Program Coordinator

Be the Bridge Between Innovation and Impact - Program Coordinator at San Quentin SkunkWorks At San Quentin SkunkWorks, we’re not just imagining a better future-we’re building it from the inside out. Our incarcerated Impact Team designs real solutions to transform the justice system, and we need someone to help make their work possible. SkunkWorks is an incarcerated-led innovation lab where people inside San Quentin collaborate with outside professionals to tackle systemic challenges. Through leadership training, mentorship, and world-class expertise, we equip incarcerated changemakers to drive meaningful reform. Our work has engaged policymakers, scholars, and leaders in tech, law, and film-bringing together the brightest minds inside and outside prison to create transformative change. Your Role: Keeping Innovation Moving Inside As Program Coordinator, you’ll be the critical link between incarcerated changemakers, outside professionals, and prison administration-ensuring ideas turn into action. You will: Facilitate collaboration by ensuring the smooth exchange of documents, materials, and information. Support core meetings, including the weekly Impact Team meeting (Fridays 3-5 PM) and the Leadership Council (Saturdays 1:30-3 PM). Manage logistics inside San Quentin, working with prison administration to ensure programs run smoothly. Escort volunteers and facilitate engagement with incarcerated leaders. Problem-solve in real time, ensuring programs stay on track and challenges are addressed efficiently. How We Work: Committees Driving Change The Impact Team is structured into committees, each supported by outside professionals: Research & Policy - Conducts participatory action research. Communications & Media - Works with designers and journalists to amplify SkunkWorks' impact. Leadership Foundry - Trains incarcerated changemakers in management and leadership. Development - Learns grant writing and nonprofit fundraising strategies. Event Planning & Gaming - Organizes transformative events inside San Quentin. Chess Club - Runs Pawns to Progress, a strategic thinking program with professional chess educators. Who You Are A mission-driven leader who believes incarcerated people can create real change. A skilled organizer who balances logistics while keeping teams inspired. An effective communicator who aligns goals across incarcerated leaders, prison staff, and outside professionals. A problem solver who thrives in dynamic environments. Available to visit San Quentin at least once per week for in-person coordination. Why This Matters This role isn’t just about running programs-it’s about ensuring incarcerated leaders have the support they need to drive change. Your work will help bridge the gap between inside innovation and outside expertise, making a real impact on justice reform. Apply now to be the Program Coordinator for San Quentin SkunkWorks.