Independent Vendor & Farmers Market Coordinator

Job Title: Farmers Market Coordinator, First Street Market

Date: May 01, 2025

Place of Work:

First Street Market, 57 First Street, Cambridge MA 02141

A staple of the Cambridge culinary scene since 2012, Cambridge Street Hospitality Group (CSHG) currently comprises eight unique hospitality concepts. Led by Chef and owner Will Gilson, our team brings an award-winning mix of culinary and beverage acumen that affords our guests the opportunity to enjoy high-quality, thoughtfully prepared food, local and eclectic beers, and unique, globally-sourced wines. Our spaces are spacious and lively. Our teams are down to earth. We aim to share our excitement about our food and wine throughout each concept. Our guests and their friends feel comfortable in our warm and friendly environment.

First Street Market is a multi-purpose space unique not only to the neighborhood but in all of Cambridge. Combining a weekly indoor farmers market with Amba, a Mediterranean-inspired café, functional demonstration bar, and coworking space, First Street Market will be the epicenter of commerce, events, and community in the rapidly growing First Street neighborhood. With the farmers’ market operating year-round in a multi-use event space in the center of the floorplan, First Street Market will become a destination for city events, weddings, and private parties, regularly attracting new foot traffic.

Scope & General Purpose: The Events Manager focuses on developing, building, and leading our public market for independent farms, makers, and vendors, a key pillar of our operation and investment in our local community. You’ll work hand-in-hand with our in-house and group leadership team – kitchen, beverage, and service – to provide direction to and oversight of our market space, ensuring a unique and exceptional experience for each guest coming through our doors.

The candidate will provide direction, creative energy, and positive leadership for First Street Market for guests, staff, and vendors alike. They will practice professionalism, excellence, kindness, and hospitality towards teammates and guests while balancing a multi-faceted workload – anticipating issues, offering proactive solutions, and guiding staff to achieve excellent hospitality outcomes. The ideal candidate will be highly organized and community-minded individual who can collaborate effectively with vendors and guests to ensure First Street Market’s success.

Overview of Responsibilities: Responsibilities and expectations include but are not limited to:

• Market Operations
• Plan, coordinate, and execute all aspects of the weekly farmers market, including set-up, vendor placement, on-site logistics, and breakdown, with the assistance of hired hourly FOH staff.
• Manage vendor communications, including recruitment, onboarding, scheduling, and compliance with market guidelines and local regulations with respect to health and permitting.
• Maintain a visible and supportive presence at each market day, resolving any issues that arise with diplomacy and efficiency.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure site cleanliness, safety, and accessibility before, during, and after each market.

• Community Engagement & Promotion
• Act as the face of the market to guests, vendors, and community partners.
• Partner with our PR and marketing team to promote the market through social media, email newsletters, and printed materials.
• Organize seasonal programming, live music, educational activities, or chef / bartender demos to enhance the market experience.
• Foster relationships with local organizations, food access initiatives, and municipal partners to expand the market’s impact.

• Vendor & Partner Management
• Develop strong relationships with a diverse range of farmers, food producers, and makers.
• Review applications and select vendors that align with the market’s values of sustainability, local sourcing, and food equity.
• Track vendor participation, collect fees, and ensure adherence to rules and standards of conduct.
• Support vendors in navigating EBT/SNAP and other food assistance programs (in progress)

• Administrative & Strategic Duties
• Maintain vendor records, attendance logs, permits, and financial reports.
• Prepare seasonal evaluations, vendor surveys, and operational summaries to inform future planning.
• Collaborate with the Director of Operations and hospitality teams to align market goals with the broader mission of First Street Market and the restaurant group.
• Propose and implement new initiatives that expand the market’s reach, improve logistics, or deepen community partnerships.

Qualifications

• At least 1-2 years of experience working or volunteering for a farmers or vendor market, or similar.
• Full availability for market operating hours, including Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
• Service-oriented style with professional presentations skills
• Detail-oriented, excellent prioritization, time management, organizational, and follow up skills
• Demonstrated ability for process excellence and project management
• Basic understanding of Health and Safety, Food Hygiene, and Employment Legislation
• Experience in a restaurant, cafe, or bar is a plus.
• Open availability and flexibility to work according to the needs of the business
• Comfortable using and learning the technology platforms essential to the business, e.g. Toast POS, 7shifts, Google Suite, Microsoft Office, Mac OS, Basecamp.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Base hourly compensation of $25-$35 / hour, based on prior experience.
• Medical and Dental Insurance subsidized
• 401(k)
• Dining discounts at our restaurants

Schedule:

• We anticipate this role requiring approximately 30 hours per week, split between active time during market hours as well as administrative time.
• Following full onboarding and training, administrative time can be taken remotely with proven performance.

Reports to: Director of Operations, Cambridge Street Hospitality Group

Growth Opportunities: This role begins in three phases over 90 days, to allow for growth and development into the restaurant space and integration with the team. Personal and professional goals, both quarterly and longer-term, are set early and honest and candid feedback is provided on a regular basis, resulting in a professional skill set geared for success and growth alongside our hospitality group. Our group is actively exploring additional restaurant locations to grow our organization locally in the Greater Boston area.