Job Description

Akola Project is a growing social brand and non-profit with an innovative fusion model that creates high fashion products with high social impact. Akola ("she works") empowers and employs over 400 women in Uganda and Dallas to lift their families out of poverty and become community change agents. As a non-profit with a social enterprise mission, Akola operates as both a non-profit and a social business. It constructs vocational training centers, trains marginalized women to make products for the global market, and runs holistic programs through Akola Academy. On the social business side, Akola designs and sells jewelry available in over 350 stores, featured in outlets like People Style Watch, In-Style, and the Today Show. The organization has also been featured on Fox Small Business, CNN, Entrepreneur, Modern Luxury, and the Katie Couric Show. Akola is a community of makers, wearers, and supporters dedicated to changing lives across generations. Job Description The US Director of Social Business reports to the US COO and oversees strategies to increase market share for Akola’s product collections. This role ensures collections are well-positioned in the market, including design, assortment, pricing, and timing. The director will develop and establish the brand through a strong network of distributors aligned with Akola’s values and financial goals, open retail accounts nationally, and manage boutique and pop-up retail outlets. This leadership position requires an independent, driven individual capable of collaborating across the organization. This role offers a unique opportunity to leverage your experience to impact thousands globally and elevate the impact of business. Salary Grade/Level/Range: Competitive salary and benefits Reports to: US COO Position Type and Hours: Full-time, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with frequent travel. Start Date: January 1st, 2016 Responsibilities The US Director of Social Business is responsible for sales, product development, and marketing, planning and executing programs to grow markets and revenue, either personally or through staff. Key duties include: Developing strategic marketing and sales plans to meet objectives. Managing budgets for sales and marketing activities. Overseeing advertising and promotional efforts, including inbound and outbound marketing. Recommending product positioning, packaging, and pricing strategies for maximum market share. Achieving profit and market share targets aligned with industry trends. Controlling marketing results and adjusting strategies as needed. Conducting market research and responding to market changes. Building relationships with industry influencers and partners. Preparing marketing reports for leadership. Maintaining consistent brand image across all channels. Leading sales forecasting and goal setting. Training and evaluating staff to develop sales and marketing capabilities. Developing sales channels, territories, and quotas. Representing the company at trade events and with key clients. Coordinating with the Uganda sales team. Managing expenditures within budgets. Supporting other departments with manuals and technical documents. Reporting on sales performance and market expansion opportunities. Overseeing product research and development. Other duties may be assigned as organizational needs evolve. Supervisory Responsibilities: Manages all department employees, overseeing performance and hiring. Qualifications Master’s degree in sales, marketing, or business administration preferred. Over 10+ years of sales experience in retail, with at least 5 years in women’s clothing or accessories. Willingness to travel up to 40%. Experience in retail distribution development. Experience scaling operations for growth. Proven entrepreneurial success, balancing strategic and tactical skills. Creative leadership that fosters innovation and success. Strong team and organization-building skills. Alignment with Akola’s mission and culture. Personal Qualifications and Behaviors Excellent communication and negotiation skills. Respect for technology and product development processes. Goal-oriented with a strong work ethic. Business acumen and strategic thinking. Confident with executive presence and balanced ego. #J-18808-Ljbffr Akola

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