Director, Career Services

Goodwill Industries of Ky., Inc.; Shawnee (KY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Goodwill Industries of Kentucky, Inc. seeks a Director of Career Services to provide leadership to Opportunity Center Operations Manager(s) and collaborate with Career Services leadership to advance organizational goals and workforce development.

The role emphasizes building partnerships with employers, schools, government and nonprofit partners, overseeing outreach, reporting and strategic initiatives, while maintaining operational separation.

Qualifications

• Requires strong written, verbal, and public speaking skills.
• Extensive relationship-building with employers, partners, and communities.
• Experience in workforce development or external affairs.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and travel locally.
• Knowledge of CRM and MS Office.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise Opportunity Center Operations Manager(s).
• Develop outreach strategies and partnerships.
• Represent Goodwill in community events and chambers.
• Monitor trends and report on engagement outcomes.
• Collaborate with Career Services leadership to align initiatives.

Skills

Public speaking

Relationship building

Stakeholder management

Strategic planning

Event coordination

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Leadership

Time management

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

CRM systems

Job description

Description

The Director provides direct leadership and supervision to assigned Opportunity Center Operations Manager(s) and works collaboratively with Career Services leadership to advance organizational goals, community impact, and workforce development initiatives.

Community Engagement & Relationship Development

• Serve as a visible and professional representative of Goodwill and assigned Opportunity Center(s), promoting the organization's mission, programs, services, and community impact.
• Develop and maintain productive relationships with employers, community organizations, educational institutions, local government agencies, referral partners, and funding organizations.
• Actively represent Goodwill through chambers of commerce, Rotary clubs, civic organizations, economic development groups, professional associations, and other community networks.
• Attend and participate in meetings, events, networking functions, and public engagements to strengthen Goodwill's community presence.
• Develop and implement outreach strategies that increase community awareness, strengthen referral pipelines, engage employers, and connect individuals to available services.
• Build partnerships that create employment, training, volunteer, resource, and program opportunities aligned with Goodwill's mission.
• Provide direct supervision, coaching, and leadership to assigned Opportunity Center Operations Manager(s).
• Collaborate with Opportunity Center leadership to identify community needs, strengthen external partnerships, and support strategic initiatives.
• Maintain clear separation between community engagement responsibilities and daily operational functions managed by Opportunity Center Operations Managers.
• Partner with internal teams to support presentations, community events, communications initiatives, grant opportunities, and partnership proposals.

Strategic Planning & Reporting

• Monitor community trends, stakeholder feedback, employer needs, and emerging workforce challenges.
• Provide recommendations to Career Services and Opportunity Center leadership regarding outreach, partnership development, and service enhancement opportunities.
• Track community engagement activities, partnership development efforts, referrals, and outcomes.
• Maintain accurate records and prepare timely reports on engagement efforts and partnership results.
• Demonstrate Goodwill's values and commitment to the mission while performing other duties as assigned.

Leadership Responsibility

Direct Reports: Opportunity Center Operations Manager(s)

The Director, Career Services provides direct supervision, coaching, performance management, professional development, and leadership support to assigned Opportunity Center Operations Manager(s), ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and Career Services strategies.

Qualifications

• Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, and public speaking skills.
• Strong relationship-building, networking, facilitation, and collaboration abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to engage effectively with business, nonprofit, civic, government, and educational partners.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to balance multiple priorities.
• Ability to work independently, follow through on commitments, and manage an active external meeting and event schedule.
• Sound judgment, professionalism, diplomacy, and confidentiality.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, proof of insurance, and acceptable driving record.

Education & Experience

Required

• High School Diploma or GED.

Preferred

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Community Development, Public Administration, Workforce Development, Communications, Nonprofit Management, or a related field.
• In lieu of a degree, seven (7) or more years of progressively responsible related experience.
• Five (5) or more years of experience in community engagement, workforce development, business development, external affairs, nonprofit partnerships, economic development, or a similar field.
• Experience participating in chambers of commerce, Rotary clubs, civic associations, employer councils, or related community organizations.
• Knowledge of workforce development systems, community resources, employer engagement strategies, and relevant compliance requirements.
• Understanding of challenges facing individuals with barriers to employment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Experience using CRM or contact management systems preferred.

Working Conditions

• Primarily sedentary work involving extended periods of sitting, computer use, communication, and occasional lifting of up to 15 pounds.
• Frequent local and regional travel required for community meetings, employer visits, networking events, and stakeholder engagement activities.
• Occasional evening, early morning, and weekend work required to support community events, chambers, civic organizations, and employer functions.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
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