Director, Career Services

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.

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.