmers Market Manager is a 10-month seasonal position supporting the mission-based market operated by Loyola University Maryland’s Center for Neighborhood Resilience along the York Road corridor in North Baltimore. The Manager oversees vendor recruitment and onboarding, weekly market operations, permitting and compliance, volunteer oversight and youth worker engagement, financial tracking, SNAP/WIC processes, and community partnerships, while collaborating with university staff and city agencies. The role also collaborates with Center staff on outreach and special events, ensures a strong commitment to diversity and food equity, and serves as the on-site point of contact throughout the market season. Attends state communities of practice sessions and other compliance events. The Govans Farmers Market is a mission-based market that operates once a week, June-September in North Baltimore at a lot located at 5104 York Road. The Market will be entering its 15th season in 2026 and provides the Govans community in North Baltimore with a source of fresh produce as well as a community gathering space and a connection to community information. Loyola University Maryland is a Jesuit Catholic university in Baltimore. Its Center for Neighborhood Resilience (CNR) supports place-based justice efforts along the York Road commercial corridor and its adjacent neighborhoods. The Center is a part of Loyola’s Division of Mission and Identity and reflects Loyola’s Jesuit Catholic mission and values, and specifically its commitment to the social, economic, and environmental justice tenets of Laudato Si’. The Govans Farmers Market Manager is a 10-month seasonal temporary position. The role will have the option of remote or hybrid work February through the end of April for 15-20 hours a week with in-person work expected for 20-30 hours a week May through November. The pay rate is $20/hour. The market features a resource area where local organizations distribute information to the community, special event days, and a youth and family play area. The market also welcomes summer youth workers (ages 14-21) for 5 weeks through a special program of the Mayor’s Office of Employment Development. The Govans Farmers Market Manager will supervise market volunteers and engage with summer youth workers.

Requirements

Ability to input, manage, and interpret beginner-level small Excel databases (contact information, weekly and monthly sales data, manage data for weekly state reporting)
Ability to work outdoors in hot and/or rainy weather required; ability to lift up to 10 pounds as needed.
Must be available to be on-site Wednesdays 2-6:30 pm from June to November.
High school equivalency or diploma

Nice To Haves

Passion for working on food equity or local purchasing issues; experience running public markets (produce/farmers, flea, craft etc.) is preferred.
Possess high level of attention to detail.
Hold a strong customer service orientation; experience in a customer service driven environment a plus.
Comfort with using online forms preferred.

Responsibilities

Manage the vendor recruitment and onboarding process, including scouting new vendors (including conducting site visits as needed), retaining existing vendors, and managing the collections of market application materials.
Collaborate with the university’s Event Services area on weekly market setup and logistics.
Work with the CNR’s Executive Director to manage permitting and other health/safety requirements (City Health Department, USDA permitting).
Implement Govans Market operational policies and procedures.
Serve as the primary point of contact for GFM vendors during the season, managing weekly vendor, upholding market policies, and serving as the on-site manager.
Work with CNR staff to develop and implement a comprehensive outreach strategy to attract new and returning customers to the market.
Update the Govans Market website as needed.
Ensure that Govans Farmers Market community guidelines reflect a commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice.
Understand federal funding programs for SNAP/WIC eligible customers and electronic payment systems.
Ensure finance volunteers are trained on relevant procedures.
Attend Maryland Department of Agriculture trainings and webinars relevant to market management.
Work with the Assistant Director of Operations to manage market finances, conducting weekly finance close-out reporting weekly during the season.
Serve as a chaperone on periodic summer youth program outings as needed (1 time a week).
Recruit community organizations that can offer information stations and other services during market sessions for the resource area.
Work with CNR staff to offer special events and promotional days for GFM sessions (past examples include Back to School promotions, Juneteenth, live music events).
Periodically give on-site presentations/offer greetings to large groups, donors, and supporters.
Support CNR’s Food Equity AmeriCorps VISTA in managing donations from GFM vendors to the Govans Community Fridge (located at the 5104 lot) during the summer months.