Community Development Director Jobs in Avon, CT (NOW HIRING)

Description

Full-Time Exempt position

$90,000 to $100,000 per year; depending on experience

BASIC FUNCTION:

Reporting to the President & CEO, the Senior Director of Energy & Community Programs provides strategic leadership and oversight for assigned community-based programs and services, including Family Development, Energy Assistance, Elderly Services, and other programs as assigned. The position also supports the effective use of case management systems and program databases to ensure accurate documentation, data integrity, reporting, and service coordination across assigned programs.

The Senior Director is responsible for ensuring program excellence through strong leadership in program performance, compliance, quality assurance, data analysis, contract management, and resource development. The position works collaboratively with agency leadership to strengthen service delivery, improve outcomes, ensure regulatory compliance, and advance the organization's mission and strategic priorities. This leader is expected to be self-driven, highly responsive, and an effective communicator who fosters a supportive team environment and empowers staff to achieve shared goals.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide high-level oversight of community-based programs (i.e. Elderly Services, Energy Assistance, Family Development, etc.) across multiple sites, ensuring exceptional and consistent service delivery.
• Direct, supervise, and mentor program directors and assigned staff in a multi-site structure.
• Promote coordination and integration across agency programs to improve customer access, service delivery, and organizational effectiveness. 
• Drive program planning efforts by analyzing trends, community needs, customer feedback, and service outcomes.
• Foster a customer-focused culture rooted in accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Support staff development and succession planning strategies.
• Monitor program outcomes, contractual requirements, and regulatory compliance, leading quality assurance activities and implementing corrective actions when necessary.
• Identify operational challenges and lead continuous improvement efforts to enhance program effectiveness and efficiency.
• Champion the effective use of case management systems and databases to ensure accuracy, accountability, and coordinated service delivery. 
• Partner with leadership on budget development, fiscal oversight, and fiscal stewardship.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with funders, community partners, government agencies, and other key stakeholders.
• Represent the agency at community events, committees, and external meetings.
• Identify opportunities for program expansion, strategic partnerships, and alternative funding streams.
• Partner with the Research, Development and Planning Department on community needs assessment, strategic initiatives, grant development, performance reporting, and program sustainability.
• Support organizational initiatives, special projects, and other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in human services, Social Work, Public Administration, Business Administration, Nonprofit Management, or a related field required or equivalent professional experience.
• Master's degree preferred.
• Experience:
• Five or more years of progressively responsible leadership experience in nonprofit, community-based, human services, energy assistance, elderly services, or related programs.
• Experience overseeing multiple programs, contracts, or service areas preferred.
• Experience with program compliance, performance management, reporting, and staff supervision.

Job Skills:

• Strong leadership, supervisory, and team development skills.
• Knowledge of program administration, contract management, and regulatory compliance.
• Ability to analyze data, identify trends, and drive performance improvement.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships with staff, funders, partners, and community stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to be self-motivated, responsive, and supportive of team success.
• Demonstrated commitment to serving vulnerable and low-income populations.
• Ability to travel between agency locations and community sites as needed.

Licenses/Certifications:

• Valid Connecticut driver's license and access to privately maintained vehicle
• Mandated Reporter Certification

  Benefits Include:

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• 401(k) with matching contributions
• Vacation Time
• Personal Time
• Sick Time
• Holiday Pay

New Opportunities' mission is to improve the quality of life for economically disadvantaged individuals by providing the necessary resources to increase their standard of living, foster self-improvement, and maximize self-empowerment.

New Opportunities Inc. is the community action agency that serves Waterbury, Meriden, Torrington and 22 surrounding Connecticut towns. We offer a variety of social service programs designed to eliminate poverty and assist people in need.

Headquartered in Waterbury and the cities fourth largest employer, New Opportunities has additional offices in Meriden, Torrington, Danbury and Thomaston for the convenience of those they serve. Annually, more than 61,000 individuals benefit from programs offered at this agency, guided by the New Opportunities staff who helped them find the way to meet their needs.

In accordance with the mission of New Opportunities, the Agency aims to increase the self-sufficiency of its customers and support their move out of poverty toward a more middle-class lifestyle.

In 1964, the Agency incorporated as a private non-profit corporation in the State of Connecticut and is a tax-exempt 501 (c) (3) organization. With an annual budget for 2014 in excess of $41 million dollars, New Opportunities administers more than 50 social service programs targeted to the low-income, elderly and disabled communities.

While the range of programs is broad, they fall into one or more of the following categories:

• Energy Assistance
• Fatherhood Initiative
• Child Welfare and Family Development Services
• Early Childhood Education Programs
• Elderly Services
• Homeless Shelter and Transitional Housing
• Ex-Offender Programs and Re-entry Services

EOE/AA/Veteran/Disability