Director of Farmers Market Operations

Position Title: Director of Farmers Market Operations

Reports To: Chief Operating Officer

Supervision Requirements: Supervises multiple Senior Market Managers, Market Managers, and Agricultural Integrity Manager

Work Unit: Farmers Markets

Location: San Rafael, CA with regular work throughout the San Francisco Bay Area

Hours: Full-time, salaried, exempt status

Starting Salary Range: $87,075 - $100,000

Desired Start Date: February 1, 2026

Application Instructions: Please submit a resume and cover letter by January 13th for priority consideration.

BACKGROUND

AIM is an educational 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in San Rafael, California. AIM’s mission is to educate, inspire, and connect communities, farmers, and producers in order to create a healthy, Earth-friendly, equitable local and regional food and agricultural system. AIM serves 400+ farmers, food purveyors, and artisans from over 40 California counties who participate in AIM’s nine certified farmers markets in Hayward, Newark, Oakland, Point Reyes, San Rafael, and San Francisco. We are in the predevelopment stages of constructing a Center for Food & Agriculture: a visionary campus with a permanent outdoor Farmers Market and Food Innovation Hub for education, innovation, and food system growth. We provide hands-on agricultural education programs to thousands of children and adults, operate a farm audit program, run a certified mobile farmers market, organize a beginning farmers market incubator program, and operate CalFresh/EBT and Market Match services to create a healthier, equitable food system across the San Francisco Bay Area. We are engaged in state and local food policy work to make sure our actions benefit the land, the people who grow our food, and the health of all communities.

JOB SUMMARY

The Agricultural Institute of Marin is seeking a Director of Farmers Market Operations to provide day-to-day management of AIM’s certified farmers market. The Director oversees the unit that manages AIM’s network of certified farmers markets, currently nine farmers markets, that feature agricultural, food and artisan producers and Nutrition Benefit Programs. The Director supervises staff, a departmental expense budget, and revenue goals. The Director is responsible for developing and implementing operational policies and procedures, coordinating farmers markets operations with other programs at AIM, overseeing AIM’s fleet of vehicles and market equipment, and administering AIM’s Emergency Action Plan.

The Director of Farmers Market Operations is a member of the AIM Leadership Team ensuring the organization is successful in the pursuit of its mission and will contribute to the development of AIM’s Strategic Plan. The Director will empower Market Managers to thrive in their jobs, while supporting a culture of teamwork, accountability, and momentum. The Director reinforces the authority of the market managers and encourages them to take ownership of their responsibilities and opportunities to pursue AIM’s mission through its operation of high-quality, successful farmers markets.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• FARMERS MARKETS LEADERSHIP: Oversee AIM’s network of farmers markets, ensuring their safe and effective operation. Foster consistency and coordination in the management of AIM's markets, developing effective systems, operational policies, standard operating procedures, and data collection to maintain integrity and show impact of AIM’s certified farmers markets.
• INTEGRITY AND COMPLIANCE: Ensure that markets adhere to all state and local laws and regulations for direct marketing and health and safety. In cooperation with the Agricultural Integrity & Compliance Manager and Market Managers, ensure farm audits and stall audits are completed in a timely manner and with appropriate follow-up according to AIM’s Integrity Matrix. Oversee implementation of Board-approved rules and regulations.
• FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT AND BUDGETING: Oversee financial activity at the markets, including managing Market Participant payments, managing CalFresh/EBT transactions, related benefit vouchers, merchandise sales and ATM transactions, in coordination with COO and accounting staff. Oversee, audit and review monthly and daily invoices and billing in MMM for accuracy Manage the budget and annual goals related to the operation of AIM’s farmers markets, achieving revenue goals and staying within approved expenditures; tracks progress on revenue targets and recommends new revenue generating strategies as appropriate.
• FARMERS MARKET OPERATIONS: Direct staff to manage equipment, market vehicles, waste management, portable toilets, market phones and iPads, while assuring routine maintenance and repairs are complete. Administer AIM’s Emergency Action Plan in response to severe weather conditions. When necessary, act as an on-site manager for farmers market operations.
• TEAM LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT: Supervise a team of Senior Market Managers and Market Managers, driving accountability and performance to achieve measurable outcomes and consistency across all markets. Schedule and supervise market staff each week and monitor coverage and time off requests. Monitor farmers market activities through regular on-site visits to each of AIM’s farmers markets to provide feedback to Market Managers for continuous improvement in a collaborative way. Oversee recruitment of new Market Managers and Assistant Market Managers. In collaboration with Senior Market Managers, provide training and ongoing coaching to Market Managers. Ensure the effective implementation of Board-approved Rules and Regulations.

