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

Director, Washington University Prison Education Project

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 learnersthose balancing education with work and personal responsibilitiesthrough flexible, high-quality educational pathways to career success. CAPS offers a variety of degree and certificate programs tailored to meet the demands of the regional job market. The dynamic curriculum, developed in collaboration with industry leaders, ensures students gain the skills and knowledge employers are seeking. CAPS ensures community support through its English Language Programs (ELP) dedicated to improving English proficiency to advance workforce skills, Prison Education Project (PEP) for incarcerated people, and the Masters in Teaching and Learning offering pathways for educators at every stage of their career. Committed to fostering student success, CAPS provides a range of resources and personalized coaching. With the individualized support of dedicated instructors, recruiters, student success navigators, and career specialists, students have the resources and guidance needed to succeed.

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), a transformative liberal arts degree program for incarcerated students and prison staff within the Missouri Department of Corrections. The PEP seeks to bring WashU's intellectual rigor and high educational standards to support qualified incarcerated students in earning college degrees and realizing successful reentry into the community. The Director will lead program staff, faculty, and partners in shaping and implementing the program's strategic direction, aligning with its core values and building 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, who manage the program's daily operations; university-wide collaboration with schools and departments that impact PEP outcomes; partnering with Advancement on development initiatives; and serving as an advocate to communicate the mission and impact of the 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 the sustainability and growth of the PEP; implement short and long-term program goals; continuously review the overall strategy and respond to new challenges and opportunities.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the University and the Department of Corrections, including the Missouri Eastern Correctional Center (MECC), Women's Eastern Reception, Diagnostic and Correctional Center (WERDCC), and staff, communicate to DOC leadership PEP's vision for expanding access and educational opportunities for people currently incarcerated and prison staff.
• Cultivate relationships and partnerships with organizations and stakeholders working in education for incarcerated individuals and other relevant social service roles, both on- and off-campus.
• Support the WU Office of Advancement in executing fundraising strategies to secure funds for the core operations of PEP and special leadership initiatives; assist in identifying and cultivating potential funding sources, donors, and sponsorship opportunities.

Program Management

Administrative and Operational Oversight

Oversee Marketing and Event Planning

Performs other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions : Job Location

Physical Effort

Equipment

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. 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. Decisions impact the continued partnership with the Department of Corrections.

Preferred Qualifications

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

Certifications : No additional certification beyond what is stated in the Required Qualifications section.

Work Experience : Progressive Experience In Prison Education With A Focus On