Lead Program Facilitator & Communications Manager

Circles of Support (CoS) is seeking a highly organized, empathetic, and motivated individual to join our team as a Program Manager. This full-time staff member will engage with multiple Circles of Support program areas and lead internal and external communications. Responsibilities include outreach to and support of our alumni network, planning and implementing program-wide communications strategies, and

facilitating programming both within correctional facilities and in the community. The role requires a unique blend of facilitation, communication, and direct service skills, along with a deep commitment to individuals and communities impacted by the criminal legal system.

Key Responsibilities

This is a new role and responsibilities are subject to change, particularly within the first year of the position. Any significant changes will be reflected in an updated job description.

Program Facilitation (50%)

Facilitation: Travel to and work at community partner sites and/or correctional facilities 2-3 times per week to facilitate high-quality, effective, and mission-aligned group programs, coach and support other program facilitators, engage with community partners, and actively support participant storytelling efforts.

Program Logistics: Manage the logistical requirements for group programming, including materials preparation, program paperwork, security clearances, and scheduling coordination.

Communications (25%)

Communications Strategy Development: Develop and execute the communications strategy for CoS across all relevant platforms.

Content Creation and Support: Support broader communications efforts, including drafting and distributing newsletters, developing press releases, and creating program updates for various audiences.

Alumni Engagement (15%)

Network Coordination: Facilitate alumni communications and connection efforts to establish and maintain a supportive, active, and thriving post-release network.

Resource Identification: Identify resources and opportunities for alumni.

Other (10%)

Partnership Relationships: Collaborate effectively with external programs, non-profit organizations, and community partners to best utilize shared resources, expand the organization’s reach, and maximize impact for participants, alumni, and the greater community.

General Foundation Support: Assist with other projects across the Foundation as assigned.

Do you have experience in Working with incarcerated individuals?, Required qualifications for this role include:

• Experience Working Within Secure Facilities: Demonstrated ability and willingness to travel to and work effectively and consistently within correctional facilities.
• Alumni/Community Engagement Skills: Skilled in developing engagement initiatives and fostering strong networks.
• Facilitation Experience: Proven ability to lead group sessions, coach individuals, and facilitate discussions. Trauma-informed facilitation skills are highly preferred.
• Organizational and Interpersonal Skills: Excellent organizational skills, strong written and verbal communication abilities, and the capacity to work independently and as part of a small, dedicated team.
• Mission Alignment: Deep commitment to the mission and values of Circles of Support.
• Reliable Transportation: Independent transportation to all possible job sites (including correctional facilities) or a familiarity and comfort with public transportation is required.
• Technical Experience (or Willingness to Be Trained): Experience with software such as Google Suite, Microsoft Suite, Constant Contact, Canva, etc. is preferred.

In addition to the above qualifications, the ideal candidate will be a proactive self-starter capable of navigating complex environments and engaging with people from diverse backgrounds. They will be comfortable solving problems, trying new things, making mistakes, and taking constructive feedback from others, including program participants. Perhaps most importantly, Circles of Support seeks a team member who hopes to break down silos and work collaboratively not only within the program, but across the field of prison and reentry programming.

Preferred Qualifications for this role include:

• Marketing and Communications Fluency: Fluent in social media management, content creation, and strategic implementation, coupled with proven experience in broader marketing and communications roles.
• Lived Experience: The lived experience of incarceration is highly valued in candidates for this role.

Pulled from the full job description

• 403(b)
• Paid parental leave
• Parental leave
• Health insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance, * 403(b)
• Cell phone reimbursement
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Circles of Support is a program that works within the prison and reentry landscape in New York to center the dignity, humanity, and voices of individuals impacted by the criminal legal system. It values individual voices and focuses on building meaningful relationships between all involved.

Many individuals enter Circles of Support through its flagship “Raising My Voice” programs, designed for those who have experienced incarceration and their loved ones to develop communication and feedback skills and craft the story of their own lives in a safe, confidential, and collaborative environment. Circles of Support also implements a companion program, “Youth Speak,” specifically for youth and young people living in communities that are disproportionately impacted by the criminal legal system. Most recently, Circles of Support has begun collaborating with other programs to co-facilitate storytelling events at prisons throughout the state. These events include several months of planning and preparation with a group of currently incarcerated leaders, and culminate in a day-long event inside of a prison that is recorded for broader viewing.

All of these programs facilitate the creation of a transformative peer network of trust and support. With the support of Circles of Support, many alumni continue to gather and support each other well after their Raising My Voice cohort has formally ended.

Circles of Support also has a Speakers’ Bureau, connecting alumni who would like to share their stories publicly with audiences who would like to listen. Circles of Support thereby works to amplify the voices of individuals and their families impacted by the criminal legal system, whose voices often go unheard.

Circles of Support is a program of the J.C. Flowers Foundation.