President & Chief Executive Officer

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.