Position Overview

The Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) invites applications for Associate Director for Corrections.

As part of SBCTC's Education Division, this position serves as a member of the leadership team providing statewide coordination and technical assistance for correctional education programs including high school completion and English language acquisition, professional-technical training, applied and transfer associate and baccalaureate degrees, re-entry services, and other agreed upon education programs offered by community and technical colleges and re-entry programs in partnership with the Department of Corrections at the state's adult correctional facilities. This position also serves as the primary point of contact in connection with the Washington state legislature for matters related to Corrections Education programs.

Headquartered in Olympia, this position serves as the liaison between Department of Corrections stakeholders, community and technical college partners, and the State Board for Community and Technical College staff.  Some hybrid work can be negotiated. However, travel to Olympia for in-person meetings, prison site visits, system meetings, conferences, and face-to-face professional development offerings is required.

Mission and Vision Statement

Leading with racial equity, our colleges maximize student potential and transform lives within a culture of belonging that advances racial, social, and economic justice in service to our diverse communities. We challenge, empower and embolden ourselves and our colleges to deliver equitable higher education through antiracist policies that ensure economic vitality across Washington. Our values are focused on racial equity and social justice, accountability, community and culture building, service, humor, collaboration and innovation.

Principal Activities

• Provide strategic planning and leadership to community and technical college partners in the development and delivery of an educational pathway from basic education for adults to applied and transfer degrees and continuing education and re-entry services after release.
• Lead the implementation of Pell grants for correctional education and navigate the shifting funding environment in collaboration with the DOC.
• Serve as the central coordinating authority between SBCTC, Colleges and Department of Corrections
• Facilitate communication and timely information sharing between and among community college partners, Department of Corrections stakeholders, and State Board staff.
• Schedule and conduct informational and training meetings with each stakeholder group as needed.
• Design and continuously improve the corrections education delivery model across Washington State including monitoring for data accuracy and grant compliance, Provide oversight of the delivery of educational services at each of the correctional facilities, monitoring for data accuracy and contract compliance, assisting with resolution of challenges to improve performance, and interpreting policy as needed.
• Lead system-wide performance management, including Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) Production, completions, access, and align offerings to contractual obligations, make modifications to the service delivery plan and amend the Interagency Agreement as mutually agreed upon by DOC and SBCTC as needed.
• Promote the use of systemic and research-based educational services to the Department of Corrections including providing leadership in the development of High School Plus and Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training (I-BEST) programs within correctional facilities.
• Provide supervisory and strategic vision and support to the Corrections Education team, including the Program Administration for navigational and re-entry services, and Corrections IT staff.
• Work with all stakeholders to expand IT infrastructure that will allow education programs to deliver flipped classroom and web enhanced instruction and expand computer access to students.
• Provide stakeholders with needed data and reports.
• Monitor and provide electronic or written copies of the correctional education database quarterly reports to DOC and community college providers.
• Provide the Department of Corrections with reporting as determined by the Interagency Agreement (IAA).
• Provide assistance in researching and responding to legislative and constituent inquiries regarding corrections education programs and expenditures. Represent the interests of the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges regarding correctional education issues and initiatives.
• Plan and coordinate negotiations between the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges and the Department of Corrections.
• Provide input and assistance to the Department of Corrections in the development and planning of new facilities, development, expansion, and/or relocation of programs, as required.
• Lead development and revision of Interagency Agreement (IAA) agreements and provide technical assistance to colleges under the Corrections Education Grant
• Establish Data collection, validation, and reporting across institutions
• Perform other related work as required.
  

Qualifications

The successful candidate must be able to work collaboratively, think creatively, act resourcefully, and exhibit excellent communication skills, both written and oral.

• A vision for corrections education that centers race equity and emphasizes inclusive and equitable pathways to living wage work and further educational opportunities for justice-involved individuals.
• Experience working within or alongside carceral systems.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex environments.
• Experience navigating cross-system governance structures.
• Demonstrated ability to work successfully with students, staff, and stakeholders from diverse backgrounds including those whose native language is not English.
• Bachelor's degree in education, cultural diversity, organizational and policy development, resource management, social science, higher education administration, communications or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience in studying social problems related to incarcerated individuals and developing policies to solve them.
• Teaching and/or coordinating experience in Corrections Education or equivalent combination of related experience.
• Track record for accomplishing goals according to a strategic plan.
• Experience managing multiple activities and projects to successful completion.
• Basic knowledge of research techniques and use of data for decision-making.
• Experience in developing, tracking, and managing budgets.
• Technological proficiency and an ability to learn and adapt to changing technological interfaces, applications, and devices.
• Meet required background checks and security clearances.
  

Annual Salary: $119,136 to $119,136 (Salary includes July 1, 2026, COLA)

Location: Olympia, Washington with the possibility of 100% telework eligibility.

Open Date: Monday, May 4, 2026

Close Date: Friday, June 5, 2026

This is a full-time, exempt position. The annual compensation for this position is listed above. Washington state has a generous benefit package including health, dental, life insurance, long-term disability, retirement, and two optional deferred compensation programs. For more information, see Exempt Employee Benefits.  

Recruitment and screening of applications will be ongoing until the position is filled. However, to ensure full consideration, return completed materials by 5 p.m. on the closing date. Note: Agency hiring authorities reserve the right - and may exercise the option - to make hiring decision prior to the conclusion of the recruitment process. Please submit materials as soon as possible.

Supervision Reporting

This position has supervisory responsibilities and reports to the Director of Basic Education for Adults (BEdA) in the Education Division.

Application Process

Interested candidates may apply by submitting the following items:

• Online Application
• Cover Letter that addresses your interest in the position and ability to perform the responsibilities described in this announcement.
• Detailed résumé of all educational and professional experience that demonstrates how you meet the qualifications.
• Attach list of at least three professional references (including current supervisor) with contact information. References are typically contacted after interviews.

Contact

Pamela J. Kelly
Human Resource Consultant 4
pkelly@sbctc.edu
360-704-4301

Submitted applications are the property of SBCTC and will not be returned.

Prior to new hire, the finalist for this position will be subject to a criminal background check as a condition of employment. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States for any employer.