Community Engagement Program Manager

About this role

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

Job Overview The Kansas Office for Refugees (KSOR) serves as a “Replacement Designee” for the state of Kansas, administering the Refugee Cash and Medical Assistance (CMA) program and Refugee Support Services (RSS) program in accordance with the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) regulations, through the KSOR office, based in Wichita.

Beginning in FY2026, ORR awarded RSS grants directly to the State of Kansas government. The Community Engagement Prom Manager (CEPM) will support the KSOR Director and Deputy Director (DD) in planning, implementing, and managing changes to a state-centric model of refugee resettlement. This role will also coordinate communication and foster collaboration with the State of Kansas, KSOR departments, and external partners.

In addition, KSOR responds to community needs by coordinating and supporting various events, including stakeholder meetings, quarterly consultation meetings, community forums, partner coordination meetings, and training sessions with guest speakers. As part of the KSOR team, the CEPM is responsible for helping plan and/or support stakeholders in executing these events. They also manage strategic outreach efforts to ensure all relevant stakeholders are engaged.

The CEPM supports the integration of refugees, asylees, and other immigrants by leading initiatives that leverage the power of welcoming communities. They work closely with the Senior Management Team to coordinate community outreach, build effective relationships, and connect clients with community-based resettlement resources through collaboration, research, evaluation, and partnership building. The CEPM's responsibilities also include coordinating resettlement efforts for ORR-eligible populations outside traditional resettlement provider service areas. This position reports to the Deputy Director (DD).

This position is expected to end September 30, 2027.

Major Responsibilities: Technical Support: • Support strategic planning and implementation of the RSS program transition to the State of Kansas.

• Ensure effective communication and coordination throughout the process.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for KSOR to the State of Kansas and act as a liaison regarding the RSS portfolio.

• Serve as a key resource for interpreting Kansas State and Federal policy and regulatory changes impacting RSS program operations.

Community Partnerships: • Develop and execute a robust community engagement strategy that supports the well-being of local communities and ORR-eligible populations in Kansas in collaboration. This strategy will focus on fostering refugee integration in collaboration with the State of Kansas, businesses, civil society organizations, and faith-based groups.  

• Work closely with resettlement providers to ensure ORR-eligible populations have access to essential services by leading the development of a streamlined referral process for benefits and available resources.

• Plan, implement, and collaborate with local actors to amplify messaging about refugee resettlement and how community members can support refugee and immigrant newcomers in Kansas.

• Increase community engagement through outreach, training, and representing KSOR at local meetings.

• Intervene in areas of the state where access to services and benefits is becoming a concern.

• Keep KSOR leadership informed of new developments, opportunities, and barriers  

• Lead in organizing and promoting participation in all events, including coordinating logistics.

Other: • Manage and curate the KSOR website, newsletters, and other communication resources.

• Support the development of all State grant-related reports. 

• Lead the development and execution of the KSOR communication plan.

• Maintain the current and detailed knowledge of services available to ORR-eligible populations in Kansas.

• Coordinate local community resources and respond to requests for assistance from stakeholders, including troubleshooting local refugee-related issues.

• Participate in community events supporting refugee integration.

• Perform other related duties and activities as appropriate.

Job Requirements: • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university preferred.

• 2-3 years of related professional experience.

• Experience with website maintenance.

• Flexible work attitude and ability to meet unexpected demands.

• Prior volunteer or professional experience in community development or volunteer coordination strongly preferred.

• Experience working with refugee and/or immigrant populations strongly preferred.

• Strong relationship building, diplomacy, and networking skills; ability to effectively build internal and external relationships.

• Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively in a multi-cultural environment.

• Self-starter with excellent problem-solving skills combined with the proven ability to multi-task, prioritize duties, and manage time effectively.

• Self-direction and initiative, when needed, to take the lead and to follow through to completion.

• Fluent in English, both spoken and written;

• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook); ability to use the internet and other digital

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