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President & CEO

Employer
Goodwill Serving the People of Southern Los Angeles County
Location
Long Beach, California
Closing date
Jun 9, 2021

Goodwill SOLAC
President & CEO

Role Specifics 
President & CEO
Company: Goodwill Serving the People of Southern Los Angeles County
Location:  Long Beach, CA
Website :  www.thinkgood.org

Goodwill SOLAC
Goodwill Serving the People of Southern Los Angeles County (“Goodwill SOLAC”), is celebrating over 90 years of service to the 26 cities/communities, which encompass our service area. Our heritage dates to 1902 when the Reverend Edgar J. Helms placed into action his vision of helping people transition from dependency to self-sufficiency through work and career development services. Reverend Helms’ vision lives on today in 156 community-based, autonomous organizations in the United States and Canada, with a presence in 12 other countries to meet the needs of local communities each local Goodwill organization designs its own programs and services to help people find work near where they live. 

Goodwill SOLAC was established in 1929 in response to the great depression, which brought an increased focus to the thousands of people out of work and to people with disabilities. In 1945, Goodwill SOLAC responded to GI’s returning from World War II to train, find jobs, and assimilate these veterans back into a peacetime economy. Today, Goodwill SOLAC serves individuals with barriers to employment in a highly populated, culturally diverse, and growing community. 

Goodwill SOLAC is a recognized leader in Southern Los Angeles County for efficient retail operations and a focus on bottom-line results which maximize the financial support for Goodwill SOLAC’s mission; enables the organization to invest in its people, facilities, programs, and community; creates a strong financial position with no debt; and positions the organization for mission and retail expansion.

Goodwill SOLAC operates 17 brick and mortar retail operations, a last-chance warehouse / auction operation, shopgoodwill.com (its e-commerce operation), and LiNKS Sign Language & Interpreting Services. In addition to its main facility, Goodwill SOLAC operates 23 owned, leased, or partnered sites (Retail Stores, Attended Donation Centers, and Workforce Development programs) within the southern Los Angeles County area. 

Income received by way of community contributions, foundations, grants, individual donors, LiNKS Sign Language & Interpreting Services, Retail Operations, e-commerce, and various environmental services support the mission of Goodwill SOLAC.

Goodwill SOLAC’s Workforce Development programs consider the quality-of-life factors for each person served, backed by the belief that all individuals should be empowered to find and keep meaningful employment and inclusion into their community. Goodwill SOLAC’s programs emphasize a commitment to matching well suited employees with great jobs. Job Coaches work closely with each individual employer to understand the employer’s unique business challenges and tailor training, job placement and post–employment services to meet the specific needs of the employer, assist employers in determining eligibility for tax credits, as well as the provision of on-going support to both the employer and the new employee to assure long-term success. Goodwill SOLAC also provides follow along services for five (5) years to all students in certified training programs. 

Goodwill SOLAC’s Workforce Development Programs are intended to assist individuals with vocational disadvantages such as: minimum work history, low income, homelessness, at-risk youth, parolees, individuals with disabilities or other barriers to employment.

Services provided by Goodwill SOLAC include but are not limited to: 

Individualized assessment    Career exploration 
Career coaching       Work experience 
Job search assistance/skills      Mentoring 
Occupational skills training     Job training 
Collaborative support services     Job placement 
Job retention     Workforce preparedness/Soft skills
Financial literacy

Specific Occupational skills training programs include:

State Certified Nursing Assistant Training School
Security Guard Card Training
Retail/Customer Service/Hospitality
Sign Language and Interpreting Services
Workshops for Sign Language Interpreters
Environmental Services - State Authorized E-Waste Collector

Organizational Values
Mission Statement: Goodwill SOLAC partners with the community, transforming donated goods into job training, education, and placement services, for individuals with barriers to employment. 

Purpose Statement: Goodwill SOLAC’s purpose is to provide vocational education, work training programs, and support service for people with barriers to employment. 

Vision Statement: Goodwill SOLAC values all people and believes that work is essential to life. We support diversity, inclusion, and an individual’s transition to family-sustaining employment. 

Programs and services offered by Goodwill SOLAC not only benefit the individuals being served, but also impact the communities’ economic vitality through taxes, spending power, real estate values, quality of life and relief to social services and welfare systems. 

Location
Long Beach is a city in the U.S. state of California located within the Los Angeles metropolitan area. It is the 43rd most populous city in the United States, with a population of 463,218 as of 2020. A charter city, Long Beach is the 7th most populous city in California, and the largest city in the state that does not serve as a county seat.

