Appalachian Sustainable Development (ASD) is a not-for-profit organization working in the Appalachian region of Virginia and Tennessee, with some programs extending into Appalachian Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia. Formed in 1995, ASD’s mission is to grow a stronger Appalachia through agriculture, focusing efforts in five key categories: agriculture education, workforce development, food access, resource management, and economic development.

Appalachian Harvest is a social enterprise of ASD, and one of the oldest rural food hubs in the nation. It is dedicated to creating sales opportunities and attracting new customers for producers of produce, meat, and value-added products. This initiative aims to enhance the profitability of the Appalachian Harvest Food Hub, contributing to a more sustainable financial future of the growers we serve.

• Manage Beefin’ Good Pop-up Markets
• Facilitate and manage inventory and purchasing with Appalachian Harvest General Manager
• Increase brand awareness for pop-up markets while working with sales and marketing team

This position is funded through an Appalachian Sustainable Development award under the USDA’s Local Food Promotion Program with the project title Building a Local Beef Value Chain in Central Appalachia.This position is contracted through these funds until September 30, 2025. Employment after the funding ends is contingent upon profitability of the Beef Pop-Up Markets throughout the time period.Job hours required will be 30 hours per week through the grant period.

The Pop-Up Market Brand Ambassador will be the primary contact for customers, community partners, and ASD staff regarding the operation of the Beefin’ Good Pop-Up Markets. These pop-up markets will take place weekly from Spring through October, featuring on-location setups alongside online and walk-up orders of beef, value-added, and produce.

The Brand Ambassador will collaborate with regional business owners to schedule pop-up locations and will coordinate with the General Manager of the Appalachian Harvest Food Hub to manage the inventory of products for each event. Working closely with the marketing department, the Brand Ambassador will communicate marketing needs and assist in outreach efforts to target communities to enhance brand awareness and event locations and times.

Responsibilities at each pop-up event include, but are not limited to, driving event equipment and products to and from market locations, set up, handling sales and monetary transactions, and packing up. All food safety standards must be followed according to Appalachian Harvest Food Hub’s Standard Operating Procedures to ensure the integrity of its food safety practices.The Brand Ambassador will work in-person at local and regional customer retail locations to help increase brand awareness and sales through merchandising, stock inventory, and re-orders. The Brand Ambassador is expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the decorum outlined in the Appalachian Sustainable Development employee handbook and through ongoing training.

Responsibilities could include:

• Set up online sales for each pop-up market
• Set up and maintain Square/online store for purchases and customer receipts
• Coordinate social media and marketing flyers with the marketing department
• Manage the inventory of meat including: purchasing, inventory rotation, food safety management
• Communicate with clients to understand their needs and explain our products and offerings
• Address customer needs and concerns quickly and effectively to develop and maintain strong relationships
• Resolve complaints and prevent future issues by improving processes
• Facilitate ROI assessments for each pop-up
• Coordinate new and existing locations for set up sites for pop-up markets
• Maintain all food safety standards associated with company SOPs
• Maintain all used vehicles and equipment up to standards with our food safety program
• Coordinate with the accounting department to ensure invoices and payments are processed promptly
• Partner with internal departments to facilitate the success of Pop-Up Markets
• Maintain an updated knowledge of company products and services
• Participate at events or expos as a brand ambassador throughout the year as assigned
• In-person travel to local and regional retail stores to merchandise and provide stock rotation to help increase brand awareness and increase sales
• Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned or required to work in collaboration with other program areas within ASD

Desired skills:

• Proficient in making prospect calls, as well as conducting in-person outreach and meetings for new pop-up locations
• Strong product knowledge preferred for beef and produce
• Excellent time management and organizational skills
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skill
• Experience in project management
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Outstanding active listening abilities
• Capable of collecting, tracking, and analyzing data
• Adaptable with strong problem-solving skills
• Ability to build rapport and collaborate effectively with colleagues and customers
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Google Drive, online store platforms, and Square, with a willingness to learn basic order entry in our Shipper’s Office system
• Ability to troubleshoot real-time technical issues in regards to payment and wifi
• Culinary experience around beef preferred
• Ability to lift 50 lbs at a time and stand for long periods
• Valid Driver’s License with a clean driving record and ability to drive safely and defensively

• Minimum of 3 years’ work experience in customer service, in-person sales, and merchandising
• Data collection and management
• Experience in working within a sales project team
• Skilled in problem-solving and managing multiple activities simultaneously

This is an in-person office position at Appalachian Harvest Food Hub in Duffield, VA. Travel to pop-up markets, events, in-person meetings, and the ASD Campus in Bristol, VA.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: From $20.00 per hour

Compensation Package:

• Hourly pay

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Ability to Commute:

• Duffield, VA 24244 (Preferred)

Ability to Relocate:

• Duffield, VA 24244: Relocate before starting work (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

We need more Appalachian Harvest Drivers!

ASD’s Appalachian Harvest Food Hub in Duffield, VA provides support, training, aggregation and distribution support to markets for regional farmers.  Since 2000, farmers have sold more than $36 million dollars of fruits and vegetables to wholesale retailers. 

All drivers must have:

• 2 years over the road experience
• Hold a Class A CDL
• Ability to pass required drug screen
• A good driving record

Contact Chelsea Lee for more details:
Phone: (276) 431-3385
Email: clee@asdevelop.org