Chief Executive Officer

Boston Public Market Association

Job Description

JOB OPENING

Boston Public Market Association

Boston, MA

The Boston Public Market Association (BPMA), a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization based in Boston, seeks a Chief Executive Officer to oversee all aspects of the organization and the effective management of its downtown Boston Public Market; to set and implement its overall strategic direction; and to advance all its programming goals in a thoughtful, visionary and sustainable manner. The CEO should be a passionate, mission-driven and collaborative leader who can lead a small but highly engaged internal team, while also serving as the representative and face of the organization to all external stakeholders, including stewarding its role as a vital civic and cultural institution in downtown Boston.

BPMA’s mission is centered on operating the Boston Public Market, a thriving downtown destination which draws approximately two million visitors each year, including local residents, office workers, day trippers and national and international travelers. It is a permanent year-round market whose vendors offer interesting and healthy food to visitors, as well as offering locally made artisanal items, all of which give the visitor an authentic New England experience. At 28,000 square feet and with 30 permanent vendors and many pop-up installations each year, the Market’s infrastructure and operations are complex and require innovative, engaged and determined leadership. As the CEO of a small dynamic organization, this is a hands-on and versatile position.

Responsibilities:

Strategic Direction.

Working with the Board of Directors, the CEO leads the organization by advancing its short- and long-term strategic goals.

General Organization Leadership.

As the leader of a six-person team with a broad and deep set of responsibilities, the CEO provides mentorship and coaching to all team members.

Driving Earned Revenue.

The Market’s earned revenue is primarily achieved through vendor leases, outside projects such as BPM at Logan, private events and other ways of monetizing the market’s civic and cultural assets. The CEO must be capable of negotiating vendor lease terms, recruiting private events and must be innovative in seeking out other earned revenue opportunities.

Fundraising.

The Market’s financial sustainability depends on being able to successfully navigate nonprofit fundraising through the acquisition of foundation and corporate grants, and private and individual philanthropy, as well as innovative and consistent strategies that bring in commercial, corporate and earned revenue and income. Significantly, the CEO also must seek out public funds, such as federal, state and local public budget earmarks to provide needed support.

Strong, Creative and Innovative Marketing.

Overseeing the organization’s marketing efforts with a small internal team and external consultants, the CEO ensures that the Boston Public Market brand and marketing activities are consistent, effective and reflect well on the organization. Marketing is central to drawing visitors to the Market and plays a critical role in the Market’s success.

Community Engagement and Events.

BPMA’s mission requires comprehensive programming which serves the Greater Boston community, including children and families, neighborhood and community organizations, and local workers and visitors. The CEO works with the team, the vendors and outside groups to develop and create hundreds of programming activities each year.

Facilities and Operations.

Work with the facilities/operations team as it addresses short- and long-term facilities upkeep, including repairs and upgrades to Market infrastructure, as well as replacement, utilities issues, and other issues. Work effectively with the State of Massachusetts Department of Transportation, the Market’s landlord, to ensure the smooth and safe operations of the Market.

Effective Recruitment and Retention of Vendors, and Engagement with Vendor Community.

The vendors of the Boston Public Market are a diverse group of individuals and businesses with varying needs and retail skills. The CEO and team work to curate the Market from both a vendor and product perspective. The CEO must manage varying vendor interests in a manner that serves the Market community as a whole.

Strong Community and Public Facing Network.

Conceived as a public/private partnership, the Market is dependent upon close relationships with numerous public agencies and officials. The CEO must have and continue to advance those collaborations. Additionally, the CEO is responsible for ongoing work with other local nonprofits and their leaders, and a myriad of civic and cultural institutions that work together to contribute to the vitality of downtown Boston and which contributes significantly to the Market’s leadership role in the community.

Ancillary Projects.

BPMA has had tremendous success with its major ancillary projects, including Boston Public Market at Logan Airport, which brings in significant and necessary annual revenue. The CEO will work with the project’s operator, HMS Host, to ensure its continued success. The CEO will continue to explore other potential ancillary projects, including growing its private event business and potential other use of the Market space and enviable footprint in downtown Boston.

Financial Management.

The CEO manages all financial transactions and activities of the Market, working with the Finance & Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, a strong outside accounting firm and an independent auditor. These transactions and activities include: monthly invoicing of all vendors; invoicing related to other Market activities; review and payment of all invoices; weekly review of Market’s cash flow status; monthly and quarterly review of all financial statements including balance sheets, profit and loss statements; and assessing budget to actuals.
The CEO is responsible for ensuring that the Market’s cash flow remains solid and must make adjustments when necessary. The CEO works closely with the outside financial team on the annual audit. The CEO works with the Finance & Audit Committee to keep the Board of Directors apprised of the financial status of the organization.

Required Experience:

Seven plus years of experience in a senior leadership role in a nonprofit organization, business and/or government entity.
Demonstrated success managing a wide range of stakeholder groups.
Experience working with the public sector; community and neighborhood organizations; nonprofit and philanthropic organizations; and civic and cultural institutions that collaborate on shared goals of keeping Boston and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts healthy, thriving and economically strong.
Demonstrated skills in negotiating agreements and relationships.
Demonstrated experience in marketing and growing business and visibility/branding campaigns.
Proven ability to develop and work with internal and external teams in collaborative, engaging and productive ways.
Strong and proven financial management experience, including a deep understanding of balance sheets, profit and loss statements, and cash flow.
Commitment to and understanding of mission-driven work, and the role that a nonprofit, civic and cultural institution plays in the life of a city and community, including the ability to work with and to the benefit of all.
Business or legal acumen and experience.

To Apply:

Applicants must submit a resume and cover letter to ceosearch@bostonpublicmarket.org no later than Friday, October 17, 2025. Please note that applications will be considered on a rolling basis.

BPMA offers generous health and paid time off benefits. Salary commensurate with experience.

BPMA is an equal opportunity employer and encourages diversity and equity in all facets of the organization's work. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status or any other protected class.

Review of applications and expressions of interest will be handled in a confidential manner.