Cofounder / OKAPI Reusables
Portland, OR
About OKAPI Reusables
OKAPI is a reusable cup network, enabling cafes to offer reusable, returnable cups for drinks to-go, and empowering cities to significantly reduce the number of single-use cups going to landfill.
OKAPI began in early 2022 and is in ~60 cafes today in OR, CA, WA, and NV. Weʼve grown by offering a simple alternative to single-use disposable cups (high quality cups, and an easy, app-based borrow and return system), and keeping fees affordable to cafes and customers. We have
Our mission is to grow to 300 cafes on the West Coast and advocate for city and regional government funding to support reuse, and ultimately to make reuse the norm.
OKAPI is recruiting for a co-founder, ideally based in Portland, Oregon. This role will work closely with the other co-founder, based in Mountain View, CA, and with a part-time Portland Network Lead.
The role
OKAPI is looking for a strategic, versatile co-founder. Working closely with the other co-founder, this individual will collaborate on strategy to guide OKAPI through our next stage of growth.
Since our launch in early 2022, we have scaled to 60+ cafes, 1600 members, and 16,000 cups borrowed with the support of municipal grants and community partnerships (OR Metro, Prosper Portland, Waste Free Advocates, NextCycle Washington, San Mateo County, Community Action for a Sustainable Alameda, ReThink Disposable, and Stop Waste).
The ideal candidate for this position is an experienced leader who is experienced in fundraising strategies and is eager to work collaboratively to develop a strong multi-year fundraising plan to champion OKAPIʼs mission.
The role will also manage relationships with café leaders in the Portland/Vancouver network, keeping café owners and managers engaged in the mission to make reuse the norm, and will work closely with the Portland Network Lead, who has responsibility for growing the local network of cafés and members.
This role will advocate for OKAPI in the community, collaborating with like-minded community organizations to build awareness of OKAPI, and sharing our story with the press and at conferences.
Responsibilities:
In close collaboration with the co-founder, continue to develop our funding and growth strategy
Continue to adapt elements of our reuse model to increase scale and adoption
Build and maintain relationships with café and community leaders, collaborating to advance reuse in the community in a way that is inclusive and equitable.
Share OKAPIʼs story with the press and at conferences, advocating reuse with consumers, café owners, and regional government leaders.
QUALIFICATIONS / REQUIREMENTS
Ideal candidates would have experience developing and implementing fundraising strategies (either private or non-profit fundraising expertise)
Waste management and public sector experience are a plus
Knowledge and passion for the circular economy
Must bring enthusiasm, creativity, patience, and flexibility to the work;
Excellent organizational skills, with high accuracy and attention to detail;
Ability to work quickly and adapt to evolving strategies and circumstances;
Comfortable with taking risks and otherwise bucking trends and traditional approaches to fundraising and growth management; and
Commitment to OKAPIʼs mission.
Contact:
Emily Chueh
Co-founder
OKAPI Reusables
echueh@okapi-reusables.com