Long Beach was incorporated in 1897, and lies in Southern California, more precisely in the southern part of Los Angeles County. Long Beach is approximately 20 miles (32 km) south of downtown Los Angeles and is part of the Gateway Cities region. The Port of Long Beach is the second busiest container port in the United States and is among the world's largest shipping ports. The city is over an oilfield with minor wells both directly beneath the city as well as offshore.

The city is known for its waterfront attractions, including the permanently docked RMS Queen Mary and the Aquarium of the Pacific. Long Beach also hosts the Grand Prix of Long Beach, currently an IndyCar race and the Long Beach Pride Festival and Parade. California State University, Long Beach, one of the largest universities in California by enrollment, is located in the city.

Long Beach has a Mediterranean-type climate, with semi-arid climate characteristics. In general, the city features hot summers and mild to warm winters with occasional rainfall. Days in Long Beach are mostly sunny, as in Southern California in general. Temperatures recorded at the weather station at the Long Beach Airport, 4.0 miles (6.4 km) inland from the ocean, range more greatly than those along the immediate coast. During the summer months, low clouds and fog occur frequently, developing overnight and blanketing the area on many mornings. This fog usually clears by the afternoon, and a westerly sea breeze often develops, keeping temperatures mild. Heat and high humidity can sometimes coincide in summer, which may cause discomfort due to the heat index.

Long Beach's location directly east of the Palos Verdes Peninsula, paired with its south facing coastline, results in the city sometimes experiencing different weather patterns than the Los Angeles metropolitan area coastal communities to the northwest and southeast of Long Beach, which largely have west facing coastlines. The 1200 ft Palos Verdes hills block west to east airflow and a significant amount of the coastal moisture that marks other coastal cities, such as Manhattan Beach, Santa Monica, and Newport Beach.

Pandemic Response
Goodwill SOLAC was greatly impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.  On March 20, 2020, following the city, county, and state “Safer at Home” order to close all non-essential business activities, Goodwill SOLAC closed all of its 19 retail locations and furloughed most of its non-essential staff. LiNKS Language Interpreting business was able to conduct business activities remotely, and the Supported Employment program continued to operate under the direction of the city and county guidelines.  

With the ongoing support and oversight of our Board of Trustees, we prepared several scenarios evaluating the cash flow needs for the closure period and at re-opening.  We estimated a significant loss in revenue during the Covid-19 related shut down and limited re-opening and arranged for access to investment funds to manage through essential operational functions.  We successfully negotiated with all of our landlords for temporary relief and rent deferral through year-end 2020 and into the first half of 2021.  We evaluated all federal and state emergency loan options under the SBA programs and in May 2020, we received a $2.6 million Payroll Protection Program loan, the proceeds of which were used to support payroll and operations for the remainder of the shutdown as we moved into the resumption of business activities under new Covid-19 related mandates. 

In addition to the PPP Loan, Goodwill SOLAC withdrew $1.35 million of our investment portfolio to support operations through year end.  During the course of the shutdown and restricted re-opening, we did not conduct mass furloughs or layoffs and instead chose to apply for the EDD Work Share Program to continue to have staff operating in a limited capacity through remote working opportunities, limited essential function duties, and supplemental pay through EDD.  As a small employer defined as one with fewer than 500 employees, we were tasked through the Families First Coronavirus Relief Act (FFCRA) to provide active employees with additional Covid-related sick and leave time off through the end of 2020 in exchange for reimbursable payroll tax credits.   

The impact of the pandemic was severe on our 2020 operational results.  Gross receipts declined 39% compared to 2019, a reduction of $9.1 million.  Operating hours were still reduced by 33% (8 hours per day versus 12 hours typically) and capacity restrictions remained in place at 25% of fire code limits at December 31, 2020.

Regional restrictions under a new Stay-at-Home order that were re-established in November 2020 were removed at the end of January 2021. As of March 16, 2021, capacity limits have been increased to 50% capacity of fire code limits in Los Angeles County. While these changes have increased the organization’s ability to increase activity, we are committed to the health and safety of our employees, shoppers and donors and will make focused, deliberate changes in operations after considering all factors involved.  Also, as of March 16, 2021, Goodwill SOLAC staff completed the analysis for the PPP Loan Forgiveness application and has determined that it is eligible for a full $2.6 million loan forgiveness in 2021.  Goodwill SOLAC was the grateful recipient of a $5 million award from MacKenzie Scott in January 2021. While the donation is unrestricted, the organization is committed to using the funds to support the development and growth of our mission-related programs. 

