The Barrie Farmers' Market has been a community gathering place for over 180 years, connecting local farmers, food producers, artisans, and residents in the heart of downtown Barrie. We are seeking an enthusiastic, organized, and outgoing Events & Community Engagement Coordinator to support sponsorship development, vendor communications, content creation, community engagement, event planning, and weekly market operations while serving as an ambassador for the market.
This is a dynamic, hands on position that combines event coordination, marketing, business development, community outreach, and physical event setup. The successful candidate will work closely with vendors, shoppers, volunteers, sponsors, and community partners to help create a welcoming and vibrant market experience.
Mandatory Availability
- 35 hours per week
- Weekday availability is required (between 9am and 5pm)
- Saturdays from 6:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. are mandatory
- Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions
- Reliable transportation is considered an asset
Responsibilities
- Assist with planning and coordinating weekly market events, promotions, and special activities
- Seek and secure sponsorships, donations, prize contributions, and community partnerships
- Build relationships with local businesses, organizations, and community groups
- Communicate with vendors regarding market events, schedules, opportunities, and important updates
- Assist with vendor outreach and relationship building throughout the season
- Serve as a point of contact for vendors, volunteers, and market visitors
- Create engaging content for social media platforms including photos, videos, stories, reels, and written posts
- Capture market day highlights, vendor features, customer experiences, and special events
- Conduct interviews and gather stories from vendors and shoppers for marketing purposes
- Assist with website updates, newsletters, and other marketing materials as required
- Promote market programs, contests, events, and community initiatives
- Engage with shoppers and vendors to create a welcoming, friendly, and inclusive atmosphere
- Coordinate children's activities and community engagement programs
- Assist with volunteer recruitment, scheduling, and coordination
- Support customer service initiatives and respond to public inquiries in a professional manner
- Assist with surveys and data collection
- Support general market administration and operations as required
Market Operations & Logistics
- Assist with weekly market setup and teardown
- Set up tents, tables, chairs, signage, and event equipment
- Safely handle and position tent weights and market infrastructure
- Move and transport market supplies, displays, and large event materials
- Assist with loading and unloading vehicles
- Help coordinate site logistics before, during, and after market events
- Ensure event spaces are safe, organized, and ready for public use
- Perform other duties necessary to support successful market operations
Qualifications
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Comfortable approaching businesses and organizations regarding sponsorship opportunities
- Friendly, professional, and confident engaging with vendors, shoppers, volunteers, and community partners
- Strong organizational and time management skills
- Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
- Self motivated, reliable, and punctual
- Experience creating content for social media platforms such as Instagram and Facebook
- Photography, videography, and storytelling skills are considered assets
- Event planning, fundraising, sponsorship, sales, marketing, or customer service experience is considered an asset
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Comfortable working outdoors in a fast paced environment
- Ability to regularly lift and move up to 50 pounds
- Comfortable performing physical tasks associated with outdoor event setup and teardown
Eligibility Requirements
This position is funded through the Canada Summer Jobs program. Applicants must:
- Be between 15 and 30 years of age at the start of employment
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person granted refugee status in Canada
- Be legally entitled to work in Canada and have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN)
What You'll Gain
- Hands on experience in event planning and management
- Sponsorship and business development experience
- Marketing, content creation, and social media experience
- Community engagement and leadership opportunities
- Experience working with local businesses, farmers, artisans, and community organizations
- Professional mentorship and networking opportunities
- Experience coordinating public events and community programming
To Apply
Please submit your resume to [email protected] with a brief cover letter explaining why you would be a great fit for the Barrie Farmers' Market. Applications submitted via Indeed will not be considered.
We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Pay: $17.60 per hour
Work Location: In person
