Employer Engagement Recruiter - Remote in TN
Reports To
Program Manager
Who is Persevere?
Persevere is a national 501(c)3 non-profit organization committed to decreasing recidivism and increasing successful reentry and transition for men and women involved in the criminal justice system. To accomplish this, Persevere offers a customizable, comprehensive program for criminal-justice involved individuals to develop meaningful job skills and gain successful access to the labor market. These services include software coding classes; job readiness and employability instruction, including life skills and financial education; work experience; job search and job placement; entrepreneurship training; and for some, a residential transition program.
National data shows recidivism rates are highest among those who are unemployed. Criminal justice involved men and women have long struggled to find employment upon release. They have an immediate disadvantage because of their criminal justice involvement, and must compete with non-offenders for unskilled, low-paying jobs. Even when they are successful at finding a job, keeping it is another challenge. As a result, many are unable to comply with the conditions of parole and end up back in prison.
Real Hope, Valuable Skills, & Meaningful Opportunity
Job Overview
Persevere Tennessee is seeking a passionate and results-driven Employer Engagement Recruiter to identify and establish partnerships with employers who are committed to providing meaningful employment opportunities for our program graduates. The ideal candidate will focus on sourcing job placements for individuals trained in technology pathways such as Front-End Development, CompTIA certifications, AWS certifications, Project Management, and other relevant fields, fostering long-term employer relationships, and advocating for the unique talents and capabilities of individuals overcoming barriers to employment.
Job Responsibilities
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Employer Outreach & Engagement:
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Identify potential employers across various industries who are willing to hire Persevere graduates, particularly those skilled in technology pathways such as Front-End Development, Project Management, and those certified in AWS and CompTIA.
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Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with key employers, HR managers, and industry leaders in Tennessee and beyond.
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Develop employer recruitment strategies by attending networking events, career fairs, and leveraging social media and online platforms to increase the visibility of Persevere graduates.
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Job Placement Facilitation:
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Match qualified Persevere graduates with open positions by thoroughly understanding employer needs and aligning those with graduate skills and career aspirations.
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Collaborate with the Employment Coordinator and Technology Employment Specialists to assess graduates' job readiness and ensure they are adequately prepared for placement.
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Coordinate interviews between graduates and potential employers, providing guidance and support to both parties throughout the hiring process.
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Partnership Development:
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Work with industry leaders to create internship, apprenticeship, and direct hire opportunities for Persevere graduates.
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Establish partnerships with companies that align with Perseveres mission, ensuring that placements reflect supportive and inclusive work environments for graduates, particularly those impacted by the justice system.
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Advocacy and Education:
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Advocate for second-chance employment initiatives by educating employers about the benefits of hiring graduates with lived experiences, including those with justice involvement.
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Provide employers with resources, training, and ongoing support to foster successful and sustainable employment relationships.
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Data Tracking & Reporting:
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Maintain accurate records of employer outreach, job placements, and partnership outcomes.
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Analyze hiring trends and prepare reports for internal use, highlighting the success of employer engagement efforts.
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Qualifications
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Bachelor’s degree in Business, Human Resources, or a related field (or equivalent work experience).
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Proven experience in recruitment, employer engagement, or business development, ideally within workforce development or second-chance hiring initiatives.
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Strong communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
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Ability to work independently and meet placement targets.
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Familiarity with the challenges and opportunities surrounding justice-impacted individuals in the workforce is a plus.
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Passion for Persevere mission to empower individuals with barriers to employment through training and technology
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We highly value
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Passion for and responsibility to the customer/partner
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Must be self-starting, hardworking and inquisitive
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Leadership through innovation in everything you do
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Passion for what you do and being self-critical to improve
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Relentless commitment to win
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Personal and corporate integrity