JOB ANNOUNCEMENT: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The Worker Rights Consortium (WRC), a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the rights of workers in the global apparel industry and related sectors, is seeking an Executive Director. The Executive Director is the WRC's chief executive officer and manages all aspects of the organization's work: strategic, programmatic, administrative and financial.

BACKGROUND ON THE WRC

The WRC's work includes:

• In-depth investigations of labor practices in factories around the world and public reporting of labor rights abuses where they are identified
• Hands-on efforts to develop and implement corrective action plans to improve working conditions - including efforts, where necessary, to persuade US corporations in whose supply chains abuses are uncovered
• Building and maintaining relationships with unions and worker rights advocates in more than twenty-five countries - including efforts to inform workers and worker organizations about how the labor rights codes of conduct governing the behavior of apparel brands can be used as a tool by workers to defend workplace rights
• Developing and advocating systemic solutions to the labor rights problems and sub-poverty wages that continue to plague global manufacturing
• Conducting and publishing research on critical labor rights issues

The WRC's primary focus is on the production of apparel bearing the names and logos of our 182 college and university affiliates. The WRC has a staff of fifteen, based in the US and abroad, and an annual budget of $1.3 million. The Executive Director reports to the WRC Board and must be able to work effectively with the Board's three constituencies: university administrators, student activists, and labor rights experts and advocates.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The responsibilities of the Executive Director are as follows:

• Work with the Board and staff to assure that the organization has a long-range strategy that achieves its mission
• Oversee the development and execution of the WRC's programmatic, financial, and organizational plans and programs
• Raise the funds necessary to enable the organization to carry out its work and develop and manage organizational budgets
• Be responsible for the recruitment and employment of all organizational personnel and work constructively with the WRC's staff union
• Maintain sound working relationships with constituent groups and partner organizations
• Represent the programs and point of view of the WRC to concerned parties and the general public
• Report regularly to the Board of Directors on the work and operations of the organization

The job is based in Washington DC and involves substantial travel, both in the US and abroad.

QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate should have:

• At least seven years' professional experience working on labor rights, human rights and/or social justice issues, including substantial experience with corporate accountability work
• A proven track-record of effective organizational management, including: supervising staff, developing and managing organizational budgets, planning and overseeing the execution of complex programs and projects, handling relations with organizational constituents and partners, and acting as an organizational representative in public forums and in dealings with the media
• Substantial knowledge of the apparel industry, including the dynamics of global supply chains and the US retail markets relevant to the WRC's work; substantial knowledge of global labor rights issues and labor rights codes of conduct
• Superior written and verbal communications skills
• Sound and seasoned political judgment and excellent diplomatic and negotiating skills, including the ability to deal effectively with industry representatives
• A demonstrated ability to work calmly and effectively in a high-pressure environment
• A demonstrated commitment to the cause of social justice
• A Bachelor's degree or foreign equivalent, or equivalent experience
• Fluency in English
• A sense of humor

The following are also desirable:

• Substantial experience raising funds from foundation and government sources
• Experience working and/or living in the Global South
• Fluency in one or more languages in addition to English
• Knowledge of the global apparel industry and of sports licensing

Compensation

Competitive non-profit salary, commensurate with experience. The WRC has an excellent package of benefits, including 100% employer-paid family health insurance with an additional flexible spending plan; pension plan with 5% employer contribution; and five weeks' paid vacation.

Equal Opportunity

The Worker Rights Consortium is an equal opportunity employer; women, people of color, and members of the GLBT community are strongly encouraged to apply. The WRC does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived: race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, familial status, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, disability, source of income, or place of residence or business.

To Apply

Send us a cover letter, a résumé or C.V., a writing sample, at least two references that the WRC can contact, and your salary requirements. Send these documents by electronic mail to jobsearch@workersrights.org. Put "Executive Director" in the subject line of the e-mail. Make sure in your cover letter to discuss your past work on labor rights issues and the reasons why you believe you are well-qualified for the position. Please make sure all attachments are Microsoft Word or pdf files.

The deadline for applications in December 2, 2008. After that date, applications will still be considered only if the position has not been filled.

WHEN APPLYING: Be sure to indicate that you saw this information online at UNIONJOBS.COM. Do not just say the Internet.