Associate Dean of Correctional Programs at Big Muddy River Correctional Center

Lake Land College Illinois; Ina (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Lake Land College Illinois is seeking an Associate Dean to administer and supervise all college programming and administrative processes at a correctional facility. The role coordinates with IDOC/IDJJ and applies applicable directives and policies.

Responsibilities include planning courses, supervising staff, handling admissions, advising, and ensuring compliance with fiscal and regulatory guidelines. Strong leadership and coordination are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree strongly preferred.
• Experience in administrative or supervisory roles within educational settings.
• Knowledge of community college operations and correctional systems preferred.

Responsibilities

• Supervise college programs and staff at a correctional facility to meet college and IDOC/IDJJ goals.
• Plan, schedule, and evaluate course offerings at the facility.
• Manage purchasing, vendor accounts, and adherence to fiscal guidelines.
• Recruit, admit, advise, and register students per college regulations and IDOC directives.
• Coordinate facility training, staff evaluations, and background checks for hires.
• Attend Warden meetings and lead monthly staff meetings to communicate facility issues.
• Ensure on-site presence of at least 37.5 hours per week and lead committees as needed.
• Monitor FOIA requests, student grievances, and maintain compliant documentation.

Skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

Job description

The Associate Dean administers and supervises all college programming and administrative processes at a correctional facility, including student admissions and recruitment, advising, registration, scheduling courses and purchasing. The position is responsible for coordinating all college activities with IDOC facility administration and applying administrative directives and policies.

Essential Job Functions

1. Provide supervision of college programs and college staff at designated correctional facility to meet mission and goals of College and the IDOC or IDJJ.
2. Plan, schedule, and evaluate course offerings at designated correctional facility to assure agreement with course requirements and assessments.
3. Review classroom needs, establish vender accounts, process requisitions, and track facility purchasing so all transactions meet fiscal guidelines.
4. Recruit, admit, advise, and register all students based on module schedule, following College regulations and IDOC directives.
5. Administer training, activities, and evaluation of all facility staff and recruit, interview, and submit background checks in their hiring.
6. Serve as an IDOC or IDJJ department head by attending Warden meetings and conducting monthly college staff meetings to communicate facility issues.
7. Be on work site a minimum of 37.5 hours per week (30-minute lunch).
8. Arrive at work site prior to beginning of established shift.
9. Lead or serve on such committees for the betterment of the College as may be established by the administration.
10. Identify and report FOIA requests to appropriate FOIA Officer. Determine and collect appropriate documentation to meet FOIA requests.
11. Respond and answer student grievances submitted via IDOC grievance process.
12. Observe, support, and enforce the regulations, policies, and programs of the College and inform the Dean of Correctional Programs in writing of any problem that might have a detrimental effect on the College.
13. Administer collective bargaining agreement, including disciplinary process and grievances at designated facility.
14. Direct and weekly audit college staff in the collection of SDS documentation and inventory of caustics and flammable substances in program areas as prescribed by IDOC or IDJJ.
15. Direct and weekly audit staff in the inventory and issuance of tools in program areas as prescribed by IDOC or IDJJ.
16. Assist institutional personnel during emergency situations.
17. Audit college documentation, IDOC or IDJJ offender database, and other college activities for compliance with IDOC or IDJJ regulations and procedures, including Program Service Credit contracts/calendars, program checklists, and enrollment documentation.
18. Report any personally observed security violations and assist IDOC or IDJJ in investigations of individuals in custody and/or staff, including completing disciplinary and incident reports.
19. Direct and adhere to IDOC or IDJJ regulations regarding handling of keys and maintaining locked and secured areas.
20. Perform duties as assigned.
21. Authorize and maintain equipment assigned to area, administering IDOC property guidelines.

Education Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree. Master's Degree Strongly Preferred.

Experience Requirements

• Administrative or Supervisory Experience Required.

Knowledge

• Knowledge of Community College procedures required. Knowledge of correctional systems preferred.

Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills required. Highly developed problem-solving skills required.

Personal Requirements

• Good Interpersonal Skills.