Prison Education Program Director
SUMMARY
Spring Arbor University is looking for an experienced and mission-driven leader to launch and build our Prison Education Program (PEP). This role collaborates with academic leadership and administrative offices to develop the necessary proposals to launch the program (a multi-month process), then will move to build and direct the program. The director will ensure that the program provides high-quality instruction and academic support services, strong student support, and that it meets university and accreditation standards.
Part-time during proposal development stage, Moving to Full-time upon launch
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Develops the proposal and required supporting materials to gain approvals from the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC), Higher Learning Commission (HLC), and the Department of Education.
- Works closely with academic leadership and deans/department chairs to provide on-the-ground oversight of faculty and courses delivered as part of the PEP and ensure that academic practices and instructional methods align with SAU standards.
- Manages new student recruitment, marketing, admissions, and orientation processes for PEP programs in partnership with SAU’s Admissions office and the MDOC.
- Develops a course schedule that ensures students’ academic progress and timely degree completion and monitors classroom enrollments effectively.
- Coordinates all logistical components of the PEP program related to instructional delivery and academic support (classroom space, course materials, supplies, library resources, etc.), doing so in compliance with policies and procedures of the MDOC.
- Partner with MDOC staff to ensure SAU faculty and staff receive the necessary MDOC orientation and LEIN security clearances.
- Coordinates with university offices to provide effective services to prospective and current PEP students: admissions, advising, financial aid, and various instructional-related support.
- Manages the PEP budget and expenses in accordance with university guidelines.
- Coordinates co-curricular programming and student formation initiatives designed to build a meaningful learning community and promote student transformation.
- Coordinates data collection for evaluation, program assessment, and regulatory requirements for SAU, MDOC, and other related constituencies.
- Serves as a liaison and an advocate for PEP students within the university to maximize PEP students’ success.
- Serves as SAU’s main liaison for MDOC/SAU Commencement activities.
- Assists SAU’s Advancement office with fundraising efforts related to PEP initiatives and populations, as requested.
- Teaches at least 1-2 SAU courses annually to PEP students, if academic credentials allow.
- Other duties as assigned
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
None currently. Additional staff may be added as the program grows.
QUALIFICATIONS
Master’s degree or terminal degree is strongly preferred. (Bachelor’s degree only may be considered if the individual has a high level of experience related to the expected duties/abilities.) Faculty rank may be granted based on academic credentials. Ability to pass a comprehensive background check and achieve LEIN clearance to access correctional facilities is required.
KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES
- Experience with higher education administration and/or university teaching preferred.
- Experience working in a correctional facility and/or with non-traditional students is desired.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent projects with strong attention to detail and work effectively to meet deadlines.
- High level of maturity and discernment, including the ability to exert composure when faced with difficult or unpredictable situations.
- Must possess a positive demeanor and be able to create a supportive and welcoming atmosphere.
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills required, including the ability to engage effectively with faculty, staff, students, donors, and external partners.
- Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to develop clear strategies and actionable decisions required.
- Advising experience with non-traditional students preferred.
- Proficient with computer software and technology.
- Ability to perform job tasks on a varied schedule, that can include daytime, evening, and weekend hours on an occasional basis.
- Requires frequent work within Michigan correctional facilities, which includes upholding a security clearance for entrance to each facility.
A deep commitment to SAU’s mission and values is essential. The individual will exhibit a life and service that is in full accord with the Spring Arbor University Concept, Statement of Faith, and Community Covenant.
Experience working in multicultural academic environments is preferred. Individuals from diverse populations are encouraged to apply.
Spring Arbor University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe it is our moral and legal obligation to meet the responsibility of ensuring that all management practices regarding employees are conducted in a nondiscriminatory manner. In compliance with Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, and other applicable federal and state statutes, all recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting for all job classifications will be administered without regard to race, color, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, military veteran status or other applicable status protected by law, including state of employment protected classes. It is, therefore, our policy and intention to evaluate all employees and prospective employees strictly according to the requirements of the job. All personnel related activities such as compensation, benefits, transfers, job classification, assignments, working conditions, educational assistance, terminations, layoffs, and return from layoffs, and all other terms, conditions and privileges of employment will be administered without regard to race, color, ancestry, age, sex, national origin, pregnancy or childbirth, disability, military veteran status or other applicable status protected by law, including all applicable state of employment protected classes. Spring Arbor University is a Christian religious-affiliated organization; and as such, is not subject to religious discrimination requirements; the University’s hiring practices and EEO discrimination practices are in full compliance with both federal and state law. Federal law creates an exception to the “religion” component of the employment discrimination laws for religious organizations (including educational institutions) and permits them to give employment practice preference to members of their own religious beliefs.
