Union Square Greenmarket Programming and Publicity Assistant

Organization Information 

GrowNYC is a 54-year-old environmental nonprofit organization helping more than 3 million New Yorkers by providing essential services and taking action to make NYC a livable city, one where every person can enjoy a healthier, more sustainable life. GrowNYC Programs include: 

• Our network of Greenmarkets, Farmstands, and the work of GrowNYC Wholesale ensure that all New Yorkers have access to the freshest, healthiest local food.
• We build and support community and school gardens through volunteer days, technical assistance, training, grants and more.
• We provide 70,000 children each year with programs that provide meaningful interactions with the natural environment.

Union Square Greenmarket Programming and Publicity Assistant (Full Time)  

Position Summary

The Union Square Greenmarket Programming and Publicity Assistant provides market, administrative, and programming support as part of the Union Square Publicity team to represent and promote Greenmarket’s flagship market and the GrowNYC mission. The ideal candidate is enthusiastic, skilled at communications, and can provide high-quality customer service while sharing their passion for cooking, local produce, and farming. This position reports to the Union Square Publicity Manager and Union Square Greenmarket General Manager.

Requirements

Union Square Greenmarket Programming and Publicity Assistant Responsibilities (Include but are not limited to):

At-Market Operations 

• Contribute to keeping the Market Information Tent clean, organized, and attractive.
• Provide excellent customer service for shoppers: answer customer questions with knowledge, friendliness, and respect, and educate customers on GrowNYC’s mission and programs.
• Display, sell, and track Greenmarket merchandise.
• Keep the Information Tent, truck, and market bins presentable, organized, and well-stocked, and coordinate delivery/pick-up of market materials from the office.
• Assist in addressing and overseeing film shoots at market.
• Manage conflicts and address complaints from customers, producers, and the public while maintaining a calm and professional demeanor. Follow established protocols for reporting and resolution.
• Assist with training and at-market support of site leads, volunteers, and interns at the market.
• Delegate tasks to site staff, volunteers, and interns as needed.
• Process debit/credit, EBT, and other nutrition benefit transactions as needed.

At-Market Programming and Publicity

• Help implement at-market programming, including but not limited to cooking demonstrations, book signings, special events, guest tabling events, and educational displays.
• Support set-up and break-down for market programming and events.
• Help create collateral needed for programming (design A-frames and signage, create social media squares, and print handouts, recipes, and posters).
• Generate engaging and educational social media content about the market by taking high-quality photos and videos of market products, producers, and programming and writing and editing copy for social media posts.
• Work with the Union Square Publicity Manager to develop relationships with community partners and stakeholders, including chefs, influencers, farmers, customers, and others.
• Monitor social media for engagement by responding to DMs, comments, and tagged photos.

Administrative 

• Attend weekly check-ins and planning sessions with the Union Square Greenmarket Leadership Team.
• Brainstorm and assist in planning programming, as well as social media stories, posts, and campaigns, to promote our producers, seasonal eating and cooking, special holidays, and months  and days of recognition.
• Prepare materials for the market, including but not limited to printing recipes and market handouts  and gathering cooking demo supplies and materials for special events.
• Assist in creating and maintaining a publicity calendar for social media and programming.
• Assist in tracking social media metrics.
• Stay informed about farm, sustainability, and food industry news, social media trends, and happenings within our producer community.
• Contribute to and monitor @UnSqGreenmarket social media feeds to provide customer assistance and partner outreach.
• Assist in administrative tasks to coordinate and promote at-market programming.

Qualifications

• Strong writing and communication skills.
• Creative problem-solver, able to troubleshoot and use good judgment to make on-the-spot decisions.
• Competency with Google Suite.
• Demonstrated ability to pay attention to detail.
• Willing to work every scheduled shift throughout the year, including weekends and holidays.
• An early riser who enjoys working outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Comfortable with public speaking.
• Passionate about food and farming: enjoys cooking, eating with the seasons, talking about food access, and researching the Greenmarket’s producers, products, and history.

Ideal Qualifications 

• Fluency in multiple languages–especially Spanish, Mandarin, and Cantonese–is ideal but not required.
• 1+ years of experience in communications or public relations.
• Familiarity and experience with creating content for various social media platforms including but not limited to Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.
• Prior administrative experience.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 65 lbs (aiding techniques/tools will be provided for safe lifting upon request) and work outdoors, walking and standing for periods of up to 10 hours, sometimes in extreme temperatures. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
• Ability to set up and/or break down the Market Information Tent, which involves carrying weights, tents, and folding tents.
• Ability to stand for up to 10-hour shifts and perform various labor-intensive tasks in all weather conditions.
• Ability to sit at a computer and perform administrative tasks for up to 8 hours.

Schedule

The schedule is 35-40 hours a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at the market; and in-person work on Thursdays at GrowNYC’s Manhattan office. This position requires availability for early mornings starting at 6:30 am and flexibility to work a variety of shifts. 

Compensation

The position is non-exempt full-time, and salaried. It pays $53,000 – $55,000 and includes full benefits (medical, dental, vision, life insurance, long-term disability, incentive savings plan, paid time off, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, FSA programs, and potential for parental leave for full-time regular employees who have been employed with GrowNYC for 175 days). The position is union-eligible.

Location

Union Square Greenmarket and the GrowNYC office, located at 100 Gold St, New York, NY 10038.