Academic Program Manager - WERDCC - School of Continuing and Professional Studies

Position Summary
The Academic Program Manager – WERDCC designs, implements, and evaluates academic and student support programming for the Washington University Prison Education Project at its WERDCC campus in Vandalia, MO. The person in this position ensures student academic and reentry success at WERDCC by recruiting, training, and assisting PEP faculty and tutors, providing academic support for WERDCC students, and working closely with PEP staff and the Missouri Department of Corrections to administer the program.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

Academic and Administrative Support for the Prison Education Project (PEP) program at the Women’s Eastern Reception Diagnostic and Correctional Center (WERDCC)

• Working alongside PEP Director and Program Coordinator, assists in recruitment, hiring, orienting, and training of faculty and tutors at WERDCC. Coordinates with Instructors teaching at WERDCC to assist with orientation procedures including Volunteer In Corrections (VIC) certification process; facilitates communication between instructors and Department of Corrections (DOC) staff; helps instructors with logistical issues (room availability, technical assistance).
• Alongside PEP Program Coordinator, makes purchases for the program; orders books and other required items; coordinates receipt and other required documentation with CAPS accounting staff.
• Coordinates course enrollment; maintains student records and ensures accurate student enrollment and financial aid documentation for students at WERDCC.
• Collects and processes course evaluations at WERDCC.
• Builds and maintains relationship with Missouri Department of Corrections staff to ensure logistical coordination and efficient program operation.
• Coordinates program events at WERDCC, including PEP’s graduation ceremony.​
• Teaches two three-credit courses annually for the Prison Education Project, addressing curricular needs. 

Academic Advising Support for WERDCC Students

• Serves as academic advisor for WERDCC students; meets with students on a semesterly and as-needed basis to ensure degree progress, student retention, and academic success.
• Coordinates with internal and external resources to support the success of incarcerated students: Disability Resources, Learning Center, Writing Center, academic tutors, practicum students, etc.
• Manages communication with incarcerated students through printed and electronic messages conveyed between the prison and the University.
• Regularly attends PEP Student Support team meetings, documenting and addressing student needs.

Reentry Support for WERDCC Students

• Supports PEP Reentry Advocate in providing reentry support and resources to WERDCC students pre-release.
• Coordinates with WERDCC students pre and post-release to support continuing education, including undergraduate and graduate education.
• Advises WERDCC students on career planning, including working with university resources and external resources, as well as Missouri Department of Corrections reentry staff.
• Regularly attends PEP Reentry team meetings, documenting and addressing reentry needs at WERDCC.

Assists with Academic Planning and Resource Development

• Working alongside PEP Director, assists in the development and expansion of collaborations between PEP and both on-campus and community resources in order to enhance academic experience of PEP students.
• Working alongside PEP Director, assist in the development and administration of precollege programming designed to prepare individuals at WERDCC for future college studies .

Performs other duties as assigned. ​

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Working Conditions

• Moderate travel to WERDCC; ability to work occasional evenings and weekends.
• Standard hours are Monday - Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm CST.
• Work schedule to be determined with direct supervisor during first week.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a higher education in prison setting, particularly in a student-facing or academic role. Familiarity with liberal arts curricula.
• Ability to work closely with a range of higher education stakeholders, including faculty, advising staff, and students.
• Ability to work both independently and with groups.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, particularly in student-facing duties.
• Long-term project management and planning skills.

Required Qualifications

• Three years of work experience in field of expertise.
• May require higher level of education dependent upon area of study.
• M.A. degree (open field) with two or more years of experience in higher education, student support, or related field.

Grade
G10

Salary Range
$48,700.00 - $80,500.00 / Annually

The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.

Accommodation

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

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

Personal

• Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.

• Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.

• Want to Live Near Your Work and/or improve your commute? Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees. We also offer a forgivable home loan of up to $12,500 for closing costs and a down payment for homes in eligible neighborhoods.

• WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.

Wellness

• Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!

Family

• We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? We’ve got you covered.

• WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.

For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit: https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/

EEO/AA 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.

Diversity Statement
Washington University is dedicated to building a diverse 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.