About us
The National Folk Festival is a FREE, three-day outdoor event celebrating the richness and variety of American culture. It features over 300 of the nation’s finest traditional musicians, dancers, and craftspeople in performances, workshops, children’s activities, and more. Jackson, Mississippi was selected through a national competitive process to be the 2025-2027 National Folk Festival Host City.
About the Role
The National Folk Festival seeks a Food Vendor Coordinator for the 82nd National Folk Festival in Jackson, Mississippi. This position runs from June through late-November 2025. The time commitment ranges from a few hours a week during the planning phase to a continual onsite presence during the Festival itself (November 7-9, 2025). A modest honorarium will be provided.
The Food Vendor Coordinator will organize the approximately 25-35 food vendors participating in the National Folk Festival. The successful candidate will be well-organized, creative, personable, and gracious under pressure.
Requirements
Food Vendor Coordinator duties and responsibilities
Serve as a main point of contact for festival food vendors
Promote food vendor application through various professional networks, online listings, social media, and personal networks
Respond to inquiries from interested vendors
Track all incoming vendor applications
Coordinate collection of vendor contracts, fees, and food service licenses
Collect logistical and technical requirements from vendors
Assist in vendor placement
Manage food vendor assistants for the 3-5 festival food service areas
Ensure compliance with applicable fire and health codes, with festival operations
Coordinate vendor load-in and load-out, with festival operations
Oversee food vendor operations on the festival site
A keen attention to detail in a fast-paced environment and standard computer literacy are required. The right candidate will have experience managing food vending operations at outdoor events. Familiarity with the local/regional food scene is a plus.
Interested candidates should send a cover letter, resume and references to: food@nationalfolkfestival.com by May 30, 2025.