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Are you motivated by mission-driven work which creates meaningful change? Are you a creative problem solver with strong communication skills? Do you thrive in a fast-paced and collaborative environment? If this sounds like you, we want you on our team! Please click on job title to view full job description and ‘how to apply’ instructions.
The Welcoming Center is an equal opportunity employer. People of color, immigrants, women, LGBTQ+ candidates, and people from all other underrepresented backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Organization
The Welcoming Center (TWC) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization based in Philadelphia that promotes inclusive economic growth through immigrant integration. To date, TWC has served over 17,000 people from over 150 countries around the world. The Center expects the demand for its services to increase, creating challenges and opportunities over the next several years.
TWC was founded in 2003 by Anne O’Callaghan, an inspirational leader who faced major professional obstacles after she relocated from Ireland to the Philadelphia area. Its purpose was to provide a centralized resource center for immigrants where they could easily access information about ESOL, jobs and establishing small businesses as they started their new lives in the Philadelphia region.
Today, TWC works to open doors of economic opportunity for immigrants of all education and skill levels while building their individual and collective agency to address barriers to integration and wellbeing.
TWC collaborates with its participants, a broad spectrum of organizations, and public and private sector institutions to advance learning, shape policy, and grow the economy.
With the announcement of the current long time President & CEO’s departure in June, The Welcoming Center seeks to hire its third leader.

Position Overview
The President & CEO, with governance from the Board of Directors, Participant Advisory Council (PAC), and input from staff, determines and ensures the execution of the overall organizational vision, strategic direction, operating and fiscal policies to ensure successful fulfillment of TWC’s mission. The new leader will build capacity to deliver on this mission, expand the impact of TWC, and evolve a culture of continuous improvement in the organization. TWC’s impact will increase by improving access to services with an expanded emphasis on low to moderate income adult immigrants with English proficiency and limited social capital in the U.S.

The seminar supported me in achieving my goals in this new country, first by feeling that I am not alone in this new country and second, by connecting to others and being part of a community.
The new CEO will be guided by the Board-approved Strategic Plan Framework – a blueprint for organizational success newly developed by Welcoming Center Participants, Staff, and Board Members. Implementation of the blueprint will result in a continuously developing team of talent; a culture of cohesion, equity, and collaboration; enhanced brand visibility; logistical excellence; and financial sustainability. The President & CEO will oversee a combined annual budget of approximately $2.3M and 17 staff members with responsibility for strategy and growth, fund development, operations, financial integrity, and sustainability. An overarching responsibility will be implementing TWC’s strategic vision while establishing best practices to fulfill TWC’s mission to provide immigrant integration to an ever-expanding group.
Position Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Together with the Board of Directors, senior team and PAC, oversee and implement the new Strategic Plan.
- Create and deliver expanded programs while maintaining financial sustainability.
- Actively embrace best/evidence-based practices while developing an inclusive culture.
- Maintain a working knowledge of significant developments and trends in the field of immigrant integration, economic development, and nonprofit management.
Fiscal/Fiduciary Management/Operations
- Work closely with the Board and senior team in setting and achieving multi-year strategic financial plan targets.
- In conjunction with the COO and Chair of the Finance Committee, ensure full financial transparency by providing regular communication regarding strategic financial plans, budgets, and financial performance to the Board.
- Ensure full compliance and financial stability through sound fiduciary stewardship.
- Coordinate and oversee activities with professional advisors, including legal counsel, auditors, accountants, etc.
Resource Development
- Lead and work closely with the development team and all program areas to continually identify, diversify, and increase funding from city, state, and federal funding streams, foundations, corporate partners and individual donors.
- Serve as the public face of the organization, carrying the message of TWC to various funding communities.
- Bring together Board members, Business Leaders, and Funders to increase financial support for TWC.
Board Governance
- Keep members of the Board apprised of relevant topics affecting the organization; educate and collaborate continually.
- Ensure the proper functioning of all Board Committees.
- Assist the Board in identifying and attracting new Board members.
- Work closely with the Board Chair to provide a stimulating, meaningful experience for all Board members.
External Relations/Communications
- Act as primary point person for information and insight on local and national policies as they relate to TWC’s mission.
- Serve as spokesperson and liaison representing and promoting TWC’s mission and work to the broader community.
- Serve as a thought leader and champion on topics related to immigrant integration.
- Continually identify, build, nurture, and promote new opportunistic communication ideas and partnerships.

Human Resources
- Ensure the organization’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is clear and evident in all operations of TWC.
