Work for THEI

THEI is hiring! View our current job openings below. To apply, please email a resume and cover letter to work@thei.org with the position title in the subject line.

Reentry Services Coordinator (Internship)
Housing Community Coordinator  (Internship)
Development and Communications Manager

Job Opening: Reentry Services Coordinator (Internship)

Tennessee Higher Education Initiative (THEI), a non-profit committed to disrupting harmful systems and cultivating opportunities for autonomy and success, is seeking a dedicated individual for our Reentry Services Coordinator (Internship). We offer college access to incarcerated individuals within Tennessee prisons, pave the way for skilled reentry, and alleviate barriers to ongoing education and achievement. We stand on principles of harm reduction, healing, and valuing the lived experiences of those we serve, and we actively strive for the world we envision via systemic work and direct service.

Our Nashville office invites applicants for an in-person role, the Reentry Services Coordinator (Internship), under the supervision of the Director of Transitional Programs. The selected candidate will augment the efforts of our Transitional Programs team and interact with participants in the reentry program.

Our preferred start date will be in September 2023. We prioritize applicants who manifest a robust commitment to serving at-risk populations, understand THEI's mission within a broader social justice movement, and demonstrate expertise in event planning, data handling, and workshop development. We value organizational and time management skills, flexibility for occasional evening and weekend shifts, and a deep commitment to combating poverty and incarceration cycles.

Experience with the criminal justice system, higher education system, and reentry services/providers is beneficial. The candidate must own a reliable car and feel at ease working within prison settings and alongside incarcerated individuals. Applicants must be directly impacted by the criminal legal system.

The internship is a 30-hour per week (42 weeks) (10 months) commitment, with compensation set at $25 per hour. The review of applications is ongoing.

Qualifications:

  • Minimum education requirement of an associate degree (awarded or less than 9 hours before completion)
  • 6 months of experience in office management, social work, public health, or peer counseling or coaching
  • Proficiency in Google Docs and Google Drive
  • Data management skills
  • Valid driver’s license
  • Flexible scheduling
  • Timeliness around email correspondence
  • Passion for fostering relationships
  • Creative problem-solving skills
  • A commitment to self-care

Internship Requirements:

  • 30-hour-a-week time commitment
  • 10-month commitment beginning September 2023
  • Candidates must be enrolled or planning to attend college classes beginning Fall 2023
  • Candidates must be pursuing a degree in the fields of Education, Social Justice, Human Services, Public Policy or Public Health or closely aligned degree.
  • A strong commitment to providing service to at-risk populations and understanding the mission of THEI to be located within a larger social-justice movement.
  • A strong commitment to breaking cycles of poverty and incarceration.
  • A commitment to use Person First language because there is evidence that language can shape perceptions about an incarcerated person's capacity to change.
  • Candidates must have been directly impacted by the criminal legal system.

Key Responsibilities:

  1. Reentry Coordination and Mentorship: Assist in conducting needs assessments and provide support tailored to everyone’s unique needs and goals.
  1. Program Implementation and Management: Interns will manage and coordinate the THEI program with the Dept of Specialty Industry Training at Motlow State.
  1.  Google Docs and Computer/Digital Literacy: This includes those required in any workplace environment, such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, as well as productivity apps like Slack.
  1.  Resource Coordination: Interns will connect individuals with essential services such as housing, healthcare, employment, and education. Facilitate access to resources through partnerships with community organizations, government agencies, and service providers.
  1.  Alumni Engagement: Organize community events, workshops, and outreach initiatives to raise awareness and engage alumni members in reentry efforts.
  1. Career Counseling/Training: Support participants in identifying and pursuing employment opportunities. Facilitate career readiness workshops, You Science, and Big Idea career assessments and develop relationships with employers and job placement agencies to create employment pathways for program participants.
  1. Participate in Career Coaching: Engage with professionals to receive guidance on career paths, skill enhancements, and portfolio development tailored for reentry contexts.
  1. Interpersonal Skills: Develop excellent communication and rapport-building skills to interact with diverse stakeholders.
  1. Time Management: Manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously with strong organizational skills.
  1. Cultural Sensitivity: Display sensitivity to cultural, racial, and socioeconomic differences and commitment to fostering inclusivity.
  1. Adaptability: Demonstrate flexibility to adapt to changing program needs and evolving reentry practices.
  1. Teamwork: As part of this enriching learning experience, you may be asked to take on other responsibilities as needed to support the organization's mission and operations. These additional tasks will serve as opportunities to expand your skills and knowledge across various areas of nonprofit management and social services.
  1. Professional Certifications: Earn various professional certifications including Google Workspace Certification, Reentry Specialist Certification, Crisis Prevention & Intervention Training Certification, Reentry Peer Support Specialist, Project Management Certificate, Goodwill® Career Coach and Navigator Professional Certification, and Human Services-Board Certified Practitioner.

