Executive Director, EMERGE Connecticut

Overview

OPPORTUNITY

EMERGE Connecticut (EMERGE) invites a justice-focused, impact-oriented leader to serve as its next Executive Director (ED) 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 ED 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 ROLE

The next Executive Director will facilitate a smooth transition from the current ED 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 ED 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 ED include both immediate and long-range objectives that strengthen EMERGE’s growth and sustainability.

 

PRIORITIES

Organizational Management

Strong organizational management is essential. The ED will support and develop staff, address workload pressures, and balance empathy with structure—leading a people-centered organization with clarity, accountability, empathy, and care.

 

Culture and Relationship Building

The ED must begin by listening, learning, and earning trust. EMERGE’s trauma-informed, peer-led culture is central to its success. The new leader will strengthen staff morale, attend to emotional well-being, and develop second-line leadership to ensure stability and shared ownership.

 

Fundraising and Sustainability

Financial stability is an urgent focus. The next ED will diversify and grow revenue, lead relationship-based fundraising, and build staff and board capacity for financial management. Sustaining EMERGE’s social enterprise and mission programs will require balancing innovation with fiscal resilience.