Chief Executive Officer

About GoodWeave

GoodWeave works to stop child labor in global supply chains. Permanently.

A nonprofit organization founded in 1994 by Nobel laureate Kailash Satyarthi — GoodWeave is the leading institution working to stop child labor in global supply chains through a market-based system and holistic approach. They partner with companies and vulnerable worker communities to bring visibility to hidden supply chains; protect workers’ rights; provide assurance that products are free of child, forced and bonded labor; and restore childhoods. Currently, GoodWeave partners with over 420 companies in 22 countries, including major retailers and brands, as well as boutique shops and exporters.

GoodWeave’s multi-stakeholder model engages companies, governments, vulnerable worker communities and civil society organizations. Their teams and partners are embedded in the regions where they operate, including India, Nepal and Bangladesh. This proximity ensures that their programs are worker and survivor-centered and results oriented. GoodWeave has rescued and rehabilitated more than 9,000 exploited children and offered educational opportunities to more than 44,400 children. In 2021 alone, it protected more than 100,000 workers under the GoodWeave Standard. They multiply their direct impact through advocacy, thought-leadership, research, and capacity building partnerships.

Since its inception, GoodWeave has transformed South Asia’s carpet industry, reducing child labor prevalence by 80%.  In recent years, they have begun to repeat this success in home textiles, apparel, fashion jewelry, bricks and other sectors, where 160 million children await their freedom.

GoodWeave’s 2025 strategy aligns with SDG 8.7 to end all forms of child labor by 2030, and its seasoned staff around the world is one of the most experienced teams with deep issue expertise. GoodWeave’s global headquarters is in Washington, DC with additional offices in Europe and South Asia. The GoodWeave^® certification label on select rug and home textile products is the best assurance that no child labor was used to make products and that purchases support child rescue, remediation, rehabilitation, and protection.

To learn more about GoodWeave, visit https://goodweave.org/.

The Opportunity

This is an exciting moment in GoodWeave’s evolution, as success under the founding leader, Nina Smith, has positioned the organization for future growth. GoodWeave is now looking for a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to continue the strategic expansion of GoodWeave’s influence and ability to implement and promote best practices in eliminating child and forced labor from global supply chains.  

Leading one of the most respected organizations working to end child labor and modern slavery, the new CEO, will have the opportunity to lead a nonprofit with a strong reputation and deep relationships both in Washington, D.C. and in the South Asian communities where GoodWeave is working.

The CEO will work closely with the Board of Directors and join an award-winning team of business-minded experts and advocates for social change.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership:

• Build on GoodWeave’s strengths while advancing a strategic plan to expand the organization’s unique value proposition; provide sound fiscal and business management and hold ultimate accountability for legal integrity, compliance, human resources, and the organization’s values.
• Ensure strong engagement and governance with GoodWeave’s global network of partners.
• Develop opportunities to engage with adjacent and intersectional issues to further the organization’s goals and increase revenue.
• Strengthen accountability, decision-making, operations, and administrative functions.
• Coordinate with the Board of Directors and other multi-stakeholder bodies within the GoodWeave system to ensure good governance, effective structures, and organizational culture; embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion; identify opportunities to grow the board.

Team Management:

• Leverage and support the collective talent of the team and ensure an inclusive and collaborative environment where individuals are empowered and encouraged to lead.
• Champion teamwork and alignment across the organization by providing effective communication, coaching, performance management, and professional development.

Donor Cultivation & Revenue Generation:

• Develop strong understanding of current funding sources and actively lead fundraising efforts while empowering the team to pursue new opportunities; develop deep and trusting relationships with current and new donors to secure flexible funding that allows the organization to be nimble in delivering its mission.
• Refine business model and expansion of income-generating revenue streams to position GoodWeave for continuous growth and impact; collaborate with the team to create and execute a robust, multi-year strategy that increases and diversifies funding opportunities that build on GoodWeave’s strengths.

External Relations & Stakeholder Engagement:

• Serve as a key spokesperson for GoodWeave, representing the organization with credibility and enthusiasm, communicating its vision and value proposition to  audiences including corporate brands, donors, and critical strategic partners.
• Serve as the global ambassador of GoodWeave to bring awareness and holistic solutions to businesses, philanthropists, civil society, governments, and worker communities.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10-15 years progressive responsibly managing and leading nonprofit organizations, social enterprises, or corporate responsibility entities.
• Strong executive experience, including working with boards of directors on strategy development, priorities, and deliverables.
• Financial management skills, including budget preparation, analysis, decision making, and reporting needed.
• Demonstrated fundraising success, with experience securing sizable grants/gifts from various donors including individuals, foundations, and bi-lateral funders. Understanding of bi-lateral and multi-lateral funder proposal and reporting requirements is extremely beneficial.
• Experience in labor rights, global development, humanitarian or economic development programming required. Expertise in child labor, and/or modern slavery is highly desired with a solid understanding of issues facing workers and communities across global supply-chains needed. Working knowledge of certification standards and operations is a plus.
• Direct working experience in a relevant field in the global south is required with preference for candidates with experience working in India or Nepal.
• Experience working with business leaders and corporate brands required, including developing public-private partnerships.
• Excellent communication skills, including writing, presentations, public speaking, and media engagements.