Workforce Development Jobs in Little Rock, AR (NOW HIRING)

Description

The Chief Mission Officer (CMO) is responsible for the overall operational, financial, and strategic success of Goodwill Industries of Arkansas' Mission Services division and the achievement of its mission-related goals and objectives. In partnership with the President & CEO and Executive Leadership Team, the CMO provides vision, leadership, and coordinated direction to the Mission Services Leadership Team to drive growth, innovation, and community impact.

The CMO will lead the organization's efforts to expand outreach to employers, job seekers, and community partners while ensuring the delivery of high-quality, efficient, and customer-focused services. As the champion of the job seeker and community experience, the CMO will foster a culture centered on employee engagement, operational excellence, and continuous improvement. The CMO must possess strong business acumen, knowledge of emerging workforce and educational trends, and an entrepreneurial approach to developing innovative solutions that advance the organization's mission.

The CMO provides strategic and operational leadership for The Excel Center®, Arkansas' only public high school for adults, working collaboratively with the school's Board of Directors to establish academic and operational priorities and ensure achievement of performance goals and compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations.

The CMO also oversees the strategic and operational direction of the Academy at Goodwill, a licensed private trade school, working in partnership with the Arkansas Department of Higher Education to maintain regulatory compliance and support educational excellence.

In partnership with the Vice President of Education and Training, the CMO will establish operational plans and academic standards that support student success and organizational objectives.

Additionally, the CMO oversees Goodwill's statewide Career Services and Reentry programs, working with the Vice President of Mission Services to expand access to employment, education, workforce development, and reentry opportunities for individuals facing barriers to success.

The CMO is expected to model and promote Goodwill's Amazing Customer Experience (ACE) culture, Values, and Mission in every interaction with employees, clients, students, donors, customers, employers, community partners, and other stakeholders.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Develop, implement, manage annual operating plan for the Mission Services team with clear and quantifiable objectives for each program.
2. Develop, implement, manage annual budget for the Mission Services team, including direct responsibility for meeting or exceeding service, productivity, and performance targets.
3. Cultivate, maintain a positive, collaborative relationship with partners, community-based organizations, and business and industry, to determine community needs, adapt mission delivery to meet the individual needs of the persons served.
4. Develop programs to meet workforce needs of employers and jobseekers.
5. Develop, implement, and monitor an effective outcome measurement system that focuses on economic impact to the community served.
6. Ensure agency-wide preparation for successful Accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) as well as federal and state agencies and maintenance of same.
7. Participate as part of the Leadership Team, providing input and making recommendations on both a strategic and operational level.
8. Attend conferences, outreach programs and meetings to promote Goodwill programs, take advantage of opportunities to speak in public for Goodwill at these events.
9. Ensure compliance with all agency policies, procedures and safety standards, laws and code of ethics throughout areas managed, maintain same to meet CARF, Department of Labor and other regulatory standards.
10. Develops short- and long-range goals, objectives and plans for agency and department.
11. Assists the President in high-level planning and decision-making with other Executive Staff members.
12. Evaluates, analyzes and reports on programs relating to client service to ensure their accuracy and relevance.
13. Perform any other related duties as required or assigned.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty mentioned satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Education

MBA

Experience

11 to 15 years related experience and/or training.

Management Experience

9 to 10 years related experience and/or training.

Skills

• Communication Skills
• Mathematical Skills
• Critical Thinking Skills

Required Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

Valid driver's license

Mental Demands

COMPREHENSIVE AND VERY INTENSE MENTAL DEMAND. Comprehensive and continual involvement with multiple divisions, departments and/or organizations. Strategic and operational management functions which relate to both the short-term and long-term time periods.

Analytical Ability / Problem Solving

GENERAL OVERSIGHT. Activities covered by general organizational philosophy and objectives. Solving problems in novel, non-recurring or swiftly changing situations in which the approach is not fully defined. Guidance by top executive officer or business owner.

Responsibility for Work of Others

Depending on the role, this position may include responsibility for leading or supervising the work of others in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws. When applicable, responsibilities may include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; and addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Working Conditions

Periodically exposed to such elements as noise, intermittent standing, walking, pushing, carrying, or lifting; but none are present to the extent of being disagreeable.

Physical Demand

MODERATE DIVERSITY, LOW PHYSICAL: Work activities which allow for a MODERATE AMOUNT OF DIVERSITY in the performance of tasks which are not as varied as those positions relating to Degree 1.

Additional Information

• Additional qualifications:
• Five years of administrative work in Education or Human Services, at least two years’ experience in a leadership capacity.
• Demonstrate the Mission, Vision, Values, and Culture of the Organization
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and clearly, both verbally and in writing, including public speaking. 
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain rapport with others, both inside and outside of the organization.
• Must be able to travel extensively in local areas in the furtherance of Goodwill activities.
• Must be of excellent moral character
• Demonstrated ability in interacting with state agencies and ensuring operational conformance to policies and regulations.
• Familiarity with needs and concerns of persons with disabilities and other in-depth knowledge and comprehension of C.A.R.F. standards and methodology for ensuring compliance with them.
• Valid driver's license, safe driving record, and access to an automobile.                                                                                                            
• Ability to use independent judgment.
• Strong interpersonal and communication.
• Strong organizational and time management.
• Supports a statewide organization with operations throughout Arkansas and is expected to travel to locations across the state as business needs require. Occasional in-state and out-of-state overnight travel is required. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license, successfully pass a motor vehicle record (MVR) review and criminal background check prior to employment, and maintain eligibility under Goodwill Industries of Arkansas' background screening and driving standards throughout employment. 

Goodwill Industries of Arkansas is a mission‐driven nonprofit dedicated to changing lives through the power of education, training, and employment. Every role in our organization directly supports programs that help Arkansans build skills, earn credentials, find meaningful work, and create long‐term stability for themselves and their families.

Our team shows up with purpose, passion, and heart — because we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive.

When you join Goodwill Arkansas, you’re not just starting a job; you’re becoming part of a mission that strengthens communities, expands opportunity, and builds brighter futures across our state.