Program Manager - Prison and Reentry Programs, California Central Valley

Defy’s entrepreneurial programs enable one of America’s largest forgotten communities to defy the odds. We equip our Entrepreneurs in Training (EITs) with new skills, new connections, and a new belief to match their new purpose, and succeed in their new life of economic independence. Defy works to address layers of racial injustice through our commitment to changing perceptions, breaking cycles of recidivism, and helping people to create equity in historically marginalized communities.

You will be facilitating Defy’s prison program for the Defy program participants, whom we call Entrepreneurs in Training (EITs) in Central Valley correctional facilities. You will also be providing support for a individuals who have graduated our program and returned home to the Central Valley (within approximately 6o mile radius of Fresno) region. This opportunity is ideal for someone with an entrepreneurial, 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 in the Fresno area.

Responsibilities

General Oversight

• Responsibility for implementation of Defy’s CEO of Your New Life prison program in the Central Valley – a career and entrepreneurship skill-building program provided to individuals in prison and transitional facilities
• Facilitate prison-based program at up to three central valley prisons, including Valley State Prison, Central California Women’s Prison, and Avenal State prison. Schedule may include evening or weekend classes.
• Track data and process materials into database systems
• Provide feedback and updates on program implementation to local and national program leadership
• Build and maintain relationships with corrections officials and staff
• Troubleshoot issues/areas of concerns
• Serve as the primary point of contact for Entrepreneurs in Training (EITs) who have returned home after incarceration in the Central Valley
• Engage EITs and establish trusting, collaborative relationships in support of their reentry goals
• Provide reentry and employment coaching, barrier removal support and case management to released EITs
• 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
• Build Defy’s organizational presence in the Fresno area to support partnership and volunteer recruitment
• 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
• Education and/or strong 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 the Central Valley. Regional responsibility will cover approximately 60 mile radius from Fresno.
• Must be able to receive clearance from prison partner facilities
• Lived experience is encouraged
• Existing volunteer clearance (brown card) at California prisons is a strong plus
• Able to lift 15 pounds