Program Manager, Economic Empowerment

Connecticut Institute For Refu•Bridgeport, CT

About The Position

The Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants (CIRI) is seeking an experienced, organized, and motivated Program Manager to oversee the daily operations of its Economic Empowerment programs, including employment services, job placement, workforce development, and English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction. Reporting to the Associate Director of Economic Empowerment, the Program Manager supervises program staff and ESL instructors, coordinates daily operations, monitors performance, and ensures quality services that support clients in achieving economic stability and self-sufficiency. This hands-on management position combines staff leadership, program oversight, and direct client engagement. The Program Manager coordinates staffing and program activities, supports staff development and accountability, oversees ESL operations, monitors compliance and outcomes, and helps maintain community partnerships. The role may also provide direct client services or caseload coverage when staffing or program needs require. CIRI is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping refugees, immigrants, and survivors of human trafficking rebuild their lives and achieve self-sufficiency through comprehensive programs and services.

Requirements

Minimum of three years of experience in workforce development, employment services, refugee and immigrant services, adult education, or a related field.
Demonstrated ability to supervise staff, manage competing priorities, and ensure accountability.
Strong organizational, communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with departmental leadership.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and ability to learn organizational databases and reporting systems.
Commitment to CIRI's mission and values.
Strong leadership, coaching, and staff supervision skills.
Ability to balance management responsibilities with direct client services.
Sound judgment and effective decision-making.
Strong attention to detail, follow-through, and accountability.
Ability to establish priorities, meet deadlines, and manage multiple responsibilities.
Cultural sensitivity and commitment to client-centered services.
Flexibility and adaptability in a changing program environment.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
Commitment to teamwork, continuous improvement, and quality service delivery.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in human services, social work, education, business administration, or a related field; equivalent combinations of education and relevant experience will be considered.
Prior supervisory or program management experience.
Experience working with refugees, immigrants, and culturally diverse populations.
Familiarity with ESL programs, adult education, and workforce development services.
Experience with program reporting, data management, and grant-funded services.

Responsibilities

Oversee daily operations of Economic Empowerment programs, including employment services, job placement, workforce development, and ESL instruction.
Ensure programs operate effectively and meet organizational goals, contractual obligations, and client needs.
Coordinate staff assignments, schedules, workloads, and program activities to ensure appropriate coverage and timely service delivery.
Monitor program performance, identify challenges, and implement improvements in collaboration with the Associate Director.
Ensure consistent application of program procedures, documentation standards, and organizational policies.
Support departmental goals, initiatives, and program improvements, and promote collaboration between employment services and ESL staff.
Directly supervise Economic Empowerment program staff and ESL instructors; set performance expectations and monitor productivity, service quality, and completion of responsibilities.
Conduct individual and team meetings, provide coaching and training, support professional development, conduct performance evaluations, and address performance concerns with the Associate Director and People & Culture.
Assist with interviewing, onboarding, and training new program staff, and foster a supportive, collaborative, and accountable work environment.
Provide direct client services as needed, including employment counseling, job readiness assistance, job placement support, referrals, and follow-up services.
Carry a client caseload or provide coverage when staffing or program needs require; help clients identify employment goals, overcome barriers, and access resources.
Support staff in resolving complex client situations and ensure services are timely, culturally responsive, and appropriate.
Collaborate with CIRI departments to coordinate client services and resources, and maintain accurate and timely records when providing direct services.
Supervise ESL instructors and coordinate ESL operations, including class schedules, enrollment, attendance, and instructional coverage.
Work with ESL instructors to identify student needs, address participation barriers, support student progress, and coordinate ESL instruction with employment services.
Ensure ESL services align with program objectives, funding requirements, and organizational expectations; assist with ESL activities and administrative responsibilities as needed.
Monitor program activities and outcomes for compliance with grant requirements, contracts, and organizational standards.
Ensure staff maintain accurate, complete, and timely client records, case notes, attendance records, and other required documentation.
Review program data, assess progress toward goals and performance measures, assist with reports and outcome tracking, and respond to requests for program information.
Work with the Associate Director to improve performance where expectations are not being met, and support monitoring, audits, and quality assurance activities.
Ensure appropriate use of CIRI's data management and reporting systems.
Maintain relationships with employers, workforce development organizations, educational institutions, and community partners; support employer engagement and job placement opportunities.
Collaborate with internal departments, represent the department at meetings and community or partner activities as assigned, and identify opportunities to improve access to employment, training, and educational resources.
Attend required meetings, trainings, and professional development activities; travel between CIRI locations or community partner sites as needed.
Adapt to changing program priorities and funding requirements and perform other related duties as assigned by the Associate Director of Economic Empowerment.