The YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago is dedicated to creating long-lasting positive change, whether it's through health and wellbeing, early education, violence prevention, or one of our other programs and services. We're looking for talented individuals who are committed to empowering our community by creating a safe and welcoming environment that encourages growth and support - individuals like you!

The Indian Boundary YMCA in Downers Grove, IL is looking for a seasonal Market Manager. Since the mid-1990s the Indian Boundary YMCA operated the Downtown Downers Grove Market. Proceeds from booth sales help the YMCA to enhance existing programs and to offer financial assistance to children and families to participate in Y programs. Last year, more than 4,500 people visited the Market during peak weeks.

This part-time, seasonal position is an ideal role for someone looking for extra income or who just loves people and running events. This role is the point person for the weekly Market, including setup, teardown, weekly vendor coordination, and customer service onsite. Candidates must be available from late April until early November to assist with Market operations and administration. The 2024 Market season runs from May 11 to October 19; candidate must be available on Saturdays from 5 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. during the Market season.

Scopes and Responsibilities:

• Coordinates and executes weekly operation of the Downtown Downers Grove Market, including but not limited to, assisting vendors during load-in and setup, as well as tear down and load-out, maintaining all supplies and equipment, and setting up YMCA tent, signage, and other materials
• Manage all customer service interaction onsite during the Market, both with vendors and customers, and troubleshoot concerns in the moment; ensure any concerns raised during the Market that cannot be resolved are escalated to the Brand Experience Manager
• Assist in confirming weekly vendor schedules, including musicians and non-profit partners, throughout the Market season (approx. 4-6 hours during the week)
• Assist in overseeing the recruitment of volunteers in advance of the Market and managing volunteer shifts onsite to provide exceptional customer service and information to market-goers
• Coordinate with Indian Boundary YMCA staff, as well as Brand Engagement team, on activities and events at each weekly Market
• Assist in compiling promotional information (i.e. weekly vendors, musicians, activities, etc.) that can be distributed to market-goers via social media and newsletters (approx. 1-2 hours during the week)
• Provide a recap of Market operations with Brand Experience Manager after each Market and discuss any enhancements that can be made (approx. 1-2 hours during the week).
• Maintain cleanliness and safety of facilities and all Market equipment, including train station storage closest
• Ensures all rules and regulations are being adhered to by vendors and customers and that all Village rulers are being followe
• Maintains YMCA standards and ensures compliance with requirements; ensures accidents and incidents are properly reported
• Serve on-site as the YMCA liaison for all Market related happenings
• Foster strong relationships with customers, vendors, and key stakeholders to understand their requirements and exceed their expectations

Minimum and Required Requirements

• High School Diploma required; Bachelor's degree in hospitality, marketing, customer service, or equivalent recommended
• Minimum of 1-2 years of related work experience managing farmers markets, planning efforts for events and/or direct customer service role
• Availability to work outdoors (rain or shine) on Saturdays, 5am - 1:30 p.m. from May 11 to October 19, plus an additional 10-15 hours throughout the week.
• Expertise in event operations, with strong preference for farmers market and/or festival experience
• Exceptional customer service and professional communication skills with a focus on providing concierge-level service
• Strong organization and project management abilities, with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously
• High attention to detail with strong ability to problem solve in the moment and address customer concerns
• Work with minimal direct supervision, while being a committed team player and who can support other members of the team
• Effective communicator across all forms and levels
• Excellent judgement, decision-making, and problem solving skills
• Ability to lift up to 25lbs

Child Abuse Prevention - Support the YMCA's commitment to child abuse prevention by:

• Reporting any items that may provide a health or safety hazard to staff, members or guests to your supervisor
• Following all policies and procedures related to keeping children safe in our facilities and programs, including those related to the monitoring and supervision of children
• Reporting any suspicious behavior and violation of policy and procedures to your supervisor
• Completing all child abuse prevention training, as required