About Us

SPESA (Sewn Products Equipment & Suppliers of the Americas) is a membership-based not-for-profit organization. Our members provide the equipment, technology, and services used in the cut-and-sew industry. Basically, they make all the stuff you would need in a factory to turn fabric into another product (clothing, shoes, furniture, etc.). As an organization, we provide education and advocacy to help our members meet customers and grow their businesses, and to strengthen and promote the sewn products industry in the Western Hemisphere. 

About the Role
We are looking to add a new member to our team to focus specifically on membership and sponsorship. The role would involve finding potential new members, convincing them to join, and ensuring they remain engaged and happy with their membership once they do. In doing so, it will require a combination of sales, customer service, and administrative work.

Tasks Would Include:

• Learning about the industry and researching potential new members;
• Keeping an organized database of potential members (who you’ve reached out to, responses, follow up plans, etc.);
• Perfecting our elevator pitch of why companies should join;
• Following up on all potential leads and/or making cold calls (or emails or LinkedIn messages) to recruit new members, learn more about their interests and needs;
• Encouraging current members to engage with the association and utilize the benefits of their membership (attending events, sharing content we can promote for them, etc.);
• Making a plan to regularly check in with current members and ensure they feel valued;
• Working with the rest of the team to develop new association marketing materials to attract potential members;
• Helping recruit and engage sponsors for association events and activities;
• Sending out annual dues invoices and keeping track of the responses and any necessary follow up; and
• Providing customer service to our members if they reach out with questions or concerns.

Because we are a very small team, our roles often shift or overlap. So, if there are other areas of the association that are of interest to you in addition to membership, we are happy to discuss how this role might evolve in the future.

Details:

• This is a remote position. Our team went fully remote during Covid and mostly connects through phone and video calls. However, we do like to meet up in person when we can in the Raleigh/Durham area, and would love to consider candidates from the Triangle. 
• You may be asked to travel occasionally to help out at SPESA events and to attend industry events to meet prospective members.
• This is a full-time salaried position, which does not include overtime pay. We will expect you to work 35-40 hours per week, but the hours are mostly flexible. Some weeks/months will be busier than others.
• Benefits include unlimited/flexible PTO as long as your work responsibilities are met, and health insurance coverage.
• Salary and title for this position are commensurate with experience. Salary will be in the range of $50-65k.

To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume to marie@spesa.org.

We Are Looking For:

• Someone with experience in membership, sales, and/or customer service.
• Someone with an attention to detail and good administrative habits to ensure that our records are always up-to-date and nothing falls through the cracks.
• Someone with excellent communication skills who can clearly explain the benefits of SPESA membership, as well as keep our team in the loop on new developments.
• Someone who isn’t afraid to reach out to new contacts, remind someone of a past-due invoice, or ask for help when you need it.
• Knowledge of the industry is definitely a plus, but not required.