Director of Prison Education

Title: Director of Prison Education

Location: Baton Rouge, LA; Louisiana State Penitentiary Angola, LA

Required Documentation
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume. Submit your documents at the end of the application to be considered. If you need help, please reach out to employment@uiu.edu. 

Position Summary

The Director of Prison Education is responsible for managing and expanding Upper Iowa University’s educational programs within correctional facilities. This role serves as the primary Site Coordinator at Louisiana State Penitentiary and provides support to Site Coordinators at other partner facilities. The Director ensures that incarcerated students receive high-quality academic advising and support throughout their educational journey, while maintaining compliance with institutional and facility policies.

Position Responsibilities
 

Student Support & Advising

• Assist prospective students with the admissions process, including application completion, financial aid process, and required documentation.
• Advise enrolled students on course selection, degree planning, and academic progress throughout their program.
• Maintains a working knowledge of current degree programs, policies, major content, and transferability of credits, including CLEP, ACE, and DSST.  
• Serve as a resource for students regarding UIU policies, academic requirements, and available support services.

Site Coordination & Leadership

• Act as the primary Site Coordinator at Louisiana State Penitentiary, managing day-to-day operations of UIU programs.
• Provide guidance and support to Site Coordinators at additional correctional facilities to ensure consistent program delivery.
• Collaborate with the facility’s Education Center staff and facility personnel to maintain smooth operations and resolve issues promptly.

Compliance & Policy Management

• Ensure adherence to all UIU academic policies and procedures, as well as correctional facility regulations, policies and procedures.
• Maintain accurate student records and documentation in compliance with institutional and legal standards.
• Monitor and report on program performance, enrollment trends, and compliance metrics.
   

Program Development & Collaboration

• Promotes UIU by supporting the organization’s mission, vision, and goals. 
• Work closely with UIU leadership to identify opportunities for program growth and improvement within correctional settings.
• Foster positive relationships with facility administrators and staff to support educational initiatives.
• Provides prompt responses to email, voice, and other mail to ensure timely follow-up and outstanding service to all customers. 
• Works collaboratively with all University Office (Registrar, Business Office, and Financial Aid Office) to assist learners. 
• Serves on University committees and teams as appropriate. 
• Additional duties as assigned in support of University objectives.

Required Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Must complete correctional facilities training(s) as needed or required. 
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in academic advising, student services, or correctional education programs.
• Ability to work effectively within a correctional environment and maintain professional boundaries.
• Strong understanding of higher education policies and compliance requirements.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Keen attention to detail.
• Willingness to work flexible schedules, including evening hours and weekends. 
• Required to travel to incarcerated facilities within the state of Louisiana multiple times a week.
• Must be at least 21 years of age, possess a valid driver’s license, hold valid auto insurance, consent to and pass a periodic motor vehicle record check, and be insurable under the terms of the university’s liability policy.
• Excellent computer skills, including experience in Microsoft Office Suite. Experience using a Customer Management System is preferred. 

Benefits Package
Free & reduced UIU tuition packages for employees, dependents, and spouses, paid vacation and sick leave, paid holidays, retirement, health, life, and other insurance are available.

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.