Executive Director, Prison Education Program

Who is Saint Louis University? Founded in 1818, Saint Louis University is one of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious Catholic universities. SLU, which also has a campus in Madrid, Spain, is recognized for world-class academics, life-changing research, compassionate health care, and a strong commitment to faith and service.

All About You

Overview

The Prison Education Program (PEP) at Saint Louis University (SLU) is a Jesuit-inspired initiative that provides high-quality higher education opportunities to people incarcerated and working in prisons and jails in Missouri. Under supervision of the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, the PEP Director leads the program in fulfilling its mission and goals. 

Founded in 2008, PEP builds a learning community for incarcerated people and those who work in prisons by bringing University programming to populations that have been excluded from higher education. PEP offers a higher-education experience through for-credit courses (Associate of Arts Degree Program), noncredit preparatory classes (College Preparatory Program), and extracurricular arts and education programming (Prison Arts & Education Program). SLU PEP is a founding and active member of the Jesuit Prison Education Network.

PEP currently consists of three FT staff members and several PT staff and interns; faculty members serve as coordinators of the parts of the program, and in an advisory capacity. PEP fundraises for 75% of its annual operating expenses.

In 2022, Saint Louis University committed to an expansion of PEP from an Associate of Arts degree to a bachelor’s degree and to creating and supporting funded pathways to campus for degree completion for alumni to SLU’s St. Louis campus. In addition to overseeing the mission and implementation of PEP, the Director will guide curriculum development, business planning, and strategic planning for these initiatives, as outlined in the University’s Academic Strategic Plan .

Responsibilities

• Oversee the mission and strategic planning of PEP in collaboration with SLU Deans, PEP Programming Coordinators, and PEP Advisory Boards
• Oversee curriculum development, implementation, and assessment in consultation with Academic Program Coordinator
• Expand on the current Associate of Arts program and develop a Bachelor of Arts degree within the Prison Education Program
• Supervise the work of full-time staff and faculty coordinators of academic programming
• Oversee assessment of the Prison Education Program and work will staff and academic programming coordinators to develop practices that improve student outcomes
• Oversee the PEP budget
• Develop fundraising strategies and activities in collaboration with the Office of Development and Alumni Relations
• Apply for externally funded grants to support the mission and activities of the Prison Education Program
• Advance the national and regional profile of PEP via community engagement, community and/or scholarly research, and participation in relevant professional organizations/conferences
•  Direct or assist with other activities, provided the agreement of the deans of A&S

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Evidence of leaderships skills indicating an ability to create a shared vision and strategic plan
• Familiarity with best practices and standards in prison education
• Evidence of successful fund-raising and grant management
• Experience with programmatic advocacy within and external to a university community
• Experience serving non-traditional and underserved student populations

Critical Skills

• Excellent oral and written communication skills for a variety of audiences
• Ability to develop and maintain collaborative working relationships and to foster positive morale in program staff
• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• Cultural competencies, including awareness, appreciation, and respect for cultural differences
• Ability to support and advocate for currently incarcerated students, prison staff students, and formerly incarcerated students on SLU’s St. Louis campus
• Proficiency in grant writing

Additional Notes/Position Status

• This is a full-time staff position that reports to the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.
• Director of PEP must be able to obtain Volunteer credentials with both the MO Dept. of Corrections and the St. Louis County Jail.
• This position requires driving in urban and rural areas of Missouri, often alone and for several hours, sometimes at night.
• People directly impacted by the carceral system are encouraged to apply for this position.

Minimum Qualifications

• Doctoral degree or terminal master’s degree in the candidate’s field of expertise
• Three to five (3-5) years experience in higher education required
• 5-7 years experience in prison education preferred

Saint Louis University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for the position applied for without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military/veteran status, gender identity, or other non-merit factors. We welcome and encourage applications from minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities (including disabled veterans). If accommodations are needed for completing the application and/or with the interviewing process, please contact Human Resources at 314-977-5847.

Interested applicants should submit a letter of intent, CV, and names and contact information for three professional references at https://slu.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/Careers .

Function

Staff Program Support

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

Saint Louis University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for the position applied for without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military/veteran status, gender identity, or other non-merit factors. We welcome and encourage applications from minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities (including disabled veterans). If accommodations are needed for completing the application and/or with the interviewing process, please contact Human Resources at 314-977-5847.