Commission-Only Salesperson

Job Title: 1099 Commission Sales Representative - Urban Farming Initiative

Job Title: Independent Sales Representative (1099, Commission Only)
Department: Sales
Reports To: CEO

Position Overview

The Urban Farming Initiative is on a mission to invigorate our local communities by coordinating circular food systems in our neighborhoods and cities. We define a “circular food system” as a self-sustaining region that can grow and consume more than 75% of its own growing, processing, storing, distributing, consuming, and recycling of its food products.

We aim to leverage unused or underutilized commercial spaces to manage gardens and their output, install CEA (controlled environment agriculture) shipping container units, and add garden commissary units for experiences and education. All of our efforts are powered by the Urban Farm Network application and digital community, which is our for-profit corporation that accompanies the Urban Farming Initiative’s 501c3 mission.

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced 1099 Commission Sales Representative to promote and sell the Urban Farming Initiative's products and services to a range of potential customers in the Cincinnati area. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in the garden, farming, and nursery industries, excellent organizational and communication skills, and the ability to work independently.

Our product suite includes:

• Gardenscaping – Customized raised-bed gardens for homes, businesses, and commercial properties.

• Garden Commissaries – Pre-sold or leased units for municipalities, schools, and entertainment venues.

• Circular Food System Programs – Multi-year partnerships with community development corporations, connecting multiple gardens through our Urban Farm Network app.

• “White-Label” App Solutions – Customizable modules of our Urban Farm Network app, often bundled as an upsell.

Our Culture & Values

We operate with a culture of Healthy Questioning, which means we are always asking “why” of ourselves and others in a respectful, above board manner. For people who want to make a big impact on the world, which we are, we should always be questioning how we can be better, stronger, and more impactful for ourselves and others. It’s important to listen and respect the opinions and experiences of others as part of healthy questioning. Even when we don’t always react the way we may want in a given moment, part of healthy questioning is realizing past mistakes, learning from them, and improving right away.

• Cultural Value #1: Respect is Paramount! We expect every employee, partner, funder, board member, and others to treat each other with respect, all the time, every day. This is our number one rule and we will not tolerate outright and ongoing disrespect.

• Cultural Value #2: All are welcome in our community. Everyone at the Urban Farming Initiative is an ambassador for the organization and the communities we work in. Because so much about food work is also about equity, all are welcome in our community. As custodians of our community, it means we must be inviting and welcoming to everyone.

• Cultural Value #3: Get better every day and expect excellence from yourself, your teammates, and the organization. Push yourself and others to see the change and impact you want in the world.

Key Responsibilities

1. Lead Generation & Outreach

   • Identify prospective clients in residential, commercial, governmental, and nonprofit sectors.

   • Qualify and prioritize leads in alignment with revenue targets.

2. Sales Target Qualification

   • Conduct needs assessments and tailor proposals highlighting ROI, community benefits, and sustainability.

   • Demonstrate how bundled offerings (e.g., raised beds plus app solutions) can solve client pain points.

3. Relationship Management & Deal Closure

   • Build long-term client relationships and negotiate contracts to ensure seamless onboarding.

   • Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Marketing, Product, Community Relations) to finalize deals and provide a smooth hand-off.

4. Upselling & Cross-Selling

   • Identify additional revenue opportunities, such as adding a “white-label” app to a Gardenscaping project.

   • Stay informed about product updates and community initiatives to continuously refine your approach.

Qualifications

• Required:

  • Proven track record in B2B or green industry sales, with experience closing deals creatively.

  • Strong presentation, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.

  • Capable of writing influential proposals.

  • Comfort with technology tools (CRM systems, virtual meeting platforms, etc.).

• Preferred:

  • Familiarity with urban farming, sustainability, or community development sectors.

  • Existing network within municipalities, schools, or community organizations such as CDCs.

  • Interest and knowledge of circular food systems.

Compensation

• Commission Only (1099 Contractor): Lucrative, performance-based earnings with no cap on potential income. Commissions range from 10% - 20%.

• Flexible Work Environment: Set your own hours and location; results-oriented culture with minimal micromanagement.

• Training & Support: Comprehensive onboarding, product training, and access to marketing materials.

Why Join Us

• Meaningful Impact: Every sale you close directly enhances local food systems, community well-being, and our ongoing growth as a business.

• Growth Potential: Engage with emerging markets in sustainable agriculture and innovative tech solutions as we continue to develop more product and service offerings.

• Supportive Team Culture: Collaborate with passionate professionals who share a commitment to creating positive change.

How to Apply

If you’re inspired to drive sustainable urban agriculture forward and excel in a commission-focused role, please submit your resume and a brief cover letter describing your relevant experience to hiring@urbanfarminginitiative.org or apply through our website.