Job Openings at Jonesborough Locally Grown

Executive Director

posted 10/29/24

Job Title: Executive Director

Reports to Jonesborough Locally Grown Board of Directors

Pay Status: Hourly

Jonesborough Locally Grown (JLG) is a 501(c)3 non-profit that seeks to connect farmers, food, and the community to grow a vibrant local food system. To accomplish this mission, JLG operates two markets: Boone Street Market (BSM), a year-round local foods store; Jonesborough Farmers Market (JFM), a traditional tailgate market; and the Winter Market (WM), a smaller farmers market in front of BSM. All markets are 100% producer-only and source within 100 miles of Jonesborough, with BSM widening that radius to Tennessee and the Central Appalachian region to broaden products available. The markets are growing because of a strong network of local food producers and local food enthusiasts and through generous private and public funding.

Job Overview: The Executive Director leads the work of Jonesborough Locally Grown while working closely with the Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers behind the scenes and alongside them at markets and events. Responsibilities include Board leadership, management and operation of Jonesborough Farmers Market and the Winter Market, financial and human management, program administration, and public relations. This position is an exciting opportunity for a dedicated, self-motivated, entrepreneurial professional who is passionate about local food, enjoys working with a team, and interacting with many different stakeholders in a community-oriented environment.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Complete financial management duties including bill payment and QuickBooks management

  • Create and maintain an active website, weekly e-newsletters, media releases, and social media content

  • Lead the development, execution, and management of multiple revenue streams including donations, grants, sponsorships, and fundraising events

  • Coordinate or assist in coordinating fundraising events, such as the Farm to Table Dinner, 100 Mile Dinner(s), and Market & Mingle

  • Maintain a working knowledge of BSM, JFM, and WM vendors and their products

  • Manage the membership program and, in conjunction with the BSM Manager, member perks

  • Act as an advisor to the Board on all aspects of the organization’s activities, providing support and information to help the Board function effectively and make informed decisions

  • Cover shifts at BSM as needed and work BSM’s Burger Nights

  • Work with staff and the Board to prepare and adhere to a comprehensive budget

  • Perform vendor application screenings, visits, and approvals

  • Schedule vendors, volunteers, live music, and other guests at JFM and WM

  • Oversee and perform operations at JFM and WM including site set-up and take-down, incentive program management, merchandise sales, and responding to questions or complaints

  • Submit Town of Jonesborough special event and other permits

  • Serve on various community committees and Boards, including the Main Street Board and Washington County Ag Partnership

  • Ensure sound accounting, financial management, administrative, and employee policies and procedures are up-to-date and followed

  • Ensure the organization and outside accountant comply with all legal requirements for reporting, taxation, permitting, and operations required by governmental agencies and funders

  • Build and oversee an effective team of staff and volunteers dedicated to fulfilling the organization’s mission and ensure they have adequate resources to fulfill their responsibilities

  • Represent the organization in the community and actively participate in community events that build relationships and enhance the organization’s visibility and brand

  • Maintain a positive, productive, and safe work environment for all staff and volunteers

  • Other duties as necessary

Qualifications:

Required Qualifications:

  • Degree, schooling, or experience in the business, agriculture, or non-profit sectors

  • Proven experience in a leadership role with direct employee and volunteer supervision

  • Proven experience in customer service

  • Willingness to be trained/directed during a training period and ability to work independently thereafter, with guidance from the Board of Directors

  • Excellent and effective soft skills (interpersonal relations, verbal and written communication, task prioritization, critical thinking, organization, detail orientation)

  • Ability to adapt to changes in order to optimize operations

  • Possess a reliable computer, internet connection, valid driver’s license, and transportation

  • Proficient computer skills, including creating and manipulating spreadsheets with basic formulas and word processing documents

  • Pass a criminal background check

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in business, agriculture, non-profit management or related field

  • Knowledge of and commitment to locally grown food production and markets

  • Strong financial and administrative management skills

  • Experience with event planning and management

  • Experience with grant management and funding solicitations

  • Experience with Facebook, Instagram, Canva, donor management software, Google suite, Microsoft Office, Squarespace, point-of-sale systems, and/or Dropbox

Work Requirements:

  • Ability to work on-site on Saturdays during market season, occasional Sundays and evenings, and possible conference travel once per year

  • Lifting/movement of items up to 50 pounds

  • Ability to work indoors and outdoors in various weather conditions

  • Ability to stand or walk for extended periods of time

Wage and Benefits:

  • $21-24/hour, commensurate with experience

  • Overtime (paid at 1.5x normal rate for hours worked over 40/week) possible, but not guaranteed

  • 10% employee discount at Boone Street Market

  • Boone Street Market or Jonesborough Farmers Market shirt each year

  • Set your own schedule around events and meetings

  • Work from home 50% or more of the week

  • IRA contribution match of 3% of wages

  • Paid time off accrual starting on day of hire, to be available for use after a 60-day probationary period

Candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and three references (two professional and one personal) to jlg@jonesboroughlocallygrown.org. Candidates will first interview with the current Interim Executive Director and have a final interview with the Hiring Committee composed of three or more Board members.

Candidate application packets will be reviewed as they are received.

PDF version of job description