Program Manager, Economic Empowerment

Job Description

Job Description

 

Reports To: Associate Director of Economic Empowerment
Supervises: Economic Empowerment Program Staff and ESL Instructors
Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt
Salary: [Insert annual salary or salary range]

Position Summary

The Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants (CIRI) is seeking an experienced, organized, and motivated Program Manager to oversee the daily operations of our 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 will supervise program staff and ESL instructors, coordinate daily operations, monitor program performance, and ensure quality services that support clients in achieving economic stability and self-sufficiency.

This is a hands-on management position that combines staff leadership, program oversight, and direct client engagement. The ideal candidate is a collaborative leader who can balance multiple priorities, support staff development, maintain accountability, and step in to provide direct client services when needed.

Key ResponsibilitiesProgram Management and Operations

• 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 the implementation of departmental goals, initiatives, and program improvements.
• Promote collaboration between employment services and ESL staff to strengthen coordinated client services.

Staff Supervision and Development

• Provide direct supervision to Economic Empowerment program staff and ESL instructors.
• Establish clear performance expectations and ensure staff understand their responsibilities and program goals.
• Conduct regular individual and team meetings to review progress, address challenges, and provide guidance.
• Monitor staff performance, productivity, service quality, and completion of assigned responsibilities.
• Provide ongoing coaching, training, and professional development opportunities.
• Conduct performance evaluations and address performance concerns in coordination with the Associate Director and People & Culture.
• Assist with interviewing, onboarding, and training new program staff.
• Foster a supportive, collaborative, and accountable work environment.

Client Services and Case Management

• Provide direct client services as needed, including employment counseling, job readiness assistance, job placement support, referrals, and follow-up services.
• Maintain the ability to carry a client caseload or provide coverage when staffing or program needs require.
• Assist clients in identifying employment goals, overcoming barriers, and accessing resources that support economic self-sufficiency.
• Support staff in resolving complex client situations and addressing barriers to employment or ESL participation.
• Ensure clients receive timely, culturally responsive, and appropriate services.
• Collaborate with other CIRI departments to coordinate services and connect clients with available resources.
• Maintain accurate and timely client records when providing direct services.

ESL Program Oversight

• Supervise ESL instructors and coordinate daily ESL program operations.
• Monitor class schedules, enrollment, attendance, and instructional coverage.
• Work with ESL instructors to identify student needs, address participation barriers, and support student progress.
• Ensure ESL services align with program objectives, funding requirements, and organizational expectations.
• Promote coordination between ESL instruction and employment services to strengthen clients' language skills and employment readiness.
• Assist with ESL program activities and administrative responsibilities as needed.

Program Compliance, Reporting, and Outcomes

• Monitor program activities and outcomes to ensure 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 regularly to assess progress toward established goals and performance measures.
• Assist with preparing program reports, tracking outcomes, and responding to requests for program information.
• Identify areas where program performance is not meeting expectations and work with the Associate Director to implement improvements.
• Support program monitoring, audits, and quality assurance activities.
• Ensure appropriate use of CIRI's data management and reporting systems.

Community Partnerships and Collaboration

• Maintain positive relationships with employers, workforce development organizations, educational institutions, and community partners.
• Support employer engagement and job placement opportunities for clients.
• Collaborate with internal departments to ensure coordinated and comprehensive client services.
• Represent the Economic Empowerment department at meetings, community events, and partner activities as assigned.
• Identify opportunities to improve client access to employment, training, and educational resources.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in human services, social work, education, business administration, or a related field preferred. Equivalent combinations of education and relevant experience will be considered.
• Minimum of three years of experience in workforce development, employment services, refugee and immigrant services, adult education, or a related field.
• Prior supervisory or program management experience preferred.
• Experience working with refugees, immigrants, and culturally diverse populations strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with ESL programs, adult education, and workforce development services preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise staff, manage competing priorities, and ensure accountability.
• Strong organizational, communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently while maintaining effective collaboration with departmental leadership.
• Experience with program reporting, data management, and grant-funded services preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and the ability to learn organizational databases and reporting systems.
• Commitment to CIRI's mission and values.

Essential Skills and Competencies

• 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.

Additional Expectations

• 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.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Associate Director of Economic Empowerment.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary: [Insert annual salary or salary range]

CIRI offers a comprehensive benefits package to employees regularly scheduled to work 30 or more hours per week, including temporary full-time employees once eligible.

Benefits include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance options
• Life insurance
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• Retirement benefits

Some benefits are employer-paid, while others require employee contributions. Eligibility, enrollment, and coverage are subject to applicable waiting periods, benefit plan terms, and organizational policies.

About CIRI

The Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants (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, CIRI empowers individuals and families to thrive in their communities.