Supporting Business Program and Events Manager

Marin Organic is a non-profit association of organic farmers, ranchers and food producers in Marin County, California. Our mission is to cultivate a thriving and sustainable food and agricultural system that improves human health, promotes environmental stewardship, and supports a local economy.

Position Overview:

Currently, Marin Organic is seeking a dynamic and creative program manager to revamp and oversee the organization's Supporting Business Program. This position will implement new strategic initiatives designed to foster connections between Marin Organic producer members and local buyers, and further build our network of local businesses to support the organization's mission of cultivating a sustainable local food system. The program manager also plans, implements and oversees annual events, including major fundraisers, farmer dinners, cooking classes and author events.

Responsibilities

The Supporting Business and Events Manager reports to the Executive Director and is responsible for:

Supporting Business Program Management:

• Restructuring the existing Supporting Business Program with the goal of strengthening our network of restaurants, markets and food purveyors committed to sourcing from Marin Organic producers.
• Managing the recruitment and retention of new and current supporting business members.
• Working closely with the Producer Member Manager to communicate seasonal availability to supporting businesses, and assist with marketing producers' products on an ongoing basis.
• Handling all Supporting Business member dues collections, thank you letters, website updates, order and distribution of signage, and other tasks, in a timely fashion.

Fundraising and Events Management:

• Planning and implementing Marin Organic's 2 major fundraising events per year with support and direction from the Executive Director, development team and staff.
• In collaboration with the Producer Member Manager, organizing 4 seasonal Farmer Dinners per year at a Supporting Business venue that highlights various Marin Organic producers, their stories and product .
• With Point Reyes Books and Cavallo Point Cooking School, co-producing the annual "Food for Thought Author Series" and "Tale of Two Farms" quarterly cooking classes, as well as other events that may arise.
• Coordinating and scheduling volunteers to assist at select events with tabling, service, set-up, etc.
• Acting as the liaison with chefs, food writers, filmmakers and other speakers featured at events.
• Marketing of all Marin Organic events via the website, press releases and social media (Constant Contact, Facebook, Twitter) with support from the Operations Manager.
• Securing corporate sponsorships to help support the community event series and fundraisers.
• Overseeing and coordinating the annual Member Appreciation Supper in collaboration with the Producer Member Manager.

Qualifications:

• Proven track record in successful event fundraising and solid background in events management.
• A strong working knowledge of the Marin agricultural landscape and local producers, as well as familiarity with topics and leaders in today's food industry.
• Organized and efficient with acute attention to detail and ability to multi-task.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, and the ability to liaison effectively and amiably with business owners, chefs, farmers, authors, community members and event collaborators.
• A creative, collaborative, hospitable spirit, ‘can-do' approach and love for local, organic food and farmers!

Also Required:

• A valid driver's license, access to a reliable vehicle, and willingness to travel around Marin County and the wider Bay Area, as needed
• A flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds

Compensation: $18-$20 per hour (depending on experience) with a complete benefit package including vacation, holiday and full medical/dental coverage after an introductory period. 24-32 hours Monday through Friday (depending on events schedule).

To Apply:

Please e-mail cover letter and resume as PDF attachments and indicate "Supporting Business Program and Events Manager" in the subject line. Applications are due August 4th by 5pm. Because of the large number of resumes expected we will only be able to respond individually to those applicants we wish to interview. Thank you for your interest in Marin Organic.

No phone calls please.