Product Sales Specialist in Springfield, Illinois at Girl Scouts of Central Illinois

GIRL SCOUT MISSION

Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.

POSITION SUMMARY

Responsible for the success of the Fall Product and Cookie Sale program delivery through staff and volunteer training and administration of electronic program support systems.

ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Provide full cycle support to the Director of Product Sales to ensure the successful execution of the fall product and cookie program.
• Manage product inventory.
• Maintain effective relationships with cookie bakers and Fall Product vendor representatives.
• Increase volunteer engagement and support. Develop and provide stronger training, coaching, publications, and resources for troop leaders and product volunteers to ensure effective delivery and education to staff and volunteers. Build confidence among volunteers so they can better support girls.
• Manage digital product ordering systems and provide technical support for product ordering systems to Product Sales team, council staff and volunteers.
• Expand innovative sales opportunities. Identify new ways for girls to sell, including digital sales, direct shipping, community partnerships, pop-up sales, and other creative approaches. Test new strategies and determine what works best for different geographic areas and customer groups.
• Deliver professional presentations and training to staff, volunteers and community to ensure successful and effective execution of product sales programs.
• Be a dedicated resource for troubleshooting and answering questions. Demonstrate effective problem-solving strategies with volunteers, parents, community, and staff within a timely manner.
• Insure accuracy of cookie dough cards and Nutty Buck Cards.
• Insure accuracy of delivery of fall product and cookie activity recognitions.
• Secure cookie cupboards in target areas.
• Recruit, build and foster relationships with fall product and cookie coordinators, staff, volunteers and warehouse delivery owners in each service area to support and strengthen the Fall Product and Cookie programs. ssist with customer, staff and volunteer questions/needs on a timely basis and log in to Solutions database for future reference.
• Become proficient in all areas of vendor websites.
• Work professionally, collaboratively and cooperatively with staff and volunteers to ensure multiple fast-paced deadlines are met.
• Assist Director of Product Sales with reporting and financial accountabilities associated with the cookie and fall product program.
• Produce and provide reports to support product sales program on demand.
• Interpret, promote, and ensure adherence to GSUSA and Girl Scouts of Central Illinois policies and procedures.
• Manage proper recordkeeping for all programs established for Girl Scouts.
• Organize and/or attend council focus groups and volunteer events.
• Grow overall product sales revenue by developing and executing strategies to increase Fall Product and Cookie Program sales. Identify opportunities to increase sales per girl and overall participation. Help the council exceed budgeted revenue goals.
• Increase girl participation by creating engaging, age-appropriate approaches that make selling fun and meaningful. Identify and reduce barriers that may prevent girls from participating. Perform other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in related field plus minimum two years Girl Scout program/membership/product sales experience or 4-5 years retail inventory experience.
• Minimum 21 years of age.
• Technical inclination and computer proficiency required with demonstrated experience of basic Excel functions required, and database experience preferred. Ability to use technical proficiency to improve council processes.
• Computer proficient in Microsoft office, databases, email, internet applications, and internet research. Ability to build and deliver concise, effective and professional presentations using recent software applications.
• Detail oriented with strong organizational skills and ability to multi-task and prioritize when up against fast paced and hard deadlines.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills with the ability to present numerical data effectively and accurately.
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal communication skills with maturity of judgment and the ability to motivate and diffuse conflict.
• Demonstrated abilities in budgeting, planning, managing multiple priorities, marketing, speaking to groups, and achieving results in partnership with others.
• Ability and willingness to travel daily in peak periods.
• Ability and willingness work evening and weekends. Occasional overnights will be required.
• Ability to model behavior consistent with the Girl Scout Mission, Promise, and Law.
• Ability to follow Girl Scouts of Central Illinois standard operating procedures.
• Ability to pass a successful criminal and motor vehicle background relevant to the job.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• This position requires the moving, lifting, stocking, and carrying of boxes, furniture, and supplies. Must be able to bend, lift, and carry up to 35 pounds or more with assistance of others or equipment.
• Ability to sit at a workstation and view a computer screen for up to 2 hours at a time.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license, minimum state auto insurance, and be able to safely operate, drive, load, and unload a U-Haul truck.
• Ability to enter/exit multiple types of buildings and product warehouses.
• Must be centrally located within the GSCI service area—ideally in or near Peoria, Bloomington, Champaign, Decatur, or Springfield—to minimize travel time and maximize in-person support and engagement during the busy Cookie Program season.
• Ability to communicate and interact with others, including telephone and speaking engagements.