Sonati Business Director

Experienced leader with a passion for environmental issues required to help us drive the next stage of growth at vibrant and unique non-profit.

About Sonati

SONATI is a non-profit Nicaraguan environmental education organization dedicated to promote knowledge, love and care for the environment through widespread free environmental education programs for local school children and conservation projects with rural communities.

SONATI works in a self-sustainable manner, using micro businesses to finance its environmental programs. The role will be based in Leon, Nicaragua, though some travel to other Sonati locations (Esteli, Nicaragua) will be required. 

About the role

If you’re not looking for a job, this might be the job for you!

Sonati is looking for a Director with a long-term vision to expand the organisation throughout Nicaragua and Latin America. The Business Director will be responsible for all revenue-generating commercial areas of the organisation: the Hostels, Tours and Custom Groups. The Director will lead a combined team of 25 local staff and international volunteers.

This role would suit someone with a finance, accounting or management consulting background who is looking for a change! Lead a passionate and growing team into a new phase of growth and expansion.

This is a great opportunity to gain managerial and leadership experience in a successful non-profit. Growing this small business will require you to test and develop the entire spectrum of your business acumen – from marketing to accounting to management.

Responsibilities:

• Manage and supervise all commercial operations, ensuring there is sufficient funding to support ongoing environmental education activities.
• Improve and grow the established hostel and tours businesses – including marketing, finance and accounting, staff recruitment and training.
• Support existing custom clients (large private groups), recruit new clients, maintain and expand custom tour pipeline.
• Support fundraising activities.
• Establish new SONATI businesses at new sites in Nicaragua.
• Work in collaboration and cooperation with the environmental director.
• Work with a board of directors in shaping and implementing the organization’s strategies, policies, and initiatives.

Qualifications:

• Experience in establishing and managing a successful business (ideally 3 -5+ years work experience).
• Entrepreneurial, idealistic, charismatic, and self-directed professional.
• Ability to work creatively with limited human and financial resources.
• Very organized and detail-oriented.
• Excellent teamwork and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills (Spanish and English).
• Ability to adapt and work with different cultures.
• Must demonstrate accountability, a positive attitude and initiative.

Remuneration:

All salaries at SONATI are modest local salaries – though will allow a comfortable life in Nicaragua, where the cost of living is relatively low. The initial salary will be $300USD per month. After 6 months that will increase to $375 USD and after one year to $450 USD.

A minimum one-year commitment is required (in addition to 1 month handover training). Ideally we are looking for a candidate who could commit to 18+ months.

Free accommodation is provided (local apartment or guesthouse). All visa costs will also be covered.

About Leon

Leon is a vibrant and beautiful colonial city in Nicaragua. Home to some of Nicaragua’s most prestigious universities, it is an exciting student city where there is always something going on. You will have ample opportunity to practice your Spanish with friendly locals. As an emerging tourist destination, Leon is the perfect mix of safety, convenience and local culture.

Leon is a great blend of old and new with beautiful old churches and festive traditions, but also modern supermarkets, cinemas, restaurants, bars and casinos. Less than 20km away are two great beaches – Las Penitas and Poneloya.