Vice President Business Development

TransFair USA, an innovative, entrepreneurial non-profit organization, seeks the leadership and vision of a business development veteran to help grow the US market for Fair Trade Certified coffee and other products.

Help us mainstream this innovative market-based model for corporate social responsibility, which is improving the lives of millions of farming families around the world. Fair Trade is an exciting alternative to "business as usual" that guarantees fair prices and better working conditions for agricultural producers throughout the developing world.

TransFair USA is the only certifier of Fair Trade products in the US and the leader of Fair Trade market development efforts. In the last five years, Fair Trade coffee has emerged as the fastest growing segment of the $18.5 billion coffee industry, attracting the support of market leaders. Fair Trade certification has expanded to include tea, chocolate, bananas, rice and sugar, with new products on the way. We partner with over 1.2 million farming families in Africa, Asia and Latin America, helping them link in more equitable and mutually beneficial trading relationships with over 450 leading food companies in the US.

TransFair is a fast-paced, dynamic environment driven by a passion for doing good in the world by harnessing the power of markets and corporate partnerships.

We seek an energetic, visionary, innovative professional to join our senior leadership team and help take Fair Trade into the mainstream.

Overview of Position:

The Vice President of Business Development is responsible for US business development and sales of Fair Trade Certified coffee, chocolate, bananas and other products.

Supervisor:  Chief Operating Officer
Schedule:  Full time, Monday-Friday, with occasional weekend travel and trade shows
Salary:  Competitive salary; includes full benefits. 

Specific duties include: 

• Develop and implement annual business development strategies and sales plans for Fair Trade Certified products in US market, including operating plans, budgets, and revenue forecasts. 
• Supervise account management and business development teams. Manage staff and plan team efforts in support of TransFair's business development strategies. 
• Direct account management activities. Personally manage key strategic accounts and support new account acquisition efforts at manufacturer, distributor and retail level. 
• Collaborate closely with Marketing Department to develop unified marketing and business development strategies to increase Fair Trade sales in conjunction with industry partners. 
• Oversee new account negotiations. Coach and support the sales team in negotiations of partnership agreements with companies offering Fair Trade Certified products. 
• Evaluate market opportunities for product expansion and direct new product development initiatives. 
• Join senior management team responsible for developing TransFair's overall business strategies, policies and vision.

Qualifications: 

• Ten or more years of senior management, sales or account management experience. CPG, food products, coffee and specialty beverage industries preferred. 
• Experience selling coffee or produce to retail and wholesale a plus, but not required. Demonstrated ability to successfully negotiate and close deals, and to manage a business development team to achieve results. 
• Track record of accomplished leadership. 
• Solid writing, interpersonal, and presentation skills. 
• Proficient in Internet technologies and Microsoft Office applications, especially Excel. 
• Some travel is required.

To Apply: 

Please submit a resume and cover letter A.S.A.P. by email, fax, or postal mail to: 

TransFair USA
Attn. Jennifer Hiller
1611 Telegraph Ave. Suite 900
Oakland, CA 94612

No phone calls please.

TransFair USA is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in the workplace. We strongly encourage women and people of color to apply.