Department: Center for New Americans

Reports To: Senior Director, Center for New Americans

Salary Range: $62,354 – $65,000 annually

Status: Full-Time, In-Person, Temporary (12 months)

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Agency Mission 

InterFaith Works affirms the dignity of each person and every faith tradition, builds racial and religious equity, and creates bridges of understanding among us.  

Agency Vision Statement 

InterFaith Works builds bridges of understanding to affirm the dignity of all people in Central New York. Working with the different faith communities and the diversity of the region’s people, we address deeply embedded social divisions. Informed and influenced by the values and ethics of the faith traditions, we work with the community to find common ground on its issues. Using the tools of interfaith and cross-cultural dialogue, we create life-changing experiences that lead to actions for the creation of a more equitable and loving community.   

Center for New Americans Description

InterFaith Works’ Center for New Americans (CNA) started in 1992, resettling newly arriving refugees from areas of the world where war, conflict, and political repression have forced mass relocation of people across the borders of their homeland. Historically, refugees were annually certified by the United Nations, and accepted by the US government, then settled in nearly 200 cities across the county, Syracuse being one of these. Until 2025, CNA provided initial support for the first 90-days beginning with meeting the refugee/family at the airport, delivering them to a pre-secured, furnished and affordable apartment, and providing immediate spending cash, food, and basic safety information. Beginning in 2025, CNA began deepening the support for the ongoing needs of New Americans previously resettled in Central New York through employment, cultural orientation, community integration, educational and ESL enrollment, and healthcare navigation services. Additional CNA programs which extend from three to five years beyond the initial resettlement period include the provision of ongoing, specialized, and intensive case management services, mental health and family wellness services, health literacy and education, maternal and infant health, immigration services, emergency assistance programs, and the facilitation of guided referrals to relevant community resources.

Position Summary

The Capacity Building Manager will play a critical role in strengthening community systems that support vulnerable New Americans in Central New York and across New York State. As federal resources for refugee and immigrant services continue to decline, this role will help develop innovative community-based models of engagement, partnership, and resource development to ensure that New Americans have access to essential health-related social care services.

Working closely with the Senior Director of the Center for New Americans and the Community Engagement Manager, the Capacity Building Manager will lead coalition-building efforts with nonprofit partners, healthcare providers, faith communities, employers, volunteers, and local and state policymakers. The position will focus on mobilizing regional resources, revitalizing community partnerships, and advancing statewide collaboration and advocacy to strengthen support systems for the health-related needs of New Americans. This role will also help facilitate strategic conversations with elected officials and partner organizations to promote health-focused policies, funding, and collaborative solutions that ensure New York State remains a welcoming place where New Americans can thrive. This is a temporary, 12-month position.

Qualifications

  1. Bachelor’s degree in public health, public policy, nonprofit management, social work, international relations, or a related field (Master’s preferred)
  2. 3–5 years of experience in nonprofit program management, community engagement, coalition-building, or advocacy
  3. Demonstrated experience working with diverse communities, including immigrant or refugee populations
  4. Experience facilitating partnerships among nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and community stakeholders
  5. Strong organizational, communication, digital literacy, and facilitation skills
  6. Ability to manage multiple projects and coordinate cross-sector collaborations
  7. Knowledge of refugee resettlement systems, immigration issues, and health-related social care services in Central New York
  8. Experience working with policymakers or engaging in policy advocacy
  1. Multilingual abilities or experience working with multilingual communities preferred
  2. Ability to work independently and be self-directed
  3. Ability to work with a team, share responsibilities, and problem-solve
  4. Flexibility to attend program and agency events in the evening and/or on weekends, as needed
  5. Candidate must have valid NYS driver’s license and reliable transportation
  6. Working conditions and physical demands required:
    1. The demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
    2. Ability to travel regularly throughout the service delivery area (home visits, agency visits, service provider visits etc.) at least 30% of the time using reliable transportation, traversing streets, ascending/descending stairs, and exposed to outside weather conditions.
    3. Remain in a stationary position at a work station and use a computer approximately 70% of the time.
    4. Ability to frequently sit for long periods attending meetings/trainings.

Major Responsibilities

Community Capacity & Coalition Building

  1. Lead efforts to strengthen and mobilize community resources to better meet the health-related social care needs of New Americans in Central New York
  2. Revitalize and coordinate a refugee-focused partnership group, including organizing and facilitating regular partner convenings (10–12 times annually)
  3. Build and maintain strategic partnerships with nonprofit organizations, healthcare providers, public agencies, and community groups serving New Americans
  4. Identify emerging trends, community needs, and opportunities for collaboration among regional stakeholders
  5. Support collective problem solving and resource sharing across organizations to improve service coordination and access to health-related services for refugees and immigrants

Community Engagement & Resource Development

  1. Collaborate with the Community Engagement Manager to expand community support for health access through partnerships with faith communities, local businesses, and volunteer networks
  2. Support initiatives that increase community-based resources such as in-kind donations, volunteer engagement, and financial contributions
  3. Identify and contribute to collaborative funding opportunities and grant initiatives that address the health-related social care needs of New Americans
  4. In partnership with the Health & Wellness Manager, assist in planning and coordinating community-based events such as health fairs and health education sessions for New Americans
  5. Support initiatives that improve access to health education, wellness programs, and health services

Statewide Collaboration & Policy Engagement

  1. Support the Senior Director in engaging relevant partners across New York State to identify best practices and strengthen support systems for the health-related needs of New American communities
  2. Facilitate collaboration efforts with peer organizations in regions with large refugee populations such as Buffalo, Utica, and Rochester
  3. Coordinate and participate in meetings with local, state, and federal elected officials to educate policymakers about the health-related needs of New Americans
  4. Support advocacy efforts related to policies, funding, and programs that protect access to health-related services for refugees and immigrants
  5. Help organize legislative events, including community briefings and legislative breakfasts highlighting health-related needs and access

Evaluation & Reporting

  1. Maintain databases tracking community partnerships, coalition meetings, and advocacy activities
  2. Track outcomes of community convenings, collaborative initiatives, and policymaker engagement
  3. Contribute to evaluation efforts, including conducting focus groups, community partner surveys, and tracking participation in community health events
  4. Assist with preparing reports, presentations, and materials for funders, partners, and stakeholders, as requested
  5. Ensure relevant information and materials are shared with community partners and are made accessible to diverse communities

Agency Support Functions

  1. Attend in-house training and informational conferences, as requested
  2. Collaborate with other IFW staff, interns, and volunteers to improve client services
  3. Participate in staff meetings, case planning meetings, and all staff events
  4. Serve on internal committees to promote general agency concerns and contribute to a positive office climate
  5. Participate in general agency activities such as the ILAD, Building Bridges Festival, Racial Justice Awards, etc.

This Position performs other duties as assigned.

Working conditions and physical demands required:  

The demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job:      

  1. Must have personal vehicle for regular travel throughout the service area; must be able to travel through the service area a significant portion of the time or more using personal, reliable transportation, traversing streets, ascending/descending stairs. Exposure to outside weather conditions is common. 
  2. Working some nights and weekends required  
  3. Must be able to remain in a stationary position at a workstation and use a computer approximately 25-50% of the time 
  4. Must be able to sit for extended periods attending meetings and training sessions. 

To apply:

Please send a cover letter and resume to

Rick Lee at [email protected]