Director of Social Business

Akola Project is a growing social brand and non-profit with an innovative fusion model that creates high fashion products that also have a high impact. Akola ("she works") empowers and employs over 400 women in Uganda and Dallas so they can lift their families out of poverty and become agents of change in their communities. As a non-profit with a mission related social enterprise, Akola functions simultaneously as a non-profit and a social business. On the non-profit side, Akola constructs vocational training centers, trains marginliized women to make products that sell in the global marketplace, and facilitates robust holistic programs through Akola Academy. On the social business end, Akola designs and produces jewelry that retails in over 350 stores. Akola Jewelry has been featured in the likes of People Style Watch, In-Style and the Today Show. The Akola Project has been featured on Fox-Small Business, CNN, Entrepreneur, Modern Luxury, and the Katie Couric Show. 

Akola is a community of makers, wearers and supporters who, together, are changing lives for generations to come.

The US Director Social Business will report to the US COO and oversee the strategy and execution of increasing market share for Akola's product collections. This executive is responsible for ensuring Akola collections have a marketable positioning, including design, assortment, pricing, and timeliness. This executive will introduce, establish and develop the brand through a strong network of distributors consistent with the brand's values and short and long-term financial goals, open national retail accounts, and manage independent boutique and pop up retail. This is a critical leadership role requiring a driven individual who can work independently as well as collaborate and communicate throughout the organization.

The US Director of Social Business position is a unique opportunity to leverage experience and skillsets to directly impact the lives of thousands globally and raise the bar of impact for businesses. 

Salary Grade/Level/Family/Range: Competitive salary and benefits

Reports to: US COO 

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work: This is a full-time position, and hours of work and days are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. This position requires frequent travel. 

Start Date: January 1st, 2016

Responsibilities

• Develops and implements strategic marketing plans, sales plans, and forecasts to achieve corporate objectives for products and services.
• Develops and manages sales/marketing operating budgets.
• Plans and oversees advertising and promotion activities including inbound and outbound marketing initiatives
• Develops and recommends product positioning, packaging, and pricing strategy to produce the highest possible long-term market share.
• Achieves satisfactory profit/loss ratio and market share in relation to preset standards and industry and economic trends.
• Ensures effective control of marketing results, and takes corrective action to guarantee that achievement of marketing objectives falls within designated budgets.
• Oversees and evaluates market research and adjusts marketing strategy to meet changing market and competitive conditions.
• Establishes and maintains relationships with industry influencers and key strategic partners.
• Guides preparation of marketing activity reports and presents to executive management.
• Establishes and maintains a consistent brand image throughout all product lines, promotional materials, and events.
• Directs sales forecasting activities and sets performance goals accordingly.
• Directs staffing, training, and performance evaluations to develop and control sales and marketing programs.
• Directs market channel development activity and coordinates sales distribution by establishing sales territories, quotas, and goals.
• Represents company at trade association meetings to promote product.
• Meets with key clients, assisting sales representative with maintaining relationships and negotiating and closing deals.
• Coordinates liaison between the US sales department and other sales related units in Uganda. 
• Analyzes and controls expenditures of division to conform to budgetary requirements.
• Assists other departments within organization to prepare manuals and technical publications.
• Prepares periodic sales report showing sales volume, potential sales, and areas of proposed client base expansion.
• Reviews and analyzes sales performances against programs, quotes and plans to determine effectiveness.
• Directs product research and development.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position manages all employees of the department and is responsible for the performance management and hiring of the employees within that department.

Relevant Experience

• Master's degree in sales, marketing or business administration preferred. 

• A demonstrated record of success with over 10+ years in sales for retail industry. Must include at least 5 years in women's clothing and/or accessories market.

• Must be willing to travel frequently (position requires up to 40% travel).

• Experience developing distribution in the retail channels 

• Experience in scaling up operations to meet expected growth.

• Demonstrated ability to succeed in an entrepreneurial environment, bringing a needed balance between strategic and tactical skills.

• Must possess creative leadership skills that drive change, innovation and success.

• A strong leader with team-building and organization-building skills.

• Shared values and personal style consistent with Akola's mission and culture.

Personal Qualifications and Behaviors

• Strong communication and influencing skills, with the ability to sell concepts and negotiate win/win situations.

• Healthy respect for technology/product development process.

• Strong work ethic, goal-oriented, comfortable driving strategy and execution.

• Keen business acumen.

• Communication Proficiency and presentation skills. 

• Customer/Client Focus.

• Problem Solving/Analysis.

• Results Driven.

• Strategic Thinking.

• Executive presence, confident with a balanced ego.

• Integrity.

• Flexible and resilient.