About NCTISE: The North Carolina Textile Innovation and Sustainability Engine will be “Creating a Modern, Green, and Inclusive Textile Sector” to advance our nation’s capacity for innovation in textiles through a lens of environmental sustainability and with an eye toward circularity, positioning the Engine as a global leader in this sector. Centered in the “textile belt” of North Carolina, the Engine aims to disrupt and revolutionize the $96B textile industry.

About The Industrial Commons (TIC): The Industrial Commons, the lead organization for NCTISE, is a nonprofit in Morganton, NC creating an ecosystem focused on rooting local wealth and ownership. TIC is nationally recognized for its unique strategies around workplace development and is also seen as a national leader in the emerging textile circular economy. TIC is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Overview: The CEO of the North Carolina Textile Innovation and Sustainability Engine is a full-time position that is responsible for setting the vision, strategy, and oversight of the NCTISE. NCTISE is part of the National Science Foundation, “Engines” program, which is working to catalyze and scale innovative economic models for the United States. The CEO will work collaboratively with the Engine Deputy Directors, Leadership Team, and Governance Board. It is strongly preferred for this individual to be located in Western North Carolina. Preference will be given to applicants willing to relocate. This is a two-year guaranteed position, however, continuation of the position will be contingent upon the performance of the Engine and future NSF funding.

Duties and Responsibilities of the CEO:

• Serve as the primary party responsible for engaging the NSF Engines program team and serve on the Engine Governing Board.
• Lead the development and execution of the long-term strategic plans of the Engine for all stakeholders.
• Manage the Engine Leadership Team and ensure systems of accountability for project deliverables, Engine outcomes, and overall success.
• Communicate with national textile brands to develop measurable, scalable, and sustainable solutions.
• Create a management structure for Engine staff, partners, allies, and funders to build a cohesive transformational, and replicable network.
• Communicate effectively with local, national, and international communities about the development and implementation of the Engine and its core function, project, and deliverables.
• Inspire brands, policy makers, manufacturers, consumers, allies, and funders to work towards an aspirational and more sustainable future for the textile sector.
• Raise ongoing capital for the Engine while also developing a business plan for the long-term financial sustainability of the Engine.
• Within the first two years, ensure that the Engine has raised and leveraged $45 million in additional funds.

Skills, Experience, and Abilities Required:

• Between 7-10 years of relevant experience in the commercial field of production development and sustainability.
• Between 7-10 years of relevant experience managing teams or networks.
• An advanced degree in Business Administration, Management, or Textile Science.
• Practical experience with financial, project management, and organizational database systems.
• The ability and willingness to travel both domestically and internationally.
• Ability to adapt to some night and weekend hours at the discretion of the Engine Leadership Team.
• The ability to communicate effectively with various audiences and through multiple methods.

The NCTISE preferred candidate will have:

• Extensive experience working with apparel and textile brands to successfully scale sustainable and circular products into complex markets.
• Extensive skill and experience with strategic planning tools, processes, and successful creation and implementation of large-scale strategic plans.
• Extensive skill and experience building diverse teams in complex organizations while building collaboration across various diverse stakeholder groups.
• Extensive experience with sustainable products and innovative material development and design.
• A deep understanding of the sustainable textile economy, its components, and its national and international impact on the industry.
• A deep understanding of sustainability metrics and evaluation measurements (ESGs) for product performance, brand targets, social impact, and climate impact.
• Extensive experience presenting to national and international audiences and a strong ability to communicate to a wide variety of audiences about the benefits, challenges, and opportunities of sustainable textile production.
• Experience implementing elements of the core functions of the Engine (Research & Development, Workforce Development, and Translation to Impact) with concrete examples.
• A deep understanding of sustainability regulation and policy and best practice in the global textile industry.
• Ability to raise capital from non-profit, federal, and venture capital sources.
• Ability to adapt quickly and flexibly to complex situations and circumstances.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $150,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person