Chief Executive Officer

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About LifeWorks

Lifeworks mission is to fearlessly advocate for youth and young adults to pursue a life they love and a stable future for themselves and their families. Their service philosophy is strengths-based, data-driven, and client-centered. Everyone who walks through their door is served with dignity and viewed through the lens of their potential and the goals they set for themselves.

LifeWorks was created in 1998 through the merger of Pathways Community Counseling, Child & Family Service, Teenage Parent Council of Austin, and Youth Options. The goal of the merger was to establish a continuum of support for youth and families experiencing crisis. The organization started with a budget of $6 million and has grown to more than $20 million, employing more than 180 professional staff and operating 4 service locations.

LifeWorks has more than 50 years of experience working with homeless youth, youth aging out of foster care, young adults, and young parents. LifeWorks provides 19 programs under the categories of Housing, Counseling, and Education/Workforce. LifeWorks funding base is approximately 70% public contracts (state, federal, local) and 30% philanthropy. They have one of the most comprehensive continuums of housing and support options for vulnerable youth in the country, including Street Outreach, Emergency Shelter, Transitional Living, Young Parents Program, Rapid Re-Housing, and Permanent Support Housing. LifeWorks is active in local, state, and national efforts to end youth homelessness. LifeWorks Counseling programs provide one of the largest sources of community-based and psychiatric services to children, youth and families. Education and Workforce programs provide literacy and HSE (High School Equivalency) classes, workforce placement, and critical skill-building support. Youth and families may access one or multiple LifeWorks programs with continuity.

Position Summary

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) reports to the Board of Governors and is responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of LifeWorks. The CEO’s primary responsibility is the consistent achievement of the Agency’s mission and financial objectives. The role ensures integrated delivery and administrative support of client services and a commitment to continuous improvement of the quality of the agency’s services.

The CEO role with LifeWorks is a hybrid work environment based in Austin, TX. This CEO opportunity offers the candidate of choice a competitive salary range of $225,000-$255,000 per year, and full benefits package.

Position Duties and Responsibilities

Key duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Under the direction of the Board of Governors, lead the mission and vision of the organization, so that clients receive high-quality services.
• Help create and implement strategic plans, based on data-driven analytics, projections, and financials.
• Oversee LifeWorks budget and fiscal management and ensure that it is a financially viable, sustainable organizations with the resources to meet current and projected program growth.
• Ensure that LifeWorks complies with relevant state and federal laws, and regulations and with standard accounting procedures.
• Build a diverse, high-performing senior leadership team and play an active role in attracting, retaining, and developing highly qualified staff.
• Oversee the identification and implementation of cost-effective, data-driven strategies to deliver Evidence-Based programs to clients.
• Support LifeWorks Sustainable Philanthropy program, particularly in identifying and cultivating excellent relationships with local media and strategic partners.
• Represent LifeWorks to public and private funding entities.
• Represent LifeWorks to local, state, and federal policymakers, including elected bodies.
• Ensure strong collaborative relationships with community groups and other stakeholders key to the organization’s mission.
• Develop and work with the Board, ensuring that Board committees and efforts are well-organized and supported.
• Inform the Board regularly of internal organization matters, including relevant staffing, funding, and program success and priorities.
• Direct the development of physical assets, including overseeing comprehensive housing projects.
• Lead the process of developing affordable housing projects, including site selection and acquisition, collaborative design and planning with architects and urban planners, budgeting and financial management, adherence to legal and regulatory compliance, oversight of construction processes, proactive stakeholder engagement, and incorporation of sustainable and innovative practices to ensure the creation of functional, safe, and environmentally responsible housing solutions for vulnerable populations.
• Supervise direct reports, including senior level positions.
• Ensure the ongoing development of an inclusive, engaged agency culture and work environment that supports LifeWorks Core Values, strategic initiatives, and high-quality service to LifeWorks clients.

Candidate Qualifications, Competencies, and Skills

• Master’s degree in social or behavioral sciences, education, rehabilitation, or business administration and 10 years’ experience; or
• Bachelor’s degree in social or behavioral sciences, education, rehabilitation, or business administration and 12 years’ experience; or
• Minimum 7 years of experience in a senior management role; or
• Equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office products including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Demonstrated experience with fundraising including foundation relations, individual giving, and major gifts, as well as acquisition and stewardship of public contracts.
• Familiarity with child welfare, juvenile justice, and/or homelessness response systems.
• Experience developing affordable housing is desired.
• Nonprofit experience required.
• Ensures Accountability and Results: Holds self and others accountable to meeting commitments and achieving outcomes; delivers timely and clear feedback that is equitable, clear, and supportive.
• Amplifies Talent: Engages and motivates staff; supports their growth and development; promotes a climate of collective success.
• Integrates Diverse Perspectives: Recognizes the values that different opinions, backgrounds, and experiences bring to an organization; actively seeks out and considers varied viewpoints; incorporates diverse perspectives into work and actions.
• Demonstrates Self-Awareness: Uses a combination of feedback and reflection to gain and apply productive insights toward personal strengths and areas of opportunities; demonstrates a willingness to adapt leadership style to better engage, influence, and relate to staff.
• Client-Focused: Builds strong client relationships and delivers client-centered solutions.
• Instills Trust: Gains the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, humility, and authenticity.
• Makes Quality and Sound Decisions: Applies sound judgment in the decision-making process; makes collaborative, equitable, measured, and timely decisions that support the mission of the organization.
• Drives Vision and Purpose: Paints a compelling picture of the vision and strategy that motivates and inspires others to action and shared alignment.

POLICY ON PLACEMENT AND RECRUITING

The Batten Group and LifeWorks are equal opportunity employers committed to the principles of non-discrimination in the workplace. Candidates will not be discriminated against on the basis of age, race, creed, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other basis that is prohibited by federal, state, or local law.