Education and Pre-Entry Programs Associate; East TN

Education and Pre-Entry Programs Associate (East TN)

This position will be based in East Tennessee.

Tennessee Higher Education Initiative (THEI) seeks a full-time Education and Pre-Entry Programs Associate responsible for THEI’s academic programs and providing comprehensive pre-release planning and support services to justice-impacted individuals during the critical 12 months prior to their release from Tennessee correctional facilities. Under the direction of the THEI Senior Manager of Education and Pre-entry Programs the Associate will coordinate implementation of bachelor’s and associate degree programs, facilitate communication between all stakeholders, and provide direct support services to incarcerated students.

This essential role also focuses on developing comprehensive and durable reentry plans through monthly meetings with participants, ensuring they have the knowledge, resources, and support for successful community reintegration.

This full-time, exempt position will require substantial car travel on a weekly basis to prison facilities and partnering colleges primarily in the Northeast region. Some overnight travel within Tennessee will be required. Apart from facility travel, the Associate’s primary office location will be work-from-home or THEI’s office in Nashville. The candidate will demonstrate strong relationship-building skills, case planning abilities, and experience in long-term goal setting.

This role requires patience, consistency, and the ability to work within the constraints of correctional environments while building meaningful connections with individuals preparing for reentry.

Priority will be given to applicants who demonstrate a strong commitment to providing educational opportunities and service 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 providing case management or reentry planning; 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 candidate must be able to be a badged TDOC contractor, have a reliable car, can drive to 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.

Job Responsibilities Student Support, Academic Services and Continuity

• Provide comprehensive advising and educational planning specific to the unique needs of incarcerated students and planning for continued education post-release to increase completion rates
• 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 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…