Business Development Specialist

Society of American Florists; Alexandria (VA); Remote; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

The Society of American Florists is seeking a Membership and Development Associate to enhance non-dues revenue through strategic partnerships. This fully remote contract role involves managing existing relationships and securing new partnerships while supporting SAF's development initiatives. Ideal candidates will possess strong sales and communication skills, with a proactive approach to relationship management.

Qualifications

• Experience in sales, business development, or fundraising.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Familiarity with CRM systems.

Responsibilities

• Manage leads through all stages of the sales journey.
• Conduct outreach for advertising and sponsorship sales.
• Coordinate with partners for event support.

Skills

Sales

Business Development

Communication

Project Management

Tools

CRM systems

Microsoft Office Suite

Trello

Job description

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Director of Development, Society of American Florists

Position Title: Membership and Development Associate

Department: Membership & Development

Reports To: Director of Development and CEO

Location: Contractor role, fully remote, 20–25 hours/week, with flexibility for longer hours during travel (possible travel dates and locations listed below)

SAF’s Annual Convention, Phoenix, AZ (August 10–15)

Floriexpo, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida (June 5–6)

Contract Duration: June 2025 - December 2025, with potential to evolve into a permanent position

Required Qualifications

• Experience in sales, business development, or fundraising.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Familiarity with CRM systems.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Dropbox, Trello (or comparable project management tools like Monday, Asana, etc.)
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects and prospects at various stages of the sales journey.

Position Summary

The Membership and Development Associate plays a key role in growing SAF’s non-dues revenue through strategic partnerships with floral industry suppliers. This interim position runs from June 15 to December 15, 2025, supporting SAF’s development initiatives during the Director of Development’s parental leave. From August 1 to December 15, the associate will step in for the Director, managing existing partner relationships and securing new ones. You will have a sales budget to meet across SAF’s print, digital advertising, and event sponsorships. This role may extend into a long-term contractor position if sales metrics are achieved.

This is a dynamic, outward-facing role emphasizing sales. The ideal candidate is highly organized, proactive, and detail-oriented, capable of taking comprehensive notes on partner accounts. A 6–8 week training will introduce SAF’s mission, team structure, sales offerings, and CRM training. Success requires strong relationship management and sales skills to guide prospects through the business development lifecycle.

Once a sale is finalized, you will execute partnership agreements, collect assets, and ensure timely follow-up on deliverables.

About SAF

The Society of American Florists is the premier trade association representing all segments of the U.S. floral industry. Chartered by Congress in 1901, SAF is committed to attracting talent, fostering connections, and preparing the industry for future growth.

Mission: To connect and cultivate a thriving floral community.

Vision: The power of flowers in every life.

Core Values:

• Support each other.
• Act with courage and embrace the unknown.
• Be growth-minded and entrepreneurial.
• Lead in various ways.
• Focus on goals.

SAF embraces modern tools like Trello, Dropbox, Office 365, Microsoft Teams, Monday CRM, AI tools, and Bill.com to enhance efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

1. Partnership Growth and Stewardship

• Work from a warm leads list of potential partners (growers, suppliers, wholesalers, breeders) to conduct outreach for advertising and sponsorship sales.
• Research and identify prospective partners across the floral supply chain for initial outreach (cold calling).
• Engage leads via email, phone, and meetings, conveying SAF’s value.
• Manage leads through all stages, ensuring smooth transitions.
• Prioritize and nurture relationships with legacy partners.
• Develop proposals and send partnership agreements for signatures.
• Track interactions and conversion metrics using SAF’s CRM via Monday.com.
• Provide regular progress reports to leadership.
• Stay informed on industry trends and competitors.

2. Events, Advertising, and Sponsor Support

• Recruit sponsors/exhibitors for upcoming SAF events (Atlanta Profit Blast, SAF Next Gen LIVE 2026).
• Sell and manage advertising across SAF’s platforms, with sales targets to be discussed.
• Coordinate with partners to collect assets.
• Attend SAF’s Annual Convention in Phoenix (August 10–15), supporting expo setup, logistics, and sponsor liaison. (Long hours expected.)
• Attend SAF’s Profit Blast in Atlanta (November 3–4) and Floriexpo in Ft. Lauderdale (June 5–6), supporting setup and engagement.
• Attend Pro Flora in Bogotá (October 1-3) to engage vendors and distribute materials.

3. Additional Support and Cross-Department Collaboration

• Assist with membership drives, surveys, and feedback.
• Coordinate with Marketing to ensure sponsors are ready for campaigns.
• Support membership initiatives and communicate with partners.
• Send post-event surveys and create social media posts as needed.
• Align communications with SAF’s mission and values.

Seniority level

• Entry level

Employment type

• Contract

Job function

• Business Development and Sales

Industries

• Non-profit Organizations

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