Leadership History
The current President and CEO of Goodwill SOLAC will retire on January 6th, 2022, following 20 incredibly impactful years in that role and 30 years with this Goodwill SOLAC.  During her tenure, the following has been accomplished:

  • Agency revenues grew from $8 million to $23 million.
  • Recruited an outstanding Leadership Team and have employed on average, over 400 amazing individuals.
  • One of the most diverse boards within the Goodwill system.
  • Nearly 8,000 people have secured permanent employment in our communities.
  • Over 72,000 people have received education, training, support, case management, career development and coaching.
  • Nearly 150 million pounds of goods have been diverted from landfill for resale, recycling, and reuse. 
  • Over 30 million people have purchased from Goodwill SOLAC stores.
  • Through our contracts with business, schools’ districts, City and State government, over 88,000 individuals have been provided accommodation via LiNKS Sign Language & Interpreting Services.

Position Summary
The President & Chief Executive Officer leads all aspects of the organization to carry out its mission, vision, values, and strategic plan. The President & CEO provides strategic leadership for the organization by working with the Leadership Steering Team (LST), staff, and Board to establish long-and short-term goals, strategies, and plans.   

The President & CEO maintains national standards of compliance (Goodwill Industries International) and standards of the Committee of Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), thereby creating a supportive, influential, and valued organization for people served, for stakeholders, and for the community.  The President & CEO assures that the intent and purpose of the Articles of Incorporation, the Goodwill SOLAC Bylaws, the Board of Trustees policies, and the commitment to an environment of service quality, to health and safety practices, and to Human Resource practices and development are faithfully and effectively carried out. 

The President & CEO provides oversight in reporting, for financial system and controls, personnel law regulations and practices, media policies, volunteer policies, r quality assurance and provision of services, for all business, services, and administration operating policies and procedures.

The President & CEO assists the Board of Trustees by recommending organization policies that may create an environment of more value, and the deletion and/or revision of existing policies that may be outdated, ambiguous, or not supportive of operating practices. President & CEO also assists in assessing appropriate results for operating and service divisions, effectiveness of Board and staff functions, goals and objectives of vocational services, and planning (strategic) activities.  The President & CEO develops an organization that shall covey the values, philosophy, and practices of the Board of Trustees; creates an executive position of such stature that it will be emblematic of Goodwill and will always reflect credibility and value within the community. President & CEO always maintains the corporate agreement standards of Goodwill Industries International and the executive standards promoted by the National Conference of Executives.

Standards for Measuring Performance
The effectiveness of the performance of the President & CEO will be measured by the following standards:

  • The effectiveness of all operating programs as judged by the overall analysis of results achieved.
  • The effectiveness of the Workforce Development programs and services to people with vocational barriers in the community. 
  • The general reputation of Goodwill SOLAC in the area served.
  • Rating as measured by standards authorized by the Board in accordance with Board Policy and/or standards set by other accrediting agencies.
  • Leadership clarity, influence, agility, ethics, inclusion, equitable practices, and vision for growth of mission.

Key Responsibilities 
Goodwill SOLAC seeks an executive with the passion, skills, and drive to successfully lead the organization through the next phase of development, service, and impact.  An inclusive, thoughtful, and dynamic leader who values and promotes the rich history and mission of Goodwill SOLAC and who can leverage their business acumen, industry insights, people management, and strategic vision for the benefit of the organization.  

The President & CEO provides the proactive management and vision necessary to ensure that Goodwill SOLAC has the proper operational controls, administrative and reporting procedures, and people systems in place to achieve the mission.  The leader must be of excellent moral character and must lead with an inclusive and decisive approach.  The President & CEO must lead by example, empower others, and be effective as a partner.

This leader must be an excellent communicator and speak effectively before large or small groups, must have superb oral and written skills, must be able to travel extensively and in the local area in the furtherance of the Goodwill activities.

The President & Chief Executive Officer shall represent Goodwill Serving the People of Southern Los Angeles County in community programs, National Delegate Assembly, Council of Executives, National Rehabilitation Association, California Council of Goodwill’s, local government, and other community service providers and organizations. (Documentation of attendance, committee membership and participation may be required, as appropriate, by the Board of Trustees).

Specific responsibilities will include, but not limited to the following:

Planning and Budgeting

  • Develop short - and long-term planning to implement the mission and vision.
  • Prepare the guidelines and approaches to the annual budget and strategic planning budget.
  • Use the Board approved budget to monitor and measure operating results.
  • Review and analyse actual/budget variations of all programs and determine if corrective action is required.
  • Sponsor and encourage staff training in finance.
  • Monitor all financial policies and practices while accepting fiduciary responsibility for Goodwill SOLAC.

Organization 

  • Fosters an entrepreneurial culture that empowers and leverages the strengths of the leadership steering team and cultivates talented staff for future leadership opportunities. 
  • Assure that Human Resources policies are written and updated accordingly to city state and federal law and practiced.
  • Review personnel policies for legal application.
  • Ensures a high functioning, efficient organization through effective communication and promoting collaboration, trust, and teamwork.
  • Assure the successful application of program operating policies.
  • Review and recommend to the Board of Trustees enumeration (wage) plans, incentive plans, and external wage/benefit surveys that may assist in establishing wage and benefit plans.
  • Facilitates and monitors the achievement and maintenance of all, accreditations, and certifications for Goodwill SOLAC programs and facilities to assure the highest operating practices.

