Manager, Economic Opportunity - Church World Service

Overview:

Church World Service (CWS) is a not-for-profit, faith-based organization transforming communities around the globe through just and sustainable solutions to hunger, poverty, displacement and disaster. CWS does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, gender identity, genetic information, age, disability, or veteran status in employment or in the provision of services.

About CWS:

Imagine waking up every morning with the chance to change someone's life. Imagine knowing your efforts will benefit both your career and our neighbors around the world. At CWS, our team knows they are making a difference every day. Whether you're in our U.S.-based offices supporting refugees, asylees or unaccompanied children ... implementing hygiene initiatives in Cambodia or rebuilding projects in Central America ... or even connecting remotely from your home on fundraising campaigns, grant reports, or critical communications - you have the opportunity to work towards a world where everyone has food, a voice and a safe place to call home. 

Purpose:

The Economic Empowerment Program Manager directs and oversees the satisfactory implementation of programs intended to foster refugees’ and other eligible immigrants’ integration in the workforce in the south-central PA community. The position coordinates programs across two areas, each overseen by a CWS supervisor: Job Readiness (programs that support client learning and understanding of the U.S. job market; assist client’s in connecting to career-specific training and ESL learning programs; and coordinate closely with local County Assistance Offices to support the enrollment of new referrals, preparing them to enter job placement programming when eligible) and Job Placement Services (Refugee Social Services-RSS and Matching Grant- MG; supporting the placement of newcomers in job opportunities throughout the central-PA area). This position ensures coordination among the different components of integration programs and with community partners, ensures compliance with program requirements as established by program funders, and identifies and pursues new funding opportunities to grow the portfolio of CWS available economic empowerment services.  

Responsibilities:

Program Management Duties:

• Coordinates the implementation of all programs under the Economic Empowerment services area, including work readiness, employment, and workforce development programs.
• Provides guidance and monitors compliance with program guidelines under Economic Empowerment programs, including sub-grantee partners.
• Conducts annual monitoring of sub-grantee partners and provides a summary report of findings, conducting follow-up spot checks as needed.  Provides training and technical assistance support throughout program service period.
• Conducts random sample reviews of client case notes and case files to ensure quality and timeliness of service provision and fulfillment of documentation requirements.
• Prepares for and participates in on-site monitoring visits with the Lancaster Office Director, Associate Director for Integration, and program area supervisors.
• Addresses emergency situations as they arise and mediates conflict as necessary, including follow-up with clients and community partners.
• Completes required funder reports, coordinating with team members to ensure proper tracking and reporting of activities.
• Attends trainings and conferences as needed.
• Develops and nurtures relationships with refugee service providers and other community partners at the local level to increase integration opportunities for refugees, presenting the program to employers, local school districts, state health clinics, state refugee coordinator’s office, medical providers, and other relevant service providers.
• Provides technical assistance and cultural sensitivity training to internal and community providers to build their capacity to serve unique populations.

Grant Management:

• Prepares grant proposals and gives input to budgets for the RSS, MG, EEP, and CPEL programs.
• Identifies new areas of need and potential funding opportunities to strengthen programming under the economic empowerment area.
• Acquires accurate information, writes, assembles, and submits well-developed and concise grant applications and proposals to potential funders.

Supervisory Duties:

• Coordinates and oversees the work of the Employment Outreach, Job Placement and Job Readiness Supervisor, whose teams comprise the Economic Empowerment program. Oversees other staff as needed.
• Leads the CWS Lancaster Economic Empowerment Services team in conducting all duties in a culturally/linguistically/gender-sensitive manner and in respect of DEI norms of conduct as established by CWS.
• Guides and assists program supervisors in staff management matters.
• Provides area supervisors with ongoing coaching, mentoring, training, feedback and guidance to improve performance, and completes annual performance evaluations.
• Promotes teamwork across program areas, by improving communication, fostering collaboration on overlapping tasks, and optimizing results across areas in a synergistic way.
• Manages the workload of supervisors and their teams, and delegates responsibilities.
• Works with CWS Lancaster Associate Director for Integration and CWS HQ program liaisons to provide ongoing training to staff on program updates and service requirements.
• Communicates regularly with the CWS Lancaster Associate Director for Integration on matters pertaining to the Refugee Services programs.

Common Duties:

• Develops and maintain a strong understanding of current refugee and immigrant issues via trainings, webinars, media, and others, using current information to better serve clients and to educate the broader community about refugees and immigrants.  
• Advocates on behalf of refugees, immigrants, and refugee-serving voluntary agencies. 
• Attends and supports key CWS Lancaster activities and events, including World Refugee Day, Community & Volunteer Appreciation events, and the Extraordinary Give.  

• Attends local and national training conferences as instructed by the Associate Director.
• Raises awareness about immigration and refugee issues and increases CWS Lancaster’s visibility in the community through speaking engagements.
• Assists the office’s efforts to build relationships with local and regional funders and support grant writing and submission for program area. 
• Regularly assess opportunities for volunteer and/or community engagement in program area; build robust and comprehensive community relationships with individuals, organizations, businesses and non-profits to ensure continued support for refugees and immigrants. 
• Assists Associate Director for Integration in any duties he/she deems necessary. Undertake other duties as assigned.
• Work varied hours including some night and weekend work.

Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree. Master’s degree in related field and knowledge of refugee language is preferred.

 

 

Experience: Minimum 6 years of experience in the field of direct services working with immigrant and refugee communities. Have a demonstrated commitment to excellence with a track record that includes close attention to detail, strong project coordination and problem-solving skills, strong communication skills including in-person networking, and writing skills and a high degree of cultural competency.

 

At least 2 years of personnel management experience is required.

Must have valid driver’s license and clean driving record.

Must be comfortable with public speaking and representing CWS programs in meetings and facilitating trainings.

 

 

Other Skills: Superior written and verbal communication skills are required.

The successful candidate must be highly computer literate, with proficiency in Microsoft Excel as well as basic MS Office functionality and high capacity in internet-based research.

Benefits :CWS offers a competitive benefits package that includes:    - 403 (b) Retirement Plan                                               - Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance                                                  - Generous Paid Time Off (18 Paid Days Off; 24 Days after 2 Years)  - 14 Official Holidays  - 12 Sick Days Off (Accrued monthly)                                      - Life Insurance and AD&D                                             - Long Term and Short-Term Disability                                                  - Employee Assistance Program (EAP)                                                 - Health Savings Account                                               - Flexible Spending Accounts      - Commuter Benefits