- Promote the development of an effective talent acquisition and retention strategy supporting the professional growth of employees and establishing TWC as a ‘best place to work’ in the Philadelphia region.
- Motivate the senior team and staff through clear articulation of objectively attainable goals that challenge and engage them as individuals and as a team.
- Provide leadership, direction, and meaningful and timely communication to all staff and volunteers.
- Perform annual evaluation of senior team to assess performance and ensure appropriate alignment with TWC’s strategic and operational goals.
Critical Skills/Qualifications
- Passion for TWC’s mission.
- Demonstrated knowledge of and interest in the issues, trends, opportunities, and challenges facing the immigrant integration, economic development, and nonprofit management.
- Proven fundraiser, comfortable building relationships and asking for financial support from a variety of sources.
- Ability to build, proactively nurture, and maintain networks of credible contacts and relationships.
- Proven ability to “knit together” cross functional teams.
- Demonstrated ability to energize and mobilize stakeholders to create and implement a financially sustainable best practices model to advance the organization’s mission.
- Innovative leadership experience in a corporate setting and/or in a non-profit environment.
- Experience working with a Board of Directors. Strong skills in corporate governance.
- Ability to stay focused on mission and comfortable saying no.
- Ability to understand and work with diverse constituencies and multiple viewpoints.
- An engaging, inspiring, humble leader. Possesses high emotional intelligence, curiosity, and exceptional communication skills.
- Collaborative, creative style with strong business acumen.
- Technology and analytics enthusiast.
- Empathetic and focused problem-solver with a sense of humor.
Contact Information
Criterion Search Group, Inc. administrator@criterionsg.com www.criterionsg.com
The Welcoming Center values diversity, equity and inclusion and is committed to equal opportunity for all persons regardless of age, color, disability, ethnicity, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.
FLSA Classification
Exempt
Reports to
Director of Workforce Development
Direct-Reports
None
Effective Date
February 2023
Summary
The Career Specialist is a full-time position on The Welcoming Center’s (TWC) Workforce Development team and plays an integral role in relationship management with program staff, participants, and external employer and training program stakeholders. In collaboration with program staff/directors/volunteers, the Career Specialist facilitates group training sessions and guides individual participants in planning for short- and long-term career goals. The Specialist also supports cross-programmatic coaching efforts, including, but not limited to, the International Professionals Program (IPP), ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) for Job Search, and individual participant coaching. The Specialist will coordinate, develop, and deliver career-related workshops and seminars that are consistent with TWC participants’ career interests and responsive to employer and/or other job training program demands. The Specialist contributes to maintaining coaching standards as a part of overall workforce strategy and program design.
The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant field. They will have a minimum of two (2) years of experience in job placement, teaching job search/career readiness skills, creating career development plans, screening applications, interviewing and hiring. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of one (1) year demonstrated experience or equivalent training in career counseling, career pathway development, or one-on-one job search coaching. Plus, a minimum of one (1) year of experience in workshop facilitation or giving presentations. Possess a strong connection to immigrant and refugee communities and/or communities of color. The candidate should be bilingual and/or have experience working with adult English Language Learners (ELLs).
A successful candidate for the Career Specialist position will operate effectively in a dynamic, fast-paced, and sometimes ambiguous non-profit environment; embrace diverse opinions and viewpoints; and operate from an asset-based perspective. We’re seeking someone who will strive for quality in program delivery and outcomes without sacrificing attention to individual participant needs. This role requires strong interpersonal, time management, organizational, and administrative skills as well as the ability to professionally engage external relationships with employer partners and job training programs. An ability to interact with a wide variety of people from different backgrounds with cultural competency and respect and a commitment to quality is a must.
How to apply
Please send cover letter and resume to jobs@welcomingcenter.org with subject line: Career Specialist.
For consideration, applicants must submit a cover letter and resume tailored to the job posting.
Application deadline: March 17, 2023
JOB DESCRIPTION
Essential Functions
Professional Development
- In all duties, demonstrates a commitment to organizational core values which uplift the skills, experience, and aspirations of program participants and recognize their role as agents of the change they seek.
- Maintains familiarity with relevant resources to assist participants with their job searches in a variety of professional and non-professional fields.
- Demonstrate excellent communication and time management skills that can serve as a model to program participants. Manage communication with individual participants, cohort groups, and team members as a part of program delivery. Guide participants through communication challenges with great sensitivity as they adapt to US workforce culture.
- Assist in the adaptation and maintenance of coaching standards based in best practices for English Language Learners (ELLs). Provide support and guidance to program staff in putting these standards into practice.
