Prison and Reentry Program Manager, Defy Washington

Overview:

Are you driven by a deep passion for transforming lives and making a tangible difference in the world? As a Program Manager at the Defy Venture’s Washington chapter, you will be at the forefront of our mission to empower incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals in Washington to rebuild their lives through entrepreneurship, career development, and personal growth. Your role is more than just a job—it’s a chance to ignite hope, inspire change, and help others unlock their potential. Working closely with our Entrepreneurs in Training (EITs), you will guide them on a journey of transformation, supporting their successful reentry into society and helping them defy the odds. This position is perfect for someone who is not just passionate, but also relentless in their pursuit of positive, measurable outcomes for those impacted by the criminal justice system.

This is a full-time position in the Seattle area. This will be a fully remote position; office space may be considered in the future. When office space becomes available, this position will become hybrid you will be expected to report to the office at least two days per week.

Key Responsibilities:

• Program Implementation and Supervision: Oversee the delivery of Defy’s CEO of Your New Life program across two correctional facilities: Washington Correctional Center for Women (Gig Harbor) and Monroe Correction Center (Monroe). Supervise two part-time facilitators who provide the program in these institutions.
• Facilitation: Create a safe, inclusive space where EITs can share, learn, and grow, while fostering a supportive environment that encourages personal and professional development. This position will not initially be the primary facilitator for prison programs, but will serve as a back-up facilitator. Future program expansion may include expanded facilitation duties.
• Data Management: Diligently track program data and process materials into database systems, ensuring our impact is measured and continually improved.
• Feedback & Reporting: Actively provide insights and updates on program implementation to local and national leadership, driving the continuous evolution of our programs.
• Relationship Building: Cultivate strong, collaborative relationships with correctional facility staff, serving as a bridge between Defy Ventures and the institutions we work with.
• Post-Release Case Management: Be a guiding light for EITs as they reenter society, offering coaching, employment support, and case management to help them overcome barriers and achieve their goals.
• Event Coordination: Organize and execute in-prison coaching events and pitch competitions, managing logistics with precision and care.
• Communication: Keep our EITs and broader community informed and inspired by overseeing the creation of custody and post-release newsletters.
• Troubleshooting: Address challenges head-on, finding creative solutions to ensure our programs run smoothly and effectively.

Qualifications:

• A deep, unwavering passion for social justice and a commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals.
• Strong presentation and facilitation skills, with the ability to create an inclusive, engaging environment that fosters growth and transformation.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to passionately and credibly articulate Defy’s mission and vision.
• Detail-oriented and highly organized, capable of managing multiple high-priority projects simultaneously with passion and precision.
• Experience in program or project management, with at least two years of education and/or facilitation experience.
• A collaborative team player with a "can do" attitude, always ready to roll up your sleeves and support team priorities with enthusiasm and dedication.
• Exceptional judgment and the ability to maintain professionalism, positivity, and resilience in ambiguous or high-pressure situations.
• A self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment, driven by a passion for making a difference.
• Must have a reliable car and a valid driver’s license, as regular travel between Gig Harbor and Monroe is required.
• Ability to receive clearance from prison partner facilities.
• Lived experience is welcomed; however, candidates with lived experience must have a demonstrated ability to receive clearance to enter Washington DOC correctional facilities as a volunteer.
• Existing red badge volunteer clearance at a WA State correctional facility is a strong plus.
• Ability to lift 15 pounds.

About Defy Ventures:

Defy Ventures is not just a program—it’s a movement that believes in the power of redemption and the potential of every individual to transform their life. We empower formerly and currently incarcerated individuals to defy the odds through intensive leadership development, Shark Tank-style business pitch competitions, and executive mentoring. At Defy Ventures, we build authentic, redemptive communities where EITs and executive volunteers connect on a human level, creating pathways for personal and professional success.

Defy Ventures uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all new hires in the United States. Defy Ventures is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability.

Comprehensive health benefits

15 days of vacation per year

401k Savings program