The position will be based in the THEI office in Nashville with frequent trips across the state. Under the direction of the THEI Executive Director, the Director of PSP will work closely with the rest of the THEI leadership team, the administration at our partner prisons and colleges, our policy/advocacy partners, and our legislative contacts to inform and collaborate on the creation of the Tennessee Prison College Coalition. The Director of PSP will provide strategic guidance about relevant policy developments and opportunities, help to position the organization with policymakers and other stakeholders as a credible, trusted source of expertise in the field of prison higher education, convene allied partners for various advocacy activities, and chart a course for THEI’s policy agenda. The ideal candidate can start before September 15, 2019. 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. Further, we seek applicants who have experience working in education policy and working in a prison environment; flexibility with work hours including the ability to work some nights and weekends; experience with budget and staff management; and a strong commitment to breaking cycles of poverty and incarceration. Familiarity with the public higher education system in Tennessee and its relevant policy landscape are a benefit. Finally, the ideal candidate must have a reliable car, and be comfortable working in a prison and collaborating with prisoners. We encourage folks who have been impacted by the criminal-justice system to consider applying.

The Tennessee Higher Education Initiative (THEI) seeks a full-time Program Coordinator. The position will be split between the THEI office in Nashville and the prison facilities that house THEI programs--currently, Turney Center Industrial Complex in Middle TN and Northwest Correctional Complex in West TN.  Under the direction of the THEI Executive Director, the Program Coordinator will work closely with the THEI Assistant Director, the administration and staff at our partner prisons,  and the points of contact at our partner colleges to facilitate the operation and administration of the THEI college program. The Program Coordinator will be at Turney Center at least three evenings a week (with monthly visits to Northwest), and will assist with all aspects of the administration, scheduling and logistics of the program on the ground. The Program Coordinator will also meet regularly with students.