What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lifeworks Chief Growth and Program Operations Officer position at Minnesota Council of Nonprofits?

The Organization

Since 1965, Lifeworks Services Inc. (“Lifeworks”) has advanced disability inclusion. From grassroots beginnings, Lifeworks has evolved alongside people with disabilities and their families, supporting over 5,500 people annually. Lifeworks reimagines what’s possible through innovative solutions for careers, daily activities, community engagement, and in-home services. It collaborates with employers, communities, and government agencies to co-create expanded opportunities that build more accessible, equitable, and diverse communities.

Today, Lifeworks has four physical locations in Apple Valley, New Hope, Mankato, and Richfield. Its reach extends to 63 of Minnesota’s counties and the organization partners with a network of over 450 businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations.

Through its core services, more than 500 people receive Employment support, over 200 people connect with their communities through Day Support, and 2,400 Minnesotans self-direct their care through Lifeworks. In 2024, Lifeworks launched disability inclusion and consulting services, educating over 1,600 individuals.

As an advocate for inclusion, Lifeworks is resolutely committed to self-determined support, careers with competitive wages and developing innovative opportunities that enhance everyday lives. The Lifeworks leadership team and employees embrace a common set of core values to guide their work :

You Lead the Way. We Listen . We honor choice and pursue opportunities with community at the heart of our work.
Together, We Break Down Barriers . We seek diverse perspectives, advance accessibility, and encourage a sense of belonging for all.
We Focus on Impact . We hold ourselves to the highest standards. We share expertise and collaborate to find solutions that address the whole picture.
We Reinvent What’s Possible . We take chances and welcome the unknown. We learn from the past and lean into the future.

Please visit lifeworks.org for more detail and information.

Position Summary

The Chief Growth and Program Operations Officer (CGPOO) is a new role reporting to Gertrude Matemba-Mutasa, the President and CEO of Lifeworks. A key part of the senior leadership team, the CGPOO will have the unique opportunity to design and support Lifeworks’ growth through new and enhanced programs / services, innovative partnerships / initiatives, and creative marketing measures and provide leadership to help Lifeworks ensure operational excellence across all programs and services.

The CGPOO will be responsible for developing and executing the organization’s business strategy and growth trajectory via partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, licensing and innovative business structures. This position will also have a broad scope of oversight over the three service lines (fiscal management services, center-based programs and employment services) with the operational leaders of each service line reporting to this new leader.

Bringing broad business acumen, operational leadership skills, and strategic marketing / business development expertise, along with a cross-functional perspective, this data-driven and results-oriented leader will serve as a trusted member and partner on the senior leadership team. They will be a critical driver of strategic, operating and organizational models that support an expanding business.

Position Reports to : President & CEO

Direct Reports : VP, Community-Based Services, Director of Fiscal Management Services, Director of In-Home Services

Other key relationships : Chief Financial Officer, Chief People Officer, Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Vice President, Fund Development, Vice President, Information Technology

Position Location : Richfield, Minnesota

Key Responsibilities

Enterprise Leadership

The CGPOO is the team’s thought and action leader for creating and implementing the holistic long-term growth strategies aligned with the vision and mission of the organization.

Inspires a culture of internal innovation across the organization to develop new services or initiatives that can fuel growth.

Serves as a champion for Lifeworks’ culture and values, positioning Lifeworks as an innovative organization that is well-regarded as a thought leader in the broader industry.

Leads and collaborates with cross-functional teams (programs, sales / marketing) to execute on growth strategies.

Provides regular reports and updates on growth performance to the CEO, senior leadership, and Board.

Strategic Growth

Monitors and evaluates peer and customer trends in the competitive landscape to identify possible growth opportunities.

Identifies and evaluates new business opportunities, including partnerships, mergers / acquisitions, and market expansion based on extensive operational, financial and reputational criteria.

Designs strategies to connect with new client populations.

Analyzes potential new revenue streams and markets.

Identifies and forges strategic partnerships to expand Lifeworks’ market reach and access.

Operational Excellence

Establishes and communicates the strategic direction of each of the business service lines.

Sets key performance indicators (KPIs) for operational service lines and monitors progress to measure operational effectiveness and excellence.

Identifies and implements new processes and systems to improve and support operational outcomes.

Ensures the operational project plans for each service line are aligned with Lifeworks’ strategic plan and mission.

Communicates and implements operations-related policies and practices to ensure consistent and effective execution across the programs for an excellent client experience.

Maintains knowledge of emerging technologies and trends in operations management.

Provides oversight for compliance with industry standards, laws and regulations.

Team Leadership

Empowers the operations leaders to work effectively as cross-organizational business partners to achieve Lifeworks’ mission and strategic plan.

Develops direct reports by means of coaching, training, providing work direction, and addressing performance issues while recognizing and reinforcing desired performance.

Inspires a culture of service and accountability across operations.

Identifies training needs and ensures proper training is developed and provided to deliver on operational excellence.

Provides developmental opportunities, coaching and feedback to support the growth and retention of the HR team.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will be a strategic leader with experience developing and implementing strategic plans, executing on growth including marketing to new clientele populations, and providing oversight of business lines to ensure operational excellence.

This person will have proficiency business operations and marketing acumen, with a proven ability to align new products, services and markets with the overall strategic plan. They will be an advocate and public voice for Lifeworks and energized by external relations.

Key skills and experiences desired include :

A minimum of 10 years of strategic marketing and / or business development experience, with at least seven years of people leadership experience managing operations.

Capacity to adapt to changing circumstances and pivot strategies when needed and appropriate.

Commitment to overseeing continuous improvement and excellence in operations.

Advanced leadership and management skills with a proven track record of overseeing, delegating and directing business segment directors to meet and exceed results.

Exceptional leadership skills to inspire and motivate diverse and cross-functional teams while fostering a culture of collaboration, experimentation and innovation.

Strong interpersonal and relationship building skills to establish and maintain partnerships with other organizations, leaders, communities and stakeholders.

Proven ability to represent the organization in public forums and engage diverse audiences.

Bachelor’s degree is required; MBA or an equivalent advanced degree is strongly preferred.

Compensation

Base salary range $200,000 - $230,000 plus up to 20% bonus potential.

Best-in-class benefits package including :

Comprehensive health coverage including extensive medical, dental, and vision plans with low premiums and copays, covering a wide range of services. Additionally, offering short-term and long-term disability, life insurance.

Retirement Plans offering competitive 403(b) employer contributions up to 7%.

Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives to foster a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible workplace.

Generous Paid Time Off and Holiday pay.

Lifeworks’ hybrid work model and inclusive culture emphasize collaboration, interpersonal relationships, and high-quality performance. Presence on-site or in-person will be defined by the needs of the business.

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Salary : $200,000 - $230,000

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