Director, Prison Education Project (Hybrid) - School of Continuing and Professional Studies

Washington University in St. Louis; United States; Remote; USD 75,000 - 129,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent educational institution in the United States seeks a Director of Healthcare Programs to lead the Prison Education Project. This role involves strategic oversight, curriculum development, and collaboration with stakeholders to enhance educational opportunities for incarcerated individuals. Ideal candidates will have a Master’s or PhD and relevant experience in educational administration and prison education. Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits offered.

Benefits

Up to 22 days of vacation

Competitive health insurance

Free Metro transit U-Pass

Defined contribution retirement savings plan

WashU tuition assistance

Qualifications

• Relevant experience (3 years) in an educational or related field.
• Progressive experience in prison education with a focus on higher education (5 years) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for the Prison Education Project.
• Collaborate with University stakeholders to develop vision for sustainability and growth.
• Oversee curriculum development and manage program staff, faculty, and partners.

Skills

Analytical Thinking

Confidentiality

Curriculum Assessment

Curriculum Development

Decision Making

Detail-Oriented

Diplomatic Approach

Facilitating Adult Learning

Leadership

Time Management

Teamwork

Education

Master’s degree or combination of education and/or experience

PhD or terminal degree

Job description

Overview

Scheduled Hours: 37.5

Position Summary

Since 1931, WashU Continuing & Professional Studies (CAPS), formerly University College, has been a cornerstone of career advancement and professional growth in the St. Louis region. The mission is to empower modern learners—those balancing education with work and personal responsibilities—through flexible, high-quality educational pathways to career success. CAPS offers degree and certificate programs aligned with the regional job market, with a dynamic curriculum developed in collaboration with industry leaders. CAPS also provides English Language Programs (ELP) to improve English proficiency for workforce skills, the Prison Education Project (PEP) for incarcerated people, and the Masters in Teaching and Learning for educators at every career stage. The institution offers personalized coaching and dedicated instructors, recruiters, student success navigators, and career specialists to support student success.

Under the direction of the Vice Dean, Director of Healthcare Programs for CAPS, the Director will provide strategic leadership for the Washington University (WU) Prison Education Project (PEP). PEP is a transformative liberal arts degree program for incarcerated students and prison staff within the Missouri Department of Corrections. The Director will lead program staff, faculty, and partners to shape and implement the program's strategic direction, align with core values, and build on existing strengths and new resources. Key responsibilities include overseeing curriculum development; recruiting, training, and supervising instructors, staff, and volunteers; guiding the work of the PEP Program Site Administrators; partnering with university-wide schools and departments affecting PEP outcomes; collaborating with Advancement on development initiatives; and communicating the mission and impact of PEP to diverse audiences.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Strategy, Planning, and Leadership for PEP
  • Collaborate with University stakeholders to develop a clear vision for sustainability and growth of the PEP; implement short- and long-term program goals; review strategy and respond to new challenges and opportunities.
  • Serve as the primary liaison between the University and the Department of Corrections (DOC), including MECC, WERDCC, and staff; communicate PEP’s vision for expanding access and education for incarcerated individuals and prison staff.
  • Cultivate relationships with organizations and stakeholders in education for incarcerated individuals and related social services, on- and off-campus.
  • Support the WU Office of Advancement in fundraising to secure funds for core PEP operations and leadership initiatives; help identify and cultivate potential funding sources, donors, and sponsorships.
• Program Management
  • Collaborate with CAPS Senior Program Director and Academic Directors to oversee degree program assessment, course offerings and delivery, recruitment and training of faculty, and supervision of teaching/program assistants; develop and deliver academic programs and related services (e.g., workshops, short courses).
  • Collaborate with subject matter experts and instructional designers to develop engaging, high-quality program content using innovative learning best practices.
  • In partnership with the DOC and CAPS Director of Information Technology, assess and facilitate technical capabilities, hardware, and software to support high-quality, practical learning for program students.
  • Collaborate with CAPS staff to develop, implement, and manage the DOC staff degree program.
  • Oversee services and support to current students to address needs and facilitate efficient degree completion.
  • Oversee the PEP Program Site Administrators in coordinating with WU instructors, support orientation procedures including VIC certification, ensure effective communication between instructors and prison staff, and guide coordinators on logistical issues.
  • If administrative duties allow, occasional teaching in the program is encouraged.
• Administrative and Operational Oversight
  • Lead all administrative and operational aspects of the PEP, including course scheduling, student registration, contracts, purchases, and required documentation.
  • Oversee the PEP budget in collaboration with the CAPS finance team; monitor revenue and expenditures.
  • Coordinate with Student Financial Services and CAPS financial aid to award Pell funding to incarcerated students; assist staff in assisting incarcerated students with FAFSA.
  • Work with the DOC, MECC, WERDCC, and CAPS staff to revise and execute the annual MOU; review new PEP addendums and agreements.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact with the DOC to address issues impacting student participation in PEP.
  • Plan, schedule, communicate, and participate in PEP Executive Board, Advisory Board, and faculty committee meetings (e.g., Admissions, Advising, Progression, Curriculum, Programming, Reentry/Alumni).
  • Supervise and support the PEP reentry team, including supervision of the Reentry Advocate and collaboration with community partners to develop reentry resources for PEP alumni.
  • Represent PEP at educational forums, attend on-site and community stakeholder meetings, and provide updates to external partners; participate in conferences and discussions on higher education in prison.
  • Collaborate with principal investigators, Program Coordinators, CAPS Grant Specialist, and finance team to administer grant funds awarded to PEP.
• Oversee Marketing and Event Planning
  • Coordinate with CAPS Marketing and Communications to develop and execute marketing strategies that raise PEP visibility across web, print, multimedia, and other channels; ensure content accuracy and alignment with PEP’s mission and CAPS brand standards.
  • Coordinate media relations and manage inquiries with the marketing team.
  • Collaborate on planning, execution, and promotion of events at the prison and on campus (lectures, colloquia, end-of-year events); support PEP Graduation ceremony planning and execution.
• Other
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions

