On May 2, 2025, Textile Exchange announced that applications for its governance board are now open. This presents a remarkable opportunity for individuals to be part of an organization dedicated to shaping the future of the fashion, textile, and apparel industry. By joining the governance board, you will play a pivotal role in guiding Textile Exchange towards its mission and vision, driving impactful change within the industry.

About Textile Exchange

Textile Exchange is a global non - profit organization striving to achieve beneficial outcomes for the climate and nature across the fashion, textile, and apparel sectors. It leads a growing community of brands, manufacturers, and farmers towards more purposeful production, starting right from the beginning of the supply chain.

Why Join Us?

Serving on the Textile Exchange governance board offers a unique chance to contribute to the development of programs and initiatives that tackle the critical challenges the industry currently faces. Your input will support the organization's efforts to ensure that material production enriches both the natural environment and communities while generating long - term value. We are seeking individuals with diverse skills and experiences to help build a resilient and dynamic ecosystem, ensuring the long - term stability of the organization and driving transformative change.

What We're Looking For

We are recruiting two board members:

One for a 2025 start:

This position is to fill a vacant board seat, with a term commencing on January 1, 2025. Upon election, the successful candidate will be expected to start the onboarding process and fulfill their duties immediately. We are looking for someone with expertise in animal fibers/materials. Ideal candidates should have in - depth, practical knowledge of the challenges faced by animal fiber producers, including the environmental, economic, and social aspects of production. They should also have a global perspective on how animal materials fit into the broader raw material landscape, market dynamics, and sustainability requirements across the value chain. Experience working directly with producers or producer organizations is highly advantageous.

One for a 2026 start:

This role begins on January 1, 2026. We are seeking a generalist with a background in leading or working for a global non - profit.

Both candidates should be well - rounded individuals who can define sector - wide issues, set the agenda, and keep the organization focused on its mission. A deep understanding of the fashion and textile industry, along with knowledge from outside the field, is preferred. Familiarity with standards and certification, a strong connection to Textile Exchange, and a passion for our mission are essential. Additionally, a comprehensive understanding of raw materials and the realities of the fourth tier of the supply chain is highly desirable.

Candidates should have senior - level experience and a strategic mindset, preferably with prior governance or board service. We value those who can think systemically, collaborate across sectors, and guide our work in a forward - looking, mission - aligned manner.

Responsibilities of the Governance Board

If your application is successful, you will be expected to:

- Oversee governance actively by ensuring that the board meets its fiscal, strategic, and legal responsibilities as defined in the by - laws.

- Prepare for, attend, and contribute constructively to all governance board meetings and the annual conference.

- Attend special events and regional meetings when possible.

- Support the organization's strategic objectives, mission, and vision.

- Ensure the ethical integrity and accountability of the governance board and the organization, always acting in the public interest.

- Consider yourself a "trustee" of the organization, ensuring its proper maintenance, financial security, growth, and operation in the best interests of its beneficiaries.

- Stay informed about the organization's activities.

- Communicate 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.

- Keep abreast of developments relevant to issues that may come before the board and bring any potentially adverse issues to the board's attention.

- Collaborate in good faith with staff and other board members to achieve the organization's goals.

- Listen carefully to and respect the opinions of fellow board members and support the majority decisions of the board.

The governance board is responsible for good governance, financial management, strategy, and the appointment and remuneration of the CEO. Its primary duty is to further the mission, vision, and purpose of Textile Exchange. The day - to - day operations of Textile Exchange are managed by the management team led by the CEO.

Required Commitment

Governance board meetings are held quarterly, with two virtual and two in - person meetings each year. One of the in - person meetings coincides with the annual conference, which board members are expected to attend in full.

We also encourage board members to serve on at least one sub - committee. Committee meetings are held quarterly, with the exact schedule depending on the committee.

All meeting materials are distributed one week before the meeting. Board members are expected to read the materials in advance to be well - prepared for the meetings.

Nominations to Serve on the Governance Board

Expressions of interest must be submitted by May 31, 2025. The election will be held in June 2025.

The 2025 seat has a three - year term starting on January 1, 2025. Note that this is to fill a vacant seat, so the successful candidate will start onboarding and fulfilling duties immediately after election.

The 2026 seat has a three - year term starting on January 1, 2026. Onboarding will begin in 2025, but official duties will start on the term start date.

Board members can serve up to three terms, totaling nine years. The current governance board is responsible for electing new board members and re - electing current members at the end of their terms.

New board members are required to attend the in - person meeting held in conjunction with the annual conference in Lisbon, Portugal, in October 2025, as part of their orientation. Additional induction meetings will be organized to help successful applicants acclimatize to the governance board.

Our Commitment to Diversity

Textile Exchange is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals.

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 the member community. In your letter, please address the following:

- Indicate whether you are interested in the 2025 or 2026 board seat.

- Explain how your personal and professional values align with the mission, vision, and goals of Textile Exchange.

- Describe how you can help the organization achieve its mission of inspiring and enabling people to accelerate sustainable practices in the textile value chain.

- Share your previous experience serving on a governance board. What were your main responsibilities and contributions?

- Explain your approach to strategic planning and long - term visioning for an organization.

- Identify the key priorities for Textile Exchange over the next five years, especially in achieving its Climate+ goals.

- Discuss your familiarity with the realities of the fourth tier of the supply chain and how you would address the challenges.

- Explain what motivates you to support our efforts to create a sustainable and equitable future for the fashion and textile industry.

- Describe how you will balance your time and resources to be an active governance board member.

- If applying for the 2025 board seat, provide details of your experience related to animal fibers/materials.

The application deadline is May 31, 2025. Please email your application to Emma Slade at emma@textileexchange.org.

We look forward to receiving your applications and the unique perspectives you can bring to our governance board. Together, we can make significant contributions to the textile sector.

Please note that as a non - profit organization, our board members serve for the greater good, and we do not offer monetary compensation for board service.