Position:        Events and Retail Manager

Status:             Regular, Full Time, Exempt

Hours:             40 hours per week, Monday-Friday. Evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed for events.

Reports to: Director of Finance and Administration

ABOUT COASTAL ROOTS FARM

Coastal Roots Farm is a nonprofit community farm and education center guided by Jewish values. The Farm’s mission is to cultivate healthy, connected communities by integrating sustainable agriculture, food justice, and ancient Jewish wisdom. 

The Farm’s impact initiatives include 1) regenerative agriculture, 2) equitable food access, 3) environmental education, and 4) Jewish life. We grow organic food in a climate-smart way, donate the majority our harvests with those who need it most, inspire youth to be the next generation of environmental stewards, and connect people of all backgrounds to Jewish holidays, values, and traditions through farming and food.

Jewish values guide the Farm’s Jewish values include Adam v’Adamah (Interdependence), Tikkun Olam (Repair), Arevut (Mutual Care), Peleh (Wonder), Kodesh (Sacred Time), which inform our strategy, approach, and priorities. 

Coastal Roots Farm is located in Encinitas, CA on approximately 18 acres of land which we recognize as indigenous to the Kumeyaay and Luiseño peoples. Coastal Roots Farm was incubated by the Leichtag Foundation in 2014 and received 501(c)(3) public charity status in 2015. 

POSITION OVERVIEW

Coastal Roots Farm’s Events and Retail Manager will manage two aspects for the farm’s social enterprise operations. This position will manage and coordinate both private event rentals and a limited portfolio of signature community events. As part of an ongoing effort to support the financial sustainability of Farm programs, the Private Event Program was launched to further connect people to our mission while generating critical support for our initiatives. Additionally, this position will manage the farm’s new Coffee Cart and Store operations from planning stages to merchandising, inventory, and training and on-going management of Coffee Cart Attendant staff.

The right candidate will bring extensive experience coordinating intimate and large-scale events including contracting and coordinating with vendors and clients, exhibit a strong ability to manage multiple simultaneous deadlines, and bring strong experience supervising staff. Moreover, the right candidate will have a passion for local makers and brands and be a gastronomic enthusiast.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential events functions include:

• Private event rentals: Oversee all aspects of Private Events including event inquiry and client communication, venue reservations, event contracts, event inventory, logistics, security communications, venue calendar, and post-event follow-up.
• Signature community events:
  • Farm Film and Music Series (5 events): Select films; invite nonprofit partners for tabling; coordinate and implement run of show; manage events team, set up furniture, audio, and info table.
  • Farm-to-Table Dinner Series (5 events): Coordinate with local chef and drink partners; work with Philanthropy Manager on run of show; work with Marketing Manager on printed menu and name cards.
  • Cultivating Impact Mixers (4 events): Coordinate food, drink and live music; set up furniture and audio.
• Staff training and oversight: Train, assign, and supervise to Programs and Events Associates (“PEAs”) including training on event layout, set up and tear down, audio equipment and troubleshooting. Train, schedule, and supervise all Coffee Cart attendants.
• Vendor and partner relationships: Establish and maintain strong relationships with vendors, caterers, entertainment, and event partners to ensure seamless execution of events.
• Interdepartmental coordination: Coordinate with Marketing Manager on promotions, collaborate with Philanthropy Team on events pertaining to relevant stakeholders and donor prospects, coordinate use of spaces with Production and Education Teams.
• Sales/outreach: Own and manage private event sales and promotion. Communicate with event inquiries.  Participate in local event networks and member-based organizations by attending meetings and networking gatherings to increase awareness of events on the Farm.
• Coffee Cart Management: Overseeing all Coffee Cart operations including but not limited to:
  • Creating operational plan for new Coffee Cart.
  • Overseeing all aspects of product selection, purchasing, and visual merchandising for Coffee Cart and Farm and Garden Store.
  • Scheduling and managing of Coffee Cart staff including hiring and training.
  • Creating SOPs for efficient and effective daily operations.

Administrative and Other Duties:

• Lead Farm Tours and give Farm presentations as needed.
• Attend regular Farm team meetings as appropriate.

Qualifications / Experience

Required:

• 3-5 years' experience in event planning, hospitality, merchandising, or related field.
• 3-5 years’ experience in retail, merchandising, or related field.
• Proven ability to manage multiple events per week and deliver on tight timelines.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills, with attention to detail.
• Strong communication skills and a customer-service oriented approach.
• Strong interpersonal skills necessary to inspire and develop a team.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Familiarity with managing budgets, contracts, and vendor negotiations.
• Ability and willingness to work longer hours and stay on-beat during events
• An affinity for Coastal Roots Farm’s mission.

Preferred:

• Experience coordinating fundraising events or working in a nonprofit organization.
• Working in a nonprofit organization.

Reporting Relationship

Reports directly to Director of Finance and Administration

Compensation

The salary range starts at $69,000 and is commensurate with experience.  Coastal Roots Farm offers a competitive benefits package.

Typical Working Conditions

The Events and Retail Manager will work outdoors and in the office. There will be exposure to Southern California outside temperatures, chemicals used in the agricultural industry, and loud noises.

Essential Physical Tasks

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• Continuous walking, standing, stooping, bending, kneeling, reaching, lifting, and pushing/pulling up to 50 lbs., cutting, and carrying.
• Able to walk a minimum of .5 miles on uneven narrow trails with elevation gain.

Application Process

Please go to https://coastalrootsfarm.org/job-opportunities/ and click on “Job and Internship opportunities” to apply online. All applicants must submit:

• Cover letter
• Resume
• Job questions

Coastal Roots Farm is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to building an inclusive workforce. We welcome and strongly encourage people with diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply. All qualified candidates, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, marital status, veteran status, or genetic information will be considered for this position.