Prairie Food Co-op is a community-owned and democratically-operated grocery store dedicated to strengthening our economy and creating a marketplace for transparently-labeled, local, organic and sustainable food. We are now hiring our Marketing and Outreach Coordinator position, and our store in Lombard is opening soon!

Once open we will be the only food co-op in DuPage County, serving our local owners and non-owners with high quality food and products with sustainability, local impact and label transparency at the very top of our priority list.

The Marketing and Outreach Coordinator is responsible for maximizing the Co-op’s visibility consistent with the defined image. All materials created should adhere to the Co-op’s seven guiding principles and reflect the mission statement. This position executes the Co-op’s marketing and advertising in print, radio and social media as well as community relations; Plans and coordinates all events including in-store events and educational programs; Responsible for newsletters and regular communication with our Membership.

DUTIES

Marketing and Advertising

Pre-Open:

• Create and maintain content on all social media platforms, including, but not limited to, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube (In conjunction with O & O Committee)
• Design original content for print, radio and online advertising
• Creates and publishes Owner and Non-Owner Newsletters
• Manages website and keeps content up to date
• Maintains and keeps track of marketing budget
• Creates and promotes Store Merchandise to sell online and at store events

Post-Open:

• Create and maintain content on all social media platforms, including, but not limited to, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube
• Design original content for print, radio and online advertising
• Manages website and keeps content up to date
• Maintains and keeps track of marketing budget
• Adheres to advertising deadlines on weekly basis
• Creates, maintains and distributes monthly marketing & events calendar
• Creates in-store signage and distributes
• Creates and publishes Owner and Non-Owner Newsletters
• Helps promote and maintain Co-op programs

Events

Pre-Open:

• Assists GM in contacting/onboarding local vendors
• Creates, plans and coordinates store events
• Promotes events via print, radio and online media channels

Post-Open:

• Assist GM/Department Managers in contacting/onboading local vendors and maintaining great working relationships with existing vendors
• Creates, plans and coordinates in-store events
• Promotes events in store via print, radio and online media channels
• Creates and maintains Calendar of Events

Community Outreach

Pre/Post Open:

• Meets new ownership acquisition goals
• Participates in local community events
• Participates in cooperative and membership events
• Develops and maintains partnerships with local establishments, non-profits, educational organizations, and local farmers and producers

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in applicable field
• Ideally 2 years experience in Marketing and Communications in the Grocery industry, co-op experience preferred

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Ability to answer questions in regards to marketing and events within the Co-op and informs customers about happenings through various marketing efforts
• Ability to manage and maintain Social Media channels and Website
• Ability to create original content for ads, flyers, and in store signs
• Ability to exhibit professionalism in performance and personal demeanor
• Meets the flexibility needs for a creative work schedule
• Willingly accepts additional responsibilities
• Works sales floor during downtime
• Create partnerships with 501(c)(3) organizations for donation purposes, register campaigns and volunteer opportunities.
• Stay up to date on food and industry trends

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $45,760.00 per year

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person