Program Manager, Entrepreneurship Programs

Program Manager, Entrepreneurship Programs

(Full-Time, Exempt Position)

You are organized, skilled at building relationships, and an excellent facilitator. You are comfortable working with populations who have experienced interactions with the criminal legal system and incarceration. You’ve led groups and are comfortable creating an inclusive environment and a safe space for learning, while maintaining professional boundaries. You are adept at keeping discussions constructive, positive, and encouraging, while also giving critical, actionable feedback. You will ensure that our entrepreneurship programs are executed successfully.

You will be entrusted with your own share of responsibility and will work independently. You will have the support of teammates who look out for you and want you to succeed. This opportunity is ideal for someone with a teaching background who is interested in business and entrepreneurship and is comfortable working with diverse populations. This is a full-time hybrid position based in the Chicagoland area.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate virtual and/or in-prison entrepreneurship classes and activities with 10-25 participants (e.g., curriculum instruction, leading peer group discussions), typically 2-3x per week and up to 5x per week (typically evenings or weekends)
• Attend training sessions and weekly meetings with the National Program Department
• Support the personal development of program students in their entrepreneurial journey
• Lead at least 2 concurrent cohorts of the Entrepreneurship Bootcamp
• Recruit participants and process applications into Defy’s programs, with support from the Defy IL team
• Work with students 1:1 in the Bootcamp to provide individualized support to help develop their business concept, pitches, financial models and business plans
• Ensure required assignments have been submitted; review and provide feedback on assignments to ensure they are meeting Defy’s program expectations
• Ensure that student performance and participation data is tracked efficiently and accurately including business launches and revenues, enrollment, attendance, 1:1 interactions, etc.
• Work with IL Team to support class sessions with volunteer speakers, as well as to plan and execute entrepreneurship program events (both in-person and virtual) including Coaching Nights, Deep Dives, Pitch Showcases and skills-based workshops, and community building events
• Assess ongoing needs and create solutions to address those needs for participants (i.e. hold training sessions, or individual meetings to support participant engagement)
• Represent Defy to community partners and at community events
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Minimum of 2 years facilitation and/or teaching experience (experience with virtual facilitation is a plus)
• Eager to learn and a growth mindset
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work as an effective team player
• Detail oriented, with ability to follow through and “close the loop”
• Strong verbal communications skills with the ability to interact successfully with a diverse constituency while maintaining a professional demeanor
• Superb time management and organizational skills
• Flexibility in regards to deadlines and changing programmatic needs
• Familiarity with databases and proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and Google Suites
• Proficient with video-based communication technology (i.e. Zoom, Google Hangout, Microsoft Teams, etc.)
• Friendly, confident, empathetic
• Lived experience is encouraged; however, you must be able to receive clearance to enter correctional facilities in Illinois (current requirement is at least 5 years post-release).
• Business-related education (related certificates or degrees) is a plus
• Must have a reliable car and a valid driver’s license. There will be regular travel (driving) in this role

Compensation

• Annual salary of $62,000
• Comprehensive health benefits
• 15 days of vacation per year

To apply, please send a cover letter and resume with “Program Manager, Entrepreneurship Programs” in the subject line to info@defyventures.org.

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 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.