Individual and Group Coaching
- Provide coaching to participants on resources for job search or accredited job training programs and future professional success
- Use best practices for individual coaching.
- Ability to have participants recognize transferable skills across fields. Including but not limited to career exploration, decision making as well as tactical skills such as resume and cover letter writing, interviewing, networking, and application preparation.
- Deliver constructive critiques and guidance to strengthen various aspects of participants’ job search.
- Learn participant’s education level, work history, interests and goals and suggest potential career paths, networking, volunteer, and other opportunities.
- Identify career goals with our program participants and create a plan for how to achieve those goals.
- Coaching participants through available experiential learning opportunities (when appropriate) and resources, such as volunteer work and internships/fellowships. This may include the Immigrant Fellowship Program, which is a collaboration with the City of Philadelphia and private industry to provide meaningful, paid work experience to IPP grads.
- Refer participants as necessary to TWC student support resources and/or other organizations.
- Support programming through classroom participation and some facilitation such as IPP and ESOL for Job Search that is consistent with the goals of the curriculum and responsive to the needs of English Language Learners (ELLs).
- In collaboration with TWC staff, alumni, employers, volunteers, etc., assist in coordinating, developing, and delivering career-related workshops and seminars that are consistent with TWC participants’ career interests and responsive to employer and/or other job training program demands.
Strengthen TWC Relationships/Partnership
- In coordination with the directors and program manager, maintain records and relationships with various job training programs and employers as hiring partners, volunteers, content experts, internship and fellowship resources and other roles which uphold the value of immigrants in the workforce.
- Collaborate with other TWC staff regarding participant goals, progress, and employment opportunities/career pathways. Establish and maintain connections with other TWC programs and staff that strengthen workforce development support organization-wide.
- Coordinate volunteers and alumni to support workforce development classes and workshops,
- Work collaboratively with volunteers who provide classroom and individual assistance to participants.
- Assisting in alumni community building efforts through outreach, communication, planning activities, and long-term support.
Administrative duties
- As part of outreach, intake, and program administration, collect data from participants, volunteers, and employers with high attention to detail, privacy, and data integrity for all workforce development programming and services.
- Keep current records in Salesforce and other platforms for all participants and programming details. Provide data to external funders and internal Directors as requested.
- Assist with creating monthly reports of data from participants, not limited to, job placements, first-hand experiences, and employer connections.
Competencies
- Thorough understanding of human resources recruitment/onboarding or career coaching/counseling practices, techniques, and theories. Attend related continued education opportunities for professional development such as associations, meetings, conferences. Ability to share knowledge, expertise, and learnings with colleagues and participants.
- Culturally competent; an awareness of, and respect for, cultural differences
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills and demonstrated experience working with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
- Strong intuition and an ability to adapt to intercultural communication, presenting both a professional and approachable demeanor. Excellent listening skills, allowing for language and culture differences in communication. Ability to empathize.
- Demonstrate an integrated approach to coaching and rapport-building; be able to have discussions with participants about a full range of interests and needs and refer participants to appropriate resources, as necessary.
- Excellent verbal, written, and telephone communication skills. Comfortable adapting communication style to a diverse range of participants. Demonstrated evidence of ability to navigate conversations which may be difficult due to language, culture, and other circumstances which may lead to misunderstanding. Experience working with ELLs desirable.
- Demonstrated initiative and creativity in program and workshop planning and implementation, especially regarding participant outreach, job search, and events involving employers and alternative job training programs.
- Strong commitment to the core values of community, collaboration, imaginative thinking and taking an asset-based, participant-centered approach.
- Commitment to inter-team communication and cohesiveness and sustaining a supportive and collegial culture during programmatic changes and growth. Willingness to be a part of a team where everyone’s highest and best work is a goal.
- Ability to externally share information and promote the program in outreach efforts to local institutions, organizations, community groups and potential employer partners.
- Availability to share evening and occasional weekend hours with fellow teammates (evening hours until 7:30 up) for programming and rendering workforce development services.
- Highly organized and detail-oriented with an ability to see projects through to completion and effectively communicate updates to supervisor, colleagues, and staff across programs. Ability to manage files and data in consistent ways so that file-sharing is efficient.
- Strong computer skills, including an understanding of cloud-based computer platforms. Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite and SharePoint, Salesforce, LinkedIn, and other job- seeking online tools, and remote learning tools.
Supervisory responsibilities
- None
Work environment
- A dynamic, fast-paced, and sometimes ambiguous non-profit environment
- Operates in a professional hybrid office environment involving in-person and virtual work. This role routinely uses standard office equipment and virtual platforms such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom.
