Program Manager - Central Valley 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 Central Valley correctional facilities. You will also be providing support for individuals who have graduated our program and returned home to the Central Valley 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 Central Valley.

Responsibilities

General Oversight

• Responsible for implementation of Defy’s CEO of Your New Life prison program in Central Valley prisons – a career and entrepreneurship skill-building program provided to individuals in prison and transitional facilities
• Facilitate our prison-based program at Avenal State Prison, and up to two additional Central Valley prisons. Schedule currently includes evening and weekend classes.
• Track data and process materials into database systems
• Support prison events, including coordinating with correctional officials and Defy staff to execute coaching and pitch competition events in prison and managing required paperwork and submission deadlines
• 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
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Education and strong facilitation experience and/or a Bachelor’s in Social Work, MSW, or other related degrees.
• Strong presentation and facilitation skills
• Must have a reliable car and a valid driver’s license. There will be regular travel (driving) in this role throughout the Central Valley.
• Must be able to receive clearance from prison partner facilities
• Able to lift 15 pounds
• Existing volunteer clearance (brown card) at California prisons is a strong plus
• Lived experience is encouraged

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.

• Comprehensive health benefits
• 15 days of vacation per year