Executive Director

Company: Transparentem
Location: New York
Posted on: June 2, 2025

Job Description:

Transparentem transforms industries by allying with workers and communities to uncover abuses in global supply chains and drive labor and environmental justice. Through in-depth investigations, strategic engagement with companies, and policy advocacy, we push for immediate and long-term remediation of labor and environmental exploitation at all levels of supply chains and advocate for systemic improvements prioritizing human rights and environmental stewardship. We envision a sustainable world that is just and equitable for all workers and their communities.Our work begins with comprehensive investigations at worksites to uncover endemic abuses-such as child labor, forced labor, migrant worker exploitation, environmental degradation, and gender-based violence-across all production tiers. We bring our findings to connected companies to drive collaborative, corrective actions and then publicly disclose investigative results, along with any corporate responses, to ensure accountability and promote transparency. By engaging with key stakeholders such as workers, communities, local organizations, policymakers, investors, regulators, and activists, Transparentem catalyzes fundamental improvements to industry policy and practice and helps bring tangible justice for some of the world's most marginalized populations.Since our founding in 2015, Transparentem has worked in seven countries across East Africa, South, Southeast & East Asia, and Latin America. Our efforts have led to meaningful change for workers globally: $5 million in recruitment-related fees reimbursed or committed for reimbursement; the return of more than 1,600 formerly withheld passports; better access to grievance channels and improvement of living and working conditions; and the establishment of over ten collaborative working groups and an industry-wide commitment signed by 100+ companies in the apparel sector. 70% of all companies that engage with Transparentem pursue remediation efforts. Please review our most recent Annual Report for more information.As a global human rights organization committed to inclusiveness and equity, Transparentem seeks the most talented team members who bring their true selves, with diverse backgrounds, cultures, perspectives, and experiences. As an equal opportunity employer, Transparentem values and encourages diversity and considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other legally protected status. This commitment applies to all aspects of employment, including hiring, transfer, promotion, compensation, eligibility for benefits, and termination.The OpportunityWe are looking for a dynamic, visionary leader to take the reins of an organization doing critical human rights and environmental work at the heart of the global economy. The new Executive Director will build on the strong foundation created over the past decade to move a trusted organization to a higher level of impact, shaping strategic priorities and goals for our next chapter while maintaining high quality work. They will build on a proven record of improving the lives of workers and communities by exposing labor and environmental abuses and driving change in supply chains through constructive corporate engagement.The Executive Director (ED) will serve as the strategic leader, primary fundraiser, and chief spokesperson of Transparentem. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the ED will manage a -$2.5M annual operating budget and lead a dedicated team of -10 US staff and additional global personnel. The ED drives the organization's vision, strategy, and growth, ensuring alignment across teams, operational excellence, and financial sustainability.ResponsibilitiesStrategic Vision and Leadership

• Provide high-level direction and leadership to the organization. Build on Transparentem's existing vision and goals to develop a sustainable strategic roadmap for the future, further realizing organizational strategies, outcomes, and impact.
• Drive strategic decision-making and coordinate stakeholders across organizational functions for shared understanding and smooth implementation.
• Foster continuous improvement and change management within the organization to respond effectively to emerging challenges and opportunities in the global environment.
• Collaborate with program leaders to align projects with strategic priorities and advance programmatic work streams that support Transparentem's mission and increase impact.Fundraising, Partnership Building, and Thought Leadership
• Provide leadership to the organization's fundraising efforts, ensuring its long-term sustainability and steady expansion of its impact. Oversee all revenue streams (private institutions, public institutions, major donors, and individual giving).
• Strategically identify new and innovative opportunities for revenue generation.
• Act as a lead spokesperson and external advocate, enhancing Transparentem's profile and influence and further establishing the organization's position as a thought leader. Represent Transparentem at global convenings and related events, in media engagements, and with policymakers and other key stakeholders.
• Build new relationships and strengthen existing ones with funders, strategic partners, and media, identifying opportunities for strategic collaboration.Governance and Board Relations
• Work with the Board of Directors to facilitate effective governance of Transparentem; work with the Treasurer to ensure financial health and responsible stewardship of Transparentem resources.
• Foster strong relationships with the Board, providing regular updates and strategically engaging with members to utilize their strengths and interests to support Transparentem's work and financial wellbeing.
• Help identify, recruit, and onboard new Board members who strategically support Transparentem's mission & vision.Business Management and Operations
• Ensure efficient and effective operations throughout the organization.
• Work with the Operations Team to ensure robust financial management; maintain a strong understanding of Transparentem's accounting and budgeting systems, including prospective cash flow, costs, and revenue.
• Strengthen Transparentem's internal systems, identify and improve upon inefficiencies, share and build knowledge among staff, and increase collaboration and mutual accountability.People and Team Management
• Lead the Senior Management Team and facilitate effective ways of working. Empower senior leadership to grow through hands-on feedback, performance management, and delegation of key work.
• Foster a collaborative and encouraging organizational culture, promoting a positive work environment with inclusive decision-making and transparent communication.
• Inspire the team and challenge staff to grow and think strategically and ambitiously while providing effective internal leadership and opportunities for staff development.Qualifications
• Proven senior leadership experience: at least ten years of progressive responsibility, ideally in nonprofit or mission-driven organizations; experience managing complex teams and projects, with excellent reviews from subordinates, peers, and managers.
• Fundraising track record: a history of successfully securing and diversifying funding partnerships and maintaining relationships with institutional and individual donors; an understanding of government funding and other complex funding processes is preferred.
• Expertise in human rights, labor rights, and/or environmental justice, including work with vulnerable populations: a professional background in, or understanding of and passion for, issues facing workers and communities throughout global supply chains, including experience with investigative work, research, or fact-based advocacy involving vulnerable populations; expertise in labor rights, child labor, modern-day slavery, or issues related to environmental and climate justice and sustainability is preferred; lived or work experience in regions where Transparentem works is preferred.
• Strategic thinking and adaptability: demonstrated leadership in creating and identifying new opportunities and successfully delivering projects in various global geographies; comfortable navigating transition and facilitating change management.
• Strong team leadership and interpersonal skills: a people-first attitude to leadership; a high level of emotional intelligence and the ability to successfully navigate relationships and help staff perform to the best of their abilities; demonstrated capability to lead and empower staff in challenging and diverse environments.
• Exceptional communication skills: experience representing an organization in front of diverse audiences, such as policymakers or journalists; able to work across cultures, geographies, and political environments.
• Fiscal literacy: competence in managing a multi-million-dollar budget and ensuring fiscal responsibility, with project budgets aligning with strategic priorities.Compensation & Additional InformationTransparentem has a highly competitive benefits package, including a 401(k) match, 19 holidays, 20 vacation days, flexible schedules, medical, vision, and dental insurance, and other supplemental benefits.The annual salary range for this full-time position is $175,000 - 200,000. Transparentem has a remote work environment, with most US staff based in Washington DC or New York. This position requires travel and in-person meetings 15% of the year, including in-person meetings in DC and New York.Please submit a resume and cover letter expressing your interest in the position and why you are a good fit on the Transparentem website. Applications submitted by March 31, 2025, will be given priority consideration, with the position open until filled.The search for an Executive Director at Transparentem is supported by an executive recruiter. Please address application materials to Natalie Heim.
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