For over 12 years, Miracles in Action, Inc. (a 501c3 nonprofit) has developed and grown a successful handicraft sales business that supports disadvantaged Mayan artisans earning “beyond fair trade” income, and raises funds for our charity work in Guatemala. At sales events, our volunteers share the story of the artisans being able to feed and educate their children from handicraft sales. Beaded handicrafts are so beautiful, that they “sell themselves” at local farmers markets, arts and craft fairs, home parties, church bizarre, and presentations or speaking events. Additionally, products are sold online retail and wholesale, and orders fulfilled and shipped from our Naples, FL office. The Sales Director will coordinate, manage, and grow this business.
DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Coordinate and schedule events and volunteers. Handle details and logistics for farmers markets, home parties, presentations, arts/craft fairs, fund raising events, online, wholesale promotions, etc.
- Organize, deliver, and set up handicraft sales events. Schedule and work with volunteers on table displays, sales, break-down, and “telling the artisan story”. Handle after-the-event follow up activities. Support the farmers market coordinator.
- Assure the handicraft set up kits are replenished, organized, and ready for sales events. Keep the inventory accurate, labeled, and stocked.
- Fulfill and manage the filling and shipping of online orders in a secure, accurate, and timely manner. Oversee office assistant, volunteers, and fulfillment center for accuracy of work. Conduct periodic QA spot checks.
- Perform or manage office financial operations in accurate, honest manner including bank deposits, invoicing, tracking receivables, credit card sales, QuickBooks entries, and updates to online store. Follow up on late receivables.
- Seek opportunities to sell and promote Beyond Beads fair trade products within our target market with new accounts, and increasing the variety/quantity of products sold to current buyers. Initiate new sales avenues such as Amazon.
- Order handicrafts from our Guatemala coordinators using GoogleDocs. Purchase display racks and sales supplies. Develop stock levels and track what is purchased, received, or still in-production. Check for quality assurance and return items that are broken or unacceptable. Update price and product changes.
- Promote Miracles in Action and our fair trade program via email, Facebook, e-news, blogs, invitations, phone calls, etc. Develop marketing/promo pieces, signage, posters, banners, brochure, etc.
- Build relationships and follow up with customers and sales volunteers to get feedback on products/order. Accurately explain the handicraft project and our work in Guatemala, acting as an Ambassador developing relationships that lead to increased sales in handicrafts and donations for the charity.
- Organize and update shopping cart website so that the site is easy to use, accurate, and promotes our latest products. Work with customers to take phone orders or input P.O. into website. Take photos of products for the website, and at sales events to share on the internet. Edit and organize photos.
- Manage SW Florida volunteers – recruit, train/develop, supervise, and schedule. Maintain volunteers contact database. Provide volunteers with e-updates, thank you’s and recognition.
- Responsibly manage, maintain and secure Miracles in Action assets: handicraft inventory, vehicle, laptop, office equipment, camera, and home office.
- Passionate about helping others and making a difference in the world as part of Miracles in Action’s mission in Guatemala.
- Working knowledge of standard office software, social media, blogs, e-news, and website updates. Able to problem solve when website, email or technology is not operating correctly.
- Strong interpersonal and sales skills including the ability to communicate effectively both written and orally, in service oriented manner.
- Able to prioritize and efficiently manage time, resources, and funds. Stays focused on the mission and goals of Miracles in Action. Must be organized and highly detail oriented. Works calmly under pressure and deadlines. Willing to be flexible.
- Self-motivated, resourceful, a strategic thinker able to work well independently with little direction, and also with volunteers, customers, Executive Director and office assistant.
- Impeccable integrity, professionalism and positive demeanor. Dependable and conscientious.
- Able to pro-actively identify and develop new markets and promotional opportunities. Move a program from conception to completion, knowing when to ask questions or keep others informed. Follows through on leads and problem solving to the end.
- Able to work around English - Spanish communications and learn key Spanish words to order handicrafts. Spanish speaker a benefit, but not required.
- Comfortable speaking publicly at events and in person or on the phone with customers, donors, volunteers, and buyers.
- Able to lift 25 lbs, stand on your feet for extended lengths of time, and is a high-energy person.
- Opportunity to live and work in sunny Naples, Florida with positive, caring & giving people.
- Competitive full-time salary, $40,000/year, plus bonus
- Bonus eligibility based on increases in annual revenue. (Initiated 6 months after hiring for the following 12 months revenue increase).
- 12 PTO days (vacation/sick), earn 1 day/month starting after 3 months employment. PTO should be scheduled during slow season (May through October).
- 7 paid holidays/year
- After 1 year, travel to Guatemala to visit artisans
- 30% discount on our products
Send resume, references, and cover letter answering briefly one of the questions below:
1. Tell us about one experience you have had that made a difference in your life.
2. Tell us what you are most proud of and why.
3. What are your life goals, and why.
Resumes longer than 2 pages or cover letters longer than 1 page will not be considered. We will take applications until the position is filled. Interviews will take place as applications arrive.