Program Coordinator, Prison Education Program

Palmer Theological Seminary of Eastern University; Saint Davids (PA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Palmer Theological Seminary of Eastern University is seeking a Prison Education Program (PEP) Program Coordinator to manage daily operations that support academic programming in correctional facilities and reentry settings. The role partners with the PEP Director to build admissions, scheduling, student services, communications, and faculty support.

Responsibilities include maintaining student records, coordinating class schedules and events, ensuring policy compliance with PA DOC and Eastern

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and 2 years of relevant experience
• Knowledge of the criminal justice system and reform issues
• Ability to obtain and maintain security clearance at a correctional facility
• Proficiency with MS Office and Google software applications
• Ability to handle confidential information
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to liaise with university offices and PA DOC employees

Responsibilities

• Coordinate daily administrative and operational functions of the Prison Education Program
• Develop, maintain, and improve systems and procedures to enhance efficiency and accountability
• Manage student records and program documentation with confidentiality and compliance
• Assist with admissions, enrollment, marketing initiatives, event planning, and other programmatic activities
• Foster productive working relationships with correctional staff to support operations
• Coordinate academic schedules for classes, workshops, orientations, and events
• Serve as primary contact for faculty regarding operational questions and program requirements
• Maintain consistent communication with faculty and staff for timely program updates
• Escort professors through the facility on appointed days and assist as needed
• Oversee and coordinate production and distribution of course materials
• Support recruitment and enrollment strategies for new students
• Facilitate weekly study hall sessions to promote achievement and accountability
• Ensure compliance with PA Department of Corrections and Eastern University policies

Skills

Criminal justice knowledge

Emotional intelligence

Excellent communication

Policy compliance

Stakeholder liaison

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

MS Office

Google Workspace

Job description

The Prison Education Program (PEP) Program Coordinator serves as a key member of the Prison Education Program leadership team and is responsible for coordinating the day‑to‑day operations that support the successful delivery of academic programming within correctional facilities and reentry settings. Working closely with the PEP Director, the Coordinator develops, implements, and continuously improves operational systems related to admissions, student services, academic scheduling, communications, marketing, events, faculty support, and program administration. This position ensures operational excellence, promotes student success, and advances the mission of providing high‑quality educational opportunities to incarcerated and formerly incarcerated students.

• Administration & operations
  • Program administration & operations
    • Coordinate daily administrative and operational functions of the Prison Education Program
    • Develop, maintain, and improve systems and procedures that enhance program efficiency, accountability, and effectiveness
    • Manage student records and program documentation while ensuring accuracy, confidentiality, and compliance with institutional and correctional policies
    • Assist with admissions, enrollment, marketing initiatives, event planning, and other programmatic activities
    • Foster productive working relationships with correctional staff to support smooth program operations
  • Communications & academic scheduling
    • Coordinate academic schedules for classes, study halls, workshops, orientations, and special events
    • Schedule meetings and coordinate communications for faculty, staff, students, and external partners
    • Serve as a primary point of contact for faculty regarding operational questions, scheduling, and program requirements
    • Maintain consistent communication with faculty and staff to ensure timely dissemination of program information and policy updates
  • Faculty support & resource management
    • Oversee and coordinate the production and distribution of course materials while managing timelines and institutional printing limitations
    • Develop and refine systems that improve the efficiency and tracking of faculty requests and resource allocation
    • On appointed days, escort professors through the facility to and from class
    • Serve as a teaching assistant for faculty as needed
  • Student attendance & academic records
    • Maintain accurate attendance records and enter weekly attendance data into program tracking systems
    • Prepare reports documenting student instructional hours for correctional facility
• Re‑entry support: Help returning students successfully transition into and thrive in communities. Responsibilities include meeting with and supporting returning students individually, collaborating with partner organizations to ensure students are aware of available resources and services, and working with the director to coordinate educational opportunities such as workshops and other programs designed to promote student success. The role also involves advising and mentoring students as they navigate and make the most of any educational experience at Eastern University.
• Academic support: Foster student success from recruitment through graduation. Responsibilities include advising and supporting students throughout their academic journey, including assisting with registration and financial aid processes. The role also supports the hiring and training of faculty, helps design and implement recruitment and enrollment strategies for new students, and facilitates weekly study hall sessions that promote academic achievement, accountability, and community among students.
• Must comply with policies of the PA Department of Corrections and Eastern University.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and 2 years of relevant experience
• Knowledge of the criminal justice system and reform issues
• Capacity to appropriately manage emotions, establish boundaries, and navigate challenging conversations and situations
• Ability to obtain and maintain security clearance at a correctional facility
• Experience managing multiple kinds of data
• Experience refining and developing processes and systems
• Proficiency with MS Office and Google software applications
• Ability to handle confidential information
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to effectively liaise with university offices and PA DOC employees
• Supports the mission of Eastern University and PEP, and embodies values of caring and compassion, justice and integrity, competence and affirmation
• Seeks to treat each member of the campus community—especially PEP students—with fairness, dignity, and respect, seeking a spirit of unity and harmony as we join together to achieve our common mission