Eastern University is a nationally-recognized Christian university enrolling approximately 9,000 students in a wide array of undergraduate, graduate, professional, and seminary programs. The university’s main campus is located in St. Davids, PA, with many programs also offered online. Eastern’s core values of Faith, Reason, and Justice are woven into all of its educational offerings. Through dynamic programs, a vibrant campus community, and meaningful service learning opportunities, Eastern University is committed to providing students with transformative, accessible, and affordable education.

Position 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.

Position Responsibilities

Administration & operations

1. Program administration & operations
   1. Coordinate daily administrative and operational functions of the Prison Education Program
   2. Develop, maintain, and improve systems and procedures that enhance program efficiency, accountability, and effectiveness
   3. Manage student records and program documentation while ensuring accuracy, confidentiality, and compliance with institutional and correctional policies
   4. Assist with admissions, enrollment, marketing initiatives, event planning, and other programmatic activities
   5. Foster productive working relationships with correctional staff to support smooth program operations.
2. Communications & academic scheduling
   1. Coordinate academic schedules for classes, study halls, workshops, orientations, and special events
   2. Schedule meetings and coordinate communications for faculty, staff, students, and external partners
   3. Serve as a primary point of contact for faculty regarding operational questions, scheduling, and program requirements
   4. Maintain consistent communication with faculty and staff to ensure timely dissemination of program information and policy updates
3. Faculty support & resource management
   1. Oversee and coordinate the production and distribution of course materials while managing timelines and institutional printing limitations
   2. Develop and refine systems that improve the efficiency and tracking of faculty requests and resource allocation
   3. On appointed days, escort professors through the facility to and from class
   4. Serve as a teaching assistant for faculty as needed
4. Student attendance & academic records
   1. Maintain accurate attendance records and enter weekly attendance data into program tracking systems
   2. 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.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

1. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and 2 years of relevant experience
2. Knowledge of the criminal justice system and reform issues
3. Capacity to appropriately manage emotions, establish boundaries, and navigate challenging conversations and situations
4. Ability to obtain and maintain security clearance at a correctional facility
5. Experience managing multiple kinds of data
6. Experience refining and developing processes and systems
7. Proficiency with MS Office and Google software applications
8. Ability to handle confidential information  
9. Excellent written and verbal communication skills
10. Ability to effectively liaise with university offices and PA DOC employees
11. Supports the mission of Eastern University and PEP, and embodies values of caring and compassion, justice and integrity, competence and affirmation
12. 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

About Eastern University

Eastern University is a Christian university of the arts and sciences that integrates faith, reason and justice for students in its undergraduate, graduate, seminary, urban, professional and international programs. Applicants should have a Christian commitment compatible with its mission and be willing to support the mission and vision of the university.  The university complies with federal and state guidelines of nondiscrimination in employment; members of protected classes encouraged to apply.

Background Checks

Standard University employees are required to complete the background clearance process. Employment is contingent upon the successful results of an employment background screening. The employment background screening may include but is not limited to your consumer credit history (for positions that work with the university finances or alumni funds only), verification of education and professional credentials, criminal history, driving history, residency, immigration status, performance, references, and other qualities pertinent to your qualifications for the following position.

Youth Clearances are required for positions with direct contact with children and essential personnel positions. Employees working with or around minor age children are required to complete the youth clearance process which includes the following four child protection clearances:

1)      Affidavit;

2)      FBI Criminal Record Check;

3)      Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Child Abuse History Clearance and;

4)      Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check.

In accordance with state laws, Act 73 of 2007, Act 153 of 2014, Act 168 (relating to the Child Protective Services Law), school employees of Eastern University who will have "direct contact with children" must complete the background check process prior to employment.  Results must be submitted within ten days of receipt.