Yahaira Escribano
Hartford,CT
Summary
Senior program and portfolio leader with over 10 years of experience overseeing complex, multi-million-dollar initiatives across public, nonprofit, and public-private environments. Proven track record managing statewide and citywide portfolios, advising executive leadership, and coordinating cross-functional stakeholders, including legal, finance, procurement, and external partners. Recognized for delivering high-impact programs from approval through close-out in remote and hybrid environments, with deep expertise in compliance, contracts, risk mitigation, and stakeholder management.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Program Manager – Community Development & Capital Programs
State of Connecticut
10.2024 - Current
- Direct statewide capital and community development programs with municipalities and nonprofits.
- Oversee multi-million-dollar budgets, ensuring compliance with funding requirements.
- Facilitate communication among grantees, legal counsel, and finance teams to resolve compliance issues.
- Prepare Financial Assistance Proposals and managed Assistance Agreements from initiation to closure.
- Review procurement processes and contracts to ensure regulatory compliance.
- Coordinate remote cross-functional teamwork across various jurisdictions.
- Analyze program performance metrics to identify opportunities for improvement.
- Develop comprehensive program plans, schedules, budgets, and performance metrics.
- Leverage job-specific knowledge and abilities to identify solutions to issues and diminish conflicts.
- Collaborate with groups to support and lead product introduction activities.
- Delegate work to staff, setting priorities and goals.
Chief of Staff
City of Hartford
Hartford, CT
01.2024 - 04.2024
- Executed the Mayor’s 100-Day Initiatives, aligning priorities across departments and external partners to deliver measurable outcomes.
- Served as a senior advisor to executive leadership on policy development, operational strategy, and interdepartmental coordination.
- Led the establishment of the Office of Violence Prevention and Department of Sports & Recreation, advancing public safety and community engagement goals.
- Created Hartford’s first Business One-Stop Shop, streamlining engagement with developers and businesses and improving cross-departmental processes.
- Coordinated senior leadership, legal teams, and external stakeholders to advance high-visibility initiatives under accelerated timelines.
- Built strong relationships with key internal and external parties to support strategic communications and advocacy.
Program & Operations Manager (Finance & Programs Officer)
Hartford Land Bank
Hartford, CT
10.2021 - 12.2023
- Managed a $5M operating budget and ensured compliance with state housing, development, and procurement regulations.
- Secured $500K+ in public and private funding through grant research, proposal development, and funder engagement.
- Oversaw redevelopment and construction of blighted properties, advancing rehabilitation and homeownership initiatives.
- Designed and launched a Developers Cohort Training Program, strengthening the local real estate development pipeline.
- Led RFP processes, evaluated proposals, negotiated terms, and selected development partners.
- Coordinated with boards, municipalities, contractors, and legal counsel to ensure projects were delivered on time and within budget.
- Collaborated with community stakeholders to promote land bank initiatives and programs.
Partner Programs Coordinator
Foodshare
Bloomfield, CT
07.2019 - 10.2021
- Cultivated partnerships with 100+ community organizations to expand access to food and community services.
- Supported organizations serving immigrant, undocumented, and underserved populations.
- Conducted compliance monitoring and operational reviews to ensure adherence to national standards.
- Assisted with program evaluation, reporting, and continuous improvement efforts.
Education
Master of Public Administration -
University of Connecticut
Hartford, CTBachelor of Arts - Urban & Community Studies
University of Connecticut
Hartford, CTSkills
- Senior program and portfolio management
- Executive and stakeholder relations
- Public-private partnerships
- Capital projects and grant administration
- Budget oversight ($5M portfolios)
- Contract negotiation and regulatory compliance
- Risk management and issue resolution
- Procurement oversight
- Cross-functional and remote team leadership
- Executive, board, and client reporting
- Proposal development
- Community engagement
- Strategic thinking
- Conflict resolution
- Interdepartmental coordination
- Analytical skills
Languages
Spanish, Native / Bilingual
Leadership And Governance
- Vice Chair, Hartford Board of Education
- Advisory Committee Member, Hartford Foundation for Public Giving
- Race Equity Advisory Council, Leadership Greater Hartford
- Community Leadership Corps, Obama Foundation
Timeline
Senior Program Manager – Community Development & Capital Programs
State of Connecticut
10.2024 - Current
Chief of Staff
City of Hartford
01.2024 - 04.2024
Program & Operations Manager (Finance & Programs Officer)
Hartford Land Bank
10.2021 - 12.2023
Partner Programs Coordinator
Foodshare
07.2019 - 10.2021
Master of Public Administration -
University of Connecticut
Bachelor of Arts - Urban & Community Studies
University of Connecticut