Program & Event Coordinator

Program and Event Coordinator

Full time, Exempt

Remote

Salary: $65,000-$80,000

About the Alliance for Higher Education in Prison

The Alliance for Higher Education in Prison (the Alliance) is a national organization dedicated to expanding quality higher education in prison, empowering students in prison and after release, and shaping public discussions about education and incarceration. A central function of the Alliance is as a “convener,” bringing together a variety of stakeholders within the field of higher education in prison at events throughout the year to encourage and foster collaboration, innovation, and dialogue. More information can be found at our website: www.higheredinprison.org

Role Overview

Reporting to the Program Director, the Program and Event Coordinator will provide critical support with event coordination, program development, and project management. This role requires someone who is organized and experienced in managing complex event logistics. The ideal candidate can and wants to juggle multiple priorities, coordinate with vendors and partners, and ensure that all aspects of events are executed smoothly. They will also collaborate closely with consultants and an external event planning firm to deliver high-quality, mission-aligned events.

Primary Job Responsibilities

Event Planning & Logistics

• Coordinate planning and logistics for key events under program director guidance, including the National Conference on Higher Education in Prison (NCHEP), the Incarcerated Scholars Conference (ISC), other in-person or virtual convenings, and webinars
• Manage timelines, coordinate vendor research, manage event planning firm and hotel/site staff communications, and oversee event-day coordination
• Research and negotiate with vendors, hotels, venues, and other service providers to get competitive pricing
• Support registration, location setup, ticket pricing, travel arrangements, and AV/tech planning as needed (depending on event)
• Collaborate with staff on event promotion, communications, and outreach strategies
• Support the creation and dissemination of event materials, including post-event evaluations and reports

Program Development

• Collaborate with senior staff to assist in the development, execution, and evaluation of new and existing programs that align with the Alliance’s mission and identify opportunities for program expansion and enhancement
• Assist in developing materials and resources for program activities, including handbooks, toolkits, and guidelines

Project Management

• Facilitate conference meetings, including agenda planning, tracking, and action item follow-up via Asana or other task management tools
• Support multiple key projects and initiatives from planning to follow-up, tracking progress and ensuring alignment with organizational goals
• Provide regular updates and reports to senior leadership on project progress, including achievements, risks, and areas for improvement
• Oversee multiple email inboxes and respond to communication in a timely manner and other special duties as needed

Essential Skills and Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in a nonprofit or community-based organization, especially one serving populations similar to ours
• 2+ years of experience planning and coordinating large-scale events (you will be asked to discuss specific events you planned)
• Technologically proficient, with working knowledge of Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Adobe, Whova, social media, but more importantly, the ability to learn new software quickly
• Versatile and flexible communication skills (written, verbal, and interpersonal), with the ability to interact effectively with individuals at all levels and from diverse backgrounds

Preferred Additional Skills and Qualifications

• Ability to interpret and track spending against budgets
• Graphic design skills, experience with Canva and Adobe Suite preferred
• Strong writing skills and experience proofreading

Key Success Factors

• Strong ethical standards, can maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment
• Adaptable, resourceful, and self-motivated, with a sense of collaboration
• Commitment to social justice, anti-racism, and abolition, particularly in support of incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines in a fast-paced, remote setting; self-starter
• Available to work occasional evenings, weekends, and travel as needed

Education

No degree is required for this position; however, we work closely with populations who are pursuing degrees and navigating the challenges that come with higher education, specifically while incarcerated. Because of this, any experience within a university setting–whether as a student, faculty member, or admin staff–is especially valuable and welcomed.

To Apply

Please submit a resume and cover letter that includes some detail about your event planning experience and your organizational/coordination skills in PDF format to: hiring@higheredinprison.org with “Alliance Program and Event Coordinator application” in the subject heading. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, until the position is filled.

Statement of Non-Discrimination:

The Alliance for Higher Education in Prison is a 501(c)3 and an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. No employee or applicant will face discrimination or harassment based on: race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, age, gender, marital/domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or presentation, disability status, veteran status or former incarceration status. We strongly encourage people who have been directly impacted by the criminal justice system to apply.