Career Navigator

Goodwill Industries of Southwestern Michigan

Classification: Non-Exempt, Full Time

Supervised By
:
Vice President of Mission Services

Supervises: Does not supervise others

May be responsible for coordinating and supervising activities of participants, interns, work study students or volunteers assigned to Employment programs

WHY WORK FOR GOODWILL?

Ready for a career with impact? Goodwill Industries of Southwestern Michigan (Goodwill SWMI) gives you the opportunity to make a difference in your local community while building your professional skills. Goodwill SWMI is a complex enterprise offering a wide range of career opportunities. Our organization rewards creativity and innovation, while offering competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package. Our team members enjoy a unique work environment that is professional, fast paced and fulfilling.

ABOUT OUR ORGANIZATION

Goodwill SWMI is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Our nearly 300 dedicated team members help achieve our mission of improving the community by providing employment, education, training and support services tailored to individual needs across a six county territory. At Goodwill SWMI, the work we do makes a difference in the lives of the individuals we serve and, in turn, in the communities in which we live.

Goodwill SWMI manages ten retail stores (with attached, attended donation centers and one stand‑alone donation center), Contract Manufacturing Operations as well as Custodial & Janitorial business units. These business operations provide stability to our organization that is not always enjoyed by nonprofit organizations solely funded by outside sources.

Our organization’s values shape our culture and guide our interactions with program participants, customers, community and one another. Our shared commitment to Living the Mission;
Promoting Teamwork;
Driving Collaboration;
Taking Responsibility for our Actions and Behaviors;
Respecting and Appreciating Others is what makes us successful and inspires all that we do.

The Career Navigator plays a vital role in helping individuals set and achieve workforce development and education goals across southwestern Michigan, including Allegan, Berrien, Cass, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, and Van Buren counties. They cultivate and maintain relationships with community partners to identify programming opportunities, assist in program development, and maximize available resources to positively impact individuals throughout the region. The Career Navigator is a champion for people’s potential, walking alongside community members through our Opportunity Accelerator structure.

They provide encouragement and support as individuals work toward their self‑defined goals.

The Career Navigator collaborates with both internal (e.g., Goodwill team members) and external (e.g., Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS), community colleges, etc.) partners to help participants set and achieve employment and education milestones. They take a person‑in‑context approach, ensuring individuals receive the customized support and resources they need to succeed. Recognizing that each person’s journey is unique, the Career Navigator provides wraparound services tailored to each participant’s needs.

This role serves a diverse population, including individuals with disabilities, those experiencing poverty, high school and post‑secondary students, and other adults (18+) throughout the region.

The Career Navigator will know they are successful when participants set and achieve workforce and education goals, leading to living‑wage employment and thriving communities. Their work centers on building and maintaining strong relationships with Goodwill teammates, participants, and community partners, while providing one‑on‑one support to those they serve.

Key Performance Indicators for the position include:

• Individuals enrolled in programming
• Participants who set and achieve at least one employment or education goals