Director of Program Development and Outreach

OLYMPIA FARMERS MARKET

Job Announcement

Director of Program Development & Outreach

Full-Time, Exempt | Wednesday–Sunday | Olympia, WA

Position Open: August 14, 2026 | Application Deadline: August 21, 2026

About the Olympia Farmers Market

The Olympia Farmers Market is one of Washington State's most beloved public markets, welcoming more than 400,000 visitors each year to our home at 700 Capitol Way N in downtown Olympia. We are a member-governed nonprofit cooperative with approximately 150 vendors offering fresh produce, artisan goods, prepared foods, and live entertainment across our year around weekly markets. Our mission is to connect our community with local farmers, food producers, and artisans while fostering a vibrant, inclusive public gathering place.

The Opportunity

The Olympia Farmers Market is seeking a dynamic, community-minded leader to join our team as Director of Program Development & Outreach. This is a senior, full-time position reporting directly to the Board of Directors and serving as a co-equal peer to the Market Director. The Director of Program Development & Outreach owns the market's community-facing growth — leading marketing, events, vendor outreach, and the development of innovative new programs that deepen the market's impact and expand its reach.

This is a role for someone who is equally comfortable behind a camera creating social media content, at a table negotiating a food bank partnership, and on the market floor making a new vendor feel welcome. If you are energized by farmers markets, local food systems, and community building — and you have the skills and experience to lead — we want to hear from you.

What You'll Do

Marketing & Social Media

• Own the Market's Instagram and Facebook presence, creating engaging content including photos, Reels, Stories, and posts.
• Produce short-form videos and visual content showcasing vendors, seasonal produce, events, and Market life.
• Collaborate with the Marketing Contractor on an annual Marketing Plan of Record covering all channels.
• Develop and execute a sponsorship plan and cultivate cross-promotional community partnerships.

Events

• Develop and manage an annual Events Plan of Record in collaboration with the Market Director and committees.
• Plan and execute all public and internal special events, including the Free Market, Kids Market, and seasonal celebrations.
• Coordinate daily stage entertainment and Craft Jury activities.

Vendor Recruitment & Outreach

• Build genuine relationships with a wide and diverse vendor community.
• Develop and carry out vendor recruitment strategies in collaboration with the Board and Market Director.
• Represent the Market at tabling events and community functions.

Program Development

• Lead new program buildout including the Kids Market, Free Market, and food access initiatives.
• Coordinate SNAP/EBT, Market Match, and food bank partnerships with an emphasis on equitable program design.
• Build community partnerships, draft memoranda of understanding, and pursue grant funding opportunities.
• Design and administer shopper and vendor surveys and translate findings into program improvements.

What We're Looking For

Required

• 5 years of progressive farmers market, nonprofit, or comparable community-facing experience.
• Demonstrated proficiency with Instagram and Facebook, including content creation, analytics, and engagement.
• Strong photo and short-form video skills (Reels, Stories, etc.).
• Experience executing marketing plans across social media, email, print, and events.
• Strong conflict resolution skills — this is a required competency for this role.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills across a wide variety of people and communities.
• Experience building community partnerships and drafting memoranda of understanding.
• Grant project experience including applications, budgeting, and compliance reporting.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development in interpersonal and people skills.
• Ability to work Wednesday–Sunday, outdoors in all weather, including some evenings.

Preferred

• Experience with Mailchimp or similar email platforms and website content management.
• Background in event planning or coordination.
• Familiarity with local food systems, farmers markets, or agricultural communities.
• Experience with Canva, Adobe Express, or similar design tools.
• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Nonprofit Management, Environmental Science and Policy, or related field.
• CPR, first aid, and de-escalation certifications preferred.
• Bilingual skills are a plus.

Compensation & Schedule

Compensation is commensurate with experience and negotiable. The Olympia Farmers Market offers a competitive benefits package. This is a full-time, exempt position working Wednesday through Sunday with on-site presence required on all Market days.

How to Apply

Submit a resume and letter of interest to:

hiring@olympiafarmersmarket.com

Applications must be received by 5:00 PM on Friday, August 21, 2026. We will review applications on a rolling basis and encourage early submission. The Olympia Farmers Market is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive team.

Olympia Farmers Market | 700 Capitol Way N, Olympia, WA 98501 | olympiafarmersmarket.com

Pay: $60,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Health insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $60,000 - $70,000