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 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.