Director of Economic Opportunity

The Context:

The Director of Economic Opportunity (DEO) at Emmaus House is a full-time position responsible for implementing a community-based social service model and expanding our scope of offerings through in-house programs and collaborative agreements.

Since 1967, Emmaus House has worked in and served the residents of Peoplestown and surrounding neighborhoods on Atlanta’s southside. The Peoplestown neighborhood is a historic community less than one mile from Downtown and the State Capitol.

Emmaus House has two strategic priorities. The first is to create a ladder to economic opportunity that leads to financial stability. The second is to provide multigenerational education supporting economic mobility for the next generation. Through these strategies, Emmaus House focuses on holistic well-being, emphasizing six essential elements: emotional health, physical health, meaning and purpose, character strengths, social connectedness, and financial security.

The Opportunity:

Reporting to the Executive Director, the DEO is responsible for continuing and building on our work in the first strategic priority - creating a ladder to economic opportunity that leads to financial stability. Emmaus House seeks a visionary leader and strategic thinker who can help move us forward to increased impact.

The DEO manages The Muriel Lokey Center, a walk-in help center on the Emmaus House campus that provides advocacy and assistance directly or through partnerships. These needs include Georgia IDs, public benefits application assistance, food, emergency financial assistance for rent, utilities, and healthcare expenses. In addition to the Director, the Lokey Center staff includes one full-time case manager, one part-time front desk associate, and several regular volunteers.

Management Responsibilities:

• Manage current staff and volunteers (currently two paid staff and several regular volunteers) and oversee the operations of the Muriel Lokey Center to promote economic well-being for our neighbors in Peoplestown and the surrounding neighborhoods.
  • Recruit, train, and supervise Lokey Center staff and volunteers, providing performance evaluations and timely feedback where appropriate.
  • Supervise the Supports for Success program, a long-term case management program assisting families focused on employment support and economic stabilization.

• Manage Lokey Center program budgets, including grant tracking and compliance.
• Maintain accurate data across all Lokey Center programs, including tracking and reporting services provided and client outcomes.
• Collaborate with the Development Team to attract new funding sources.
• Attend Emmaus House Advisory Board meetings. Follow all Emmaus House, Diocese of Atlanta, and partner policies and procedures, maintain appropriate records, and prepare required reports.

Direct Responsibilities

• Provide direct client case management and program support as part of the service provision team.
  • Programs include Social Security Disability applications, distribution of emergency funds for healthcare, rent or mortgage assistance, utility assistance, and other services.
• Manage the Client-Choice Food Pantry and collaborate with the Atlanta Community Food Bank to develop best practice models for food distribution and benefits assistance.
• Administer the Thanksgiving at Home program, facilitating distribution to over 300 families. Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Strong leadership, organizational, and communications skills.
• At least three to five years of comprehensive program management experience providing social services, including direct service delivery.
• Demonstrate commitment to inclusion and working with people from different cultural, economic, racial, and religious backgrounds around social justice issues.
• Excellent listening and facilitation skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Sense of humor, flexibility, and curiosity.
• Experience working in urban communities.
• Ability to work weekdays, weekends, evenings, and holidays as needed.
• Complete background check according to Diocese of Atlanta policy prior to beginning employment.
• Complete Safeguarding training modules as required by the Diocese of Atlanta.

Preferred Qualifications

• An academic degree in a related field.
• Experience working with religious communities and neighborhood organizations.
• Comfort with public speaking. First Aid and CPR certification
• Familiarity with the Peoplestown community and the City of Atlanta

Compensation

Emmaus House provides a competitive benefits package, including full medical benefits, generous PTO, and a 15% 401(K) contribution. Salary is $60,000 - $65,000, depending on experience.