Manager, Prison Programs

You are organized, skilled at building relationships, and an excellent facilitator. 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 are comfortable working with incarcerated people and building relationships with prison system staff and leadership to keep Defy’s program on track. You will ensure that our prison programs are executed successfully.

You will be entrusted with your own share of responsibility and will work independently. You will supervise several part-time associate staff members. You will have the support of teammates who look out for you and want you to succeed. This opportunity is ideal for someone with an educational and/or social service background who is comfortable working with diverse populations. This is a full-time position that is based in Defy Ventures’ Los Angeles (Koreatown) office; work from home is allowed up to 3 days per week (full-time work from if public health circumstances require).

Responsibilities

Program Management

• Responsibility for overall implementation of Defy’s career and entrepreneurship skill-building program in prisons and transitional facilities in Southern California (Central Valley to the Mexican border) and
• Visit each facility regularly (typically monthly) to observe instruction and interface with facility staff and participants
• Track data and process materials into database systems;
• Provide all necessary feedback and updates on program implementation to local and national program leadership
• Observe and train program facilitators
• Build and maintain relationships with correction officials and staff; serve as a liaison between correctional officials and Defy team members
• Troubleshoot issues/areas of concerns
• Coordinate with post-release program team to build connectivity between prison and post- release programming
• Supervise 3 – 7 remote part-time staff
• Support program development in coordination with local and national program teams

Programmatic Events

• Work with correctional officials and Defy staff to execute, facilitate, and host in-custody events such as, but not limited to: program Kickoffs, Business Coaching Days and Business Pitch Competitions
• Ensure all clearances are received for staff, guests and volunteers in a timely fashion
• Ensure all necessary paperwork and approvals are completed with correctional officials before
• events
• Support prison event execution
• Oversee custody newsletters and distribution
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Strong interpersonal and communications skills, with the ability to intelligently and credibly articulate Defy’s story and mission
• Management experience is a plus
• Detail oriented and organized—able to handle multiple high-level priority projects at once.
• Program or project management experience
• Education and facilitation experience or a Bachelor’s in Social Work, MSW, or other related degrees is a plus.
• Collaborative team player with a "can do" attitude; willing to roll up sleeves and do whatever it takes to support team priorities
• Strong presentation and facilitation skills
• 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 weekly travel (driving) in this role throughout Southern California
• Must be able to receive clearance from prison partner facilities
• Able to lift 15 pounds
• Proof of full COVID-19 Vaccination required 48 hours prior to start date
• Lived experience is a plus

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 build a redemptive, authentic community between EITs and our executive volunteers as they bond in their humanity through their collaboration along the entrepreneurial journey.

Defy Ventures is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.