Program Manager — Economic Empowerment & ESL

Connecticut Institute For Refu; Bridgeport (CT); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Life insurance

Paid time off and paid holidays

Retirement benefits

Job summary

The Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants (CIRI) is seeking a Program Manager to oversee the daily operations of our Economic Empowerment programs, including employment services, job placement, workforce development, and ESL instruction.

Reporting to the Associate Director of Economic Empowerment, this hands-on leadership role requires coordinating staff, monitoring performance, and delivering client-centered services to help clients achieve economic stability and self-sufficiency.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in human services, social work, education, business administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of three years of experience in workforce development, employment services, refugee and immigrant services, 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.

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

Skills

Staff supervision

Leadership

Organization

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Grant reporting systems

Job description

The Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants (CIRI) is seeking a Program Manager to oversee the daily operations of our Economic Empowerment programs, including employment services, job placement, workforce development, and ESL instruction.

Reporting to the Associate Director of Economic Empowerment, this hands-on leadership role requires coordinating staff, monitoring performance, and delivering client-centered services to help clients achieve economic stability and self-sufficiency.