Title: Program Manager, Freedom Ambassadors

Location: New Haven, Connecticut; Hybrid

Hours: Full time, exempt

Salary: $70,000 - $80,000

Freedom Reads’ mission is to inspire and confront what prison does to the spirit. We bring beautiful, handcrafted bookcases into prisons, transforming cell blocks into Freedom Libraries. Founded in 2020 with a $5.25 million grant from the Mellon Foundation, Freedom Reads is the only organization in the country using the beauty and transformative power of a library to honor the dignity of the lives of people in prison. Since late 2021, Freedom Reads has opened 172 Freedom Libraries across 10 states and 30 correctional facilities, and distributed more than 100,000 books to incarcerated readers in two dozen correctional facilities and juvenile detention centers.

The Freedom Ambassadors Initiative has brought dozens of writers, poets, playwrights, artists, philanthropists, thought leaders, local organizers, and state and federal officials into correctional facilities across the country. Cultural events led by Ambassadors ameliorate “culture deserts” through readings, book circles, and performances. These events provide opportunities for civic discourse and self-exploration across and between groups of people who are prevented from knowing each other by prison walls. Showing up in this way is a simple, potentially life-changing act.

This hybrid position will be based out of our office in New Haven and will require working on-site up to three days per week. In addition to working from the office, this role will require up to 25% travel, nationwide.

For more information on Freedom Reads, please visit https://freedomreads.org/.

THE ROLE

The Program Manager, Ambassadors will oversee the Freedom Ambassadors Initiative and ancillary projects. The Program Manager will be responsible for developing, implementing, and scaling the Freedom Ambassadors Initiative nationally. Primary responsibilities will be to lead relationships with authors, poets, playwrights, actors, artists, policymakers, state correctional facility officials, and other major cultural and political figures to facilitate the implementation of live and virtual cultural events in Freedom Reads correctional facility partners. The Program Manager will oversee all aspects of the day-to-day management of the Freedom Ambassadors Initiative, as well as conduct research on potential partnership opportunities. The Program Manager will act as a strategic thought partner to the Chief Program Officer, providing input on ways to increase operational efficiency, expand the initiative’s national footprint, and evaluate growth and success over time.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and manage strategies, timelines, policies, procedures, benchmarks, and partnerships to scale an initiative focused on delivering live and virtual Freedom Ambassador events in correctional facilities nationally;
• Manage all day-to-day aspects of and staff involved in implementing 80-100+ live and virtual Ambassador events;
• Cultivate and steward relationships with key partners including authors, poets, playwrights, actors, artists, policymakers, state correctional facility officials, and other cultural and political figures;
• Act as a thought partner to the Chief Program Officer to provide input on scaling and evaluating the Freedom Ambassadors Initiative;
• Work closely with other Program Managers to ensure seamless alignment of Ambassador workflows across all Freedom Reads’ work, especially Freedom Libraries events;
• Represent Freedom Reads at Ambassador events, meetings, conferences, and other public events; and
• Supervise one or more program coordinators, fellows, or interns supporting the Freedom Ambassadors Initiative, conducting weekly check-ins, annual performance reviews, and supporting their career development.

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

Any combination of professional experience, volunteer work, coursework, and other transferable skills may be applied toward these qualifications.

• Bachelor's degree in a field that requires strong writing, communication, and problem solving skills;
• 4+ years’ related professional experience, or equivalent relevant transferable experience;  
• Experience with project management and planning live and virtual events from start to finish, including managing timelines, partners and vendors, travel logistics, and keeping costs within budget;  
• Exceptional client service skills, including a demonstrated track record of being able to respond to all client needs, complete tasks within the agreed timeframes, and ensure customer satisfaction with the response, as well as exercise sound judgment and a high level of professionalism at all times;
• Management/supervisory experience in a non-profit that included directing project workflows and/or direct supervision of others;
• Demonstrated commitment to social and economic justice and experience working with diverse communities; and
• Understanding of and/or experience working in systems associated with mass incarceration desired.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

The starting salary for this position ranges from $70,000 – $80,000 per year. Starting pay may vary with job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Freedom Reads’ total compensation package for benefits-eligible employees includes medical, dental, and vision plans, paid parental leave, 17 days of paid time off, 12 paid holidays, the week between Christmas and New Year’s off, and more.

WORKING FOR FREEDOM READS

Freedom Reads is committed to the principles of justice and aims to build an environment where everyone is treated fairly and enjoys working together. The organization values new perspectives and strives to make its positions accessible to people from all backgrounds. We welcome applications from nontraditional candidates and those with lived experience of incarceration.

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