- Travel is required when representing the organization at various offsite events including but not limited to partner and satellite sites BOK Building (South Philly) and PATH@1919 (Northeast Philly).
Physical demands
- Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
- Prolonged periods of standing and facilitation in a classroom setting.
- Must be able to lift 5-10 pounds at times.
Required education and experience
- Bachelor’s degree required in human resources, business, intercultural communication, education, or other relevant field.
- Minimum of 2 years of experience in workforce development or human resources such as job placement, teaching job search/career readiness skills, creating career development plans, screening applications, interviewing and hiring.
- Minimum of 1 year demonstrated experience or equivalent training in career pathway development or one-on-one job search coaching.
- Minimum of 1 year demonstrated ability to effectively facilitate workshops or give presentations.
- Lived or working experience with immigrant and refugee communities and/or communities of color.
- Experience working with English Language Learners desirable.
- Bilingual ability is a plus, though not required.
Affirmative Action/EEO statement
- The Welcoming Center does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.
- The Welcoming Center will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities unless doing so would result in an undue hardship. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.
Other duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Salary range
$50,000 – $53,000 annually based on skills and qualifications
How to apply
Please send cover letter and resume to jobs@welcomingcenter.org with subject line: Career Specialist.
For consideration, applicants must submit a cover letter and resume tailored to the job posting.
Application deadline: March 17, 2023
FLSA Classification: Contractor, Part-time, 1099
Reports to: The Welcoming Center – Entrepreneurship Program Manager
Effective Date: February 2023
Contract Summary
This is a one-year part-time opportunity funded by the Philadelphia Department of Commerce and administered by The Welcoming Center to support the Association of Mexican Business Owners of Philadelphia. The Commercial Corridor Manager will support small-business owners along 9th street and its immediate surroundings in South Philadelphia.
Organizations
The Welcoming Center‘s (TWC) mission is to promote inclusive economic growth through immigrant integration. We seek to open doors of economic opportunity for immigrants of all education and skill levels and to build immigrants’ individual and collective agency to address barriers to integration and well-being. TWC is based in Philadelphia, and can be found online at: www.welcomingcenter.org.
Association of Mexican Business Owners of Philadelphia
The Association of Mexican Business Owners of Philadelphia is a group of immigrant merchants, whose mission is to support Latinx businesses to acquire tools, skills, and representation to promote their advancement in order to foster economic development in our community and the city of Philadelphia. For more information about the Association of Mexican Business Owners, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/aemphilly
Essential Functions
- Conduct outreach to businesses along the 9th street commercial corridor and immediate surrounding area
- Serve as a key point of contact for business owners looking for help navigating City services and regulations
- One on one assistance to businesses with translations of documents and interpretation services to support business owners’ needs
- Establish and maintain community partnerships with Puentes de Salud, Juntos, Widener SBDC, The Merchants Fund, and others.
- Support business owners with applications to City programs and grant opportunities
- Establish a strong relationship with the Association of Mexican Business Owners of Philadelphia and assist as needed in building capacity, including promotional efforts, event planning and management of their social media accounts
- Coordinate with partner organizations to deliver workshops for business owners in Spanish and English
- Build and update a database of vetted professional service providers for small businesses
- Manage funds for corridor improvements and events
Skills & Qualifications
- Bilingual and bicultural (Spanish/English – speaking, reading and writing)
- Passion and dedication to the community
- Previous experience creating social media content or managing social media
- Experience working with small businesses, preferred experience working with Spanish-speaking or immigrant communities
- Strong oral and written communication skills
- Proactive and outgoing, self-starter with experience working independently and in diverse teams
- Flexibility with work environment
- Basic computer skills (MS Word, Excel, Canva)
Compensation – $ 20/hr.
Schedule – 20 weekly hours, mornings with occasional weekends
Location – 9th Street Commercial Corridor in South Philadelphia and immediate surroundings
This is a contract position with no benefits. To apply, please send your resume and a cover letter to jobs@welcomingcenter.org with the subject “Commercial Corridor Manager”
We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and identities, including those of any age, race, religion, gender, ability, or sexual orientation.
FLSA Classification
Exempt
Salary Grade/Level/Family/Range
Administration
Reports To
Chief Operating Officer
Direct Reports
Office Manager
Effective Date
January 3, 2023
Job Description
Summary/objective
The Director of Administrative Services and Human Resources will lead, oversee, and direct the routine functions and staff responsible for the Welcoming Center’s administrative, human resources, and information technology services. Administrative responsibilities will include supporting tasks administratively and financially that will ensure the Welcoming Center and its facilities have the staff and resources needed to operate smoothly and efficiently while overseeing the information technology department and its needs. Human Resources responsibilities will include hiring and interviewing staff, administering pay, benefits, leave, and guiding company policies and practices.
