Sales and Marketing Coordinator

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE : We are looking for a talented and experienced Sales and Marketing Coordinator to join our Chicago Lighthouse Industries (CLI) team. The ideal candidate will be a marketing professional capable of developing and implementing an effective marketing strategy to enhance our brand presence across various markets and generate a robust pipeline of sales leads.

This position is responsible for supporting the New Business Development team by coordinating a variety of activities, including assisting in the execution of marketing campaigns, product lifecycle management and helping to drive sales growth. This role will be responsible for creating content, coordinating events, performing market research, and ensuring effective communication between internal and external stakeholders. Through the direct actions of this role, the Industries team intends to increase revenue and boost customer satisfaction.

The role will report to the Chief Operating Officer and support the Vice President of Industries and Director of Business Development.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO :

Lead Generation

• Outbound Prospecting: Conduct high-volume research and cold calling of potential clients via phone, email, and social media to qualify them and set appointments for the Industries team.
• Lead Qualification: Assess prospects' needs, pain points, and budget to determine if they fit the Ideal Customer Profile (ICP).

• Appointment Setting: Schedule demos, meetings, or calls between qualified leads and the CLH leadership team.
• CRM Management: Meticulously track all communications and updating lead statuses in a single tracker that will support converting leads to qualified sales opportunities while meeting any outbound call metrics.
• Pipeline Nurturing: Following up with potential clients to maintain engagement and build interest over time.

Marketing

• Assist in creating strategic plans for product growth within targeted sectors, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.
• Assist in market research, industry analysis and sales to identify trends, customer needs, and opportunities.
• Create new marketing tools to promote products to new and existing customers through content creation, social media posts, emails and flyer creation.
• Manage Chicago Lighthouse Industries webstore, maintain and update product content, images and pricing.
• Develop seasonal themes and promotions for products, as needed.
• Create pitch decks and sales presentations tailored to potential sales prospects.
• Monitor and analyze the effectiveness of marketing campaigns and suggest improvements. Report on key metrics and provide insights to improve future marketing efforts.
• Assist the New Business Development team in organizing and coordinating events like trade shows, webinars, product launches, and conferences. Manage event logistics, such as registration, venue booking, travel arrangements, promotional materials, and post-event follow-up.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams, such as product development, design, accounting and customer service, to align marketing and sales efforts.
• Coordinate with external vendors, suppliers, designers, and printers for marketing materials.
• Assist in budgeting and expense tracking for marketing campaigns and sales activities.
• Support effective commination within the Industries team about updates to pricing, product launch and product availability.

Data Analysis and Customer Support

• Support the team with data analysis to identify sales trends, using charts, graphs and other data analytic tools.
• Create and distribute annual price lists to customers and ensure new price lists are uploaded across our sites in a timely manner.
• Establish and monitor KPIs related to product performance, customer satisfaction, and market penetration.
• Develop and maintain relationships across all customer channels, including government, commercial, and e-commerce retail.
• Assist in the maintenance of customer portals, including but not limited to product pricing, product certifications, product images, and product content.
• Support the development of sales data reporting to inform decisions on product continuance or discontinuation.
• Work with the Industries team to submit reports to grantors, the National Industries for the Blind and the AbilityOne program.
• Ensure compliance with industry standards, regulations, and quality standards.

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Communication Skills: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills to articulate value propositions effectively.
• Persistence & Resilience: A positive attitude and ability to handle rejection while maintaining high activity levels.
• Technology Proficiency: Experience with CRM software, prospecting tools (e.g., LinkedIn Sales Navigator), and Microsoft Office/Google Workspace.
• Sales Acumen: Understanding of lead scoring, funnel management, and basic marketing strategies.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• Bachelor's degree in marketing, Business Administration, Communications, or a related field.
• 4-5 years of experience in sales, marketing.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Familiarity with digital marketing tools, social media platforms, and analytics.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive attitude.

Employee Benefits

BENEFIT PACKAGE UP TO AN ADDITIONAL 25% OF SALARY INCLUDING:

• 10 days paid vacation
• 12 paid holidays
• 6 sick days accrued over the year
• Insurance Eligibility the 1st of the month after 30 days of employment
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance offered
• Short/long term disability
• Life insurance 2x salary
• Employee recognition events
• Company matched 401(k) plan
• Reasonably priced delicious food options on site (except at Glenview location)

The Chicago Lighthouse for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired is an Equal Opportunity Employer in full compliance with local, state, and federal Civil Rights & Affirmative Action laws. The Chicago Lighthouse for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired maintains a strong policy of accommodation and a consistent practice of employing qualified individuals with disabilities. All applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunity without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin or ancestry, citizenship status, age, physical or mental disability unrelated to ability, sexual orientation, military status, order of protection status or unfavorable discharge from military service.