Position Summary

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 learners —those balancing education with work and personal responsibilities—through 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 WashU 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

• Collaborate with CAPS Senior Program Director and Academic Directors to provide program oversight including degree program assessment; course offerings and delivery; recruitment, and training of faculty and oversight of teaching/program assistants; development and delivery of academic programs and other services (e.g. workshops, short courses).
• Collaborate with subject matter experts and instructional designers to develop engaging, high-quality program content using innovative learning best practices.
• In partnership with the DOC and CAPS Director of Information Technology, assess, advocate for, and facilitate the implementation of technical capabilities, hardware and software to support high quality, practical learning for program students.
• Collaborate with CAPS staff to develop, implement, and manage the DOC staff degree program.
• Oversee the provision of services and support to current students to address needs and assist in facilitating efficient completion of the degree program.
• Oversee the PEP Program Site Administrators in coordinating with WashU instructors teaching in PEP to support orientation procedures, including the Volunteer in Corrections (VIC) certification process; ensure effective communication between instructors and prison staff; and provide guidance to the coordinators in assisting instructors with logistical issues.
• If administrative duties allow, occasional teaching in the program is encouraged.

Administrative and Operational Oversight ​

• Lead and direct all administrative and operational aspects of the PEP, working with CAPS staff to facilitate course scheduling, student registration, and generating instructional and staff contracts, making purchases and submitting required documentation, and performing other administrative tasks.
• Provide oversight of the PEP budget in collaboration with CAPS finance team; monitor and guide the management of revenue and expenditures for the program.
• Oversee staff collaboration with Student Financial Services and CAPS financial aid office in awarding Pell funding to incarcerated students; ensure staff provide appropriate support for incarcerated students completing and submitting the FASFA.
• Work with the DOC, MECC, WERDCC, and CAPS staff in revising and executing the annual Memorandum of Understanding (MOU); review and process new PEP-related addendums and agreements.
• Serve as the primary point of contact with the DOC to address any issues that arise that impact students’ participation and involvement in PEP programming.
• Plan, schedule, communicate, and participate in meetings for PEP Executive Board, Advisory Board, and CAPS faculty committees (e.g. Admissions, Advising, Progression, Curriculum, Programming, Reentry/Alumni Program, etc.).
• Supervise and support PEP reentry team, including providing supervision to PEP Reentry Advocate and working with community partners to develop reentry resources for PEP alumni.
• Represent PEP at various educational forums, attend on-site and community stakeholder meetings and provide updates to external partners; participate in annual conferences and statewide and national conversations related to the future of higher education in prison.
• In collaboration with the principal investigators, Program Site Administrators, and CAPS Grant Specialist and finance team, administer grant funds awarded to the PEP.

Oversee Marketing and Event Planning

• Collaborate with CAPS Marketing and Communications to support the development and execution of marketing strategies that enhance PEP visibility across web, print, multimedia, and emerging communication channels; working closely to ensure content accuracy and alignment with PEP’s mission and CAPS brand standards.
• Partner with the marketing team to coordinate media relations and manage inquiries.
• Collaborate with CAPS Marketing and Communications on the planning, execution, and promotion of special events at the prison and on campus (lectures, colloquia, end-of-year events); work with the PEP Graduation Committee to support the planning and execution of the PEP Graduation ceremony at the prisons.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions:

Job Location

• Normal office environment.
• Moderate travel throughout Missouri, including to the Missouri Eastern Correctional Center and the Women’s Eastern Reception, Diagnostic, and Correctional Center.

Physical Effort

• Some evenings and/or weekend responsibilities.

Equipment

• Office 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

WashU seeks highly motivated individuals who are able to perform duties in a manner consistent with our core mission and guiding principles.

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 Higher Education (5 Years)

Skills:

Analytical Thinking, Confidentiality, Correctional Facilities, Curriculum Assessment, Curriculum Development, Decision Making, Detail-Oriented, Diplomatic Approach, Facilitating Adult Learning, Faculty Development, Instructional Leadership, Leadership, Optimistic Attitude, Prisons, Problem Solving, Relationship Building, Strategy Plan, Team Strategy, Teamwork, Time Management, Work Collaboratively

Questions

For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email CandidateQuestions@wustl.edu or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.

All qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

Pre-Employment Screening

All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits Statement

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to providing a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to our employees. Benefits eligibility is subject to employment status, full-time equivalent (FTE) workload, and weekly standard hours. Please visit our website at https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/  to view a summary of benefits.

EEO Statement

Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Washington University is dedicated to building a community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment – fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.