Blogs

The Lives They Lived, an annual New York Times Magazine feature, is devoted this year to the stories of 12 children killed by gun violence.

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/16/insider/gun-violence-children.html

Alexandra Miller, consultant  01/23/2023

Tucked into an unassuming brick building in East Rock, a New Haven startup is fighting to replace the global recycling system. Protein Evolution, founded in 2021, has been quietly developing a new way to recycle plastic. It thinks it can eventually recycle polyester fabrics, rugs and other plastics that end up in overwhelmed landfills. The company says their primary competitor is the recycling system itself....

https://www.ctinsider.com/business/article/new-haven-protein-evolution-plastic-recycling-17827335.php

The Milton Fisher Scholarship Committee is looking for students who are creative problem solvers.  Do you know a high school student who has found a distinctive solution to a problem faced by his/her family, school, community, or the world?  Who has solved an artistic, scientific, or technical problem in a new or unusual way?  Encourage them to apply to the Milton Fisher Scholarship for Innovation and Creativity!

This is a FOUR-YEAR SCHOLARSHIP for up to $20,000 (up to $5,000 per year for four years).  It is open to HIGH SCHOOL JUNIORS AND SENIORS and COLLEGE FRESHMEN in Connecticut and the New York Metropolitan area, as well as students from outside the region going to college in Connecticut or the New York City area.  More information and the online application can be found at mfscholarship.org.  Interested applicants must complete the online application on or before May 5, 2023. 

Questions? Contact info@mfscholarship.org.

Position Summary:  The New Haven Early Childhood Council (Council) is a citywide group of community members committed to ensuring that all New Haven children from birth to age eight have the opportunities, supports, and experiences they need to reach their full potential.  The Council includes parents, educators, government officials, health and social service agencies and other representatives from the community invested in the well-being of young children. 

The Council seeks a passionate and entrepreneurial Director to lead the Council’s work to expand access to and the quality of early care and education in New Haven.  The ideal candidate will have knowledge of the early care and education landscape in Connecticut and understand and embrace systems change work. The Director should have experience working on complex community change efforts, embrace work rooted in partnerships, and be a consummate communicator comfortable with varied audiences. The Director will drive the Council’s internal and external functions, including strategy development and implementation, communications, community engagement, fund development, and data collection and analysis. 

This is a 15-month grant-funded position, with the possibility of renewal dependent on funding.  The position will be housed at United Way of Greater New Haven. 

The Director will report to the Council Co-Chairs and Executive Committee. 

This position can be 30-40 hours/week and is benefit eligible. The salary range for this position is $100,000 - $110,000 for full-time, depending on experience.

Responsibilities include:

Strategy Development and Implementation

• Provide leadership and support to the Council in its identification of strategic priorities and avenues for implementation.
• Research and promote best practices related to early care and education through advocacy, partnerships, and influence.
• Develop and implement the Council’s advocacy priorities and coordinate supporting activities of partners.
• Create an annual scope and sequence of Council agendas that align with the mission and strategic goals of the Council.
• Collaborate with the School Readiness Liaison and School Readiness fiduciary to ensure program viability and success.

Capacity-building

• Organize and sustain an inclusive, collaborative network of constituents focused on systemic efforts to improve outcomes for young children.
• Build capacity of Council leadership by recruiting and orienting new Council members and helping to bring newer members along in leadership roles.
• Support the Council by attending Council and committee meetings, working with Chairs to continually build trust and pay attention to group dynamics to ensure work is progressing.
• Coordinate all Council meetings and communications and ensure adherence to public meeting requirements for noticing and recording meetings.
• Supervise additional Council staff/interns/consultants.

Communications and Community Engagement

• Conduct marketing and outreach to engage constituents in the Council’s work.
• Develop content for the Council website and social media to ensure beneficiaries are engaged.
• Represent the Council at statewide meetings and forums.
• Manage relationships with partners.

Financial Management & Fund Development

• Create an annual Council budget under the direction of the Council and maintain, manage, and report budget income and expenses related to the Council monthly.
• Identify potential funding sources to support the Council’s goals and priorities and work to secure those funds.

Data Collection and Analysis

• Work with the Council and its committees to develop outcome measures and collect, analyze and report data to determine progress.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree preferred or an equivalent combination of education and work experience
• Minimum 5 years work-related experience in leadership roles
• Strong interpersonal skills
• In-depth knowledge of early childhood development and education
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively
• Demonstrated experience working in urban areas and working with government agencies and officials
• Strong background in data collection and utilization
• Proficient technology skills
• Proven leadership and management skills
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to multitask
• Experience in fundraising, grant writing, and fiscal management
• Ability to work flexible hours
• Spanish language fluency helpful
• Proficient with MS Office365 and demonstrated comfort in learning new software/ online tools as needed.
• Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and dedication to the mission of the Council. 
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required.

About United Way

United Way of Greater New Haven brings people and organizations together to create solutions to Greater New Haven’s most pressing challenges in the areas of Education, Health, and Financial Stability grounded in racial and social justice. We tackle issues that cannot be solved by any one group working alone. We operate according to these organizational values.

In accordance with organizational policies, this position requires a criminal background check as a condition of employment. 

United Way staff are currently working hybrid, with at least two days per week in our office in New Haven. 

United Way is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Don’t check off every box in the requirements listed above? Please apply anyway! Studies have shown that marginalized communities - such as women, LGBTQ+ and people of color - are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. United Way of Greater New Haven is dedicated to building an inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible workplace that fosters a sense of belonging – so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to still consider submitting an application. You may be just the right candidate for this role or another one of our openings!

DataHaven, Fairfield County, Greater Hartford and Greater New Haven Community Foundations Release Landmark Reports on Connecticut’s quality of life, public health, economic development, and civic vitality.

In Connecticut and throughout the country, Black and Latino residents, as well as other communities of color, face persistent disparities which negatively impact health, wellbeing and wealth-building. These disparities did not happen by accident. They are the result of historical systemic barriers to opportunity and disinvestment in urban communities, many of which are still woven into the fabric of our institutions. Read more and access report.

The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven's Fund for Women and Girls has once again released its Pathways to Economic Security Grants. The focus of this funding is for nonprofit organizations serving women and organizations that support women entrepreneurs and business owners. Grants will range from $1,500 to $20,000. Apply by Monday, April 3, 2023. Please share with your networks! #NHV #philanthropy #economicsecurity #women

Learn more and please share with your networks. 

https://www.cfgnh.org/articles/community-fund-for-women-girls-fund-grant-opportunity-pathways-to-economic-security-for-women