Operations & Financial Management

  • Manage and administer, indirectly through senior staff, the day-to-day affairs of Goodwill SOLAC.
  • Assure appropriate training of staff at all levels.
  • Develop administrative checks and balances as required to assure the effectiveness and reliability of staff.
  • Counsel and advise staff, both professionally and personally, on work issues as needed.
  • Assure that the physical plant, retail units, and operating equipment are both appropriate and maintained for the operating function and needs of Goodwill SOLAC.
  • Monitor all safety and security rules and practices.
  • Provide for the identification, development, and training of alternate supervision.
  • Monitor accessibility, input, and inclusiveness practices.
  • Monitor workers compensation and all insurance policies. 

Relationship Management

Leadership Steering Team:

  • Utilize the skills, expertise, and interests of staff to the maximum, making each aware of their responsibility and providing each the corresponding authority to accomplish their tasks.
  • Provides leadership and guidance to Leadership Steering Team members f, assuring that each is made an effective member of the management team, and keeping each fully informed of management decisions and challenges within their sphere of the work environment.

Line Workers and Service Participants: 

  • Ensures that all employees, students, and service participants are afforded dignity while seeking to develop and improve their skills and knowledge.
  • Provide an inclusive work environment, the best possible working conditions, and the most appropriate safety and security.
  • Maintains an “open door” policy to all.

Community Engagement:

  • Actively seeks the support of the community and public at large.
  • Develop and support communications mechanisms that keep the public informed of the Goodwill SOLAC’s mission, vision, objectives, principles, philosophy, and accomplishments.
  • Manage and administer the businesses and services of Goodwill SOLAC to avoid criticism, while gaining community approval.
  • Build successful, strategic relationships with community leaders, local and national businesses, like-minded non-profits, and government entities to fulfil the mission, grow business development and address community needs. 
  • Acts as the public face and official spokesperson for Goodwill SOLAC. 

Board Engagement

  • Build strong, trusting, and dynamic relationships with the Board. 
  • Act as an advisor to the Board and its committees.
  • Provide technical, operations, financial, personnel and governance suggestions and/or recommendations that add value to Goodwill SOLAC.
  • Keep the Board fully informed on significant events and trends, and convey their expressions and policies, where applicable and appropriate, to staff.
  • The President & CEO has the right to attend and participate at all meetings of the board, except when the board enters executive session, but shall have no voting powers.

Qualifications
The successful candidate will bring passion, enthusiasm, vision, and dedication for the mission and to continue and advance the incredible legacy and impact of the Goodwill SOLAC community.  Other desired qualifications and leadership characteristics include:

  • Minimum 10 years management experience required.
  • 5 years Human Resources Administration experience preferred.
  • 5 years retail management experience preferred. 
  • A thorough understanding of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, leadership technique, human behavior and performance, and the coordination / collaboration of people and resources. 
  • The executive presence and integrity to inspire confidence and teamwork with staff. 
  • Ethics, integrity, transparency, and accountability in all actions. 
  • Commitment to continuous self and organizational improvement.  

Key Relationships
Reports to: Board of Trustees

Direct reports/LST

Chief Financial Officer 
Vice President Workforce Development
Vice President Human Resources and Corporated Compliance
Director of Information Services
Senior Vice President Sales Operations & Marketing
Director of LiNKS Sign Language 
& Assistant to the President & CEO

Education

  • BA/BS degree required. Preferred areas of study include: Psychology, Sociology, Rehabilitation, Industrial Relations, Financial Management, Business or Public Administration.  
  • Individuals who possess Executive Certification, or who are formally participating in the Executive Certification training program or have completed the senior management training program provided by Goodwill Industries are preferred but these certifications are not required.

Compensation
Competitive compensation ranges and detailed benefits packages will be provided to candidates.

Application Process
Interested and qualified candidates are welcome to submit a resume and cover letter by August 1st, 2021 to:  GoodwillSOLACPresident@kornferry.com 

Goodwill SOLAC believes equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants is important for the continuing success of our organization. In accordance with applicable local, state, and federal law, Goodwill SOLAC will not discriminate unlawfully against an employee or applicant for employment because of race, disability, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, military/veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by local, state, or federal law in hiring, promoting, demoting, training, benefits, transfers, layoffs, terminations, recommendations, rates of pay and all other terms, conditions and privileges of employment.


 

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