What are the responsibilities and job description for the Sales & Strategic Partnerships Specialist position at Inclusion Connections?
Job description:
Inclusion Connections is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) through innovative programs that promote independence, inclusion, employment opportunities, and independent living.
Through innovative initiatives like PawAbilities, a program that trains and employs individuals with IDD in the pet industry, while creating meaningful work experiences and fostering community engagement. Our BelongKC initiative complements this mission by focusing on building an inclusive housing community in Olathe.
Together, Inclusion Connections / PawsAbilities / BelongKC work to create a culture of acceptance and empowerment, ensuring that individuals with disabilities are fully included in all aspects of life and can be independent.
Position Overview
This role leads and grows product sales for PawAbilities pet products, including wholesale, corporate products/partnerships, retail, online, and event-based sales. The Sales & Strategic Partnerships Specialist plays a key role in expanding earned revenue while advancing Inclusion Connections’ mission of inclusive employment and independent living.
The ideal candidate is relationship-driven, entrepreneurial, organized, and energized by community and corporate engagement.
Key Responsibilities:
Wholesale Growth & Partnerships
- Identify, develop, and manage wholesale accounts with retailers, distributors, and corporate partners.
- Build and maintain long-term relationships that support sustainable revenue growth.
Corporate Engagement, Events & Sales
- Secure corporate partnerships and oversee mobile pop-up experiences showcasing our inclusive workforce.
- Oversee the planning and execution of corporate, community, and farmers' market events, including staffing, logistics, setup/breakdown, product selection, and on-site sales.
- Represent Inclusion Connections and PawAbilities professionally to grow brand awareness.
- Maintain standardized event processes, staffing plans, and inventory procedures.
Private Label & Branding
- Develop and execute private-label strategies with corporate partners.
- Collaborate with marketing to ensure consistent brand presentation across events and partnerships.
Retail Store Operations
- Support product launches, seasonal promotions, and retail campaigns.
- Grow treat subscription programs through customer engagement, volunteer engagement, and targeted promotions.
- Ensure the retail space is clean, stocked, and welcoming while supporting positive participant experiences.
Collaboration, Planning & Reporting
- Work cross-functionally with internal teams to align goals and strategies.
- Identify new revenue opportunities and recommend strategies to expand PawAbilities product sales and market reach.
- Develop annual growth plans with measurable objectives.
- Track performance metrics, analyze trends, and provide regular reports to leadership.
Qualifications
- 3 years of experience in sales, brand management, or business development.
- Experience with wholesale operations, partnerships, and events.
- Strong communication, negotiation, and relationship building skills.
Key Attributes
- Entrepreneurial, adaptable, and solutions oriented.
- Collaborative team player in a mission-driven environment.
- Able to manage multiple priorities independently.
Status: Full-time (40 hours per week)
Schedule:
- Monday-Friday, hours as agreed upon
- Occasional evening or weekends
Work Location: 2073 E. Santa Fe, Olathe, KS and events as assigned
To Apply:
Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter detailing your interest in the role.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- Paid time off
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person, in Olathe, KS 66062
Role Description
The Sales & Strategic Partnerships Specialist is a full-time, on-site role located in Olathe, KS. The Specialist will be responsible for building and nurturing relationships with current and potential partners, driving sales of PawsAbilities products, and identifying new business opportunities to support the organization's mission. This role involves customer engagement, coordinating events, leading training sessions, managing sales strategies, and contributing to fundraising efforts to further inclusive employment and community involvement initiatives. The Specialist will play an integral role in strengthening the organization's mission and outreach.
Qualifications
- Strong Communication and Customer Service skills for building and maintaining professional relationships
- Proven experience in Sales and Sales Management, with a track record of meeting or exceeding targets
- Ability to plan and deliver effective Training sessions tailored to objectives
- Strong organizational and collaboration skills to coordinate with diverse stakeholders
- Passionate about advocating for individuals with developmental disabilities and advancing inclusion
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, or a related field is preferred
- Experience in nonprofit fundraising or mission-driven organizations is a plus