Youth Coordinator

Children & Youth Services Coordinator

Full-Time | Bridgeport, CT | $44,000/year

Join a mission that changes lives.

For over 50 years, the Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants (CIRI) has helped individuals and families rebuild their lives after war, persecution, and displacement. As a statewide nonprofit, we work alongside refugees and immigrants to overcome legal, economic, linguistic, and social barriers so they can thrive as self-sufficient, contributing members of our community.

Now, we’re looking for a Children & Youth Services Coordinator to help young refugees and their families navigate new schools, new systems, and new beginnings.

Why You’ll Love Working at CIRI

• A workplace rooted in diversity, compassion, and purpose
  
• Supportive teammates who care deeply about our mission and each other
  
• Eligible employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
  
• Competitive benefits package including:
  
  • Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and 403(b) plan
    
  • 13 paid holidays 20 days of paid time off
    
  • A culture that honors work/life balance and promotes self-care
    
• Deep, long-term community connections — you’ll see your impact grow over time
  

What You’ll Do

As part of CIRI’s Refugee Services team, you’ll coordinate educational and enrichment programming for refugee children and youth, helping them succeed in school and beyond.

Your work will include:

• Serving as a bridge between families and schools, ensuring smooth enrollment and meaningful communication
  
• Coordinating with case managers, mentors, and educators to provide holistic, culturally responsive support
  
• Organizing school readiness workshops and orientation sessions for parents and students
  
• Supporting schools in understanding refugee experiences and best practices for working with multilingual learners
  
• Leading CIRI’s Refugee Summer Academy — an academic and enrichment program that helps kids thrive in a fun, supportive environment
  
• Managing after-school and youth engagement programs like Homework Groups, Boys & Girls Clubs, and the Explorer’s Club
  
• Tracking program outcomes and maintaining accurate records for funders and internal evaluation
  

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in education, social work, social services, international studies, or related field
  
• At least one year of experience supporting children and youth — ideally in multicultural or refugee/immigrant settings
  
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills with both youth and adults
  
• Culturally sensitive, patient, and adaptable — comfortable working across languages and lifestyles
  
• Organized, self-directed, and able to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment
  
• Proficient in Microsoft Office; experience with databases a plus
  
• Valid driver’s license, reliable car, and ability to work occasional evenings/weekends
  
• Bonus: Experience with high school students, trauma-informed practices, or fluency in Swahili, French, or Tigrinya