Postsecondary Education Program Coordinator - State Program Administrator

Minnesota Department of Corrections; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 49,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

The Minnesota Department of Corrections is seeking a Postsecondary Education Program Coordinator. This crucial role focuses on the administration of educational programs in all DOC facilities, requiring excellent organizational and communication skills. Candidates with experience in education program support, ideally with advanced degrees, are encouraged to apply and contribute to impactful initiatives for incarcerated students.

Benefits

Paid vacation and sick leave

Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans

Pension plan

Employer paid life insurance

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Qualifications

• Two years of experience supporting education programs or college planning.
• Experience working effectively with diverse personalities.
• Experience implementing streamlined systems across projects.

Responsibilities

• Administer postsecondary educational programs across DOC facilities.
• Support program logistics, budget activities, and report preparations.
• Act as primary contact between DOC and educational institutions.

Skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Time management

Organizational skills

Education

Associates Degree in Education, Counseling, Social Work, Sociology or related field

Tools

LMS

CRM

Job description

Working Title: Postsecondary Education Program Coordinator

Job Class: State Program Administrator

Agency: Corrections Dept

• Job ID: 86711
• Location: St. Paul
• Telework Eligible: No
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 06/19/2025
• Closing Date: 06/30/2025
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Corrections Dept / Corrections Facilities-MAPE
• Division/Unit: Minn Corr Facl - Stillwater / STW Education Director
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes - up to 75% of the time
• Salary Range: $23.63 - $34.18 / hourly; $49,339 - $71,367 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
• FLSA Status: Nonexempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes
  
  

The work you'll do is more than just a job.

At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.

The Postsecondary Education Program Coordinator focuses on the administration of postsecondary educational programs in all Minnesota Department of Corrections (MN DOC) facilities. The coordinator provides support and assistance in the identification, development, and delivery of postsecondary education programs and/or initiatives and serves as the primary contact between the MN DOC and postsecondary education institutions. In addition, this position supports the implementation of program logistics, budget activities, data collection, and prepares reports and required program documentation.

The position will primarily work across several DOC facilities and will have direct contact with incarcerated students.

Minimum Qualifications

To be qualified for and considered for this position, ensure that your resume contains descriptions of your work experiences sufficient for comparison against the requirements stated below and indicate the beginning and ending month and year for each job held.

• Two (2) years of experience that supports an education program or assisting individuals with college planning. *An Associates Degree in Education, Counseling, Social Work, Sociology, or related field may substitute for six (6) months of experience, a Bachelor's Degree in an above field may substitute for one (1) year, a Masters Degree in an above field may substitute for 18 months of experience.
• Demonstrated experience of using sound judgment and objectivity while working effectively with diverse personalities across students, staff, and external partners.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with strong attention to detail, organization, and time management to meet multiple deadlines
• Experience developing and implementing streamlined systems and processes that enhance consistency, efficiency, and clarity across projects and communications.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

The following qualifications are strongly desired of applicants seeking consideration for this position:

• An advanced degree in Education, Counseling, Social Work, Sociology, or related field
• Proficient in utilizing a variety of education organization tools and platforms (e.g., LMS, CRM, scheduling systems) to manage tasks, data, and communications efficiently.
• Thrives in collaborative settings by building strong working relationships with colleagues and contributing to a team-centered culture.
• Exercises discretion and maintains strict confidentiality with sensitive information, student records, and internal communications.
• Experience working in a K-12 or higher education setting
• Knowledge of college applications, enrollment, and financial aid processes
  
  

Physical Requirements

The selected finalist is required to review and sign a Physical Demands Analysis (PDA) for this position and may be required to complete a tuberculosis screening prior to hire. For a copy of the PDA, please email Ali Baumgart at [e-mail]

Additional Requirements

The selection process may include screening the top candidate(s) on their criminal history, predatory offender registration, offender associations and/or other applicable background information in accordance with Department of Corrections’ policy. Top candidate(s) must pass a criminal history check which includes successful completion of all sentencing and/or restitution requirements of law enforcement jurisdictions, including probation.

Employment history/reference checks, including incidents of sexual harassment, will also be conducted on the top candidate(s) in accordance with Department of Corrections’ policy. This may include a review of job performance and discipline records.

New employees will be fingerprinted within the first 30 days of employment.

The Minnesota Department of Corrections (DOC) does not participate in E-Verify. The DOC will not sponsor applicants for work visas, including F-1 STEM OPT extensions. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

How To Apply

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email [e-mail]. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.

Contact

If you have questions about this position, contact Alicia Baumgart at [e-mail] or 651-361-7307.

To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Alicia Baumgart at [e-mail].

About Corrections Dept

Go from a job to a meaningful career with the Minnesota Department of Corrections where we work to transform lives for a safer Minnesota! We hold people responsible for the offenses they commit while giving them the tools they need to succeed as they transition back to our communities. These people may be incarcerated in our correctional facilities or be under our supervision in the community. No matter a person’s custody status, our mindset is the same: a person’s path to rejoining the community starts on the day they begin serving their sentence. Become part of this mindset by joining our team! With the DOC you will find many promotional opportunities, great State of Minnesota benefits, competitive pay, free parking, and workout facilities at most locations.

Working together to improve the state we love.

What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?

• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth
  
  

Benefits

As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.

Your benefits may include:

• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
• Fertility care, including IVF
• Diabetes care
• Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being
  
  

Support to help you reach your career goals:

• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)
  
  

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:

• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care
  
  

Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS

Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.

Applicants With Disabilities

Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email [e-mail] and let us know the support you need.