Govans Farmers Market Manager

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.

Essential Functions:

• 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.
   

Physical/Environmental Demands

The Govans Farmers Market is rain or shine. Must be able to work outdoors in extreme heat and/or rainy conditions. Must be able to lift 10 pounds and move signage, tables, chairs, and tents.