JOB DESCRIPTION

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 car travel on a weekly basis to prison facilities and partnering colleges. Some overnight travel within Tennessee will be required. The ideal candidate could be based in any region of Tennessee. Apart from facility travel, the Associate's primary office location will be work-from-home or THEI's office in Nashville.

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 car travel on a weekly basis to prison facilities and partnering colleges. Some overnight travel within Tennessee will be required. The ideal candidate could be based in any region of 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 to be located within a larger social-justice movement. We seek applicants who have experience working in secondary or post-secondary education and/or working in a prison environment; flexibility with work hours including the ability to work 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 knowledge of the public higher education system in Tennessee are beneficial. The ideal candidate must have a reliable car, can drive to TDOC prisons across Tennessee, be comfortable working in a prison and collaborating with incarcerated individuals. We encourage people who have been impacted by the criminal justice system to consider applying.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Student Support & Academic Services
• Faculty & Instructor Coordination
• College Partnership & Liaison Services
• Data Management & Program Evaluation
• Event Coordination & Professional Development

REQUIRED CAPABILITIES, SKILLS, & KNOWLEDGE

• Bachelor's degree in Education, Counseling Psychology, Program Administration, Social Services, or related field required
• 3+ years of experience within higher education in prison, reentry, social services, or related fields (preferred)
• Demonstrated ability to work with and gain the cooperation of people in a variety of organizations and positions, including academic institutions and human service organizations
• Experience providing trauma-informed, human-centered, strength-based approach to working with students and justice-impacted populations
• Proficiency in Google Suite, particularly Google Calendar, Sheets, Docs, and Slides; experience with Salesforce preferred
• Exceptional administrative, written, and verbal communication skills with ability to advocate effectively for student needs
• Ability and willingness to organize and manage complex data systems for program evaluation and student tracking
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation for regular travel to prison facilities across Tennessee
• Flexible schedule including ability to work evenings and occasional Saturdays
• Timeliness around email correspondence and professional communication
• Investment in relationship-building and passion for creating partnerships with diverse populations and organizations
• Energy for creative problem-solving and navigating ambiguous situations with intentionality and judgment
• Thoughtfulness and critical understanding about the social and historical context of THEI's work
• Commitment to self-care, social justice, and equity
• Emotional intelligence with ability to balance healthy boundaries while maintaining professionalism with incarcerated student population
• Ability to follow guidelines from the Tennessee Department of Correction
• Flexibility to meet student needs and organizational changes with comfort taking appropriate initiative
• Ability to work effectively with diverse individuals and groups, balance competing needs, and employ objectivity
• Effectiveness with both independent and collaborative team work

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

This is a full-time, exempt position with a salary of $50,000 plus travel reimbursements, comprehensive medical/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 for employment without attention to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

HOW TO APPLY

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