What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director of Talent position at Goodwill Industries of Greater New York and Northern New Jersey?
Goodwill Greater New York and Northern New Jersey (GWNYNJ) believes that the power of work and sustainable fashion is how we unlock the good in our communities. For over 100 years, we have helped people get jobs, stay employed, and progress in careers across New York and Northern New Jersey. We believe that diversity drives innovation and strengthens our workplace. We are committed to fostering our inclusive environment where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute fully. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, experiences, and abilities.
Position Summary
The Director of Talent leads the full talent lifecycle at Goodwill NYNJ—overseeing Talent Acquisition, Talent Development & Learning, Performance Development, and Succession Planning. This leader builds systems that support a diverse, multi site workforce across thrift retail, social services, and administrative functions.
Reporting to the EVP of People, the Director ensures that Goodwill’s talent strategy is equitable, mission aligned, data informed, and future ready—including the thoughtful use of AI tools to enhance recruiting, workforce planning, and learning. This role strengthens the employee journey from first contact through long term growth, ensuring that every team member feels valued, supported, and connected to our mission.
What Success Looks Like
Talent Strategy & Leadership
Required
We believe in creating space for everyone to do their best work and have individual and collective impact. We believe in challenging the status quo and setting ambitious goals in the name of doing more good. We believe that being your best self and helping others do the same is how we bring our mission alive. Even if you don’t think you meet all the qualifications listed for the job, we would love to hear from you!
If you require a reasonable accommodation at any point in the application or interview process, or if you are unable to apply through our recruitment portal, please contact us at humanresources@goodwillny.org. We are happy to assist and ensure you have an equal opportunity to apply.
Position Summary
The Director of Talent leads the full talent lifecycle at Goodwill NYNJ—overseeing Talent Acquisition, Talent Development & Learning, Performance Development, and Succession Planning. This leader builds systems that support a diverse, multi site workforce across thrift retail, social services, and administrative functions.
Reporting to the EVP of People, the Director ensures that Goodwill’s talent strategy is equitable, mission aligned, data informed, and future ready—including the thoughtful use of AI tools to enhance recruiting, workforce planning, and learning. This role strengthens the employee journey from first contact through long term growth, ensuring that every team member feels valued, supported, and connected to our mission.
What Success Looks Like
- Goodwill NYNJ becomes a talent destination for mission driven individuals.
- Hiring is faster, more equitable, and more consistent across all business lines.
- Learning programs strengthen capability, compliance, and leadership readiness.
- Succession plans are in place for key roles, reducing operational risk.
- AI tools enhance—not replace—human judgment, fairness, and mission alignment.
- Staff see a clear path to growth and feel connected to the impact of their work.
Talent Strategy & Leadership
- Develop and execute a comprehensive talent strategy that supports organizational goals, workforce needs, and Goodwill’s mission.
- Lead teams responsible for Talent Acquisition, Talent Development, Learning, and Performance.
- Build scalable systems that support high volume retail hiring, credential driven mission program staffing, and specialized administrative roles.
- Use data, workforce analytics, and AI enabled insights to inform decision making and improve outcomes.
- Oversee internal and external recruiting across all business lines, ensuring equitable, timely, and mission aligned hiring practices.
- Lead recruitment marketing strategies that elevate Goodwill NYNJ’s employer brand and highlight our mission, culture, and community impact.
- Implement AI supported tools to improve sourcing, screening, scheduling, and candidate experience—while maintaining fairness, transparency, and compliance.
- Build strong pipelines for frontline retail roles, clinical and social services positions, and emerging leadership talent.
- Partner with hiring managers to ensure consistent, inclusive hiring practices across all sites.
- Oversee the design and delivery of learning programs that support onboarding, compliance, leadership development, and career pathways.
- Build development programs tailored to the needs of retail associates, mission program staff, supervisors, and emerging leaders.
- Introduce modern learning approaches—including microlearning, digital learning, and AI supported content creation.
- Ensure training supports regulatory requirements for social services programs and operational excellence in retail.
- Lead the organization’s performance development strategy, ensuring clarity, accountability, and alignment with Goodwill’s values.
- Partner with leaders to identify high potential talent and build succession plans for key roles across retail, programs, and administration.
- Implement tools and processes that support continuous feedback, coaching, and growth.
- Use performance and engagement data to identify trends and drive organizational improvement.
- Ensure talent practices reinforce a culture of respect, inclusion, learning, and community impact.
- Partner with People Experience, DEIA Council, and Operations to strengthen belonging and engagement across a geographically dispersed workforce.
- Embed Goodwill’s mission and values into hiring, onboarding, development, and leadership expectations.
- Work closely with Retail Operations, Mission Program Leadership and the cross functional People & Culture Team to ensure a cohesive talent strategy.
- Understand the unique needs of each business line—fast paced retail, human centered social services, and office based functions—and tailor solutions accordingly.
- Serve as a strategic advisor to senior leadership on workforce trends, talent risks, and organizational capability.
Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Organizational Development, Business, Education, or related field—or equivalent experience.
- 7–10 years of progressive experience in Talent Acquisition, Talent Development, or related HR leadership roles.
- Experience supporting multi site, frontline, or high volume workforces.
- Demonstrated success leading teams and building scalable talent systems.
- Strong understanding of modern talent acquisition, learning and performance management best practices.
- Experience using HR technology (Dayforce), analytics, and AI enabled tools to improve talent outcomes.
- Ability to travel regularly to stores and program sites across NYC and Northern NJ.
- Experience in nonprofit, social services and retail environments.
- HR or Learning certification (SHRM CP/SCP, PHR/SPHR, CPTD, etc.).
- Bilingual (English/Spanish or English/ASL).
- Experience with employer branding or recruitment marketing.
We believe in creating space for everyone to do their best work and have individual and collective impact. We believe in challenging the status quo and setting ambitious goals in the name of doing more good. We believe that being your best self and helping others do the same is how we bring our mission alive. Even if you don’t think you meet all the qualifications listed for the job, we would love to hear from you!
If you require a reasonable accommodation at any point in the application or interview process, or if you are unable to apply through our recruitment portal, please contact us at humanresources@goodwillny.org. We are happy to assist and ensure you have an equal opportunity to apply.