How to Apply:

Interested applicants should submit cover letter and resume to work@thei.org with “TP Services Coordinator Internship” in the subject line. 

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.

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Job Opening: Housing Community Coordinator  (Internship)

Tennessee Higher Education Initiative (THEI), a non-profit committed to disrupting harmful systems and cultivating opportunities for autonomy and success, is seeking a dedicated individual for our Housing Community Coordinator Internship. We offer college access to incarcerated individuals within Tennessee prisons, pave the way for skilled reentry, and alleviate barriers to ongoing education and achievement. We stand on principles of harm reduction, healing, and valuing the lived experiences of those we serve, and we actively strive for the world we envision via systemic work and direct service.

Our Nashville office invites applicants for an in-person role, the Housing Community Coordinator Internship, under the supervision of the Director of Transitional Programs. The selected candidate will augment the efforts of our Transitional Programs team and interact with participants in the reentry program.

Our preferred start time will be October 2023. We prioritize applicants who have a robust commitment to serving at-risk populations, understand THEI's mission within a broader social justice movement, and demonstrate expertise in event planning, data handling, and workshop development. We value organizational and time management skills, flexibility for occasional evening and weekend shifts, and a deep commitment to combating poverty and incarceration cycles.

Experience with the criminal legal system, higher education system, and reentry services/providers is beneficial. The candidate must own a reliable car and feel at ease working within prison settings and alongside incarcerated individuals. Those impacted by the criminal justice system are particularly encouraged to apply.

The internship is a 25-hour per week (9 months / 40 Weeks) commitment, with compensation set at $15 per hour. The review of applications is ongoing.

Minimum qualifications include an associate degree and one year of experience in office management, social work, and public health, along with proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Drive, data management skills, a valid driver's license, flexible scheduling, prompt email responses, and a passion for fostering relationships and creative problem-solving. A commitment to self-care is also required.

Our required social justice commitments include robust service to at-risk populations, understanding THEI's mission in a larger social justice context, using the Person First language, and breaking cycles of poverty and incarceration.

The Internship requires a 25-hour weekly commitment, enrollment in or plans for higher education from Fall 2023, a one-year commitment starting in October 2023, and pursuing a degree in Education, Social Justice, Human Services, Public Policy, or Public Health. We expect interns to support the work of our Transitional Programs portfolio and share our commitment to serving at-risk populations and breaking cycles of poverty and incarceration.

Qualifications:

  • Minimum education requirement of an associate degree
  • One year experience in office management, social work, public health, or peer counseling or coaching
  • Proficiency in Google Docs and Google Drive
  • Data management skills
  • Valid driver’s license
  • Flexible scheduling
  • Timeliness around email correspondence
  • Passion for fostering relationships
  • Creative problem-solving skills
  • A commitment to self-care

Internship Requirements:

  • 25-hour-a-week time commitment
  • 9 months / 40 Weeks commitment beginning October 2023
  • Candidates must be enrolled or planning to attend in an education program Fall 2023
  • Candidates must be pursuing a degree in the fields of Education, Social Justice, Human Services, Public Policy or Public Health or a closely aligned degree program.
  • Support the work of the Transitional Programs portfolio’s reentry housing program.
  • A strong commitment to providing service to at-risk populations and understanding the mission of THEI to be located within a larger social-justice movement.
  • A strong commitment to breaking cycles of poverty and incarceration.
  • A commitment to use Person First language because there is evidence that language can shape perceptions about an incarcerated person's capacity to change.

Key Responsibilities:

Job Duties for Reentry Housing Program Coordinator Internship:

  • Assisting with the coordination and implementation of reentry housing programs: As an intern, you will work closely with the Transitional Programs Manager to support the execution of reentry housing initiatives, ensuring they meet the specific needs of the beneficiaries.
  • Conducting Outreach: Reach out to existing partners and potential collaborators to strengthen and expand our network of reentry service providers.
  • Workshop Development: Create, facilitate, and improve workshops centered on reentry preparation and life skills education for incarcerated individuals.
  • Event Planning: Assist in planning, organizing, and executing events that promote the mission of THEI and engage the community. This may include informational sessions, fundraisers, or reentry support events.
  • Data Management: Track, analyze, and report on program-related data to aid in evaluating program success and areas for improvement. Assist with the maintenance of accurate records related to program activities.
  • Case Management Support: Provide assistance in coordinating services and support for THEI alumni during their transition period. This might include helping with housing applications, job searches and connecting them with additional resources as needed.
  • Research Support: Conduct research on recent trends and best practices in reentry housing to ensure that our programs remain relevant and effective.
  • Communication: Maintain open and frequent communication with program participants, team members, and community partners. Respond promptly to any inquiries or requests for information.
  • Administrative Duties: Assist in the day-to-day operations of the office, including but not limited to, filing, scheduling meetings, preparing reports, and responding to correspondence.
  • Compliance: Ensure all activities comply with legal regulations and ethical standards, including maintaining the confidentiality of sensitive participant information.
  • Attend Professional Development Sessions: Participate in relevant professional development opportunities, team meetings, and training sessions to continuously enhance your understanding and skills in reentry services.
  • Special Projects: Undertake any additional projects or duties assigned by the Transitional Programs Manager to support the overall mission of the organization.

