Program Manager - Mohawk Valley Programs

Program Manager – Mohawk Valley Programs

(Full-Time Position)

Defy’s entrepreneurial programs enable one of America’s largest forgotten communities to defy the odds. We equip our Entrepreneurs in Training (EITs) with new skills, new connections, and a new belief to match their new purpose, and succeed in their new life of economic independence.

You will be facilitating Defy’s prison program for the Defy program participants, whom we call Entrepreneurs in Training (EITs) in two correctional facilities, both located in the city of Marcy, NY. In addition to your in-prison facilitation, you will support program graduates who have returned home Mohawk Valley area, through reentry coaching and resource navigation. This opportunity is ideal for someone with an entrepreneurial, educational and/or social service background who is comfortable working with diverse populations and coaching others on doing so. This is a full-time position.

Responsibilities

General Oversight

• Responsibility for implementation and facilitation of Defy’s CEO of Your New Life prison program at Marcy and Mid-State correctional facilities in Marcy, NY – a career and entrepreneurship skill-building program provided to individuals in prison and transitional facilities. Schedule may include evening classes.

• Track data and process materials into database systems

• Provide feedback and updates on program implementation to local and national program leadership

• Build and maintain relationships with corrections officials and staff

• Troubleshoot issues/areas of concerns

• Serve as the primary point of contact for Entrepreneurs in Training (EITs) who have returned home after incarceration in the Mohawk Valley area.

• Engage EITs and establish trusting, collaborative relationships in support of their reentry goals

• Provide reentry and employment coaching, barrier removal support and case management to released EITs

• 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

• Build Defy’s organizational presence in the Mohawk Valley area to support partnership and volunteer recruitment

• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Strong presentation and facilitation skills

• 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 reliable car and a valid driver’s license.

• Must be able to receive clearance from prison partner facilities

• Existing volunteer clearance from a New York prison is a strong plus

• Able to lift 15 pounds

Compensation

· Annual Salary: $62,000 - $66,000

· Comprehensive health benefits

· 15 days of vacation per year

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.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $62,000.00 - $66,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Ability to Commute:

• Marcy, NY (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Marcy, NY

Salary : $62,000 - $66,000