Prison and Reentry Program Manager, Central Coast (Soledad) Programs

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.

You will be facilitating Defy’s prison program for the Defy program participants, whom we call Entrepreneurs in Training (EITs) in two correctional facilities, both located in the city of Soledad, CA. In addition to your in-prison facilitation, you will support program graduates who have returned home to the Central Coast—serving a geographic area that stretches from San Jose to San Luis Obispo—through reentry coaching and resource navigation. 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 Salinas area.

Responsibilities

General Oversight

• Responsibility for implementation of Defy’s CEO of Your New Life prison program in Soledad – a career and entrepreneurship skill-building program provided to individuals in prison and transitional facilities
• Facilitate prison-based program at two prisons in Soledad, including Correctional Training Facility and Salinas Valley 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 Coast.
• 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 greater Central Coast 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

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 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, or disability status.