Tennessee Higher Education Initiative (THEI) seeks a full-time Education Programs Associate responsible for executing THEI's academic programs inside Tennessee prisons. Under the direction of the THEI Senior Manager of Education and Pre-entry Programs and in collaboration with site administrators, the EP Associate will coordinate day-to-day implementation of Bachelor's and Associate degree programs, facilitate communication between all stakeholders, and provide direct support services to incarcerated students who have limited access to communication or information channels.

This full-time, exempt position will require substantial weekly car travel to prison facilities and partnering colleges. Some overnight travel within Tennessee will be required. The ideal candidate may be based anywhere in Tennessee. Apart from facility travel, the Associate's primary office location will be work-from-home or THEI's office in Nashville.

Priority will be given to applicants who demonstrate a strong commitment to providing educational opportunities to at-risk populations and understand the mission of THEI as part of a larger social-justice movement. We seek applicants with experience in secondary or post-secondary education and/or working in a prison environment; flexibility with work hours including nights and some weekends; excellent organizational and time-management skills; and a strong commitment to breaking cycles of poverty and incarceration. Familiarity with TDOC practices and/or the Tennessee public higher education system is beneficial. Candidates must have a reliable car, be able to drive to TDOC prisons across Tennessee, and be comfortable working inside prisons and collaborating with incarcerated individuals. We encourage people impacted by the criminal justice system to apply.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Student Support & Academic Services

• Provide comprehensive advising and educational planning tailored to the needs of incarcerated and formerly incarcerated students to increase completion rates post-release.
• Build relationships and rapport with THEI students across multiple cohorts and facilities using a trauma-informed, human-centered, strengths-based approach.
• Tutor regularly at prison campuses and provide academic support and coaching.
• Serve as advisor, liaison, and advocate for incarcerated people seeking to attend partner colleges.
• Onboard students into THEI academic programs and support them through degree completion.
• Communicate student needs and concerns to partners and help resolve challenges.
• Facilitate the College Prep program and oversee the annual admissions process.
• Ensure students have access to educational materials, textbooks, and other resources.
• Manage student records, instructional materials, and documentation with attention to privacy.
• Log contact notes in a timely manner using Salesforce and Google Drive.
• Maintain accurate electronic and paper files for program evaluation and compliance.
• Coordinate student success workshops and academic enrichment activities.
• Lead student council groups and extracurricular activities that support leadership development.

Faculty & Instructor Coordination

• Communicate regularly with faculty to ensure smooth course implementation.
• Facilitate course delivery, including accompaniment, preparing packets, uploading materials, and gathering items for computer lab servers.
• Ensure professors have necessary technology and supplies.
• Facilitate Faculty Training and collect post-evaluations each semester.

College Partnership & Liaison Services

• Serve as primary liaison between incarcerated students and college partners.
• Work with college campuses to provide outreach and identify students interested in post-release education.
• Identify campus staff who support formerly incarcerated students’ access to programs.
• Assist partners with distributing and collecting course materials.
• Support administrative processes such as rosters, changes, adds, and withdrawals.
• Collaborate with partners to host graduation ceremonies inside TDOC facilities.
• Coordinate with partners on data collection and program evaluation requirements.
• Interpret and implement program and institutional policies collaboratively.
• Network with other navigators and coordinators to share best practices and connect students to resources.

Data Management & Program Evaluation

• Create and maintain student-specific data for process, program, and outcome evaluation.
• Maintain comprehensive records and update documents and systems.
• Digitize academic program data and coordinate with staff on data collection and analysis.
• Assist with scanning, organizing, anonymizing, and administrative tasks.
• Support program evaluation and assessment through data management.
• Work with Senior Manager to implement sustainable programming initiatives.
• Adhere to FERPA policies and best practices for handling sensitive materials.

Event Coordination & Professional Development

• Collaborate with leadership to organize and execute events in prisons and community settings.
• Assist in planning and executing commencement ceremonies at TDOC facilities.
• Support student orientations at various facilities.
• Support extracurricular and pre-college activities including clubs, reading groups, and enrichment programs.
• Participate in team meetings and attend conferences to stay current on best practices.
• Network with academic coordinators and education professionals.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED CAPABILITIES, SKILLS, & KNOWLEDGE

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Counseling Psychology, Program Administration, Social Services, or related field (required).
• 3+ years of experience in higher education in prison, reentry, social services, or related fields (preferred).
• Ability to work with and gain cooperation from people across organizations and roles.
• Experience providing trauma-informed, human-centered, strength-based support.
• Proficiency in Google Suite; Salesforce experience preferred.
• Strong administrative, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to organize and manage complex data systems.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation for regular prison travel.
• Ability to work evenings and occasional Saturdays.
• Timely, professional communication.
• Investment in relationship-building and partnerships with diverse communities.
• Creative problem-solving and comfort with ambiguity.
• Understanding of the social and historical context of THEI’s work.
• Commitment to self-care, social justice, and equity.
• Emotional intelligence and ability to maintain healthy professional boundaries.
• Ability to follow TDOC guidelines.
• Flexibility to meet evolving student and organizational needs.
• Ability to work with diverse individuals and groups and balance competing needs.
• Effective in both independent and collaborative work.
• Must be eligible to be a badged TDOC contractor.

Relational Requirements

• Collaborative and communicative approach to cross-team work.
• Ability to navigate challenging partnerships with respect and resourcefulness.
• Openness to creative problem-solving amid ambiguity.
• Commitment to self-care and healthy boundaries.
• Willingness to co-create an “uncommon work culture” through shared agreements.

Social Justice Requirements

• Strong commitment to service to at-risk populations and alignment with THEI’s social justice mission.
• Strong commitment to breaking cycles of poverty and incarceration.
• Use of person-first and humanizing language.
• Cultural competence working with diverse and justice-impacted populations.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

This is a full-time, exempt position with a salary of $50,000 plus travel reimbursements; comprehensive medical and dental insurance; a monthly wellness stipend; Simple IRA with employer match; professional development opportunities; generous paid leave and holidays; and flexible work arrangements.

THEI is an equal-opportunity employer; all applicants will be considered without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability.

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to work@thei.org with "Education Programs Associate" in the subject line.