Handspun Hope is a ministry dedicated to breaking the generational poverty cycle in northern Rwanda. For 17 years, we have provided a holistic approach to caring for at-risk women and their families through dignified work. In addition to salaries that are above fair wage, the women working for Handspun Hope have access to healthcare, trauma counseling services and meaningful community. What began in 2007 with the employment of ten women has grown to become the largest employer of women in the northern district of Rwanda, with more than 209 women holding full-time work.
At Handspun Hope, our mission is to serve the most at-risk women in our community. Most of our employees have suffered some form of trauma prior to being hired by Handspun Hope, including poverty, homelessness, marginalization, and hunger. Many of are also survivors of the 1994 Rwandan Genocide against the Tutsi.
The women work from our center in Musanze, Rwanda where they make handmade yarn, felted sculptures, knit accessories and other artisan crafts, predominantly using organic wool from our own flock of Merino sheep.There, they process the wool from start to finish, including: washing, carding, spinning, dyeing naturally using Rwandan plants, and ultimately, crafting beautiful final products. In addition to wool, we also work with imported Ethiopian cotton, as well as German Angora from our own family of rabbits.
In addition to Handspun Hope, we operate Hope Artisan Collective, an online boutique of curated handmade goods from across Africa, sales proceeds from which are reinvested into the ministry as a fundraising initiative.
We are a proud certified member of the Fair Trade Federation.
ABOUT THE ROLE
The Director of Operations (DO) plays a critical role in ensuring the effective and efficient functioning of Handspun Hope’s international ministry. This position involves overseeing various aspects of the organization's operations, with a focus on production, logistics, sales, marketing, and administration. The DO will work closely with the executive leadership team and other key stakeholders to achieve the organization's mission and objectives. While focused on U.S.-based initiatives, the DO will provide both support to and collaboration with operations in Rwanda as needed.
Handspun Hope is in an exciting time of transition, and we are seeking a candidate who is passionate, detail-oriented, and highly motivated by the opportunity to play a key role in designing and implementing long-term strategic operations initiatives which are vital to the longevity and sustainability of the ministry.
Key Responsibilities
Sales
Collaborate with Executive Director (ED) and Board of Directors (BOD) to establish weekly, monthly and quarterly sales goals.
Oversee Inventory + Product Assistants, ensuring new merchandise is received and inventoried accurately.
Work with ED to select and purchase new products for HAC.
Work with ED and Cost of Goods analysis to establish and maintain wholesale and retail pricing strategies and executions.
Plan and execute visual merchandising standards for HH online and in-person wholesale / retail markets and trunk shows.
Assist in managing wholesale order requests and customer service communications.
Travel regularly to staff out-of-town/out-of-state trunk shows, markets, and engagements, including transporting needed merchandise, setting up, staffing, breaking down, and packing accordingly.
Evaluate profitability of trunk shows and sales initiatives, and make recommendations where appropriate.
Production
Oversee the planning, production, quality control, and distribution of handmade artisan goods from Rwanda, ensuring items are delivered on time and using approved product standards.
Oversee and coordinate with Rwandan Production Manager, communicating regularly regarding production quality, timing, and other needs; proactively identify challenges and proposing solutions as necessary.
Manage up-to-date production hotlists and packing lists.
Coordinate shipments and deliveries on time and within budget.
Oversee maintenance and procurement of supplies to maintain production flow.
Work cross functionally to update and maintain annual Cost of Goods analysis.
Logistics and Supply Chain
Manage the procurement and distribution of resources and supplies necessary for production and program activities.
Develop and maintain database of products and suppliers to ensure knowledge sharing and accurate delivery of goods and services.
Assist with maintenance of online inventory and backend POS systems.
Coordinate production planning, logistics, and packing for trunk shows and markets.
Organize and execute the delivery/transport of necessary merchandise/equipment/marketing materials needed for each show/engagement.
Financial Management
Work closely with ED and BOD to manage budgets for programs and overall organizational operations.
Monitor financial transactions, ensure compliance with donation designation requirements, and provide regular financial and sales reports to the executive team, as requested.
Assist ED with maintaining and procuring monthly financial expense reports.
Human Resources and Administration
Assist with HR functions, including recruitment, onboarding, and employee development, specifically as it relates to scheduling and managing local Product Assistants/seasonal employees/volunteers.
Manage administrative processes to ensure smooth day-to-day operations and organization of the office.
Participate in speaking engagements to further brand awareness and fundraise for the mission, as needed.
Actively seek PR and networking opportunities to promote HH.
Work closely with ED and BOD to implement donor development awareness and programs.
Marketing
Contribute to management of HH’s online presence, including website updates (Squarespace + Shopify) and social media (Instagram, Facebook), ensuring all online content is on brand and updated.
Support ED to design, create, and implement targeted and strategic email campaigns (via Flodesk) across diverse audiences (donors, prayer partners, wholesale/retail customers).
Proactively investigate, recommend, and implement new solutions for integrated marketing campaigns and strategies to drive both sales and donations.
Work with ED and BOD to create distinct marketing plans for both HH and HAC, including blog content and social media posts, and create schedules for timely postings.
Maintain a strong visual presence for HH online that reflects organizational standards and mission, and is keeping in style set by ED.
Work with ED to design and implement integrated content strategy for key tentpole fundraising initiatives, like Giving Tuesday.
Assist ED with design and execution of all promotional print materials, including market takeaway cards, signage and end-of-year donor mailings.
Support Rwanda marketing needs outlined by CD, ED and BOD with design and other materials, as needed.
Reporting and Documentation
Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation related to operations policies and procedures..
Program Management
Support staff as needed regarding Rwandan program and supply needs.
Capacity Building
Identify opportunities for staff training and development to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness.
ABOUT YOU
Knowledge and Abilities
Must have the ability to:
engage and partner with internal staff and customers as required.
work in a virtual team environment when required.
meet deadlines and work well under pressure.
use own transportation for work travel/to transport merchandise to and from trunk shows.
regularly lift and carry boxes/suitcases up to 75 pounds.
travel regularly (including regional, national, and international travel).
flex work hours (work required on weekends/evenings, and flexibly across time zones).
provide a writing sample upon request.
Additional must-haves:
Personal, professed and demonstrated relationship with Jesus Christ, including Strong characteristics of Christian leadership
Exceptional attention to detail
Exceptional grammar, communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to critically edit content/text in keeping with the "voice" of the organization
Public speaking experience and/or comfort speaking in front of large crowds
Ability to manage ambiguity and uncertainty with flexibility and patience
Developing understanding of program management, logistics, finance, and administration
Ability to work collaboratively and humbly in a multicultural environment
Interest and passion for serving at-risk women in the name of Jesus Christ
Education, Qualification and Certifications
Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, operations, or related field
Master’s degree in related field and experience working with 501(c)3 desirable, but not required
Proficiency in Canva, Microsoft, G-Suite preferred
Experience
4 or more years experience in position related to business management, sales,
marketing, operations or similar
Experience working in a non-profit organization or cross-cultural environment preferred
Basic CRM experience desirable
SALARY + BENEFITS
Salary range: $48,000 - $52,000 annually
Individual health insurance plans available
Flexible sick + vacation days
Frequent domestic and international travel
Product discounts
This job description is a general outline of the key responsibilities and qualifications. It is subject to modification based on the evolving needs of the organization.
Employment type
Full-time
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