Summary:

The Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) is an executive position responsible for leading and executing Cotton Incorporated’s integrated marketing strategy across all market touchpoints – supply chain to the consumer. This role oversees the development and implementation of marketing strategy, initiatives, and campaigns; brand positioning, consumer engagement, and global supply chain outreach to increase demand for cotton and elevate its relevance in the marketplace. The CMO ensures alignment between marketing efforts and corporate objectives. As the head of both supply chain and consumer marketing divisions, the CMO drives growth by delivering innovative, data-informed initiatives that influence fiber, product, and purchasing decisions while reinforcing cotton’s value as a high-quality, versatile, and compliant fiber. This position is instrumental in advancing Cotton Incorporated’s mission to make cotton the fiber of choice for consumers, brands, and retailers.

Core Functions:

• Strategic Leadership & Alignment

o Lead and execute a comprehensive and cohesive marketing strategy aligned with corporate objectives, scientific research, and industry trends.

o Oversee the planning, development, and execution of all marketing initiatives and activities for the supply chain and consumer.

o Serve as a visible industry leader representing Cotton Incorporated as a cotton advocate, face and voice through public speaking, stakeholder engagement, and thought leadership across global forums.

• Supply Chain Engagement

o Direct marketing initiatives targeting manufacturers, retailers, and brands to increase cotton use in products.

o Champion cotton’s role in product innovation, compliance (sustainability, traceability), and emerging markets (e.g., nonwovens, industrial uses).

o Oversee the development and delivery of assets such as technical resources, marketing tools, trade advertising, and Seal of Cotton licensing.

o Strengthen partnerships with domestic and international organizations.

• Consumer Marketing Leadership

o Lead omnichannel marketing campaigns that highlight and amplify the benefits of cotton to educate and influence consumer attitudes and behavior.

o Oversee content creation, digital strategies, influencer partnerships, and branded campaigns to drive demand and reinforce cotton’s relevance.

o Manage efforts related to the Seal of Cotton, ensuring its visibility and value throughout the consumer journey.

• Brand Reputation & Thought Leadership

o Position Cotton Incorporated as a credible voice in sustainability, innovation, and market intelligence.

o Direct proactive reputation management, public relations, and media engagement strategies.

o Amplify corporate innovations to relevant audiences across platforms.

• Insights and Performance Evaluation

o Leverage data, insights, and metrics to inform marketing decisions, track program performance, and optimize investment.

o Oversee global consumer and market research initiatives.

o Collaborate with the Insights team to ensure internal and external stakeholders receive actionable intelligence.

• Team Leadership and Cross-Functional Collaboration

o Lead a multi-disciplinary marketing team with direct oversight of marketing directors across supply chain and consumer teams.

o Foster collaboration across teams and divisions.

o Manage marketing budgets, personnel, and resources to achieve strategic impact efficiently.

Job Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Textiles, Sales, Advertising, or related field; Master’s degree strongly preferred

• 20+ years’ experience in supply chain management, sales, marketing, advertising, and/or a textile function

• Experience with senior leadership in marketing strategy in a textile business

• Deep understanding of marketing strategies, target markets, marketing tools, and industry trends

• Deep understanding of the textile industry and present-day challenges for cotton; understanding of domestic and global cotton market information

• Technical knowledge and analytical capability to leverage data and insights for informed decision making

• Strong people leadership skills; ability to set individual and team goals, provide feedback, recognize strong performance, provide coaching, and facilitate career development

• Demonstrated success in managing and developing teams; fostering collaboration, professional enthusiasm, and a positive team environment

• Advanced project management skills and understanding of financial aspects; ability to anticipate and manage internal and external resource needs (people, information, time, and capital)

• Strong interpersonal skills to influence and guide internal and external stakeholders effectively

• Ability to communicate effectively with various audiences including but not limited to internal staff, academics, Board members, industry partners, and producers

• Superior presentation and communication skills; ability to comprehend and relay complex concepts

• Advanced analytical, critical thinking, mathematical, and technical/computer skills (proficiency with Microsoft Office™ Suite)

• This position requires domestic and international travel 30-50% of the time

Working Conditions / Physical Demands:

• General office environment with quiet to moderate noise level

• Varied working conditions off-site due to travel

• Business casual dress clothes required

• Regularly required to sit and use hands to type and grasp, with frequent standing, walking, and bending/twisting at the neck/waist

• Regularly required to have face-to-face and telephone interaction with internal staff and external contacts

• Occasionally required to push, pull, and reach above/below shoulder level

• Occasionally required to lift and/or carry up to 20 pounds

• Specific vision requirements include close vision, color vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus

Cotton Incorporated is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This Employer participates in E-Verify.

Please see our full ad and apply online at www.careerbuilder.com (keyword search: Cotton Incorporated).