Senior Director, Social Compliance

ABOUT THE FAIR LABOR ASSOCIATION 

Fair Labor Association (FLA) promotes human rights at work. We are an international network of companies, universities, and civil society organizations collaborating to ensure that millions of people working at the world’s factories and farms are paid fairly and protected from risks to their health, safety, and well-being. FLA is headquartered in Washington, D.C., and has several offices around the world. For more information, visit www.fairlabor.org. 

POSITION SUMMARY  

The FLA seeks a Senior Director to lead its Social Compliance department and related programs that bring about improvements for workers in global supply chains. The Senior Director, Social Compliance provides leadership and management to the FLA’s global due diligence activities in the manufacturing sector, including FLA Accreditation, and related headquarter and factory-level standards and evaluations. They also oversee strategic initiatives including the fair compensation and living wage program, member recruitment, and standards mapping and alignment. 

This is a remote position that can be based in any location in the U.S. with a strong preference for candidates in the Washington, DC area. 

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY 

• Serve as a core member of the Senior Leadership team and ensure coordination of programs across departments in support of FLA’s strategic plan. 
• Lead a dynamic team of global experts in FLA’s core mission of promoting human rights in global supply chains through a standards-based evaluative program. 
• Maintain a thorough understanding of workplace conditions, labor standards, mandatory human rights due diligence initiatives, and best practices in social compliance. 
• Manage departmental budget in coordination with the President and CEO and the FLA Finance team. 

• Engage regularly with external audiences in professional gatherings and meetings (retailers, brands, investment community, civil society and other stakeholders) to educate about FLA accreditation and other strategic initiatives such as fair compensation and living wage.  
• Provide program leadership, guidance, and innovation to operationalize FLA’s strategic plan, including an enhanced focus on FLA Accreditation. 
• Manage implementation of accreditation for affiliated companies’ social and labor compliance programs, consistent with the FLA Charter and adopted policies and procedures.  
• Ensure that the implementation of the organization’s factory assessment methodology enhances FLA’s worldwide credibility and support a seamless connection to the process of accreditation.  
• Oversee a global team of assessors who perform factory-level evaluations.  Ensure quality, timeliness, and accuracy of information and reporting.  Manage ongoing training programs to ensure ongoing quality of the assessment program. 

• Oversee the team that supports the FLA’s Fair Compensation efforts and execute strategy to scale FLA’s living wage work.    

• Maintain relationships with FLA Accredited companies and those seeking FLA Accreditation.  Engage with the FLA Business Caucus to gather feedback, address concerns, and communicate about key initiatives.  
• Oversee FLA member recruitment initiatives and support the development of an organizational-wide recruitment strategy. 
• Coordinate the work of the FLA Manufacturing Committee and other advisory groups.  Report as needed to the FLA Board of Directors on program progress and impact. 

• Supervise, hire, train, and evaluate assigned staff.   

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS 

• A minimum of 15 years of work experience to include experience in corporate social responsibility or international labor standards. At least 10 years of management experience within an international environment. Experience within a company social compliance program or labor rights organization preferred.   
• Experience developing and executing a strategic plan. Proven track record of success facilitating progressive organizational change and development within a growing organization. 

• Demonstrated history as a superior manager, including track record of mentoring and engaging direct and indirect reports and peers. 
• Excellent judgment and creative problem-solving skills including negotiation and conflict resolution skills. Strong analytical abilities and attention to detail. 
• Ability to develop systems and procedures and enforce policy and standards; and train staff to ensure consistency in implementation. 
• Ability to operate as an effective tactical leader and strategic thinker. 
• Second language skills in Mandarin, Spanish, Vietnamese, or another language of any major sourcing country a plus. 

The FLA is an equal employment opportunity employer and considers all applicants for employment regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression and any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.