Prison Program Manager, Defy Illinois 

Prison Program Manager, Defy Illinois

• (FullTime, Exempt Position)

You are organized, skilled at building relationships, an excellent facilitator, and passionate about creating positive outcomes for currently and formerly incarcerated people. You are comfortable working with incarcerated and formerly incarcerated populations who have experienced significant trauma and instability in their lives. You’ve led groups and are comfortable creating an inclusive environment and a safe space for sharing while maintaining professional boundaries. You are adept at keeping discussions constructive and positive, even in challenging situations. You are encouraging and can “roll with resistance.” You are comfortable working with incarcerated people and building relationships with prison system staff and leadership to keep Defy’s program on track. You will ensure that our prison and transitional facility programs are executed successfully.

You will be entrusted with your own share of responsibility and will work independently. You will be facilitating Defy’s prison program for the Defy program participants, whom we call Entrepreneurs in Training (EITs). You will have the support of teammates who look out for you and want you to succeed. This opportunity is ideal for someone with an educational and/or social service background who is comfortable working with diverse populations and coaching others on doing so. This is a full-time position. This is a hybrid position and you will be expected to report to the Chicagoland office at least two days per week, provided that you are located within a 45-mile radius of our office in downtown Chicago. If you are outside a 45-mile radius, the position will not be required to come into the office on a weekly basis.

Responsibilities

• General Oversight
  • Responsibility for overall implementation of Defy’s CEO of Your New Life program – an entrepreneurship, career, and personal development program provided to individuals in prison and transitional facilities
  • Facilitate prison-based programs at up to two correctional facilities in the Central Illinois area.
  • Visit each facility regularly to observe instruction and interface with facility staff and participants
  • Coordinate with post-release program team to build connectivity between prison and post-release programming
  • Supervise 3-5 remote part-time staff
  • Track data and process materials into database systems
  • Provide feedback and updates on program implementation to local and national program leadership
  • As the program grows into additional institutions, observe and support training new part-time program facilitators
• Programmatic Components
  • Build and maintain relationships with corrections officials and staff; serve as a liaison between correctional officials and Defy team members
  • Troubleshoot issues/areas of concerns
  • Coordinate with correctional officials and Defy staff to execute coaching and pitch competition events in prison, including managing required paperwork and submission deadlines
  • Support prison events
  • Oversee custody newsletters
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Strong presentation and facilitation skills
• Strong interpersonal and communications skills, with the ability to intelligently and credibly articulate Defy’s story and mission
• Detail-oriented and organized—able to handle multiple high-level priority projects at once.
• Program or project management experience
• At least two years of education and/or facilitation experience
• Collaborative team player with a "can do" attitude; willing to roll up sleeves and do whatever it takes to support team priorities
• Excellent judgment and ability to maintain effectiveness, professional demeanor, and positive attitude, even in ambiguous situations and during high-pressure periods
• Aggressive self-starter, able to handle high-pressure situations and come prepared to all meetings/events
• Ability to navigate a fast-paced, ever-changing environment
• Must have a reliable car and a valid driver’s license. There will be regular travel (driving) in this role throughout Illinois.
• Must be able to receive clearance from prison partner facilities
• Lived experience is encouraged; however, you must be able to receive clearance to enter correctional facilities in Illinois.
• Existing volunteer clearance at an Illinois state correctional facility is a strong plus
• Able to lift 15 pounds

Compensation

• $55,000 – $60,000 Annually
• Comprehensive health benefits
• 15 days of vacation per year

To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to info@defyventures.org. Please put Defy Illinois Prison Program Manager in the subject line.

About Defy Ventures

Defy Ventures is an entrepreneurship, employment, and personal development training program that recognizes the potential in many formerly and currently incarcerated people to become successful, legal entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs in Training (EITs) “defy the odds” through our program which includes intensive leadership development, Shark Tankstyle business pitch competitions, and executive mentoring. We build a redemptive, authentic community between EITs and our executive volunteers as they bond in their humanity through their collaboration along the entrepreneurial journey.

Defy Ventures is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.