Volunteer Position - Portland Farmers Market Eastbank Matching Program Coordinator

You are interested in connecting with your community to strengthen local neighborhoods. You want to use your communication and program implementation expertise. You care about sustainable food systems and supporting local farms. You want to be part of a local, grassroots initiative to increase healthy food access for low-income residents…

…and we want you to volunteer with us! This is an on-going professional volunteer opportunity with the Portland Farmers Market.

The Portland Farmers Market (PFM) is launching a Matching Program in the Eastbank Market for the 2010 season. In the program, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (food stamp) users are eligible to receive a $5 match to spend at the market. The goal is to increase access to local, healthy foods for those who have an Oregon Trail EBT card. Additionally, the program will drive market attendance and promote sustainable food systems by supporting local farmers.

POSITION: Eastbank Market Matching Program Coordinator(s)

WEEKLY TIME COMMITMENT:

Approximately 10-15 hours per week. Depending on interest and availability, this position may be divided into two or three highly collaborative co-coordinator positions.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Eastbank Market Matching Program Coordinator(s) will work closely with the Portland Farmers Market to aid in the implementation of the Matching Program. Must be willing to commit for at least 9 months, from December to September.

· December – April: the Coordinator(s) will play a major role in cultivating community support for the matching program and planning the program launch.

· April – September: the Coordinator(s) will oversee the logistics of implementing the matching program.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Program Planning

· Attend bi-monthly Friday meetings with the PFM Matching Program Planning Committee.

· Collaborate with the Planning Committee to meet implementation goals

· Liaise between PFM and Southeast Portland Neighborhood Associations

Communications & Fundraising

· Present the Matching Program to community organizations and potential sponsors using pre-set presentation materials

· Assist in identifying potential partners and sponsors

· Distribute information flyers to neighborhood libraries, newspapers, welfare offices and low-income housing units

· Assist in distributing Match Program press release

Program Launch

· Assist in recruiting, training and managing volunteers to staff the program during the market season

· Manage on-the-ground logistics of the match program through the market season including staffing the matching program information booth

· Maintain monthly records of program statistics and periodically update volunteers and donors on program progress

· Monitor and evaluate program implementation

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:

Volunteers unable to commit to the nine-month timeline will not be considered.

Ideal volunteers will possess:

· excellent communication skills and experience speaking to large groups and individuals

· project management or coordination experience

· excel and word processing proficiency

· the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines

SKILLS & ABILITIES:

Successful volunteers will be:

· passionate about improving food security in local communities

· a highly motivated self-starter who can work independently

· dedicated and willing to learn and collaborate in a team environment

HOW TO APPLY:

Please send a current resume and cover letter to [email protected]

Accepting applications through December 10, 2009.