Essential functions
Administrative Duties:
- Collaborates with all management staff to identify and deliver the required administrative support operations for the Welcoming Center.
- Drafts and distributes statistical reports, analysis, and exhibits to company stakeholders and when required, to regulatory and government agencies.
- Maintains the Welcoming Center’s administrative policies and procedures manual.
- Serves as a member of the Welcoming Center’s key administrative decision-making and planning body.
- Collaborates with other management staff to draft and implement an annual administrative budget.
- Oversees the acquisition, distribution, and storage of supplies and shared support services such as mailing, printing, and copying; security; and cleaning and maintenance.
- Prepares, negotiates, analyzes, and reviews contracts for equipment, supplies, materials, services, and products.
- Ensures that buildings, equipment, and supplies are maintained and serviced.
- Identifies opportunities for cost savings, better efficiency, or other improvements; recommends and implements policy or process changes as appropriate.
- Helps prepare documents for Board meetings and other meetings as requested.
Financial Duties:
- Coordinates and works with the organization’s accountants and auditors to ensure all financial reports, including the annual audit, are prepared as prescribed and submitted by the dates required, keeping all financial information in a confidential and locked area.
- Makes bank deposits as well as maintains current signatures for bank accounts.
- Keeps track of and reviews credit card expenses, check signing, PayPal withdrawals, contract invoicing, and insurance audits.
Human Resource Duties:
- Partners with the leadership team to understand and execute the Welcoming Center’s human resource and talent strategy particularly as it relates to current and future talent needs, recruiting, retention, and succession planning.
- Provides support and guidance to management and other staff when complex, specialized, and sensitive questions and issues arise; may be required to administer and execute routine tasks in delicate circumstances such as providing reasonable accommodations, investigating allegations of wrongdoing, and terminations.
- Plans, leads, develops, coordinates, and implements policies, processes, training, initiatives, and surveys to support the organization’s human resource compliance and strategy needs.
- Administers or oversees the administration of human resource programs including, but not limited to, compensation, benefits, and leave; disciplinary matters; disputes and investigations; performance and talent management; productivity, recognition, and morale; occupational health and safety; and training and development.
- Conducts research and analysis of organizational trends, compensation, and benefits including review of reports and metrics from the organization’s human resource information system (HRIS) or talent management system to ensure the organization attracts and retains top talent.
- Maintains compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, and recommended best practices; reviews policies and practices to maintain compliance.
- Maintains knowledge of trends, best practices, regulatory changes, and new technologies in human resources, talent management, and employment law.
- Handles new hire orientation, including introduction to office procedures assures requisite paperwork is completed, including securing office building ID and payroll enrollment, explains time-sheet procedure, transit checks procurement, and time-off requests.
- Responsible for executing 401(k) plan enrollment, bi-monthly contributions, and Form 5500 reporting requirements.
- Implements, manages, and maintains record keeping, confidential personnel files.
- Board liaison to the Human Capital Committee.
Competencies
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Strong leadership and supervisory skills.
- Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate.
- Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
- Thorough knowledge of employment-related laws and regulations.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
- Proficiency with or the ability to quickly learn the organization’s HRIS and talent management systems.
- Thorough understanding of, or ability to quickly learn, the office equipment, recordkeeping systems, and related protocols used in the organization.
Supervisory responsibilities
- Recruits, interviews, hires, and trains new staff in the administrative, human resources, and information technology departments.
- Oversees the daily workflow of the departments.
- Provides constructive and timely performance evaluations.
- Handles discipline and termination of employees in accordance with company policy.
Work environment
- Operates in a professional office environment or remotely. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets
Physical demands
- Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
- Must be able to lift 5-10 pounds at times.
Preferred education and experience
- Lived experience from immigrant and refugee communities and/or communities of color highly desired.
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
- A minimum of three years of human resource management experience preferred.
- A minimum of three years of administration experience in a supervisory capacity preferred.
- SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP highly desired.
Affirmative Action/EEO statement
- The Welcoming Center does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.
- The Welcoming Center will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities unless doing so would result in an undue hardship. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.
Other duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Compensation
This is a full-time salaried position, with benefits (medical, paid time off).
Salary: $67,000 – $70,000, commensurate with experience.
Please submit a cover letter and resume to jobs@welcomingcenter.org by March 27, 2023. No calls please.