Director, Sales - CoffeeWorks

Aspire CoffeeWorks | Build Business. Brew Opportunity. Change Lives.

Are you a natural relationship builder who thrives on opening doors, creating partnerships, and driving business growth?  Do you want your sales career to have a meaningful purpose beyond revenue goals?

Aspire CoffeeWorks is looking for a dynamic, entrepreneurial Director, Sales to lead business development efforts that expand our social enterprise coffee business to help support opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  This is more than a sales position—it's an opportunity to help businesses enjoy exceptional coffee while investing in a mission that transforms lives.  If you're energized by meeting new people, building strategic partnerships, spending time in the field, and making a measurable impact every day, we'd love to meet you.

What You'll Do

As the Director, Sales, you'll serve as the face of Aspire CoffeeWorks and our ambassador throughout the Chicagoland region and beyond, developing relationships that fuel both business growth and social impact. You'll partner closely with the Director, CoffeeWorks and the Vice President of Strategic Initiatives & Partnerships to expand our market presence, cultivate strategic partnerships, and deliver exceptional client experiences.

You'll be responsible for:

Driving Business Growth

• Develop and execute business development strategies that achieve ambitious sales and revenue goals
• Build and manage a robust sales pipeline from prospecting through closing and onboarding
• Identify and secure new corporate clients, distributors, retail partners, and community organizations
• Expand distribution opportunities and strengthen existing sales channels
• Identify cross-selling and account growth opportunities with existing clients

Building Lasting Relationships

• Serve as a trusted ambassador for Aspire CoffeeWorks and Aspire's mission
• Cultivate meaningful relationships with business leaders, distributors, community partners, and stakeholders
• Convert customers into long-term supporters through volunteer, sponsorship, employment, and philanthropic engagement opportunities
• Partner closely with internal teams to ensure a seamless customer experience

Growing the Brand

• Represent Aspire CoffeeWorks at networking events, trade shows, business meetings, and community events
• Collaborate on creative marketing campaigns, promotions, and partnership initiatives
• Share customer insights and market intelligence to strengthen products, sales strategies, and brand awareness

What Makes You Successful

You're someone who enjoys being out in the community, making connections, and creating opportunities. You understand that exceptional sales begin with authentic relationships and that every conversation has the potential to grow both a business and a mission.

You are:

• A confident relationship builder and networker
• A strategic thinker who enjoys identifying new opportunities
• Self-motivated and comfortable managing a field-based schedule
• An engaging communicator and presenter
• Passionate about serving others while delivering business results
• Organized, proactive, and driven to exceed goals

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, Sales, or a related field
• Three or more years of experience in business development, sales, account management, or partnership development
• Experience in corporate sales or marketing within the food & beverage industry a plus
• Demonstrated success building sales pipelines and developing long-term client relationships
• Excellent presentation, negotiation, and communication skills
• Strong organizational and time management abilities
• Ability to work independently in a field-based environment
• Reliable transportation and willingness to travel throughout the Chicagoland area
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds
• Passion for Aspire's mission and the power of social enterprise

Why Join Aspire CoffeeWorks?

At Aspire CoffeeWorks, every sale has a greater purpose.

You'll help businesses discover exceptional coffee while supporting meaningful engagement opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In return, you'll work with a collaborative, mission-driven team that values innovation, entrepreneurship, relationship-building, and making a lasting difference.

This position offers a base salary of $80,000 plus a quarterly performance-based commission schedule and potential for an annual bonus that rewards both new business development and long-term client retention. The commission plan is designed to provide additional earning potential. Aspire also offers comprehensive benefits.

If you're ready to combine your sales expertise with a purpose that matters, we'd love to hear from you.

Join Aspire CoffeeWorks. Grow business. Build relationships. Create opportunity. Through Coffee.