Join the Textile Exchange Governance Board
Apply now to join Textile Exchange’s governance board for 2025, and help to drive beneficial outcomes for climate and nature across the fashion, textile, and apparel industry, from the start of the supply system.
Textile Exchange is excited to announce that applications are now open for our 2025 governance board.
This is a great opportunity to be part of an organization dedicated to guiding the fashion, textile, and apparel industry in climate and nature action at the materials production level of the supply system. By joining our governance board, you will play a crucial role in leading Textile Exchange in its mission and vision, helping shape important work that addresses the critical challenges facing the industry today.
About Textile Exchange
Textile Exchange is a global non-profit helping to drive beneficial outcomes for climate and nature across the fashion, textile, and apparel industry, right from the start of the supply system.
Our vision is an enriching global industry that protects people and the planet by driving beneficial impacts on climate, soil health, water, and biodiversity.
To get there, we are on a mission to inspire and equip people to accelerate the adoption of preferred materials through clear and actionable guidance. We convene the fashion, textile, and apparel industry to collectively achieve beneficial impacts on climate and nature across fiber and raw material production.
Ultimately, our goal is to help the industry achieve a 45% reduction in the greenhouse gas emissions that come from producing fibers and raw materials by 2030 (from a 2019 baseline). At the same time, we are keeping our focus holistic and interconnected, accelerating the adoption of practices that improve soil health, water, and biodiversity while respecting human livelihoods and animal welfare.
What we are looking for
We are looking for well-rounded individuals whose diverse skills and experiences can help us ensure long-term organizational stability and drive transformative change. Ideally, candidates will have a deep understanding of the fashion, textile, and apparel industry, along with knowledge from outside our specific field.
Familiarity with standards and certification, a strong connection to Textile Exchange, and a passion for our mission and work are essential. A comprehensive understanding of the realities of raw material production is also highly desirable.
We especially welcome individuals with expertise and experience in the following areas:
- Recycling and circularity: We are looking for candidates who understand the ever-changing landscape of textile recycling and can provide thought leadership in this area.
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI): We welcome candidates who can help us promote inclusive and equitable practices within our organization and the industry.
We are also aiming to enhance our geographical representation and are particularly interested in candidates from Europe and Mainland China.
Ideal candidates will have prior governance and board experience, with a strategic mindset and a proven track record at a senior level. We value individuals who can frame sector-wide issues, shape the agenda, and keep us focused on our mission. Textile Exchange is dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and we encourage applications from all qualified individuals.
Responsibilities of the Governance Board
The governance board is responsible for good governance, financial management, strategy, and the appointment and remuneration of the CEO, with the overarching goal of advancing the organization’s mission and vision. Running day-to-day business is the responsibility of the management team, led by the CEO.
If successful in your application, you will be expected to:
- Provide active governance oversight by ensuring that the board’s fiscal, strategic, and legal responsibilities are carried out, as defined by the by-laws.
- Prepare for, attend, and constructively participate in all meetings of the Governance Board and the annual conference.
- Attend special events and regional meetings as able.
- Commit to supporting the organization’s strategic objectives, mission, and vision.
- Ensure the ethical integrity and accountability of the governance board and the organization, always operating for public benefit.
- Consider yourself a “trustee” of the organization, ensuring it is well-maintained, financially secure, growing, and operating in the best interests of those it serves.
- Stay informed about the organization’s activities.
- Interpret the organization’s work and values to the community, represent the organization, and act as a spokesperson.
- Actively promote and encourage the highest level of integrity within the textile industry.
- Stay well-informed about developments relevant to issues that may come before the board, and bring to the board’s attention any issues that may adversely affect the organization or its stakeholders.
- Work in good faith with staff and other board members as partners toward the achievement of our goals.
- Listen carefully to and respect the opinions of fellow board members and support the majority decisions of the board.
What commitment is required?
Governance board meetings are held quarterly, with two virtual and two in-person meetings annually. One of the in-person meetings is organized to coincide with our annual conference, which board members are also expected to attend in full. All meeting materials are shared one week prior to the meeting date, and we ask board members to commit to reading material in advance so they are well-prepared for the meeting.
We also encourage board members to sit on at least one sub-committee. Committee meetings occur monthly or quarterly, depending on the committee.
Please note, that the position is not compensated. Concerning travel for in-person meetings, Textile Exchange aims to cover a portion of travel required but some self-funding will also be expected.
Nominations for the governance board
Expressions of interest must be submitted by July 31, 2024, and an election will be held in September 2024. Two seats are open for a three-year term starting on January 1, 2025. Board members are eligible to serve up to three terms, totaling nine years. The current governance board will vote to elect new board members and re-elect current board members at the end of their terms.
Newly elected board members are requested to attend the in-person meeting held in conjunction with our annual conference in Pasadena in October 2024, as part of their orientation. Further induction meetings will be held to help successful applicants in their onboarding.
How to apply
Please send a letter of interest, along with your resume or CV, a brief biography, and a letter of recommendation from another representative of Textile Exchange’s member community. In your letter, please address the following:
- How do your personal and professional values align with the mission, vision, and goals of Textile Exchange?
- How might you help the organization accomplish its mission to inspire and equip people to accelerate sustainable practices in the textile value chain?
- Can you describe your previous experience serving on a governance board? What were your primary responsibilities and contributions?
- How do you approach strategic planning and long-term visioning for an organization?
- What do you see as the key priorities for Textile Exchange over the next five years, especially in achieving its climate and nature goals?
- How familiar are you with the realities faced in Tier 4 of the supply chain, and how do you propose addressing these challenges?
- What motivates you to support our efforts to create a sustainable and equitable future for the fashion and textile industry?
- How will you balance your time and resources to commit to being an active member of the governance board?
We look forward to hearing from you and the unique perspectives you can bring to our governance board. Please email your application to Emma Slade at emma@textileexchange.org.
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