Associate Director, Environmental Research

Cotton Inc. was created in 1970 and serves U.S. cotton growers and importers through an extensive coordinated program of research and promotion to increase the profitability of cotton production and to expand markets for cotton fiber and products.

Cotton Inc's agricultural, fiber and textile research and development efforts have played a significant role in increasing cotton's retail market share from a low point of 34% in the early 1970's to 60% today. Its trademarked Seal of Cotton, developed in 1973, is recognized by 80% of consumers in the United States.

Active both domestically and internationally, Cotton Incorporated is intent upon improving the fiber and its products and their environmental impacts by supporting and serving the cotton research community, textile mills, manufacturers, and dyers and finishers. Cotton Incorporated's World Headquarters in Cary, North Carolina, house both its research and marketing functions.

The Associate Director of Environmental Research at Cotton Incorporated has the opportunity to significantly impact the future of the U.S. and global cotton industry by utilizing the extensive resources available to expand the sustainability of cotton production and textile processing.

Position Description

Reporting to the Vice President of Agricultural Research, the Associate Director of Environmental Research will have responsibility for the following areas:

1. Develop and administer the Environmental Research operating budget and a cooperative research program that improves the efficiency, sustainability and environmental profile of cotton production and textile manufacturing.
2. Work with cotton growers and the textile industry to assess the environmental impact and sustainability of cotton production and textile manufacturing.
3. Evaluate, design and support appropriate environmental and sustainability surveys and other benchmarking processes.
4. Cooperate with Cotton Incorporated Vice Presidents and other Directors to develop an environmental component to agricultural and textile research programs, where feasible.
5. Represent Cotton Incorporated's Environmental Research program and the production/manufacturing industry to the public at large, including growers, civil societies, textile consumers, the textile manufacturing and distribution industry, and other entities.
6. Serve Cotton Incorporated as spokesperson with all types of media for interviews regarding the environment and the cotton industry from agriculture to finished product.

Candidate Profile

The Associate Director must possess both technical expertise and outstanding verbal and written communication skills. S/he must be a highly credible and effective spokesperson about cotton's environmental impact and able to communicate scientific details regarding cotton production and textile manufacturing in lay terms.

Candidates should hold a Ph.D. in a scientific field that supports agriculture: Environmental Sciences, Biology, Ecology, Chemistry, Engineering, Genetics, Toxicology or Pest Management.

Preference will be given to candidates with work experience in improving the environmental footprint of agriculture. Candidates should have at least 5 years of professional experience and be comfortable with extensive U.S. and International travel.

Closing Date

This position will remain open until a suitable candidate has been selected.

To Apply

Applicants should send a letter of interest and curriculum vitae to the Manager of Human Resources at Cotton Incorporated.

Those applicants selected for an interview will be requested to present a seminar on a cotton topic of their choice at the Cary, North Carolina, Cotton Incorporated headquarters and interview at the New York City, New York, Cotton Incorporated office.

Cotton Incorporated offers competitive compensation and career growth opportunities for individuals dedicated to making a positive impact on the U.S. and global cotton industry.