Director, Career Services

Goodwill Kentucky; Somerset (KY); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Goodwill Kentucky is seeking a Director, Career Services to provide leadership, supervision, and strategic direction for community engagement and workforce development across Opportunity Center operations. You will build strong employer and partner relationships, guide outreach initiatives, and ensure alignment with organizational goals.

The role requires executive communication, multi-stakeholder collaboration, and a dedication to improving community outcomes through employment and training

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.

Responsibilities

• Lead community engagement strategy and partnerships to advance workforce development.
• Supervise and coach Opportunity Center Operations Manager(s).
• Develop outreach plans, coordinate with employers and partners, and support grant opportunities.
• Collaborate with internal teams on presentations, events, and outreach initiatives.
• Monitor trends, stakeholder feedback, and outcomes to inform strategic decisions.

Skills

Public speaking

Relationship building

Event planning

Strategic partnerships

Communication

Civic/government engagement

Driving license

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Bachelor's degree in Business, Community Development, Public Administration, Workforce Development, Communications, Nonprofit Management, or related field

7+ years of related experience

Tools

CRM software

Microsoft Office

Job description

Description

The Director provides direct leadership and supervision to assigned

Essential Responsibilities

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.

Job Details

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.

Essential Responsibilities

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.

Leadership & Collaboration

• 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

Required Skills & Competencies

• 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.