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Associate Director of Workforce Development

Job Title: Associate Director of Workforce Development
Location: Hybrid
Reports to: Director of Education and Tour Programs
Position Type: Full-Time, Exempt
Salary: $75-$80k

APPLY NOW: To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter via our online job portal. Last day to submit your application is October 11, 2024. In your cover letter, please describe your experience with the criminal justice system and how it has prepared you for this role.

About Us:

Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site provides comprehensive support to individuals transitioning from incarceration to successful reentry coming home. Through our workforce development and holistic reentry programs, we aim to create opportunities for meaningful employment and personal growth.

Job Summary:

The Associate Director of Workforce Development and Reentry Programs will oversee and lead the strategic planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of our workforce development and reentry initiatives, including the Preservation Trades Center and LEAD Fellowship. The ideal candidate will have lived experience with the criminal justice system and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by individuals reentering society from incarceration. This role requires a compassionate leader committed to empowering individuals through education, job training, and support services.

Key Responsibilities:

Program Development and Management:

  • Develop and implement comprehensive workforce development and reentry programs. Work in direct partnership with Director of Education on public programs, and with Senior Director of Preservation & Operations for preservation content.
  • Oversee the day-to-day operations of all reentry and workforce development programs.
  • Ensure programs are aligned with the organization's mission and goals.
  • Create and monitor program budgets, ensuring financial sustainability and efficiency.
  • Travel will be required to promote the program and recruit program participants, including recruitment at local correctional facilities.


Strategic Planning:

  • Collaborate with the executive team to develop long-term strategies for program growth and sustainability.
  • Identify and pursue funding opportunities, including grants and partnerships.
  • Conduct regular assessments of program effectiveness and implement improvements as needed.


Support and Advocacy:

  • Provide direct support and mentorship to program participants.
  • Advocate for the needs and rights of individuals transitioning from incarceration and facing other barriers to employment.
  • Develop and maintain relationships with program partners, agencies, employers, and other stakeholders to support participants' success.


Staff Supervision and Development:

  • Recruit, train, and supervise program participants, program staff, and volunteers.
  • Foster a positive and supportive work environment.
  • Provide ongoing professional development opportunities for staff and program participants.


Data and Reporting:

  • Collect and organize feedback from program participants and staff to assist in program evaluation and improvement.
  • Maintain accurate records and data on program participants and outcomes.
  • Prepare regular reports for the executive team, board of directors, program partners, and funders.
  • Utilize data to drive program improvements and demonstrate impact.
  • Assist in maintaining the workforce development budget, tracking expenses, and processing reimbursements.


Community Engagement:

  • Represent the historic site at local and national events, meetings, and conferences.
  • Build and maintain relationships and serve as main point of contact with local businesses, employers, service providers, and government agencies. This includes program updates, scheduling, professional development, and offsite trips.
  • Promote awareness and understanding of reentry issues within the community.
  • Schedule, plan, and execute events such as career chats, training sessions, alumni engagement and other gatherings.


Qualifications:

Lived Experience: Personal experience with the criminal justice system and successful reentry.

Education: Bachelor's degree in social work, criminal justice, education, or a related field preferred. Equivalent experience will be considered.

Experience: Minimum of 3 years in program management, workforce development, or related fields. Experience working with formerly incarcerated individuals is highly preferred.

Driver’s License: Ability to obtain and maintain a valid driver’s license within six months of hire.

Skills:

  • Strong leadership and management skills.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders.
  • Knowledge of workforce development strategies and reentry best practices.
  • Proficiency in data management and reporting.


Core Competencies:

Empathy and Compassion: A deep understanding of and sensitivity to the challenges faced by individuals transitioning from incarceration.

Leadership: Ability to inspire and lead a team towards achieving common goals.

Strategic Thinking: Capacity to develop and implement long-term strategies for program success.

Advocacy: Strong commitment to advocating for the rights and needs of program participants.

Collaboration: Effective collaboration with internal and external partners to support program goals. Open and responsive to feedback from internal and external partners, and program participants.

Self-Starter: Comfortable operating autonomously, but also aware of when and how to advocate for the help and resources needed for success.

Application Process:

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter via our online job portal. In your cover letter, please describe your experience with the criminal justice system and how it has prepared you for this role. Last date to submit application, Friday, October 11, 2024.

About ESPHS:

Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site (ESPHS) is a museum interpreting the legacy of American criminal justice reform from the site of the world’s first penitentiary. The facility pioneered the large-scale use of solitary confinement in the early 19th century and housed approximately 85,000 people during its 142 years of operation. The building itself was an architectural wonder: it had running water and central heat before the White House, and its revolutionary wagon-wheel design has been copied by more than 300 prisons around the globe. Although the prison now stands in ruin, its story remains relevant today.

Today, Eastern State Penitentiary attracts hundreds of thousands of guests from around the world each year to explore the site’s fascinating past and contemplate some of the most critical issues facing our nation. Its innovative public history program draws connections to contemporary justice reform through an approach that values multiple perspectives, amplifies marginalized voices, and respects a broad range of visitors’ interests and learning styles. Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Corporation that operates the penitentiary, a National Historic Landmark, as an historic site and museum.

Commitment to Diversity:

We strongly believe in the power of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We recognize that a diverse workforce brings together unique perspectives, experiences, and talents, leading to increased creativity, innovation, and better decision-making. As such, we actively seek out and value job applicants from all backgrounds, races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientation, ages, or disability. Our commitment to DEI extends throughout our hiring process, ensuring equal opportunities and fair treatment for all candidates. We firmly believe that by fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, we can create a stronger, more vibrant, and more successful organization.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:

Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, creed, color, religion, alienage or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability or handicap, sex, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, arrest record or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. Our management team is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities and general treatment during employment.

ESPHS strongly believes in second chances and, as such, is committed to providing appropriate employment opportunities to those who have been incarcerated. As a condition of employment, all individuals who accept an employment offer must complete a criminal background check. Eastern State will review any criminal record and make appropriate employment decisions in accordance with applicable law and its policies.

2017 American Aliance of Museums Excellence in Exhibitions Overall Winner