Company description

Real Organic Project is a grassroots, farmer-led non-profit organization focused on integrity within the certified Organic food system. Real Organic Project manages an add-on label for farmers committed to the foundational values and practices of Organic farming: whole farm commitment to integrity, soil health, worker protections and animal welfare. We currently certify over 1000 farms in North America.

Naturland is the largest Organic farmers association worldwide established in 1982 in Germany at a time when Organic farming and animal welfare interested only a few. The vision of the founders: 100 percent Organic, worldwide. Naturland is still pursuing this goal, now in 60 countries globally by offering high Organic farming, fairness, and processing standards.

This newly formed Real Organic Naturland “joint venture” is a shared project between both organizations. The goal is to market the “Real Organic” add-on certification mark for Organic foods in North America. The certification mark will provide North American consumers with the confidence that the certified products are produced without compromises in animal husbandry, soil health, and worker welfare. This new company will promote and market high value Organic products certified by Real Organic Project and Naturland in North America under one common brand.

Job description

The Real Organic Naturland Sales and Marketing Director:

• Develops, manages and implements the marketing and sales strategy and activities of the Joint Venture
• Develops and ensures implementation of the Joint Venture communication strategy
• Identifies and recruits potential clients among North American Organic food brands, processors, and Naturland certified products
• Coordinates and executes sales activities
• Works closely with the Real Organic Naturland Board of Directors, domestic and international farmers, and the staff of Naturland and Real Organic Project
• Represents the Joint Venture at Organic trade shows
• Proactively engages with all stakeholders to ensure the organization's development and sales goals are met
• Thinks and acts creatively, and with purpose, to engage new clients and find opportunities for the Joint Venture to be successful

This fully remote leadership role is an excellent opportunity to work with two well respected farmer-led organizations to have a significant impact on the US Organic market. This position will be largely self directed and will provide the opportunity to build a program from the ground up while working with a diverse group of stakeholders. Successful applicants will be able to match a passion for Organic farming and food with demonstrated experience in marketing and sales.

Experience and Skills:

• 3+ years managing complex sales and marketing channels
• At least 3 years of experience managing the full life cycle of a sales channel (from generating leads to sale)
• 3+ years working with Organic and natural retailers/processors in a sales or marketing capacity
• 3+ years of experience working with national brands and retailers in the Organic and natural foods space
• Strong network in the Organic sector in North America
• Ability to travel at least 20% of the time (travel costs paid by Joint Venture)
• Strong portfolio of connections within the Organic and natural foods retailer and/or processor space
• Demonstrated experience building sales and marketing channels with year over year increases in sales volume
• Previous experience working in a startup environment and/or an environment that requires significant independence and self motivation
• Ability to work proficiently with simple technology programs like Zoom and Google Suite
• Valid driver's license needed to complete job duites
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in written and verbal forms
• Demonstrated experience setting and meeting ambitious goals
• Deep knowledge of the Organic foods industry
• Demonstrated experience creating and managing budgets

Responsibilities

• Manage the entirety of the Joint Venture program including regular board meetings, set up of certification processes, and responsibilities that may not be listed in this document
• Create and adhere to budgets for the Joint Venture
• Create and distribute written and visual collateral to aid in marketing and sales
• Attend conferences and other industry events on behalf of the Joint Venture
• Actively network in person, and virtually, with prospective clients
• Be the public voice of the Joint Venture by actively seeking out speaking and other earned media opportunities.
• Manage communication between the Joint Venture, Naturland and Real Organic Project
• Develop relationships with brands, retailers, distributors and importers
• Develop and maintain a strong understanding of the Organic retail space as it relates to Joint Venture products
• Directly interface with Organic farmers certified to sell through the joint venture and/or brands hoping to sell their products in the US. This includes “matchmaking” between farmers, certification agencies, and processors
• Manage recordkeeping for the Joint Venture along with any related certification documents
• Maintain up to date information about the Joint Venture on any relevant websites and/or social media
• Although this role does not currently involve supervising staff, as the Joint Venture grows this role may involve direct and indirect staff supervision

Salary Range: $75 - $100K (please note the top end of this range is reserved for those with significant directly relevant experience)

Compensation

this position is: salaried, $75,000 - $100,000

Location

job can be done remotely

Application instructions

Deadline

February 28, 2025