Job Description

About Thrive for Life: The mission of Thrive for Life Prison Project is to transform lives both behind and beyond the prison walls. At Thrive for Life, we envision a world where educational opportunities provide a clear and attainable pathway to a successful and permanent re-entry for people coming out of prison. Our long-term ambition is to establish houses of studies across the country—residential communities where formerly incarcerated individuals can live together in a supportive living community while pursuing their education and growing into the loving and generous people God created them to be.

Our holistic suite of services is built upon four foundational pillars: purpose, education, employment, and housing. Each of these pillars is essential in guiding individuals through their re-entry journey, but it is the secret ingredient of community that binds them together. It is only in community that we can truly flourish and thrive in life.

 

Position Overview: The Lead Instructor & Education Program Manager is a member of the CARE Team and serves as the primary architect and instructional lead for Thrive for Life’s on-site education programming. Working in close collaboration with the Director of Program Operations, this role is responsible for designing and implementing a comprehensive educational pathway for resident scholars.

The Lead Instructor will develop, facilitate, and continuously improve Thrive for Life’s on-site educational programming, including GED preparation, college readiness, workforce-oriented instruction, and social-behavioral learning groups that support residents’ successful re-entry into academic, professional, and community life.

In addition to the GED instruction, this role is responsible for coordinating and leading the scheduling and delivery of all on-site educational programming at Abraham House, including programs connected to the Cardinal’s Café initiative. The Lead Instructor will serve as the central coordinator of Thrive for Life’s on-site education schedule and ensure the consistent delivery of structured educational programming.

As a member of the CARE Team, the Lead Instructor will collaborate with program staff to integrate educational planning into each resident’s broader personal development goals and support the delivery of Thrive for Life’s holistic re-entry services.

Key Responsibilities Education Program Design & Development

• Design, coordinate, and continuously improve Thrive for Life’s on-site education program, including GED preparation, college readiness, workforce-oriented instruction, and social-behavioral learning groups
• Serve as the lead instructor and primary coordinator for all on-site educational programming at Abraham House
• Develop and maintain the weekly education schedule, ensuring consistent delivery of structured programming
• Coordinate educational activities connected to the Cardinal’s Café initiative and other on-site workforce learning opportunities
• Develop structured learning modules covering time management, conflict resolution, communication, professional conduct, and executive functioning
• Align all programming with Thrive for Life’s four pillars: purpose, education, employment, and housing

Personalized Education Planning

• Lead resident intake assessment educational background and identifying learning needs and develop individualized education plans for new residents
• Conduct follow-up academic planning sessions to refine educational goals based on resident progress
• Provide ongoing academic advising in coordination with the Director of Program Operations
• Monitor progress toward educational milestones

Educational Programming & Community Offerings

• Expand on-site educational offerings including OSHA certification and sewing classes
• Coordinate afternoon programming groups
• Schedule community educational events and workshops
• Ensure programs serve both resident scholars and the broader justice-impacted community

Partnership Development

• Support the development of relationships with higher education institutions and workforce training providers
• Coordinate on-site workshops, certification programs, and guest-led instruction
• Expand educational opportunities available to resident scholars

Employment Readiness Integration

• Assess employment readiness alongside educational planning and develop complementary employment plans
• Provide job search assistance including resume writing and application support
• Coordinate with external employment specialists for advanced placement and track outcomes with the CARE Team

Case Management and Documentation

• Maintain educational progress records in Monday.com case management system
• Document educational achievements, challenges, and plan modifications
• Prepare educational progress reports for Director of Program Operations review
• Coordinate with CARE Team members on integrated progress planning
• Ensure compliance with court-mandated educational requirements through Director of Program Operations
• Participate in weekly CARE Team meetings and monthly case review meetings

Documentation & Quality Assurance

• Maintain educational progress records in Monday.com and prepare progress reports for Director of Program Operations review
• Ensure compliance with court-mandated educational requirements and fidelity to Thrive for Life’s educational standards
• Support training of educational volunteers and participate in program evaluation initiatives

Other Duties

• Carry out additional assignments from leadership to ensure smooth day-to-day operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Education, Adult Education, or related field required; Master's preferred
• Minimum 6 years of experience in adult education or educational programming
• Experience working with justice-impacted populations preferred
• GED instruction experience or ability to obtain certification within 90 days
• Knowledge of higher education admissions processes and workforce development systems
• Strong computer skills including database management and educational software platforms
• Bilingual capabilities (English/Spanish) preferred
• Familiarity with Catholic education or experience working within the Roman Catholic or Jesuit educational tradition strongly preferred

Core Competencies

• Educational Excellence: Ability to design and deliver effective adult learning experiences
• Collaborative Partnership: Effective coordination with CARE Team and Director of Program Operations
• Adaptive Programming: Flexibility to meet diverse learning styles and educational goals
• Data-Driven Practice: Commitment to tracking outcomes and evidence-based programming
• Community Engagement: Skill in building partnerships with educational institutions
• Mission Alignment: Deep commitment to transformative education and human dignity

Job Tags

Permanent employment

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