Standards Engagement Lead

About Us

Textile Exchange is a global non-profit driving beneficial impacts on climate and nature across the fashion, textile, and apparel industry. We guide a growing community of brands, manufacturers and farmers towards more purposeful production, right from the start of the supply chain.

Our goal is to help the industry to achieve a 45% reduction in the emissions that come from producing fibers and raw materials by 2030, while keeping our focus holistic and interconnected and seeking to improve the state of our freshwater, soil health, and biodiversity too.

For real change to happen, everyone needs a clear path to beneficial impact. That’s why we believe that approachable, step-by-step instruction paired with collective action can change the system to make preferred fibers and materials the accessible default, mobilizing leaders through attainable strategies, proven solutions, and a driven community.

At Textile Exchange, materials matter. To learn more, visit TextileExchange.org.

Working at Textile Exchange

We work remotely with a team located in 20+ countries. We are a diverse group committed to harnessing the strengths of the global textile industry to accelerate change toward climate and other key environmental goals.

We work collaboratively on important environmental issues around the world by working and interacting with farming groups, processors, brands, retailers, and environmental experts in the textile and fashion industries around the world. We offer an opportunity to join a cutting-edge global environmental nonprofit and to help strengthen the impact of our organization.

Each Textile Exchange employee is offered a competitive compensation package with paid time off, a yearly bonus, opportunities for continuing education, and more.

Like all roles at Textile Exchange, this role will be primarily home-based; Textile Exchange is a US-based but remote-working organization with a global team.

Job Summary

The Standards Engagement Lead will oversee Textile Exchange’s efforts to engage and support key stakeholders, including brands, suppliers, and standards users, to drive the adoption and integration of our standards across the textile supply chain. This role is critical to expanding the reach and impact of our standards by providing clear communication, capacity building, and guidance to ensure alignment with Textile Exchange’s sustainability goals.  

The lead will work closely with internal teams (e.g., standards, communications, assurance) to foster collaborations and align messaging to ensure that stakeholders are supported throughout the standards implementation process and that feedback is shared to ensure continuous improvement. In close collaboration with the Industry and Materials Engagement team, the lead will contribute to the development and execution of an effective engagement plan for the rollout of the new Materials Matter standard. With a deep understanding of the needs, challenges and opportunities of standards users, they will oversee the management of stakeholder groups for consultation, review and partnership, fostering strong feedback loops.

Overseeing a team of Standards Engagement specialists, the lead will oversee an effective case management system that ensures the support to standards users is offered in a consistent and timely manner. This role reports to the Engagement and Partnerships, Senior Director.

Duties and Responsibilities

Stakeholder Engagement:  
– Build and nurture relationships with key brands, suppliers, and standards users, to support the adoption of Textile Exchange standards.   

= Oversee the management of relevant stakeholder groups or working groups, where relevant

Standard Alignment:  
= Ensure alignment of stakeholders with Textile Exchange’s standards, providing education and guidance to facilitate implementation and compliance.  

• Oversight of the process to ensure key updates, new guidelines or processes are disseminated to stakeholders in a timely and effective manner

Outreach and Capacity Building:  
= Develop and implement strategies for capacity-building initiatives that assist stakeholders in understanding and utilizing Textile Exchange standards.  

• Oversee the case management system for the standards system, leveraging Salesforce to ensure timely responses and accurate tracking of information

Collaboration:  
= Collaborate with internal teams to ensure consistent messaging and support for stakeholders, ensuring alignment across standards, assurance, and engagement strategies.  

Feedback Loop:  
– Gather feedback from stakeholders on challenges, successes, and opportunities to continuously improve the standards and their implementation.  

• Manage the consultation process in relation to the standards system, ensuring equitable representation from all stakeholders (from brands all the way through to Tier 4)
• Oversee the process for gathering insights and reporting out to the organization

Representation:  
– Represent Textile Exchange at industry events, forums, and meetings, advocating for the importance of standard adoption in driving beneficial climate and nature impacts within the fashion and apparel sector.  

Strategic Leadership:  
– Lead the development of strategic plans to increase stakeholder engagement, ensuring they align with Textile Exchange’s broader goals and objectives, particularly around supply chain traceability and certification.  

Minimum Experience and Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in stakeholder engagement, sustainability standards, or supply chain management within the textile or related industries.  
• Proven track record in building and maintaining relationships with diverse stakeholders, including brands, suppliers, and certification bodies.  
• Strong understanding of sustainability standards and certifications relevant to the textile industry.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.  
• Strong leadership and project management capabilities.  
• Ability to translate complex information into actionable insights for stakeholders.  

• Problem-solving and analytical skills to address challenges in standards implementation.  
• Bachelor’s degree in sustainability, supply chain management, or a related field. A master’s degree is preferred.  
• Passion for sustainability and the mission of Textile Exchange.  
• Ability to travel as needed to represent Textile Exchange at events or meet with stakeholders.  

Employment Package  

• Full Time Position, 40 Hours a Week  
• Location: Virtual/Remote
• Annual Salary Range: $105,000 -$135,000  USD
• To be filled as soon as possible (start date to be agreed between both parties). 
• Our offers for salary and benefits are dependent on the region of the final candidate. We post most positions based on a US-based Team member, but final offers are made in alignment with the final candidate’s permanent residence and in line with Textile Exchange’s regional employment package. 
• To see if we hire in your country and for more information, please visit: https://remote.com/country-explorer 

How to Apply 

Please submit here:

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis as they are submitted. Early application submission is strongly encouraged.

If you have any pressing questions after completing your application, and meet the qualifications, please contact recruitment@textileexchange.org.

Textile Exchange is committed to creating a diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.