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Community for Ethical Jewelry Looks for Executive Director
The organization is seeking a new executive director to lead it into its next phase of strategic growth and industry influence.
The Community for Ethical Jewelry, formally known as Ethical Metalsmiths, is accepting applications on a rolling basis with a goal to fill the position by March 15.
Cincinnati—The Community for Ethical Jewelry (CEJ), formerly known as Ethical Metalsmiths, has announced it is searching for a new executive director.
It is seeking a leader to guide the nonprofit organization into its next phase of strategic growth and industry influence, it said.
Previously, Barbara Wheat held the role of executive director and helped the organization transition from being Ethical Metalsmiths to the Community for Ethical Jewelry. Alix Hart has served as interim executive director since December 2025.
The position is structured as a part-time, remote leadership role consisting of about 20 hours per week.
It calls for a nonprofit executive with demonstrated 501(c)3 governance expertise, strong operational leadership, and a proven ability to grow and engage a mission-driven membership base.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis with the goal of filling the position by March 15.
CEJ requires applicants to have a deep familiarity with responsible jewelry practices and the confidence to represent the organization within the trade.
The executive director will work in close partnership with the board of directors and president, translating CEJ’s mission into operational execution and measurable progress.
The position acts as CEJ’s operational anchor, it said, ensuring governance rigor, committee alignment, and strategic continuity.
Responsibilities include overseeing internal communications, supporting board and committee leadership, coordinating nonprofit compliance and financial reporting with the treasurer, and strengthening administrative systems that support long term sustainability.
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It is seeking a leader to guide the nonprofit organization into its next phase of strategic growth and industry influence, it said.
Previously, Barbara Wheat held the role of executive director and helped the organization transition from being Ethical Metalsmiths to the Community for Ethical Jewelry. Alix Hart has served as interim executive director since December 2025.
The position is structured as a part-time, remote leadership role consisting of about 20 hours per week.
It calls for a nonprofit executive with demonstrated 501(c)3 governance expertise, strong operational leadership, and a proven ability to grow and engage a mission-driven membership base.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis with the goal of filling the position by March 15.
CEJ requires applicants to have a deep familiarity with responsible jewelry practices and the confidence to represent the organization within the trade.
The executive director will work in close partnership with the board of directors and president, translating CEJ’s mission into operational execution and measurable progress.
The position acts as CEJ’s operational anchor, it said, ensuring governance rigor, committee alignment, and strategic continuity.
Responsibilities include overseeing internal communications, supporting board and committee leadership, coordinating nonprofit compliance and financial reporting with the treasurer, and strengthening administrative systems that support long term sustainability.
The organization serves designers, retailers, manufacturers, and industry professionals committed to advancing human rights, environmental stewardship, and transparency across the jewelry supply chain.
The executive director will also collaborate with the Membership Committee, as membership development is central to CEJ’s impact, it said.
Together, they will expand recruitment efforts, deepen engagement, support renewals and onboarding, and cultivate a connected community aligned with the organization’s standards and values.
The executive director will also act as a senior representative of CEJ within the jewelry sector. This includes managing industry inquiries, contributing to newsletters and press communications, shaping strategic collaborations, and reinforcing CEJ’s voice in conversations around responsible business practices.
Participation at select trade events may be included, as funding permits.
CEJ encourages applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds and lived experiences. The organizations said it recognizes that broad perspectives strengthen both the organization and the industry it serves.
Compensation for the role of executive director starts at $32 per hour.
It is structured as an employee role without benefits.
Those interested may apply for the position through the application form here.
For more information on the position, visit the CEJ website or contact hr@ethicalmetalsmiths.org.
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