Career and Reentry Program Manager, Defy Ventures Illinois

You love engaging with people, focusing on the details, building partnerships, and passionately working to create positive outcomes for the formerly incarcerated. You are comfortable working with 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 strive to build productive relationships both with the people we serve—Entrepreneurs in Training (EITs) – and service providers/referral partners. You will be entrusted with your own share of responsibility and will work independently. You will have the support of teammates who look out for you and want you to succeed. This opportunity is ideal for someone with a case management, workforce development, or social service background who is comfortable working with diverse populations. This is a full-time, hybrid position that is based in the Chicagoland area.

Responsibilities

Duties include:

• Manage the programmatic implementation of the Defy Illinois Career & Reentry Program
• Serve as the primary point of contact for Defy Entrepreneurs in Training (EITs) who have returned home after incarceration
• Engage EITs and establish trusting, collaborative relationships directed toward the goal of obtaining employment and/or pursuing entrepreneurship
• Provide reentry and employment coaching, barrier removal support, and case management to released EITs
• Track and maintain data for progress and outcomes, program participation, and case notes through the Defy case management system
• Provide incarcerated EITs with an overview of Defy’s program(s) and lead workshops on reentry through Defy’s prison-based programming
• Conduct intake and needs assessment meetings with released EITs
• Conduct regular check-ins with EITs to monitor progress towards goals and communicate with referral partners to coordinate engagement with services
• Support mentor/coach relationships between EITs and volunteers in collaboration with the local team
• Provide 1:1 trainings or skills-based workshops (e.g. using Chromebooks, Google Suites, financial literacy, resume, etc.) in coordination with local and/or regional teams.
• Facilitate cohorts of CEO of Your New Life: Community at transitional facilities and/or youth facilities
• Develop and maintain a calendar for post-release events
• Plan and lead community building events
• Administer surveys and other data collection efforts in coordination with National team
• Develop employer relationships and employment opportunities for Defy graduates
• Develop and manage referral relationships with other reentry service providers and programs
• Maintain a network of government, training, and placement resources and contacts to enable warm connections
• Represent Defy to community partners and at community events
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Knowledge of and relationships with network of relevant community-based service providers, educational, vocational and employment programs in the Chicagoland area is strongly preferred
• 2 years’ experience working with people with criminal histories, experience providing case management and employment services
• Ability to work as an effective team player is essential
• Ability to follow through and “close the loop”
• Strong verbal communications skills with the ability to interact successfully with a diverse constituency while maintaining a professional demeanor
• Superb time management and organizational skills
• Flexibility in regards to deadlines and changing programmatic needs
• Familiarity with databases and proficiency with Google Suites applications (Docs, Sheets, Drive, Calendar, and Email)
• Friendly, confident, empathetic
• Able to receive clearance to visit prison facilities
• Ability to travel as needed to prisons within Illinois
• Driver’s License and reliable transportation
• Lived experience is a strong plus

Compensation

• $56,000 per year
• Comprehensive health benefits
• Paid vacation and sick time

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 Tank-style business pitch competitions, and executive mentoring. We work to address injustice through our commitment to changing perceptions, breaking cycles of recidivism, and helping people to create equity in historically marginalized communities. Defy Ventures is an equal opportunity employer. Defy Ventures uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all new hires in the United States. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability status.

To apply, please send a cover letter and resume with “Illinois Manager, Career & Reentry Program” in the subject line to info@defyventures.org.