Education Programs Associate – Part Time

Education Programs Associate – Part Time

This position will be based in Middle Tennessee.

Tennessee Higher Education Initiative (THEI) seeks a part-time Education Programs Associate responsible for executing THEI’s academic programs inside Tennessee prisons. Under the direction of the Chief of Staff, THEI Senior Manager of Education 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 part-time position (20-25 hours weekly) will require car travel on a weekly basis to prison facilities and partnering colleges.. Some overnight travel within Tennessee may 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.

Student Support & Academic Services

• Provide comprehensive advising and educational planning specific to the unique needs of incarcerated and formerly incarcerated students to increase completion rates post-release
• Build relationships and rapport with all THEI students across multiple cohorts and prison facilities using a trauma-informed, human-centered, strength-based approach
• Act as a regular tutor at prison campuses, providing direct educational support and academic coaching
• Serve as an advisor, liaison, and advocate for incarcerated people seeking to attend partner college institutions
• Onboard students into THEI academic programs and continue working with them through degree completion
• Facilitate the smooth communication of student needs and concerns to respective partners and work to resolve student challenges through collaborative problem-solving
• Facilitate College Prep program and oversee annual admissions process, maintaining meticulous records and managing multiple priorities with exceptional attention to detail
• Ensure students have access to educational materials, textbooks, and resources necessary to succeed in their courses
• Manage comprehensive student records, instructional materials, and academic documentation with attention to privacy and confidentiality
• Log contact notes in a timely manner, utilizing Salesforce and Google Drive systems for comprehensive case management
• Ensure all education information and data are maintained correctly in electronic and paper files for program evaluation and compliance
• Partner with the community to create and facilitate student success workshops and academic enrichment activities geared towards student interests and career goals
• Lead and manage student council groups and extracurricular activities that promote peer support and leadership development

• Communicate regularly with faculty as needed to ensure smooth implementation of courses and to mitigate possible disruptions
• Facilitate course delivery including professor accompaniment, preparing course packets and workbooks, uploading presentations, and gathering materials for student computer lab…