• MARKET CULTURE: Ensure markets are welcoming, offer appropriate entertainment and activities, and maintain a sense of community among market participants. Promote diverse markets through AIM’s Path to Racial Equity and the Farmers Market Coalition’s Anti-Racist Toolkit. Consider language access needs and strategies to improve accessibility of markets.
• GROWTH ORIENTATION: Explore and recommend expansion of AIM’s farmers markets and opening new markets. In partnership with the CEO, support the creation of new market amenities and infrastructure at the Center for Food & Agriculture.
• COMMUNITY RELATIONS & COMMUNICATION: Maintain excellent relations with market participants, customers, local governmental/sponsoring entities, other farmers market operators, merchants, and local communities. Coordinate with the Marketing team to develop effective outreach and marketing strategies to drive awareness of farmers markets. Support market-related special events and honoring National Farmers Market Week and other observances.
• FUNDRAISING AND GRANT SUPPORT: Participate in and encourage organization-wide fundraising efforts, including market sponsorships and annual Gather for the Planet fundraiser; collaborate with the CEO and Development staff to identify funding and revenue opportunities. Coordinate with Programs staff and Grant Manager on grant applications and workplans, ensuring completion of grant-related projects at farmers markets, including the Farmers Market Incubator Booth and Market Access Fund.
• Participate on the internal Leadership Team, attending regular meetings, accepting projects and tasks as necessary, and helping shape and advance AIM’s overall objectives.
• Other duties as assigned.
  
  
  

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum of Five years’ experience in farmers market management, with at least 3 years in a supervisory role.
• Experience with certified farmers’ markets and California agriculture.

• Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate teams, provide clear direction, and foster a collaborative environment to achieve organizational goals
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills
• Ability to lead and facilitate meetings, ensuring clear communication
• Effective conflict resolution and de-escalation skills
• Experience with budgets, revenue, and expense management
• Proficient in computer systems and software applications, including Microsoft Office suite (especially Excel) and market management platforms such as Manage My Market
• Ability to manage complex projects from initiation to completion, including setting timelines and ensuring team alignment
• Strategic leader with exceptional communication, problem solving and organizational skills; adept at guiding cross-functional teams, maintaining composure in high-pressure situations and managing emergencies

• Ability to work weekends, early mornings, and long hours on market days as needed
• First-aid certification
• Must have valid CA driver’s license and safe driving record

STRONGLY PREFERRED QUALIFIACATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, environmental studies, or related field.
• Spanish language proficiency

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/DEMANDS

• Ability to regularly lift 50 + pounds when setting up and breaking down the market

• Unloading and loading of market equipment such as tables, chairs, ATM and market tents
• Setting up and breaking down market equipment at the information booth and in café areas
• Disposing of garbage, compost, and recycling

• Sitting, walking, standing, twisting and bending for extended periods of time
• This position requires the employee to work in an office environment
• This position requires prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer

FULL-TIME STAFF BENEFITS

• Four Kaiser Plan options with AIM covering 100% of employee premium for Gold, 90% for Platinum, 100% + employer paid H.S.A Contribution of $233/month for Silver HDHP or Bronze HDHP.
• Employer paid $25,000 Life/AD&D coverage
• Voluntary Principal dental & vision; Spot Pet wellness & Insurance plan discount
• Paid sick leave (up to 30 days)
• Paid vacation (2 weeks in first year, 3 weeks years 2-5, 4 weeks after 4 years)
• 12 paid holidays per year
• Hybrid work schedules permitted after completion of 180-day introductory period
• Employee assistance program
• 401K with 2 % employer match
• Professional training opportunities
• Dog-friendly office, fun and dynamic team environment.

DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

AIM embraces diversity and equal opportunity. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We value diversity at all levels and are committed to fostering an environment in which community members and co-workers from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences are welcomed and can thrive.