Business Development Consultant, Nonprofit Tech, REMOTE

The Open Apparel Registry (OAR) is a neutral, open source tool mapping garment facilities worldwide and allocating a unique ID to each. Since launching at the end of March 2019, the OAR has grown to include over 61,000 facilities uploaded by more than 300 Contributors, including major global brands, multi-stakeholder initiatives, civil society organisations and factory groups. The tool is used by stakeholders across the apparel sector to eliminate confusion and facilitate collaboration, enabling interoperability across systems and tackling the long-standing industry problem of facility identification. As well as many other efficiency and process benefits, the way that the OAR organizes and presents data ultimately improves the lives of some of the most vulnerable workers in global supply chains.  You can search the tool here, learn more about the organization here and watch our animation for additional context.

OAR is seeking a remote, part-time consultant (10-15 hours initially) to work closely with our team to build upon our existing business development strategy and funding matrix, develop and convert client and funder relationships and execute on the necessary day-to-day activities to help us achieve our ambitious goals. We are looking for an individual with a history of results, a relevant and current network and knowledge of the sector and communities in which Open Apparel Registry operates.   

The OAR is entering an exciting period in its growth and development and will be rapidly expanding its network of clients and funders in the coming months. The consultant we hire will play an instrumental role in developing strategy and delivering on our business development objectives. The candidate will represent OAR externally and therefore must be a charismatic communicator, who naturally builds relationships that lead to results. A successful consultant must bring new organizations into our orbit through their own direct contacts and must be able to meet a multi-million dollar fundraising goal.

The applicant must be able to transition seamlessly from managing donor relationships to thinking about and executing on grant development and reporting. A successful candidate must be creative, comfortable with complexity, have a bias towards action, and be an incredibly fast learner. 

The OAR has been a remote working organization since its inception, with current staff based in the US, Europe, West Africa and the United Kingdom. We are a small, energetic, roll-up-your-sleeves team. This role will be a remote position, with a preference for someone working in the US, Europe or the UK who has experience working with global teams. 

Our Commitment

The OAR is committed to creating an inclusive and representative environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for position without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. 

Duties and Responsibilities

Initiate and complete a landscape analysis, develop OAR’s business development strategy and introduce Open Apparel Registry’s mission, projects and vision to prospective funders to build upon our database of relevant institutional supporters.        Manage the business development process from introductions and bid and proposal development to executing successful grant agreements. Grant proposals must align with Open Apparel Registry’s strategy, programs, and initiatives.  Cultivate a process to deepen relationships with funders, increase retention, maximize giving potential and develop and maintain strategic alliances with supporters, like-minded organizations and funders. Monitor and track all donor engagement activity in the organization’s database. Define metrics and create methods for tracking progress of all business development activities. Develop recommendations and plans in monthly reports for senior leadership to achieve organization, donor, and partnership goals. Work with the Financial Manager to provide accurate and timely information on business development and oversee reporting to comply with partner funding requirements.

Experience and Qualifications

8+ years of direct experience in nonprofit business development and/or membership programs and grant writing including evidence of successful sales and/or funder management skills 

Network of global funders relevant to technology, open data and/or supply chains sectors Experience using effective interpersonal skills, listening, diplomacy, and tact to build strong relationships with other team members and funders. Demonstrated ability to design and implement business development initiatives. Project management and execution skills with the ability to effectively manage multiple projects and priorities and ability to work independently. Demonstrated decision-making skills that drive organizational success. Experience with a global team and scaling an organization is a plus.  Excellent written and oral communication skills. Proficient in G Suite. Experience with Hubspot is a plus. 

The ideal candidate will:

Have an extensive network of funder relationships and proven track record of successful won grants Be detail oriented and work with minimal supervision and excellent time management Be a “self-starter” and goal driven to initiate donor visits and business development calls Have working knowledge of current trends in charitable giving Demonstrate awareness of and sensitivity to organizational mission and its impact on individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and orientations. Be driven to continuously identify opportunities to improve the organization’s effectiveness. Have effective public speaking and presentation skills.

To apply for this position please submit your CV and cover letter to recruiting@openapparel.org For more information visit info.openapparel.org/job-vacancies.

Closing Date: end of day 16th July. We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis so encourage those interested to apply as soon as possible.