Why Work for CIRI?
Embark on a fulfilling career with CIRI, where you'll find more than just a job ? you'll find purpose. As part of our team, you'll enjoy:
- Meaningful Mission: Contribute to an incredible mission of assisting refugees and immigrants in overcoming barriers to become self-sufficient, integrated members of the community.
- Professional Growth: Be part of a diverse and supportive team that encourages your growth and development.
- Community Connection: Establish long-term connections with the community and make a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve.
- Comprehensive Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, medical/dental/vision/life/403B plan, 13 paid holidays, 20 days of paid time off per year, and a commitment to work/life balance and self-care.
- Public Interest Loan Forgiveness: Benefit from eligibility for the Public Interest Loan Forgiveness Program.
This organization participates in E-Verify.
Join the Journey: Empower Lives, Shape Futures at The Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants (CIRI)
Compensation: $75,000
Benefits (that currently include):
- Medical (Anthem): 3 copay/deductible options; base plan is $40/paycheck
- Vision (Mutual of Omaha): $60 per year; $130 hardware allowance- Employee Funded
- Dental (Mutual of Omaha): $500 per year; $1,750 annual benefit- Employee Funded
- Life: 1 x Salary to $100K; paid by CIRI
- Voluntary Life: Available to employees and family
- Disability: 60% of earnings; paid by CIRI
- Identity Theft: Optional coverage; paid by employees- For employee and/or family- Employee Funded
Position Summary
The Director of Economic Empowerment is responsible for developing, managing, and overseeing the Economic Empowerment department to promote the financial independence and economic welfare of clients. This role involves building relationships with employers, community organizations, and training institutions to enhance career opportunities for refugees and immigrants. The Director will also lead strategic initiatives to expand program outreach, provide workforce development resources, and foster economic self-sufficiency.
Key Responsibilities:
Department Leadership & Program Development:
- Oversee the entire Economic Empowerment department, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and client needs.
- Develop and implement innovative programs that promote economic self-sufficiency among clients.
- Manage department staff, including hiring, training, and performance evaluations.
- Ensure compliance with funding requirements, program guidelines, and organizational policies.
Workforce Development & Employer Engagement:
- Cultivate partnerships with local employers to create job opportunities for clients.
- Increase outreach efforts to expand workforce training programs, including:
- Career development resources
- Truck and security licensing programs
- Union apprenticeship opportunities
- Community colleges and technical schools
- American Job Centers and related programs
- Junior Achievement initiatives
- Financial literacy programs for youth and adults
- Actively engage with the Connecticut Business & Industry Association (CBIA) and Bridgeport Regional Business Council (BRBC) to strengthen workforce connections.
- Enhance employer awareness of economic empowerment initiatives for refugees and immigrants.
Community Engagement & Advocacy:
- Develop partnerships with Chambers of Commerce, Rotary Clubs, and other professional networks to increase employment opportunities.
- Advocate for workforce development policies that support refugee and immigrant communities.
- Identify and implement strategies to increase public and employer awareness of economic empowerment initiatives.
Resource Development & Training:
- Play a key role in developing a comprehensive Resource Center for economic empowerment.
- Organize and facilitate job readiness workshops, financial literacy training, and career development programs.
- Work with community stakeholders to develop industry-specific training tailored to client needs.
Qualifications
- Bachelor?s degree preferred. Minimum of 5 years of experience in program leadership and management, particularly serving marginalized communities.
- Proven ability to develop and implement educational and job development programs, particularly for adult learners.
- Strong organizational and multi-tasking skills to manage diverse projects and partnerships.
- Background in sales, business development, or employer engagement to promote client hiring and workforce integration, preferred
- Cultural competency and willingness to understand and support the needs of refugee and immigrant communities.
- Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with employers, community organizations, and funding partners
- Knowledge of local and national workforce development initiatives and best practices.
- Strong public speaking and advocacy skills to promote economic empowerment initiatives.
CIRI is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued, respected, and supported. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.
We are dedicated to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities during the application process. If you require assistance or accommodation due to a disability, please contact HR at [email protected] to discuss your needs. We value all applicants and strive to make the application process accessible to everyone.
