The Essex Street Market Vendor Association (ESMVA) is a not-for-profit organization with a membership comprised of 25 diverse vendors from the historic Essex Street Market. Our mission is to support the market’s small merchant community through marketing, promotional events, and community programming. ESMVA acts as the central point of contact between market management, community-based organizations, as well as other governmental and community stakeholders.

In the fall of 2018, Essex Street Market will move directly across the street from its current home to the Essex Crossing development — a move that presents a unique set of opportunities and challenges for the vendor community, and puts you on the forefront of opening New York City’s largest public market.

Position Description:
The Community Events & Vendor Support Coordinator will work closely with the market’s Community Programs & Engagement Manager to carry out weekly programming initiatives and connect one-on-one with market vendors to provide small merchant support.

This is a part-time position (paid hourly) ideal for a graduate student interested in New York City’s food system, food education, community-based food programming, and/or economic development. Hours are flexible with some evening and weekend dates asked, depending on the market’s monthly schedule of events. Strong preference given to those who can commit to 1 year of work starting July 2018.

Primary Responsibilities:
1. Community Events
○ Assist in planning and executing weekly food education programs including our free cooking and nutrition workshops, and healthy shopping tours;
○ Help with ongoing market events such as vendor tastings, tours, nighttime panel discussions, and weekend family activities; and,
○ Gather post-event data to be used in marketing efforts or community-facing reports.
2. Vendor Support
○ Build relationships with market vendors and relay their questions/concerns to the appropriate parties;
○ Coordinate monthly vendor meetings and share meeting minutes with vendors;
○ Ensure vendors are continuously updated on all aspects of the market’s move; and,
○ Help onboard new vendors as needed.

Required Qualifications:
● Demonstrated interest in food systems and community organizing;
● Ability to work with a diverse population of shoppers, small merchants, and community members;
● Strong written and verbal communication, and very detail-oriented;
● Basic culinary skills and strong interest in preparing fresh food; and,
● Eager to engage with community-based organizations around the neighborhood to promote market news and events.

Desired Qualifications:
● Food education and teaching experience;
● Chinese (Mandarin or Cantonese) and/or Spanish speaking; and/or,
● Graphic design and data management skills.

To Apply:
Send your resume and cover letter outlining relevant experience to Lauren Margolis, Community Programs & Engagement Manager, at: lmargolis@esmva.org.