Executive Director, EMERGE Connecticut

Third Sector New England Executive Director, EMERGE Connecticut US-CT-New Haven Overview OPPORTUNITY EMERGE Connecticut invites a justice-focused, impact-oriented leader to serve as its next Executive Director and guide the organization into its next era of growth and impact. A financially strong, mission-centered social enterprise, EMERGE supports formerly incarcerated people in rebuilding their lives, reconnecting with their families, and contributing to their communities. Through its proven programs, trauma-informed culture, and measurable success, EMERGE has become a respected leader in reentry and workforce development—changing lives and challenging stigma every day. The next Executive Director will inherit a powerful foundation: a trusted reputation, deeply committed and effective staff, and strong community partnerships. This is a rare opportunity to sustain a proven model at a pivotal moment of growth, taking the helm as the organization expands from its successful New Haven base to a new Bridgeport site, and shaping a lasting legacy of hope, equity, and opportunity. Organization Founded in 2011 amid the Great Recession and record incarceration rates, EMERGE was built on a simple but radical belief: that every person deserves a chance to work, heal, and belong. The organization’s dual-service model—paid transitional employment paired with trauma-informed support—helps participants break cycles of recidivism, reclaim their lives, and strengthen their families and communities. Through its Transitional Employment Program, participants work 24 hours each week earning competitive wages in fields such as construction, demolition, landscaping, green infrastructure, urban forestry, stormwater management, and property maintenance. These real-world experiences teach marketable skills and foster a sense of pride and accomplishment. During the remaining 16 hours, participants engage in transformative programming that centers healing and personal growth—addressing trauma, building financial empowerment, strengthening parenting skills, and supporting education and career readiness. The outcomes speak volumes: only 12% of EMERGE participants return to prison within two years (compared to over one-third nationally and almost one-half state-wide), and up to 70% transition to full-time employment—with 82% still working a year later. With an annual operating budget of $2 million, EMERGE maintains strong fiscal health, earning one-third of its revenue through its own commercial activity. Its 18 long-tenured staff members describe the culture as safe, restorative, and supportive—a place where both staff and participants thrive. A growing Board of dedicated members brings deep commitment and governance strength. Headquartered in New Haven, EMERGE is poised to open its second location in Bridgeport before November, extending its reach and deepening its impact across Connecticut. Responsibilities The next Executive Director will facilitate a smooth transition from the current Executive Director of six years and work closely with the Board of Directors to lead and oversee EMERGE’s fiscal, administrative, operational, and program functions in partnership with a devoted, motivated, and highly effective team. The Executive Director also serves as EMERGE’s public face—building relationships with funders, partners, and community stakeholders, elevating the organization’s visibility, and advancing its mission and impact. Priorities for the next Executive Director include both immediate and long-range objectives that strengthen EMERGE’s growth and sustainability. Key Priorities Organizational Management: Support and develop staff, address workload pressures, and balance empathy with structure. Culture and Relationship Building: Strengthen staff morale, attend to emotional well-being, and develop second-line leadership. Fundraising and Sustainability: Diversify and grow revenue, lead relationship-based fundraising, and build staff and board capacity for financial management. Operational Systems and Structures: Strengthen internal systems—HR, IT, finance, and communications—to match EMERGE’s growth. Strategic Planning: Launch a strategic planning process to clarify direction, integrate operations and communications, and ensure Bridgeport sustainability. Public Relations, Communications, and Visibility: Raise EMERGE’s public profile by serving as the organization’s visible leader and storyteller. Advocacy and Systems Change: Deepen EMERGE’s advocacy voice, linking its direct service results to policy change. Core Responsibilities Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director provides overall leadership, strategic direction, administration, and organizational management to ensure that EMERGE fulfills its mission: supporting formerly incarcerated individuals in rebuilding their lives, reconnecting with their families and communities, and breaking cycles of incarceration. Organizational Leadership Serve as the public face and chief ambassador of EMERGE, representing the organization with authenticity and vision. Lead transparent, values-driven communication across all levels of the organization. Encourage full and effective use of EMERGE’s existing systems and infrastructure. Lead growth and development of EMERGE’s second location, thoughtfully managing expansion. Monitor state and national trends in reentry, workforce development, and justice reform; adapt EMERGE’s strategy and programs. Ensure the continued excellence and impact of current programs while fostering innovation to meet evolving community needs. Strengthen financial sustainability by diversifying funding streams and cultivating a culture of philanthropy across staff and board. Staff Leadership Provide leadership and direct supervision of five senior level staff members. Inspire, support, and develop EMERGE’s director-level staff team through coaching, mentoring, and professional growth opportunities. Foster a workplace culture where staff feel trusted, valued, and empowered to lead. Promote trauma-informed, equity-based management practices that prioritize healing, collaboration, and accountability. Board Governance & Engagement Partner with the Board to strengthen its structure, composition, and alignment with EMERGE’s mission and growth. Expand the Board’s size, diversity, and regional representation. Guide the Board’s evolution from a working Board to one focused on strategy, governance, and fundraising. Facilitate opportunities for interactions between the Board and staff members to increase transparency, shared learning, and mutual respect. Engage the Board in strategic planning, fiscal oversight, and resource development to ensure long-term organizational health. #J-18808-Ljbffr