Come Work With Us! Appleseed is Hiring a Program Assistant

Job Description: Program Assistant, Parole and Reentry

Alabama Appleseed: Alabama Appleseed is a non-profit, non-partisan 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1999 whose mission is to confront unjust systems through research, bridge building and advocacy to create an Alabama that prioritizes justice and opportunity. Alabama Appleseed works to improve the justice system on behalf of all Alabamians. We seek justice for individuals by providing post-conviction and parole representation for people serving extreme sentences under outdated laws, and we advocate for common-sense reforms to address the unfairness, waste, and corruption that have turned Alabama’s prison system into one of the worst in the United States.

Alabama Appleseed is a vibrant, growing organization that prides itself on creating strategic, evidence-based solutions to some of the most pressing problems in Alabama, and allowing the ingenuity of our staff to lead the way. 

Alabama Appleseed is a member of the national Appleseed Network, which includes 19 Appleseed centers across the U.S. and in Mexico City.

Position Summary:  The program assistant provides administrative, outreach, and communications support for Appleseed’s expanding parole advocacy, primarily the coordination of a pro bono parole project and the support of volunteers. Working closely with Appleseed’s legal team, the program assistant will help prepare communications and training presentations for attorneys in Alabama interested in pro bono representation of individuals at hearings before the Alabama Board of Pardons and Paroles. The assistant will help prepare and manage client files and materials, assist in correspondence with incarcerated individuals, assist in communications with volunteer lawyers, and ensure all aspects of the pro bono parole project are organized and running smoothly.  

The program assistant will also lend assistance to the reentry team in implementing home plans and services to incarcerated people returning to the community, as needed. The program assistant reports directly to the Legal Director, and works closely with the reentry team as well. 

The position is based in Appleseed’s Birmingham office. The position involves moderate in-town travel and limited out-of-town travel. As part of a small nonprofit, the case manager will occasionally be called upon to assist with events and presentations that are critical to Appleseed’s work. Administrative duties are required with this position.

An ideal candidate is highly organized, confident in communicating with experienced lawyers, and enthusiastic about expanding opportunities to secure parole and reentry success for incarcerated Alabamians. 

Primary Responsibilities:

• Manage communication with volunteer lawyers, law firms and community volunteers in order to raise awareness about volunteer opportunities, trainings, and related Appleseed events and connect these individuals with volunteer work.
• Assist in developing training materials and presentations for volunteers.
• Working closely with Appleseed’s Legal Team, coordinate all facets of pro bono parole program so that volunteers have the information, support, and training to successfully handle parole hearings.
• Develop a detailed understanding of the parole process in Alabama in order to be able to communicate with the public, including volunteers, pro bono lawyers,  and families of incarcerated Alabamians.
• Develop expertise in Appleseed’s intake system, parole priorities and reentry program.
• Working with the reentry team, assist in a range of client needs to include: wellness checks on clients, client transportation, event planning for client celebrations.
• Skills with preparing social media materials such as short videos, a plus, but not required.

Qualifications:

• Demonstrated commitment to Alabama Appleseed’s mission, vision, and approach to advocacy;
• Bachelors degree; 
• Ability to manage and organize communications, files, and spreadsheets. Paralegal skills a plus;
• Strong initiative and ability to manage and complete projects with minimal supervision;
• Proficiency in Microsoft, Google Workspace, Adobe, and Powerpoint;
• Excellent written communication skills and public speaking skills;
• Ability to prepare and effectively present information to groups;
• Valid automobile driver’s license – this position will involve some travel and use of personal vehicle, with mileage reimbursement;
• Willingness to use personal cell phone for work calls, in accordance with Appleseed’s Personnel Policies;
• Ability to get along and work collaboratively with diverse personalities.
• Willingness to occasionally work outside of normal business hours.

Salary and Benefits: This is an entry level position that will provide a salary range of $45,000 – $52,000 annually.  Additionally, Appleseed offers a competition benefits package including health insurance with fully paid premiums, generous paid time off, hybrid work options, and 401(k) after one year of employment. 

Applicants should submit cover letter and resume  to Appleseed Executive Director Carla Crowder at carla.crowder@alabamaappleseed.org.