Executive Director

Job Title: Executive Director

Annual Base Salary Range: $55K-$60K

Additional Compensation: Performance-Based Bonus Incentive Offered

FLSA Classification/ Position Status:
* Exempt / Full-Time / At-Will

* Exempt: An individual is exempt from the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) because he or she is classified as an executive, professional, administrative, or outside sales employee and meets the specific criteria for the exemption.

The Waco Downtown Farmers Market was established in 2011 as a year-round Saturday market in the heart of downtown Waco. We are a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. The mission of Waco Downtown Farmers Market is to operate welcoming and diverse markets that support local farmers and small businesses, increase access to healthy, affordable food, and enrich the Waco community through education and wellness activities.

The Executive Director (ED) serves as the chief executive and strategic leader of the Waco Downtown Farmers Market (WDFM). The Executive Director is responsible for advancing the mission of the organization while ensuring financial sustainability, expanding community impact, increasing market attendance, and strengthening vendor recruitment and retention strategies.

This position requires a growth-oriented and entrepreneurial leader who can successfully cultivate sponsor ships, secure grants, build community partnerships, and develop innovative programming that enhances the market experience.

The Executive Director leads strategic initiatives related to fundraising, partnership development, vendor recruitment and retention, organizational growth, marketing, and event operations, while overseeing event activities along with staff.

A critical component of this role is maintaining a consistent and visible presence at the Farmers Market to engage vendors, customers, sponsors, and community stakeholders while ensuring operational excellence and a vibrant market experience.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience preferred
• Minimum of five (5) years of leadership experience in nonprofit management, event management, economic development, or related field
• Demonstrated experience in fundraising, sponsorship development, and revenue generation
• Valid Texas Drivers’ License
• Valid Personal Auto Liability Insurance

Work authorization/security clearance required:

Must be eligible to work in the United States.

• Strong strategic leadership and organizational development skills with the ability to implement long-term planning initiatives.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising, sponsorship development, and creating sustainable revenue streams.
• Strong financial literacy, including experience with budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and responsible fiscal management.
• Ability to analyze operational and financial data to drive strategic decisions and report measurable outcomes to the Board of Directors.
• Excellent communication, public speaking, and stakeholder engagement skills with the ability to effectively represent the organization in the community.
• Ability to cultivate and maintain strong relationships with vendors, sponsors, donors, community partners, and local stakeholders.
• Experience managing community-based programs, nonprofit initiatives, public events, or market-style programming.
• Strong marketing, branding, and audience development capabilities to support growth in attendance and community engagement.
• Experience supervising staff, volunteers, contractors, or part-time coordinators while fostering a collaborative and accountable team environment.
• Ability to develop performance metrics, evaluate program outcomes, and implement continuous improvement strategies.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with strong problem-solving, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
• Experience with vendor relations, vendor recruitment and retention strategies, small business support initiatives, or local agriculture programs preferred.
• Grant writing, grant management, or nonprofit development experience preferred.
• Experience working with nonprofit boards and preparing organizational performance reports.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including Saturdays and occasional evenings, to support market operations and special events.
• Ability to work effectively in both office and outdoor environments and thrive in dynamic, community-focused settings.

• Provides visionary and strategic leadership to advance the mission, long-term sustainability, and community impact of the Waco Downtown Farmers Market (WDFM).
• Develops and implements strategic plans aligned with Board-approved goals and organizational priorities to support growth, operational excellence, and long-term sustainability.
• Leads organizational development and revenue generation efforts by creating, enhancing, and diversifying revenue streams, including sponsor ships, vendor…