We are expanding our team and looking to hire a passionate, motivated Merchandiser to join our team in Chicago. This role will report directly to the Executive Director and will be primarily responsible for supporting our Maisha Sales operations in the US, including: sales of artisan goods, coordinating logistics for a seasonal fashion line launch 2xyear, expanding buyer network and booking events and sales opportunities. We’re looking for an individual with a track record of success in merchandising, export/import, or operations and a passion for working in the artisan sector.
Founded in 2008, Heshima Kenya is a US headquartered nonprofit with operations based in Nairobi, Kenya dedicated to identifying, protecting, and empowering unaccompanied and separated refugee children and youth, with a specialized focus on serving girls and young women, including their children, from Somalia, Ethiopia, DR Congo, Sudan, Rwanda, and Burundi. Heshima Kenya is the first and only organization in Kenya devoted to the protection and empowerment of unaccompanied refugee girls and young women living in Nairobi. Our holistic model provides support through opportunities for refugee girls to access their human rights, experience economic success and skill development, and become leaders in their own right. The Maisha Collective, a main component of our programing, is an entrepreneurship-training program where participants design, produce, and market a line of hand-dyed scarves that we sell on Etsy, allowing them to begin to earn income and apply for small grants to begin their own small businesses. Read more about the Maisha Collective and Heshima Kenya on our website.
We are currently seeking a dynamic and highly driven Maisha Collective Marketing Merchandiser. Based in the Chicago office, the Maisha Collective Marketing Merchandiser will play an integral role in ensuring the success of the organization by connecting artisan goods to buyers from the US and the world.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities of the position
Increase sales by developing new and existing clients through developing excellent customer relationships; and organizing events sales and corporate sales.
Generate and share ideas with creative team on ways to develop the Maisha Collective to achieve or exceed sales goals. Provide foresight of fashion trends, styles, and designs to grown and develop the line
Maintain a high level of customer service.
Develop strong communication and working relationships with buyers regarding specific needs, opportunities, sizing and customer requests to target future growth.
Manage custom and bulk orders
Liaise between Nairobi and Chicago staff, interns, and potential Maisha representatives.
Prepare and intake inventory of product monthly and annually.
Various other duties and responsibilities will be assigned by management.
Job Requirements
Passion for working in the artisan sector
A minimum of 3 years retail and marketing experience
Successful sales experience, track record of exceeding quota; previously demonstrated ability to read and draft sales reconciliation reports.
Team player, able to work well in a fast-paced environment with minimal supervision.
Self-motivated with the ability to multi-task and strategize; taking initiative to increase Maisha sales.
Demonstrates sound business judgment and organizational ability; effective interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
College degree required; marketing or sales degree strongly preferred
Hours
32 Hours per week. Some weekends and evening required for markets and other sales events. Contracted, hourly paid position for the first 90 days. Hourly wage negotiable based upon experience.
How to apply
Submit your CV/ resume and cover letter to Alisa at Alisa@heshimakenya.org. Please write “Marketing Merchandiser” in the subject heading. The deadline for submissions is Friday, June 19, 2015. Valid drivers license and access to car required.