Associate Director of Refugee Programs in Bridgeport, Connecticut at Connecticut Institute For Refu

Location: Connecticut | Compensation: $65,000

Are you looking for a career that’s about more than just a paycheck? At The Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants (CIRI), your work directly empowers refugees and immigrants to overcome barriers and build thriving lives in their new communities. Join a team where your skills, heart, and leadership make a tangible impact every day.

• Meaningful Mission: Contribute to an incredible cause—helping refugees and immigrants achieve self-sufficiency and integration into the community.
• Professional Growth: Be part of a diverse, supportive team that encourages learning, development, and leadership.
• Community Connection: Build lasting relationships with program participants and your colleagues while making a real difference.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Competitive salary, medical/dental/vision/life/403B, 13 paid holidays, 20 PTO days per year, and a strong focus on work/life balance and self-care.
• Student Loan Support: Eligible for the Public Interest Loan Forgiveness Program.

This organization participates in E-Verify.

The Associate Director of Refugee Pograms is a pivotal leader at CIRI, providing strategic and operational support to our Chief Program Officer (CPO) while overseeing core refugee resettlement programs. You’ll ensure high-quality services, supervise program staff, and help coordinate agency-wide initiatives—all while contributing to a mission-driven culture of accountability, collaboration, and impact.

Program Leadership & Staff Supervision

• Lead and support refugee resettlement program staff.
• Ensure programs comply with state, local, and federal regulations.
• Monitor program performance, outcomes, and service quality.
• Support staff development, coaching, and accountability.
• Collaborate with the compliance team to ensure accurate documentation and reporting.

Program Operations & Coordination

• Strengthen internal systems, workflows, and cross-team communication.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and service delivery.
• Implement new initiatives and coordinate across departments.
• Plan and participate in CIRI and State quarterly consultation meetings.

Strategic Support to the Chief Program Officer

• Assist the CPO in planning, prioritizing, and advancing organizational initiatives.
• Prepare reports and materials for internal and external stakeholders.
• Track progress on key projects and ensure follow-through on action items.

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Participate in leadership meetings and organizational planning.
• Foster a culture of accountability, communication, and collaboration.
• Support agency-wide priorities as needed.

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred (Social Work, Public Administration, or related field).
• 3–5+ years of experience in refugee resettlement or human services.
• Prior supervisory or team leadership experience required.
• Strong organizational, project management, and strategic thinking skills.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities.
• Experience in fast-paced, mission-driven environments.

Join the Journey: Empower Lives. Shape Futures. Make your next career move one that truly matters.