Program Associate

Overview

The Program Associate is a full-time, year-round position responsible for managing programs for the Corporation for Findlay Market (CFFM). The role requires a regular schedule of Tuesday through Saturday, with occasional evening and Sunday hours to support programming and event needs. While the schedule will be adjusted based on program activities, it will always be planned and communicated in advance. For example, some days may follow a traditional 9 AM–5 PM schedule, while evening programming and events will require onsite presence during those activities.

Living the Mission

As ambassadors for Findlay Market, every team member plays a vital role in supporting the organization's mission, values, and philanthropic efforts. This means actively contributing to the market's initiatives, embodying our commitment to community and diversity, and championing the cultural and economic vibrancy that defines Findlay Market. Together, we strive to uphold our mission and make a lasting impact.

Details

The Program Associate is responsible for all aspects of programming for the Communication Team, from ideation through execution. The Program Associate serves as the secondary hands for Findlay Market events, providing on-site support and assisting with volunteers, performer check-in, and day-of event logistics. This role is managed by the Event Coordinator and works closely with the Event and Community Engagement Manager. The Program Associate is also expected to support teams across the organization in executing programming when appropriate.

CFFM is looking for someone who is organized, engaging and self-motivated. We want someone who can take an idea and run with it. We are looking for a person who understands and believes in the mission of CFFM and will create programming that help us achieve our organizational goals. It is critical that every program has a strategy, aligns with our values and is managed with Findlay Market and our community in mind.

We are looking for someone to take current programs to the next level. The person in this role should be comfortable working with all people and thrive in a diverse urban environment. We need someone who can work well with others, while also having the ability to prioritize and do independent work. The opportunities are endless in this role, so we hope to find someone with passion for making a difference and the skills do execute excellently.

The Program Associate's success will be measured in part by the following goals:

• Retain existing and attract new shopper base to shop at Findlay Market
• Strengthen CFFM's community impact through a minimum of 15 local partnerships, nonprofit support, volunteer opportunities, and employee/Board development.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities

Findlay Market Programming & Events

• Plan, execute, and evaluate weekday, weekend, and seasonal programming that supports CFFM initiatives and showcases market offerings
• Manage the Music at the Market program, including outreach and scheduling of musicians, onsite support, and post-performance evaluations
• Manage and grow the Friends of Findlay Market membership program, ensuring timely delivery of perks, accurate data tracking, effective member communications, and close collaboration with the Marketing Team on recruitment and retention strategies
• Manage relationships with external partners and organizations to deliver collaborative programming onsite and offsite
• Coordinate sampling activations (i.e. Findlay Eats) and special merchant-focused program opportunities
• Partner with the Communication Team to promote programs through web, print, and digital channels
• Work with the Finance Team on budgets and payment needs related to programming
• Track program data, report outcomes, and identify opportunities for growth
• Be onsite during Market events to assist with event setup, manage volunteers—including check-in, training, and support—and coordinate with music performers to ensure they are prepared to perform
• Support communications and coordination with event programming partners as needed
• Support private events as needed

Tour Program

• Develop and implement a strategy to grow and strengthen the Findlay Market Tour Program
• Serve as the primary tour guide and train staff and volunteers to lead tours
• Stay informed on current activities within the Findlay Market District and the broader Cincinnati region
• Maintain strong knowledge of all CFFM programs and Findlay Market merchant offerings
• Expand the program by developing customized tours for diverse groups, including schools, community organizations, and corporate groups
• Create and manage an annual tasting tour schedule with monthly themes, working closely with merchants to increase participation and provide unique offerings
• Manage all tour requests, bookings, and communications
• Track and analyze program data, including volunteer tour guide hours, number of tours, attendance, and merchant participation

Volunteer Management

• Oversee the management of the Findlay Market Volunteer Program, including onboarding, training, and recognition
• Develop, execute, and continuously improve volunteer recruitment and retention strategies to grow the program and increase engagement
• Manage the volunteer sign-up platform and ensure accurate tracking of hours and participation
• Coordinate volunteers for all special events, including communication and onsite support
• Plan and facilitate regular volunteer meetings and trainings to build community and strengthen skills
• Establish and manage volunteer committees and/or focus areas, including but not limited to tours, special events, community outreach, education, and beautification
• Create content for the monthly volunteer newsletter to highlight opportunities, recognize contributions, and foster connection
• Plan and execute an annual volunteer appreciation event
• Collaborate across the organization to identify and fill volunteer needs
• Lead volunteer outreach, training, and recruitment for Findlay Market's annual Christmas Tree Sales
• Support volunteer recruitment for the Findlay Market Opening Day Parade and manage day-of logistics, including volunteer check-in and gift bag distribution
• Track and analyze program data, including volunteer hours, recruitment/retention rates, and participation by activity area

Community Engagement

• Serve as a representative of CFFM at onsite and offsite community engagement opportunities
• Host regular Community Nights, partnering with local organizations to activate Jane's and Race Street Station with free activities and programming for families and the Over-the-Rhine community
• Manage bi-annual shopper surveys, including data collection, analysis, and reporting
• Support communication with community partners and assist with logistics for engagement initiatives

Values, Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

• 1-3 years' relevant work experience
• Previous experience working with diverse audiences
• Experience with volunteer management a plus
• Must be comfortable with public speaking and be able to showcase past experiences giving tours or presentations
• Demonstrated ability to work in a proactively diverse and inclusive organization
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds, perform physical labor, and remain on their feet for extended periods during events and programming.
• Proficiency with volunteer management software
• Excellent, proven interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills
• Effective problem-solving and mediation skills
• Demonstrated ability to share skills and knowledge with others
• Proficiency with office computer equipment and software
• Demonstrated ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced environment
• Continual on-the-job learning is required
• Ability to work weekends, evenings and some non-traditional hours
• Displays a strong sense of professionalism, ownership, and accountability
• Comfort with adapting to changing situations
• Ability to prioritize workload and multiple projects

Application Information

• Deadline to Apply
  : October 27, 2025
• Hourly:
   $18-$20/hour
• Benefits:
   This is a year-round, full-time position with an attractive benefits package that includes:
• 4 weeks of PTO (5 weeks after 2 years, 6 weeks after 10 years)
• 9 paid Holidays
• Paid parental leave
• Health Benefits (health, vision, dental) including High Deductible Health Plan with employer paying 85% of the health premiums
• Employer funded HSA ($1300 for individual or $2300 for Family) - For those enrolled in health benefits
• Sabbatical Program: 5 weeks paid sabbatical after 5 years with $1,000 stipend at the start of sabbatical
• Option for monthly cell phone reimbursement or company phone
• Work computer

The Corporation for Findlay Market is an equal opportunity employer.