We are seeking a Chair for the newly formed WRAP Americas, who will play a key role to support our Executive Director to establish and grow our regional operation, while also serving on the global WRAP Board.
WRAP are currently being fiscally sponsored by the National Environmental Education Organization (NEEF), and as such this will be an Advisory Board that will transition to a Governing Board upon WRAP Americas acquiring its 501(3)(c) status.
This individual will be a proven board executive, combining relevant sector networks and expertise, with the ability to open doors for WRAP in the USA and wider Americas. They will assure sound governance and regulatory compliance for WRAP Americas operations, whilst also being an active contributor to the WRAP global board.
Working closely with the Americas Executive Director, your early remit will include scoping and creating the WRAP Americas regional board and leadership team to support the establishment and growth of operations in the USA, Mexico and across the Americas. You will be able to display significant credibility in circles relevant to WRAP’s mission for sustainability and the circular economy, adding weight and profile to our agenda. You will bring the know-how to grow multi-country operations and cultivate successful collaborative partnerships.
Applicants should be living in the USA or Americas region, and able to commit an anticipated one day/month to WRAP. The global Board typically meets four times a year and the Americas Chair will be invited to join virtually; with the exception of one strategy meeting in UK. The WRAP Americas Chair will be expected to commit further time to Sub-Committee work and in engaging with other board members, senior leadership and the external stakeholders of WRAP. There is an anticipated 3-4 year term of office, which can be renewed by approval of the global Board.
Primary accountabilities
-
Provide strategic leadership to WRAP Americas in collaboration with the Executive Director by building the regional Board, fostering an effective relationship between board and leadership teams which is centred on honesty, trust, transparency and the strong understanding of WRAP’s goals.
-
Inspire the Board, Executive Director and those within and outside WRAP through the promotion of the organization's vision, mission and values.
-
Oversee the regional delivery of the Group 2030 Plan for a sustainable planet and to lead the development of the strategic direction with a particular focus on WRAP’s ability to increase the scale of its impact through enhancing its regional position and reputation, mobilising resources and influencing change.
-
Ensure the financial and wider sustainability of WRAP and to advise on governance within WRAP Americas, including serving on Sub-Committees as required, helping secure funds for the work from trusts and foundations, government and companies as appropriate.
-
Establish the regional board from relevant sectors throughout the Americas, plan and chair the future cycle of meetings effectively and efficiently, bring impartiality and objectivity to the decision-making process, promote consistency, focus and collaborative behaviours amongst the Board, aid clear decision making, ensure equity of influence and contribution, foster the development of consensus, check understanding and manage any disagreement with respect.
-
With the Remuneration Sub-Committee, setting and assessing performance objectives for the Executive Director and where appropriate other members of the senior management team.
-
Act as an ambassador for WRAP America’s work and organization by supporting the growth and visibility of the organization through mobilizing networks and senior-level external representation.
-
As appropriate and in partnership with the executives, maintain close relationships with external stakeholders in the Americas and international governments, civil society organizations, funders, business leaders and other key influencers.
What we’re looking for
- Previous Chair and CEO (or equivalent level) experience, together with a proven track record of building and growing a multi-country organization, preferably within USA and/or the Americas region. Ability both to lead the Americas Board and contribute to the global WRAP Board as we transform into a global NGO.
- A good understanding of the social, economic and political context in which WRAP Americas works and a willingness to further develop this understanding.
- Previous experience working on circular practices in associated business industries (e.g. food, plastics & packaging, textiles, and broadly circular living), or relevant NGOs, is strongly preferred.
- A track record of fostering circular economy practices in the Americas, preferably related to food, plastics & packaging or textiles/fashion.
- The ability to build a strong relationship of trust and collaboration with the Executive Director, with open communication and effective strategy creation.
- Ability to effectively chair a diverse regional Board in governing a complex international organization.
- Commitment to the importance of diversity.
- Excellent networking with a record of achievement and willingness to engage with a broad range of senior international contacts for the benefit of WRAP Americas; ability to ‘open doors’ for WRAP.
- Personal credibility: a natural communicator able to inspire audiences with clear and compelling messages about WRAP, and able to be an ambassador for the organisation and its work.
- The confidence and ability to lead the regional Board and evaluate its performance, and to conduct the Executive Directors’ annual performance review.
- Time and enthusiasm to dedicate to the role. The commitment to prepare for and attend all Board meetings each year, to represent the organisation regularly.
Terms of appointment
- Remuneration: The role of Chair does not attract any financial remuneration, although reasonable expenses may be claimed.
- Location: Based in the USA or wider Americas region.
- Term: There is typically a 3-4 year term of office for these roles, which can be renewed once by approval of the Board of Trustees.
- Time commitment: The global Board typically meets four times a year, with the Trustee expected to commit to further time to participate in a Committee, and to engage with the senior leadership and the external stakeholders of WRAP. The overall time commitment is expected to be in the region of around one day a month on average, possibly a little more for regional Chairs.
WRAP is committed to diversity and welcomes applicants irrespective of religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital status, disability or race. Find out more about our culture.
Our recruitment process
Timeline
We will commence the Chair processes for WRAP APAC and WRAP Americas late January, inviting applications and offering preliminary discussions during February.
We expect first stage interviews to take place early in March. Second interviews are anticipated in mid/late March with a panel including our Global Chair and CEO, with appointments confirmed soon after.
How to apply
For each role, we would request the following:
- A covering statement outlining your motive to apply, and highlighting the skills and experience you bring to support your application.
- A CV or short biog highlighting your relevant experience and skills.
Applications should be sent in writing to Tom Godber, however we want to make sure the application process is as inclusive and accessible as possible, so if you would prefer to submit a video application instead, please let Tom know and we will send a link to enable this.
If you have any questions, please contact Tom Godber who will be happy to arrange a time to speak with you: [email protected].