Operation New Hope is a nonprofit operating in Jacksonville, Orlando, St. Johns County, the Space Coast, and soon to open in the Tampa/St. Petersburg area. Our pre-release and post-release programs provide job training and placement, and comprehensive support services to people returning from incarceration and others who have been affected by the justice system with the goal of facilitating successful transitions back into the community. We motivate our clients to become productive, responsible citizens, and our programs help prevent recidivism, reduce the repeated costs of incarceration, and improve public safety. Our dedicated team supports the career opportunities, mental health, and overall stability of our clients to help them achieve self-sufficiency.

Position Overview: The Business and Community Engagement function interacts with employers in and throughout the Central Florida area to sell the Ready4Work program and the value of hiring graduates from the program. This position is responsible for maintaining a steady flow of job orders into the Ready4Work program to assure that graduates can become gainfully employed quickly. Additionally, this position works to build strong partnerships with community organizations and key Central Florida stakeholders.

Reports to: Chief Communications Officer

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Responsible for recruiting and maintaining an active list of partner employers (within agreed target industries) who are willing and able to provide viable employment opportunities to Ready4Work Clients.
• Have a regular presence in the community and with past, present and future employer partners.
• Meets with decision makers and cultivates relationships with potential employers.
• Maintain a solid understanding of the skills sets and job needs for Ready4Work clients to assure that the employers being targeted are a match for our clients. Develop and implement a business plan and strategy for remaining relevant within the business community.
• Works with Job Coaches to match clients with the proper employers based on skillsets, career desires and experience.
• Responsible for the professional preparation of reports and presentations and the accuracy, timeliness, and completeness of data.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships with key stakeholders and community partners
• Promotes and educates the Community about Ready4Work and the value of Second Chances.

Education / Experience / Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 3 years of experience in community engagement and business development.
• At least 2 years of experience working with marginalized or underserved populations.
• Strong influential face-to-face communication skills and strong public speaking ability.
• Ability to interface and engage diverse groups of people.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a team environment.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite; Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams.
• Must have a valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and reliable transportation.
• Must be able to clear a Level I Background check through the Department of Corrections.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 lbs.

Job Type: Full-time

Location: Tampa, FL

We offer a 35 hour work week and have a robust benefits package for our employees. We honor all Federal Holidays (paid) and employees are eligible for paid time off after 90 days of employment.

With 25 years of experience in providing job readiness training and supportive services to people affected by the criminal justice system, Operation New Hope is a leader in the field. We have built our reputation and track record on the belief that we all deserve a second chance. Our Ready4Release, Ready4Work, and Ready4Success programs builds stronger communities by creating opportunities for people impacted by the criminal justice system to become productive, responsible citizens saving taxpayers millions of dollars by avoiding repeated high costs of incarceration, dramatically improving public safety and reuniting families.

Our work has been praised by the last four White House Administrations, as well as law enforcement officers, business leaders, and representatives at the federal, state, and local levels. Internationally, we have been recognized by House of Mandela as a model program. We have begun laying the groundwork for expansion into Tampa in 2024, and we will serve more returning citizens at our current locations in Jacksonville, St. Augustine, Orlando, and the Space Coast.

We are close-knit community of passionate, like-minded professionals, who make life-changing opportunities possible every day—empowering individuals impacted by the criminal justice system to rebuild their lives and move beyond their pasts. We provide access to customized solutions for people to rebuild their lives—services and support not provided by the criminal justice system. We are honest, respectful, and forthright in our actions, adhering to the highest ethical standards. We listen and learn from each other and align ourselves with partners to leverage our collective capabilities in creating an inclusive environment. We are passionate about our mission, committed to our communities and work every day to earn their trust. We approach each opportunity with the belief that nothing is impossible, challenging everyone to make a difference.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $29.12 - $39.39 per hour

Expected hours: 35 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• using electronic client records and reporting software: 3 years (Required)
• Public speaking: 5 years (Required)
• demonstrating transparent and high integrity leadership: 5 years (Required)
• successfully managing a program (non-profit preferred): 5 years (Required)
• working with at-risk and/or vulnerable populations: 3 years (Required)
• Microsoft Office: 5 years (Required)
• community engagement and outreach: 5 years (Required)
• non-profit: 5 years (Required)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Tampa, FL (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Tampa, FL: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person