How to Apply:

Interested applicants should submit cover letter and resume to work@thei.org with “Housing Community Coordinator  Internship” in the subject line. 

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.

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Job Opening: Development and Communications Manager

The Tennessee Higher Education Initiative (THEI) is a nonprofit organization working to disrupt systems of harm and create opportunities for autonomy and success by providing college access to people inside Tennessee prisons, preparing students for skillful re-entry, and reducing barriers to continued education and achievement. THEI is a grassroots, community organization committed to principles of harm reduction, healing, and centering the lived experiences of the people we serve. We engage in reimagining and building toward the world we want to see through systems work and direct service.

THEI seeks a full-time Development and Communications Manager. The Development and Communications Manager will work under the supervision of the Executive Director to support organizational operations and raise awareness and financial support for THEI’s mission of getting people free through the transformative and liberative power of education.

Familiarity with Higher Education in Prison (HEP) programming, the landscape of re-entry, and HEP policy are a benefit. The ideal candidate must have reliable transportation, and be comfortable working in a carceral setting and collaborating with incarcerated individuals.  We encourage people who have been impacted by the criminal legal system to apply.

The position is a full-time, exempt position. Starting salary is $60,000 per year, plus travel reimbursements, full medical/dental insurance, a simple IRA with 3% employer match, a monthly wellness stipend, and generous paid leave and holidays. The review of applications will begin immediately.

Key Responsibilities:

Communications 

  • Communicate THEI’s brand and initiative efficiently and accurately via many channels (website, printed materials, social media, etc.). 
  • Provide training to the THEI team to ensure consistent and effective brand communication via social media, website, video production, print materials, and verbal communication. 
  • Work in partnership with our third-party web manager to ensure THEI’s website functions properly. 
  • Develop and implement systems to update website content and design across all program areas. 
  • Design and publish marketing pieces utilizing emerging tools to help increase awareness.  
  • Coordinate communications efforts for special events. 
  • Manage media relations, including building relationships with media contacts and proactively securing media opportunities. 
  • Craft talking points and develops effective media strategies that may include press outreach, op-eds, and innovative social media. 
  • Create, format, and distribute regular email newsletters as well as updates and manage email lists using MailChimp. 
  • Develop marketing and social media strategies, using social media data and analytics to make key decisions. 
  • Lead efforts to continue sharpening social media presence to engage supporters, build momentum and share success stories. 
  • Edit video and create shareable video content. 
  • Manage the organization’s communications assets, including photo library, success stories, logo library, infographics, design files, print, and digital collateral. 
  • Manage and coordinate communication with contractors. 
  • Provide assets to other team members as needed. 

Development 

  • Cultivate potential diversified sources of public and private funding. 
  • Establish and maintain relationships with prospective donors, foundations, and partners’ contacts. 
  • Research and identify potential grant opportunities
  • Draft grant applications as assigned.
  • Draft interim and final reports to funders 
  • Manage and maintain donor database to include basic donor information, donations, and donor acknowledgments. 
  • Responsible for timely acknowledgment and recognition of donors as appropriate. 
  • Utilize the donor database to pull reports, mailing lists, and donor records to assist in fundraising efforts such as individual asks, annual mailings, and grant writing. 
  • Ensure donations are accurately accounted for and routed to the correct program area in our accounting system. 
  • Manage in-kind donations including tracking, gift acceptance, and gift acknowledgments. 
  • Create relevant policies and procedures to ensure compliance with best practices. 
  • Stay current with foundation trends and giving priorities. 

Events Management 

  • Provide administrative support for special events including data management, mailings, marketing, and other communication initiatives. 
  • Work closely with the Executive Director to develop new events to support the organizational mission.

Qualifications:

Social Justice Requirements

  • A strong commitment to providing service to at-risk populations and understanding the mission of THEI to be located within a larger social justice movement.
  • A strong commitment to breaking cycles of poverty and incarceration. 
  • A commitment to use Person First language because there is evidence that language can shape perceptions about an incarcerated person's capacity to change.

Core Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent desired
  • Minimum of 3+ years of communications experience 
  • Experience with content creation software
  • Excellent written & verbal communication skills, and the ability to write in a clear and compelling style
  • Proven track record of running successful social media campaigns and increasing subscribers and engagement
  • Demonstrated ability to increase productivity and continuously improve methods and approaches
  • Ability to analyze the effectiveness of all marketing and communications efforts
  • 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 
  • Desired computer skills include proficiency with G-Suite, Slack, Bloomerang 

How to Apply:

Interested applicants should submit cover letter and resume to work@thei.org with “Development and Communications Manager” in the subject line. 

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.

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