New Haven Hiring Initiative

Yale University’s New Haven Hiring Initiative (NHHI) supports New Haven economic growth by partnering with New Haven Works and connecting qualified, New Haven residents to open positions at the University. Get to know New Haven residents who have successfully found a career at Yale through NHHI programs.

Our History

2012-2013	2015-2016	2017-2018	2021-2022	2023-2024
New Haven’s Board of Alders forms New Haven Works (NHW). Yale establishes the New Haven Hiring Initiative (NHHI).	Agreement reached to hire 1,000 New Haven residents, 500 from the most economically affected neighborhoods.	Yale University and UNITE HERE Locals 34 and 35 make new commitments focused on training and hiring.	Training and hiring pathways are launched across the university for eligible New Haven Works members.	NHHI, NHW, & UNITE HERE create additional learning and development pathways, including Bridge to Employment (B2E).

Building a Strong New Haven

During the Great Recession of 2008, New Haven faced high unemployment rates, particularly in many of its low-income neighborhoods. In response, Yale University, the City of New Haven, the State of Connecticut, and UNITE HERE Locals 35 and 34 came together to create New Haven Works. This collaborative effort helped thousands of New Haven residents secure meaningful employment at Yale.

In 2017 and 2022, Yale reaffirmed its commitment to hiring more New Haven residents, focusing on neighborhoods with the highest unemployment rates, known as the Neighborhoods of Focus. These neighborhoods include Dwight, Dixwell, Fair Haven, the Hill, Newhallville, West River, and West Rock. In 2022, Yale University and UNITE HERE launched pathways to regular employment for eligible NHW members. These ongoing opportunities act as pipelines of local talent for NHHI’s campus partners and offer highly-tailored and job-specific training to participants hired for fixed duration, regular, and temporary roles. In 2023, an additional pathway program, Bridge 2 Employment (B2E) was introduced that offers a learning and development curriculum covering best practices to start a career at Yale.

With a workforce of 14,000 faculty and staff, Yale is the largest private employer in New Haven and remains steadfast in its commitment to hiring locally. More than 5,000 New Haven residents are proud members of the Yale community.

NHHI Mission

Engage

Provide technical skills and develop competencies for Yale employment.
Educate

Create a hiring pipeline and on-the-job training opportunities.
Empower

Support hiring managers to provide job-specific training.

NHHI Programs

The university works with New Haven Works and its union partners, Local 34 and Local 35, to create training and skills development programs that support employment opportunities at Yale.

Adapted from lessons learned in previous community partnerships, such as Gateway Community College and Eli Whitney Technical High School, the university and its union partners now offer technical and skill-based on-the-job training that aligns with frequently filled positions at Yale. These assignments and positions are paid pathways to regular employment, designed to help participants prepare for career opportunities across the university. Through these programs, NHHI refers qualified New Haven Works candidates for temporary, short-term, or full-time, benefit level position to enhance their candidacy.

Three Paths to Employment at Yale

New Haven Works provides referrals and support to members applying directly to regular jobs at Yale, focusing on candidates from Neighborhoods of Focus or those who meet New Haven Works’ income eligibility requirements. In addition, Yale ensures access to temporary opportunities for New Haven Works members and reserves slots for pathway-eligible applicants in NHHI pathway programs.

Direct Hire

Yale Talent Network offers access to the world of career opportunities at Yale. Follow the link above to join our talent community.
Pathway Programs

Yale and UNITE HERE partner with New Haven Works to prepare participants for employment at Yale. Reach out to NHHI’s Pathway Programs Manager to learn more.
Temporary Roles

Many Yale staff members start as temporary employees completing paid short-term assignments. Register your interest using the link above.

Career Journeys

Below, get to know some of the individuals who found a career at Yale through NHHI Programs.

On the Job Training (OJT)

Paid 2 – 6 month full-time temporary opportunities for qualified New Haven Works members offering clerical & technical knowledge, strengthening skills needed for Yale roles.
Fixed Duration Rotational Positions (Rotational)

One-year benefits-eligible staff positions for qualified New Haven Works members that expand clerical & technical knowledge with hands-on professional development at Yale.
Yale Temporary Staffing Services (YTSS)

Regular benefits-eligible employment on a team that assists with temporary needs across campus, offering skill-building, networking, and career development opportunities.

Hospitality

Yale and Local 35 offer per-diem and part-time opportunities for residents interested in food service roles, as well as the Culinary Apprenticeship Program (CAP).
Unlicensed Trades

Yale and Local 35 offer opportunities for residents interested in custodial positions, as well as limited trades apprenticeships in carpentry, masonry, and painting.
Security

Yale offers opportunities for residents interested in pursuing careers as public safety and security officers.