Student Resources Initiative Project Manager

Tennessee Higher Education Initiative

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Job Summary

THEI seeks a driven and creative full-time Project Manager to lead an exciting grant-funded initiative to create and disseminate a series of toolkits and resource suites for incarcerated students and higher education in prison (HEP) stakeholders across the country, designed specifically with incarcerated students in mind. Building on THEI’s more than a decade of experience creating these kinds of resources for incarcerated students in Tennessee, this toolkit initiative is an opportunity to refine and expand those resources and disseminate them more broadly to incarcerated students and HEP programs across the country.

Under the direction of the THEI Vice President for Strategy & Impact, the Project Manager will be responsible for driving the implementation of a 24-month grant, including managing project timelines, strategically leveraging subject matter experts, and overseeing quality control and project deliverables. This role will require visits to program sites across Tennessee as well as the THEI offices in Nashville, TN. It can be based out of THEI’s Nashville offices, or it can be a hybrid-remote position with some in-person responsibilities and some work-from-home.

Ideal candidates will possess a diligent and self-driven approach to their work, consistently demonstrating a commitment to putting forth their best effort and achieving success.

Preferred candidates will have some experience in areas related to student access and
success or support services, particularly for non-traditional college student populations.

Familiarity with departments of corrections practices or carceral contexts is a benefit.

Priority will be given to applicants who demonstrate a strong commitment to providing
educational opportunities to underserved populations and understand the mission of THEI to be located within a larger social justice movement. The ideal candidate must have a reliable car, and be comfortable visiting and working in a prison and collaborating with incarcerated students. We encourage folks who have been impacted by the criminal justice system to consider applying.

The position is a full-time exempt position. The starting salary is $65,000 per year, plus full medical/dental/vision insurance, a monthly wellness stipend, a simple IRA plan, and generous paid leave and holidays. The review of applications will begin immediately.

While this position is initially funded for a two-year period, there is potential for extension beyond the grant term, based on the availability of funding and project outcomes.

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.

Job Responsibilities

Project Leadership –

• Lead the assembly of a specialized team capable of meeting project deliverables effectively, and recruit and manage diverse subject matter expert contractors.
• Develop and operationalize effective project timelines that are responsive to the needs of students, teammates, and funders alike.
• Manage grant budgeting, spending, and reporting in accordance with THEI fiscal policies and grant agreements.
• Oversee a third-party evaluator; support the development and implementation of evaluation tools; respond effectively to stakeholder feedback to make adjustments or revisions to project implementation as needed.
• Practice proactive and responsive communication with HEP leaders and stakeholders, to ensure that project implementation is operating in alignment with the needs and interests of THEI’s peers in the field and the students we collectively serve.

Implementation –

• Oversee and contribute to the research, writing, design, revision, and distribution of clear, accurate, engaging, and effective resources for incarcerated college students and prospective students.
• Employ creativity to develop materials that are accessible, and informative, and empower students to make informed decisions.
• Maintain fidelity with THEI brand and mission while meaningfully contributing to the field of Higher Education in Prison on key topics related to the Student Resources initiative.
• Ensure the accuracy and precision of all in-house developed resources, maintaining a high standard of quality.
• Implement quality control processes for outsourced deliverables, ensuring consistency and excellence.
• Demonstrate a deep understanding of the challenges and needs of incarcerated college students.
• Oversee the dissemination of resources to HEP students through diverse mechanisms, including in-person presentations and meetings at prison facilities, secure digital distribution, and mail correspondence.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field; advanced degree preferred.
• Proven experience in resource development, with a preferred focus on financial aid or student support materials.
• Teaching, training, or facilitation experience is a strong plus.
• Understanding of non-traditional college students and their unique challenges.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to delivering high-quality work.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office
• Experience with digital graphics platform(s) (i.g. Adobe, canvas, etc.)
• Ability to prioritize and lead multiple projects, activities, and actions with competing deadlines and levels of urgency
• Self-motivated, accountable to goals, and willing to learn new techniques, ideas, and skills
• Excellent personal organization, work planning, and time management skills
• Exceptional administrative, as well as superb written and verbal communication skills.
• Valid driver’s license and the ability to travel to and from program sites and the THEI Nashville offices on a regular basis.
• Commitment to self-care.

Additional Information

Benefits

How to Apply

Candidates can apply by submitting a resume and cover letter to work@thei.org with the subject line “Project Manager” 

Details

• Date Posted: February 7, 2024
• Type: Full-Time
• Job Function: Administrative
• Service Area: Community Development
• Salary Range: $65,000