What are the responsibilities and job description for the President & Chief Executive Officer position at Goodwill Industries of Tenneva, inc.?
About Goodwill Industries of Tenneva
Goodwill Industries of Tenneva is a mission-driven social enterprise dedicated to changing lives through the power of work. Through our retail stores, workforce development programs, and community partnerships, we provide employment services to individuals facing barriers to employment across Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia.
Every purchase made and donation received directly supports programs that provide job training, career services, and opportunities for individuals to build skills and achieve economic independence. Our work strengthens communities by empowering people to reach their full potential through education, training, and employment.
Lead with Purpose as Our Next CEO
Goodwill Industries of Tenneva is seeking a dynamic and visionary
President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead our organization into its next chapter of impact and growth.
The CEO serves as the driving force behind our mission—championing opportunities that transform lives by helping individuals overcome barriers, achieve self-sufficiency, and unlock their full potential. In partnership with the Board of Directors, this leader will shape strategy, inspire innovation, and cultivate a culture of excellence across the organization.
This is more than an executive role—it’s an opportunity to empower people, strengthen families, and build brighter futures across Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia.
What You’ll Do
Strategic Leadership & Organizational Growth
- Develop and execute short- and long-range strategic, financial, and operational plans aligned with the mission
- Lead strategic planning efforts to increase individuals served and expand environmental impact
- Strengthen Goodwill’s position as the donation destination of choice
- Evaluate programs and operations to ensure efficiency, innovation, and mission alignment
Operational & Financial Management
- Oversee day-to-day operations through senior leadership, ensuring quality and performance
- Drive growth across retail, donation centers, and eCommerce operations
- Ensure strong financial stewardship, compliance, and transparent reporting to the Board
- Safeguard organizational assets through sound internal controls
Mission Impact & Program Development
- Guide development of workforce programs that place individuals into meaningful employment
- Foster a culture where the mission begins internally—supporting employee growth and self-sufficiency
- Expand partnerships to enhance service delivery and community impact
Leadership & Culture
- Recruit, develop, and support senior leaders while building strong leadership pipelines
- Inspire a mission-driven, results-oriented, and values-based organizational culture
- Provide clear, timely reporting to the Board of Directors
Community Engagement & Advocacy
- Serve as the primary spokesperson for Goodwill Tenneva
- Represent the organization locally, regionally, and nationally, including within the Goodwill Industries International network
- Build and strengthen relationships with government agencies, businesses, and community organizations
- Drive donor engagement, fundraising, and strategic partnerships
What We’re Looking For
- Passion for mission-driven or philanthropic work
- Proven success leading and growing a complex, multi-faceted organization
- Strong financial and operational management experience
- Ability to build strategic partnerships and drive shared outcomes
- Commitment to Goodwill’s mission, vision, and values
- Experience working with and reporting to a Board of Directors
- Executive presence with the ability to inspire diverse audiences
- Strong analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving skills
Leadership Competencies
- Visionary, community-focused, and mission-driven leadership style
- Empowering and servant-oriented leadership approach
- Strong business acumen with experience managing large budgets and social enterprise models
- Skilled relationship builder across public, private, and nonprofit sectors
- Exceptional communicator who can engage staff, donors, and stakeholders
Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree, required
- Master’s Degree, preferred
- Minimum of 10-15 years of progressive leadership experience
- 5 years in senior executive management
- Experience leading large teams and multiple departments
- Experience in Nonprofit leadership
- Business and social enterprise experience operating in retail locations, multi-location operations, business management and budget oversight
Additional Requirements:
- Ability to pass background checks.
- Frequent travel within the territory, including visits to business locations; occasional travel across the U.S. for conventions or meetings.
Why Join Goodwill Tenneva?
- Opportunity to shape the future of a mission-driven organization transforming lives through the power of work
- Lead a respected regional nonprofit with deep community roots across Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia
- Drive meaningful, measurable impact by expanding workforce development, community partnerships, and social enterprise growth
- Partner with an engaged Board of Directors to set vision, strategy, and long-term organizational success
- Inspire and develop a dedicated team committed to empowering individuals and strengthening communities
- Generous paid time off
If you are a visionary leader who is passionate about mission-driven work and creating lasting community impact, we encourage you to apply and help us continue transforming lives through the power of work.
Goodwill Industries of Tenneva is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.