Executive Director

Launched in 2020, the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol is a program that offers brands and retailers the critical assurances needed to source more sustainably grown cotton by providing data on environmental metrics of U.S. cotton production and a fully transparent supply chain.

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The program's mission is to bring quantifiable and verifiable goals and measurements to the key sustainability metrics of U.S. cotton production with a vision where transparency is a reality, and continuous improvement to reduce U.S. cotton's environmental footprint is the central goal.

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In the past two years, The Trust Protocol has already welcomed more than 1,150 brand, retail, mill, and manufacturer members and enrolled an estimated 1.1 million acres of cotton production. The program also has been recognized and published in the ITC Standards Map, approved as a standard for sustainable cotton by the Partnership for Sustainable Textiles, and as an ISEAL Community Member.

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With this impressive growth and impact over the past two years, the Trust Protocol is now seeking to fill the position of Executive Director; and here at Acre, we are proud to be assisting with this impactful search.

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If you have experience in the supply chain (ideally cotton or textiles), agricultural production, or sustainability certification standards and are interested in an entrepreneurial, start-up, non-profit environment where you will be responsible for the overall operations of the organization (including the build-out of the staff), please read the job description and apply below.

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Organization

The U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol, LLC is a single-member limited non-profit liability company established in the state of Tennessee by the National Cotton Council of America. The USCTP is a "member-managed" LLC with oversight assistance from a multi-stakeholder Board of Directors.

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General Assignment

The Executive Director is responsible for the overall operation of the U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol - a farm-level sustainability initiative of the U.S. cotton industry. The senior-level position reports to the National Cotton Council's Office of the President.

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Primary Responsibilities

• Guide the overall operations of the Trust Protocol -- such as participation requirements, independent verification procedures, and the process for transmitting data through the supply chain.

• Manage the activities of the Climate Smart Cotton Project - a pilot project awarded to the Trust Protocol by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

• Regularly collaborate with key NCC staff, sustainability staff from other cotton industry organizations and various consultants regarding the strategic vision and overall operation of the Trust Protocol.

• Provide management and direction to Trust Protocol staff.

• In coordination with industry staff and communication consultants:

• Represent the Trust Protocol through speeches, presentations and/or attendance at various meetings and conferences.

• Participate as needed in press and other interview requests.

• Collaborate on the development of promotional materials, communications and educational efforts for the Trust Protocol.

• Interact with textile brands/retailers and NGOs in the acceptance and use of the Trust Protocol.

• Oversee the online interface/platform for the Trust Protocol in conjunction with the Trust Protocol's IT providers.

• Coordinate with other sustainability initiatives to determine potential areas of collaboration.

• Work with the Trust Protocol's governing body regarding the overall structure and operation of the program.

• Other activities as deemed necessary for the operation and growth of the Trust Protocol.

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Qualifications

• Experience with agricultural sustainability initiatives, as well as an understanding of production agriculture.

• Understanding cotton and textile supply chains is beneficial.

• Strong communication skills, both written and oral, are necessary.

• Demonstrate strong entrepreneurial and analytical skills.

• Strong management and multi-tasking capabilities with the ability to work well under pressure in a deadline-driven environment.

• Good listener who can balance different points of view and delegate responsibilities as appropriate.

• Frequent domestic and international travel is required.

• A degree of Master's or higher in an agricultural or environmental science/engineering or related field and a minimum of ten years experience is highly preferred. Bachelor's level applicants with extensive work experience will also be considered.

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Compensation is commensurate with experience and skills.

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Apply directly or contact Richard Kent for more information at richard.kent@acre.com.