Job Posting: Business Development Manager

About us:

Queermunity is a unique cafe space and community center that offers a safe and affirming environment for its customers and employees, meaning this role requires a large amount of empathy, compassion and communication from staff. We are looking for people who care deeply about food, coffee, and LGBTQIA2+ issues and people. While beneficial, this role does not require previous training or experience in food or coffee.

About the position:

The purpose of this sales and marketing role is to create and maintain mutually beneficial and lasting business relationships with individuals, community groups, nonprofit organizations, businesses and Queermunity, a Queer-owned and led startup social enterprise. The person in this role will be public-facing and represent the organization to the broader community, will collaboratively lead communications and marketing efforts, contribute to creative operational solutions to meet the needs of prospects, members and partners. The Business Development Manager will be responsible for recruiting and retaining individual and organizational members to Queermunity as well as creating new business opportunities including event revenue, sponsorships, cafe traffic, coworking use, space reservations, co-branding efforts, etc.

This is a professional position with a lot of operational independence offered and proactive ownership of the work and collaboration expected. Planning and implementation will be collaborative but this role will have managerial responsibility over the development of strategic marketing plans and implementation of daily activities related to business development, marketing and communications. The person in this role must be a compelling storyteller with strong communications skills, capable of effectiveness in multiple communication channels, creating compelling content, and helping to build strong relationships with our community and partners.

Reports to: Founder, General Manager

Location: Minneapolis, MN. Works onsite at Queermunity unless representing the organization at outreach events.

Job Types: Full-time exempt

Salary Range: $65,000 + profit sharing when organization is profitable

Benefits: Competitive compensation, Individual Choice Health Reimbursement Account (ICHRA), retirement contribution, flexible schedule, 15 days paid time off plus 11 self-selected holidays, professional development opportunities, inclusive workplace, opportunity to positively impact Queer and Trans community.

What do you need to be successful?

  • Minimum of four years direct experience with demonstrated success in sales, marketing or business development

  • Demonstrated ability to work independently, set and attain goals, prioritize competing tasks and utilize strong time management skills; anticipate needs and challenges and proactively address them to avoid problems

  • Excellent relationship development skills- proactive, credible, friendly and professional style and attitude in both verbal and written communication.

  • Strong self-care practices with an ability to set and keep healthy and professional boundaries

  • Team player, resourceful and solutions-oriented with a flexible, nonbinary mindset 

  • Creative problem solver and dreamer of new possibilities while balancing competing priorities to execute on goals

  • Strong skills and software and analytical tools including but not limited to Microsoft or Google suites, CRM databases, google analytics, Meta suite insights, etc. 

  • Familiarity with digital and grass roots evaluation tactics to track and measure campaign performance

  • High levels of integrity and dependability

  • Gratitude, patience and flexibility when working with community volunteers to support mission awareness

  • Experience with digital marketing, social media, content development, and design strategy (Facebook, IG, LinkedIn, email marketing, advertising, etc.). Proven experience in creation of compelling and engaging communications assets including social media posts, email, promotional short videos, printed materials and any media needed to best convey the desired message.

  • Ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time

  • Sufficient technological expertise or resourceful problem solving skills to independently operate basic office equipment, software programs, calendars and communications platforms

  • Ability to create and manage budgets as well as analyze and report on financial data including cost/benefit analysis of proposed business development initiatives to ensure good stewardship of organizational funds and financial sustainability

  • Ability to travel locally, either by public transit or personal vehicle.

  • Deep understanding of the Twin Cities LGBTQIA+ community- needs, trends, leaders, etc. 

  • A passion for social change, community building and shared organizational values of Honesty and Transparency, Collaboration and Co-creation, Regeneration (social, environmental and economic), Inclusion and Safety.

Job responsibilities:

Drive Partnership and Membership Growth:

  • Proactively identify and acquire new business partnerships and sponsorships to support Queermunity's revenue targets.

  • Cultivate a robust network of support from individuals, community groups, businesses, and organizations to expand our membership base.

  • Develop and utilize creative strategies to engage and retain members and partners, fostering long-term relationships.

Business Development Planning and Implementation:

    • Develop and execute an annual business development plan with measurable tracking methods. Track and report on outcomes monthly.

    • Collaborate with the team to set objectives, analyze performance data, and adjust strategies as needed to achieve goals.

    • Lead the development and implementation of Marketing/Communications planning of strategies and tactics.

Relationship Building:

    • Foster authentic professional relationships with community stakeholders, leaders, strategic partners, and internal team members.

    • Articulate and promote Queermunity's unique value propositions and community support solutions effectively.

    • Proactively reach out to potential partners, set own schedule and attend community events as needed to develop and foster relationships that result in mutual beneficial business relationships

Administrative Tasks Management:

    • Take ownership of administrative tasks, including timely follow-ups on CRM updates, communication inquiries, and financial documentation.

    • Collaborate with operations and other team members to ensure seamless member, customer and partner experiences.

    • Provide regular team updates on objective outcomes and revenue targets, create and distribute reports as needed or requested.

Contractor Oversight and Team Collaboration:

    • Provide strategic direction and oversight to various contractors and collaborators, such as social media, public relations, CRM, and IT professionals and interns.

    • Collaborate with team members to ensure smooth operations, welcoming environment and high standards of partner and member service and satisfaction.

Apply Today!

Priority will be given to applications submitted by January 7, 2025. Resumes will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Candidates not selected for an interview will be notified as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience as we navigate the hiring process and accommodate various communication needs.

Queermunity strives to have a team that represents the community we serve. Queermunity is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.