Project Manager/ Consultant- Conference Agenda

About Us

Textile Exchange is a global non-profit driving positive impact on climate change across the fashion and textile industry. It guides a growing community of brands, manufacturers, and farmers towards more purposeful production from the very start of the supply chain.

By 2030, its goal is to guide the industry to achieve a 45% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions within fiber and raw material production. Its focus is holistic and interconnected, accelerating the adoption of practices that improve the state of our water, soil health, and biodiversity too.

For real change to happen, everyone needs a clear path to positive impact. That’s why Textile Exchange believes that approachable, step-by-step instruction paired with collective action can change the system to make preferred materials and fibers an accessible default, mobilizing leaders through attainable strategies, proven solutions, and a driven community.

At Textile Exchange, materials matter. To learn more, visit TextileExchange.org.

Working at Textile Exchange

We work remotely with a team located in 20+ countries. We are a diverse group committed to harnessing the strengths of the global textile industry to accelerate change toward climate and other key environmental goals. We work collaboratively on important environmental issues around the world by working and interacting with farming groups, processors, brands, retailers, and environmental experts in the textile and fashion industries around the world. We offer an opportunity to join a cutting-edge global environmental nonprofit and to help strengthen the impact of our organization.

Project Summary

Textile Exchange hosts an annual Conference, in 2024 in Pasadena (October 28-31). The Conference convenes representatives from the fashion, textile and apparel industry for a three day event. The event is hosted both virtually and in person with 1,900 attending in 2023. Attendees include representatives from across the supply chain – brands and retailers, suppliers, innovators, professional services, NGOs and producers.

The Conference supports Textile Exchange to achieve its target of 45% GHG emissions reduction related to raw materials and fibers by 2030. The event aims to:

· Inspire and motivate attendees to continue their work towards achieving climate and nature targets

· Convene those working in this space, across the supply and value chain, to collaborate and drive collective action

· Support the industry to adopt and implement Textile Exchange and others, tools and resources through exemplification of good practice, updates on key initiatives and discussion

· Hold the space for challenging discussions needed to drive action

As Textile Exchange starts the planning process for the 2024 Conference, the need for a centralized process and project management to support the development and coordination of the agenda has been identified. The agenda leverages both internal and external expertise to shape themes, plenary and breakout sessions.

Overview and Deliverables

Project Overview

Textile Exchange is seeking an experienced project manager to support the conference agenda development process for 2024. With experience of curating event sessions such as panels, plenaries and breakout sessions and a good understanding of the landscape of sustainability within the fashion and textiles industry, the project manager will work cross-functionally to:

· Provide a landscape analysis of themes and topics from other events in 2024

· Gather key topics and updates from all Textile Exchange teams

· Coordinate speaker suggestions from both external submissions and internal recommendations - centralizing speaker outreach and confirming participation.

· Support the drafting of session objectives and formats and session prep with speakers

· Manage the agenda layout and structure to ensure the event is engaging with an appropriate balance of session formats

· Include other strategic partners in sessions

· Manage the overall timeline for the agenda planning process, ensuring all deadlines and milestones are met

Deliverables/Timeline

· February 2024 Finalize the overall theme for the Conference, including sub-themes for, ready for publication in March. Define agenda layout and structure, including timings and balance of sessions

· March - April 2024 Scoping of key topics with internal teams to curate conference sessions Coordinate internal and external speaker submissions and allocate based on session needs

· April – June 2024 Initial scoping - strategy outline /approach

· May 2024 Finalize draft agenda

· June – July 2024 Finalize agenda and all breakout sessions

· August – September 2024 Coordinate breakout session prep with both internal and external speakers

Minimum Experience and Qualifications

· Bachelors degree in a related discipline and/or 5 years of experience in project management, agenda organization, or related field

· Experience with designing and organizing events sessions such as panels and plenaries

· Experience working with within the sustainable fashion and textiles industry;

· A high attention to detail, careful organization, and clear communication style;

· Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively with the Textile Exchange remote team and key external stakeholders;

· Self-motivated with remote work experience. Must be able to work remotely/from home.

· Ability to lead and manage global projects;

· Excellent interpersonal skills, along with the ability to lead a team in a collaborative manner;

· Experience working with international, multi-cultural communities, preferably in the environmental non-profit community;

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English;

· Experience working with people from diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and cultures;

· Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Office 365 tools;

· Must be flexible to communicate with multiple time zones outside of standard working hours.

Contract Package

· Reports to: Stakeholder Engagement, Senior Director

· Contract Term: 8 Months with an initial start at 2 days/ week, moving to 3 days/week after 1 month

· Location: Virtual/Remote

· Project Budget Range: $30000 - $35000

· To be filled as soon as possible (start date to be agreed between both parties).

· This is a contract position with no benefits.

How to Apply:

Please submit the following here:

1. Resume

2. Cover Letter

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis as they are submitted. Early application is strongly encouraged.

f you have any pressing questions after completing your application, and meet the qualifications, please contact recruitment@textileexchange.org.

Textile Exchange is committed to creating a diverse environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

Keywords

Project ManagerConference AgendaEvent SessionsSustainabilityFashionTextilesRemote WorkGlobal ProjectsEnvironmental Non-ProfitMicrosoft Office