• Job Location: Normal office environment.
• Physical Effort: Moderate travel throughout Missouri, including to MECC and WERDCC; some evening and/or weekend responsibilities.
• Equipment: Office equipment.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be exhaustive. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.

Required Qualifications

Education: Master’s degree or combination of education and/or experience may substitute for minimum education.

Certifications: No specific certification is required for this position.

Work Experience: Relevant Experience (3 Years)

Skills: Not Applicable

Driver's License: A driver’s license is not required for this position.

More About This Job

This position makes decisions concerning strategy, administration, and evaluation of academic programs for the PEP. Decisions impact the quality of the academic program, academic progress, and success of incarcerated students and prison staff, and the ongoing partnership with the Department of Corrections.

Preferred Qualifications

Education: PhD or terminal degree or combination of education and experience may substitute for minimum education.

Work Experience: Progressive Experience in Prison Education with a focus on higher education (5 Years)

Skills: Analytical Thinking, Confidentiality, Curriculum Assessment, Curriculum Development, Decision Making, Detail-Oriented, Diplomatic Approach, Facilitating Adult Learning, Leadership, Time Management, Teamwork

Grade: G14

Salary Range: $75,200.00 - $128,800.00 / Annually

The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the university. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade, and department budget.

Questions

For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email [e-mail] or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.

All qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily, and reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

Pre-Employment Screening

All external candidates receiving an offer will be required to submit to pre-employment screening, including background checks, drug screen, verification of education/licensure, physical examination, vaccinations, and government registry checks where applicable. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits Statement

Personal

• Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 holidays, and sick time.
• Competitive health insurance with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.
• Free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees.
• Defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan starting at 7% contributions.

Wellness

• Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, EAP, financial resources, access to dietitians, and more.

Family

• 4 weeks caregiver leave to bond with a new child; family care resources available for childcare and adult care needs.
• WashU tuition assistance for you and family: dependent undergraduate tuition up to 100% on-site and 40% elsewhere after seven years.

For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit: https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/

EEO Statement

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to equal employment opportunity and encourages applications from underrepresented groups. The University provides equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information. The University supports an inclusive environment and welcomes diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.