Remote Community Development Associate

Job Overview

The Community Development Associate plays a key role in driving growth and engagement within the organization. American Sustainable Business Network (ASBN) is the voice of the sustainable business community in Policy. Ensuring our network is robust, inclusive, and fully represents the American business community is paramount to ASBN’s national impact. This role focuses on expanding the pipeline of prospective members, converting opportunities into long-term partnerships, and collecting the data necessary to ensure the organization’s offerings align with the needs of its network. Working collaboratively across teams, the Associate will help craft impactful strategies, develop compelling communications, and maintain strong relationships to drive organizational goals.

This role emphasizes inclusive, collaborative, and member-centered approaches, ensuring that strategies and communication reflect diverse perspectives and prioritize equitable outcomes.

About ASBN

Our mission is to inform, connect, and mobilize sustainable business leaders to transform the public and private sectors toward a just and regenerative economy. The American Sustainable Business Network (ASBN) serves as an umbrella organization encompassing two affiliates: the 501(c)(4) American Sustainable Business Council (ASBC) and the 501(c)(3) American Sustainable Business Institute (ASBI). These entities work in close harmony to advance ASBN's mission; their focus areas and functions are distinct yet complementary. Together, these organizations form a powerful platform to drive systemic change by aligning advocacy with education and collaboration.

Reports to

Executive Director

Location: This position is fully remote, with no more than 10% travel expected. While fully remote, the role requires flexible scheduling and availability in all US time zones. This role is exempt. Compensation is not based on hours worked but tied to project completion. The candidate will be responsible for determining the hours and schedule needed to hit network growth targets.

Responsibilities

Pipeline Expansion (35%)

• Develop and implement inclusive strategies to identify new membership opportunities, target diverse markets, and generate leads.
• Conduct market analysis to identify trends and opportunities, advising on outreach strategies tailored to various audiences.
• Build strong relationships through in-person, phone, and online outreach to foster trust and engagement with potential members.
• Design and propose solutions that address prospects’ challenges while highlighting the value and inclusivity of the organization's offerings.
• Collaborate with internal teams to maintain and update sales and outreach materials quarterly, ensuring relevance for diverse audiences and events.
• Partner with regional and state affiliates to coordinate recruitment efforts and amplify collective impact.

Opportunity Conversion (35%)

• Clearly communicate the organization’s services, ensuring alignment with the unique needs and objectives of prospective members.
• Cultivate meaningful connections by identifying prospects' challenges and opportunities and tailoring solutions to meet their goals.
• Maintain consistent communication with prospects, leveraging a variety of tools (email, Zoom, phone) to follow up and deepen engagement.
• Track progress through the CRM system, documenting outreach efforts and relationship-building activities with accuracy and transparency.
• Prepare customized proposals and presentations in collaboration with cross-functional teams, focusing on delivering impactful and equitable solutions.
• Achieve performance metrics, including new client acquisition, repeat business, conversion rates, and revenue goals.

Network Collaboration and Advocacy (30%)

• Partner with communications and policy teams to align messaging with market demands and feedback from the network.
• Co-create compelling stories and campaigns that amplify the organization’s value proposition and resonate with diverse audiences.
• Participate in strategy development for events and campaigns, incorporating feedback to continuously improve outreach and engagement efforts.
• Act as a champion for the organization’s network, fostering a culture of inclusion, collaboration, and continuous learning.
• Attend regular weekly staff meetings.

Qualifications

Required:

• Experience: Experience in business development, sales, membership, partnerships, or a related field, with a proven track record of achieving growth and revenue targets.
• Mission Driven: A passion for and commitment to sustainability and systems change.
• Communication Skills: Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and build meaningful relationships.
• Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze market trends and data to identify opportunities and recommend actionable strategies.
• Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams, including marketing, policy, and communications, in a collaborative and inclusive environment.
• Equity-Minded: Commitment to justice, equity, diversity and inclusion in outreach, engagement, and decision-making processes.

Preferred:

• Sector Knowledge: Familiarity with sustainable businesses, their mission, and values, as well as experience working in a purpose-driven or membership-based organization.
• Public Speaking: Comfort with speaking at events, meetings, or webinars to represent the organization and articulate its value proposition.
• Content Development: Experience creating proposals, presentations, and outreach materials tailored to diverse audiences.
• Networking Skills: Established network or experience working with diverse stakeholders, such as businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations.