You are organized, skilled at building relationships, an excellent facilitator and passionate about creating positive outcomes for currently and formerly incarcerated people. You are comfortable working with incarcerated and formerly incarcerated 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 know how to build relationships with partners and are prepared to work with prison system staff and leadership to keep Defy’s program on track. You will ensure that our programs are executed successfully.
You will be entrusted with your own share of responsibility and will work independently. You will be facilitating Defy’s prison program for the Defy program participants, whom we call Entrepreneurs in Training (EITs), at Philadelphia Prisons and facilitating our virtual program for formerly incarcerated EITs in the community . 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 and with an interest or past experience in business and/or entrepreneurship who is comfortable working with diverse populations and coaching others on doing so. This is a full-time position in the Philadelphia area.
Salary
At least $55,000
Responsibilities
General Oversight
- Management and delivery of Defy’s CEO of Your New Life program – a career and entrepreneurship skill-building program provided to individuals in prison and transitional facilities
- Management and delivery of the Defy Ventures Entrepreneurship Bootcamp program – a virtual entrepreneurship program for formerly incarcerated people in Pennsylvania and Delaware
- Classes will meet evenings at least 2 nights per week, up to 4 nights per week
- Track data and process materials into database systems
- Provide feedback and updates on program implementation to local and national program leadership
- As program grows into additional institutions, manage new part-time program facilitators
- Build and maintain relationships with corrections officials and staff; serve as a liaison between correctional officials and Defy team members
- Coordinate with correctional officials and Defy staff to execute coaching and pitch competition events in prison, including managing required paperwork and submission deadlines
- Support prison events
- Other duties as assigned
Requirements
- Strong presentation and facilitation skills
- Business or entrepreneurial experience is a plus
- Strong interpersonal and communications skills, with the ability to intelligently and credibly articulate Defy’s story and mission
- Detail oriented and organized—able to handle multiple high-level priority projects at once.
- Program or project management experience
- Education and/or strong facilitation experience
- Collaborative team player with a "can do" attitude; willing to roll up sleeves and do whatever it takes to support team priorities
- 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 valid driver’s license. There will be regular travel throughout the greater Philadelphia area that can be accessed by public transportation. However, as the territory expands, a reliable car will be required.
- Must be able to receive clearance from prison partner facilities
- Lived experience is encouraged
- Existing volunteer clearance at a PA State Prison is a strong plus
- Able to lift 15 pounds
