The Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute (“the Institute”) sets the global standard for products and materials that are safe, circular and responsibly made, making a positive impact on people and planet.
The Institute was founded as a non-profit organization in 2010 and is governed by an independent board of directors. Rooted in the Cradle to Cradle design philosophy pioneered by architect William McDonough and chemist Dr. Michael Braungart, The Institute’s Cradle to Cradle Certified® Product Standard is the leading global standard used by companies to innovate and optimize materials and products according to the world’s most advanced science-based measures.
The standard assesses products holistically, across five categories of sustainability performance: material health, product circularity, clean air and climate protection, water and soil stewardship, and social fairness. Requirements for the third- party certification are developed through a multi-stakeholder process that includes technical guidance and input from industry, government and NGOs from around the world. The Institute has an active community of over 500 companies, including global leaders and innovators across sectors such as built environment, beauty, personal care, textile, apparel, fashion, paper, print, packaging and consumer electronics.
The position: Executive Director
The Institute is looking for an exceptional individual to lead the organization’s highly dedicated and talented team to accelerate adoption and maximize the impact of the Cradle to Cradle Certified® Products Program globally.
This is a fantastic opportunity to join an organization at the leading edge of standard-setting for the circular economy while taking part in work designed to advance a thriving global circular economy vision with practical, real-world application.
The Executive Director provides the Institute's leadership, coordination, strategy, and direction to support the Institute’s development, growth, and business sustainability. The Executive Director is responsible for coordinating, reporting, and responding to strategic, financial, and operational activities of the Institute.
The most important responsibilities of the Executive Director are:
Defining goals, objectives, and metrics for the Institute and setting the strategy for the coming years and beyond.
Oversee the reporting of annual and quarterly financial statements.
Developing and deploying the annual operating plan related to marketing, finance, fundraising, and operations.
Administering the operating mechanisms across stakeholders, including the Cradle to Cradle Certified community meetings and events, Board of Director meetings, trainings and other communications.
Ensuring that services and funding relationships are robust enough to meet or exceed strategic goals and objectives.
Attracting, retaining, and development of diverse and highly qualified staff.
Providing strategic direction on development, review, training and implementation of Cradle to Cradle Certified® standards.
Liaising with stakeholders, in conjunction and consultation with the Board of Directors, to develop the Institute’s vision and the certification standard to new markets, clients, governments, professional organizations, learning institutes and other potential partners.
Representing the Institute at targeted events that align with the organization’s vision and goals.
Developing education and information programs that enhance the value of the Institute in the interest of the organization’s stakeholders and clients.
Developing and implementing a technology platform to support the certification system that is robust and future-focused, and that will ensure that the Institute becomes and maintains its position as the global standard for product certification.
The Executive Director should have:
Strong passion for sustainability, circularity, climate change and affinity with the Cradle to Cradle design principles.
Extensive leadership experience working with people in a global business environment.
Work experience that includes project or business budgeting, annual business operating planning, and workforce planning and training.
Proven record of leading global teams, including delivering on-time, on-budget, on-quality.
Proven record of developing and growing people and talent, building upon existing employees' existing skills while identifying new skills and opportunities.
Demonstrated ability working with topics that include but are not limited to developing annual operational plans, master data management, quality certification schemes, supply chain, quality or sustainability audits or new product development.
Strong communication skills, both in writing as well as verbal. This includes communication with stakeholders within and external to the organization that demonstrates clear, concise, and consistent communication that ensures stakeholder understanding and buy-in.
Preferred Additional Skills:
Strong interpersonal skills, demonstrating cross-cultural empathy and understanding.
Solid and practiced knowledge of Cradle to Cradle principles and practices
Experience in fundraising and/or submitting requests for funding.
Fluency in English and preferably one additional European Language
High energy, motivational leadership
This role can be based in Europe or in the United States – the head office is located in Amsterdam.
Acre is supporting the Institute in the hiring and selection process for this position. If you are interested in applying, please do so through your website or contact Peter Vos, the research consultant responsible for this role at peter.vos@acre.com.
