Founded in 1974, Riverside Avondale Preservation (RAP) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit with the mission to preserve, promote and advocate for the Riverside and Avondale neighborhoods in Jacksonville, Fla. Both neighborhoods are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. RAP also operates the Riverside Arts Market (RAM), a community hub showcasing local arts, culture, and small businesses every Saturday under the Fuller Warren Bridge. Our programs aim to be welcoming, inclusive, and impactful for all. 

The RAM Market Manager is responsible for operations, logistics, and administration of the market. They will manage activities, programs, special events, partners, performers, and more. They will work at the historic Buckland House which will include answering phone calls and assisting community members and visitors with general questions about the Riverside Avondale neighborhood.

POSITION OVERVIEW
Employment type: full-time, salaried
Reports to: Market Director

RESPONSIBILITIES

Market Operations

• Work with a team to host the weekly Riverside Arts Market every Saturday
• Ensure the market is ready to receive vendors and entertainers before the event begins, which includes lifting, cleaning, sweeping, minor maintenance, and work with the unhoused community or derelict vehicles for site preparation
• Aid in setup of the RAM Information booth and special events/activity areas
• Assist in the check-in and check-out of all market vendors and merchants. Aid with any conflicts, emergencies or day-of modifications
• Coordinate special places within the market footprint that invite people to stay at RAM with unique, creative ideas for people of all ages
• Program the River Stage, including Morning Yoga, and coordinate with contractors to ensure clarity surrounding timelines and operations for events
• Ensure and enforce compliance with market policies and guidelines among staff, vendors, and market visitors
• Lead RAM in the absence of the Market Director
• Assist in the annual/ongoing analysis of new vendors with an eye for unique, homemade, quality products that will enhance and fulfill the mission of RAM

Community Partnerships & Special Events

• Strategic Planning: Co-create long-term event plans and strategies with the RAM Advisory Committee and Market Director
• Event Planning: Work with the RAM team to develop event programming concepts and partnerships, including events outside of regular market hours. Lead weekly planning/coordination meetings with RAM staff, ensuring all team members are aligned ahead of each event.
• Logistics Coordination: Create event goals, plans, strategies, and run of show for all events. Work with the RAM team to ensure effective event promotional information is available and a plan is in place to capture required content connected with event goals.
• Event Implementation: Implement events within budgets and timelines necessary. Be on site to problem-solve, mitigate issues, and build relationships
• Vendor Coordination: Coordinate with various vendors, contractors, and neighborhood advocates to implement successful events and programs. Draft and send a weekly newsletter to RAM Vendors.
• Risk & Compliance: Ensure all events comply with health, safety, insurance, and local permitting requirements.
• Post Event Evaluation: create post-event reports that lead to smart event management and planning in the future. Measure and track event goals and metrics. 
• Partnerships & Collaboration: Recruit and retain community partners to operate collaborative programming and events during regular market hours. Lead community partners through site visits, pre-event, and post-event meetings. Represent RAP/RAM in community programs including, but not limited to Fresh Access Bucks, Duval Care Coalition, NEFL Market Managers 
• Assist with RAP’s signature events and provide high-level support to event planning committees, as available

SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, QUALIFICATIONS

Required: 

• 3-5 years’ experience in event planning, farmers markets, art showcases, or other vendor related field
• Adaptability: ability to pivot plans and make quick decisions related to weather, hardships, emergencies, or other unforeseen circumstances
• Tolerance for outdoor work: ability to work outdoors in all weather, including heat, frost, wind, and precipitation. Must be able to lift heavy objects and assist others less capable
• Detail focused with ability to give clear and concise directions and multi-task
• Must work Tuesday-Saturday schedule, with occasional evenings. Part-time schedule is available for the right candidate.

Preferred: 

• Passion for working with people, helping artists and small business owners become successful and thrive, locally grown produce, and the Riverside Avondale Historic District 
• Bilingual candidates preferred

BENEFITS
Salary offered is $50,000 – $55,000 depending on experience. Annual compensation evaluation and year-end bonus are provided. Laptop is provided. 

RAP operates a Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) which allows for direct payouts of qualified expenses up to $3,000 per year, as well as a SIMPLE IRA retirement account with a 3-percent annual match. Employer-paid professional development and continuing education are provided. Benefits include 12 paid holidays per calendar year and two weeks paid vacation to start. The schedule is flexible and work from home options are available, as needed.

TO APPLY
Email chloe@riversideavondale.org with resume and letter of interest. Applicants are encouraged to include examples of community engagement project plans, work plans, and/or project tracking for previously completed work. Applications received before August 7, 2026 will receive priority consideration; all applications will be considered until the position is filled.