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Job Title: Events & Culinary Program Manager

Department: Programming & Community Engagement

Reports To: Executive Director

FLSA Status: Exempt
Application Deadline: March 6th at 5:00 pm

POSITION SUMMARY
The Events & Culinary Program Manager (ECPM) is a key leadership role responsible for activating the Market through dynamic, mission-driven programming. This position designs and manages daily and seasonal events, leads all culinary activities in the Community Kitchen, and develops a robust event space rental program that generates earned revenue in support of the Market’s operations. The ECPM will bring the Market to life, curating experiences that range from nutrition education for children and families to chef-led classes, a chef-in-residence program, cultural celebrations, and thematic monthly events ensuring that all programming advances the Market’s mission, strengthens community connections, and supports financial sustainability. In addition, the Market will be available for private events, and the ECPM will oversee their integration into its regular programming. As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, this position will work closely with other managers as a thought partner to develop policies and programs that further the Market’s mission and increase its sustainability.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Market Programming & Activation

• Design and manage day-to-day and seasonal programming that animates the Market and enhances the visitor experience

• Develop and maintain a year-round programming calendar including demonstrations, tastings, workshops, cultural celebrations, and monthly seasonal themes

• Ensure programming reflects Oregon’s agricultural seasons, cultural diversity, and the Market’s equity-centered mission

• Collaborate with vendors and tenants to integrate programming that supports small businesses and vendor visibility

Culinary & Community Kitchen Leadership

Lead all culinary programming within the Community Kitchen, including:

• Nutrition and food education classes for children and families

• Community cooking classes and skill-building workshops

• Chef-led demonstrations and hands-on experiences

• A Chef-in-Residence and guest chef program

• Recruit, contract, and manage chefs, instructors, and facilitators

• Ensure programs are accessible, inclusive, and aligned with food safety and public health standards

Event Space & Earned Revenue Development

• Develop and manage the Market’s event space rental program as a sustainable earned-revenue stream

• Create rental packages, pricing structures, policies, and operating procedures

• Coordinate logistics for private, corporate, and mission-aligned events, including culinary activations, tastings, and community gatherings

• Balance revenue goals with mission alignment and community access

Community Engagement & Partnerships

• Build and steward partnerships with community organizations, schools, cultural groups, and food-system stakeholders

• Co-create programs that reflect community needs and expand access to culinary education and food literacy

• Serve as a visible ambassador for the Market through programs and events

Operations, Planning & Evaluation

• Design and maintain master event calendar that is accessible to staff and relevant partners.

• Manage program budgets, contracts, scheduling, and vendor/chef agreements

• Track and report participation, outcomes, and revenue associated with programs and events

• Work cross-functionally to ensure seamless execution, staffing coordination, and operational readiness

• Provide Board reports and presentations, as necessary.

• Support grant-funded programming through reporting and compliance as needed

Brand & Mission Stewardship

• Champion the James Beard Public Market’s mission, values, and public identity through all programming

• Ensure the Market remains a welcoming, inclusive civic space rooted in food, culture, and community
  
  

IDEAL CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree preferred; or the equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that would provide the knowledge, skills and abilities required for the successful performance of the key responsibilities.

• 5+ years of experience in culinary programming, events management, food education, public markets, or cultural institutions

• Demonstrated experience designing and delivering community-centered programming and managing live events

• Strong understanding of food systems, culinary culture, and seasonality

• Experience developing and managing earned revenue through events or programming

• Demonstrated ability to manage, report, and track revenue and expenses.

• Proven ability to manage multiple projects, budgets, and stakeholders simultaneously

• Excellent relationship-building, communication, and organizational skills

• Customer service mindset with strong interpersonal and problem-solving abilities

• Commitment to equity, access, and community-centered work

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in or with public markets, food halls, or culinary nonprofits

• Background in nutrition education, public health, or youth programming

• Experience managing community kitchens or shared-use culinary spaces

• Familiarity with grant-funded programming

Compensation & Work Schedule

• Salary Range: $90,000 – $110,000 annually, commensurate with experience

• Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, paid time off, and holidays

• Work Schedule: This position requires flexibility to work evenings and weekends to support market programming, community events, and space rentals. On-site presence is essential, especially during events. During the initial period of employment some job duties will be performed remotely.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

To apply please fill out the application below and submit the following:   

1. Required short answers to the following screening questions:

1. The James Beard Public Market is funded by public and private money, and its opening is highly anticipated by many stakeholders in the community. Please briefly describe the opportunities and challenges you see in balancing the expectations and responsibilities in this position as the first Events & Culinary Program Manager.

2. Give a brief example of your experience designing/managing an event that makes you a strong candidate for this position.

3. What is your most recent favorite culinary experience in the greater Portland area?

2. A one-page resume that includes the following:

1. Name

2. Contact information

3. Relevant employment experience including dates employed

4. Education

5. Three references. Note: references will not be contacted until the end of the hiring process.

   3. Optional: a cover letter describing your interest in the position and how your experience aligns with the mission of the James Beard Public Market.

The application deadline is Friday, March 6th at 5:00 pm. All applications will be read as they are submitted and evaluated based on your experience and answers to our screening questions.

Following the end of the application period we will contact you as soon as possible to let you know the decision about whether you will be scheduled for an interview. Our goal is to fill the position no later than April 15th.