Communications Coordinator Position Opening

ABOUT MERCADO ON FIFTH

Mercado on Fifth is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that hosts vibrant outdoor markets every Friday during the summer on 5th Avenue in Moline, Illinois. The family-friendly events feature food trucks, mobile boutiques and retail vendors, children's activities, and live Latin music and entertainment. Our organization works with both English and Spanish-speaking entrepreneurs to help start and grow their businesses. In 2023, a new space with 6,300 sq ft indoor and 5,000 sq ft of outdoor patio space will open for year-round programming and event rentals.

 

OUR MISSION

Mercado on Fifth is dedicated to serving as a resource and catalyst for minority entrepreneurs, inspiring Hispanic cultural pride and providing access to bilingual enrichment and educational opportunities for a more empowered and engaged community.

 

COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR OPPORTUNITY OVERVIEW

Mercado in Fifth is seeking a Communications Coordinator to plan and support all MoF’s communications and marketing activities, including print communications, event marketing, website maintenance and social media management.

 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Develop and execute an annual marketing/communications plan to attract customers and supporters and to create a clear identity for Mercado on Fifth with policy makers and the larger public.

  • Prepare presentations and/or speeches for staff (Rotary, Kiwanis).

  • Help staff prepare speaking points and quotes for interviews.

  • Create social media content- FB, Instagram and TikTok.

  • Take and upload pictures of events.

  • Work with Development Coordinator to thank sponsors.

  • Work with Market Coordinator and Graphic Designer to create Facebook events.

  • Create ads and boosted posts when needed.

  • Respond to social media inquiries and comments.

  • Create print materials (annual report).

  • Maintain the organization’s website and develop blog content (ex: vendor profiles).

  • Draft and distribute news releases.

  • Create videos and marketing collateral.

  • Maintain comprehensive media relations contact list

  • Manage media relations requests and scheduling

  • Work with Development Coordinator on fundraising appeals.

  • Expand and maintain a photo library

 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • Have 1+ years of professional (and proven successful) experience with nonprofit communications

  • Showcase strong grammar

  • Possess excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to interact with a diverse group of people, including fellow staff members, market vendors, donors, and other key stakeholders

  • Strong organizational, prioritization and time management skills

  • Ability to work independently and take initiative

  • Team-oriented, including good interpersonal communication and collaborative problem-solving skills

  • Ability to learn quickly and to seek guidance and/or additional information when needed

  • Experience managing multiple projects and timelines, including task delegation and/or coordination with others

  • Ability to lift 50 pounds

  • Have technology proficiencies (Google Suite)

  • Spanish language proficiency

 

SCHEDULE

The Communications Coordinator will typically work a Monday - Friday schedule. During the summer market season, the Monday – Thursday schedule is flexible with core office hours taking place between 9 am and 3 pm. On Fridays, the Communications Coordinator will regularly work between 4pm- 10pm at the Mercado to gather stories. Some other nights and weekends will be required as programming requires.

 

COMPENSATION

This position is paid hourly

8 paid holidays

 

HIRING PROCESS

To apply, applicants should send a résumé and cover letter to mercadoonfifth@gmail.com. 

 

Mercado on Fifth is an equal opportunity employer. Mercado on Fifth does not discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, age, disability, veteran’s status, sexual orientation, or any other protected status.

 

Three Kings Day Market

On Thursday, Jan 5th from 5-9 pm, a special Three Kings Day Market took place at the Mercado building (423 12th St. Moline). Three Kings Day (Jan 6) represents when the Three Wise Men (Los Tres Reyes Magos) brought gifts to baby Jesus.

On this day, many children wake up to find the Three Wise Men hid gifts in their shoes overnight! (We've heard the Three Wise Men did their last minute shopping at this holiday market!)

The holiday is also celebrated in many Latin American countries by enjoying a pastry called "Rosca de Reyes" meaning "Wreath of Kings."

Patrons enjoyed a slice of El Encanto's Rosca de Reyes as well as Oaxacan food and champurrado from MI Oaxaca at this special indoor holiday Mercado.

Adding to the fun, Anni Loop Dance & Fitness led a cardio dance class for patrons and vendors alike.

Participating vendors included:

Mercado Vendor opens restaurant in Downtown Moline

On December 21, 2022 Mercado on Fifth vendor Las Salsas Doña Mary celebrated the grand opening of their first brick and mortar restaurant with a celebratory ribbon cutting. The restaurant is located at 1534 6th Avenue, Moline.

Moline city staff and elected officials, as well as members of Renew Moline were present.

Many in the restaurant industry know Alejandro Garcia. He’s worked everywhere from Ruby Tuesdays, Red Robin and Outback Steakhouse over the past 28 years.

Maria Garcia, or Doña Mary as she’s known, has made a name for herself as a caterer for family and private parties. It’s been a dream of hers for many years to take the next step and open their own restaurant.

She took the Food Sanitation Manager class in Spanish after Mercado on Fifth partnered with Blackhawk College to bring the certification program to the QC.

Soon after, they began renting the storefront at 1534 6th Ave. Moline. Many issues with the space set them back- a faulty air conditioner unit, even a roof caving in. Nevertheless, they persisted.

The business finally got its start this summer at Mercado on Fifth and drew long lines each week for their handmade tortillas and variety of guisados like chicharrón or nopales.

Now patrons can try an expanded menu of foods and aguas frescas in downtown Moline Monday-Saturday for breakfast, lunch or dinner.