Prison University Project

Academic Program Director, Job Description

January 2015

 

Job Description

The Academic Program Director is responsible for the Associate of Arts Degree and College Preparatory Programs of the Prison University Project at San Quentin State Prison.  This is a demanding position that requires extensive daily interaction with incarcerated students, correctional staff and administrators, and volunteer instructors.  The job is performed both inside San Quentin and at the Prison University Project office.  Hours include some evenings and weekends.  (See below for more information about PUP.)  This position is new and some job duties may evolve as needs become apparent.

 

Core job duties: 

• Recruit and screen volunteer instructors and teaching assistants for all credit courses in the social sciences, humanities, and sciences

• Train all new Program volunteers, in collaboration with other Program staff

• Supervise and support Program volunteers, via regular in-class observation, faculty meetings, and individual and teaching team consultations

• Conduct student advising, in collaboration with other program staff

• Regularly provide support on-site to program staff, instructors and students, both afternoons and evenings

•  Supervise other Program staff, including Math Program Manager and College Preparatory English Program Manager

 

Other job responsibilities:

• Collaborate with Executive Director and Development staff on special projects, on- and off-site events, and fundraising-related activities

• Collaborate with Operations and Program Evaluation staff to support data management and evaluation-related activities

• Participate in regular (monthly) staff meetings, and other organizational meetings

• Participate in meetings with prison staff and administrators as needed

• Participate in development of organizational budget

• Participate in PUP’s strategic planning process

• Assist with the planning and supervision of site visits

• Support the production of PUP Newsletter and other publications

 

Key Success Factors: 

• Master’s degree required; Ph.D. strongly preferred

• Extensive graduate-level experience in the social sciences and/or humanities

• Outstanding communication skills (written, verbal, presentation, etc.)

• Ability to manage multiple competing priorities under tight deadlines

• Aptitude for working in a culturally diverse environment; ability to interact patiently and diplomatically with a wide variety of constituencies

• Strong organizational and time management skills; detail-orientation and capacity to multi-task

• Available to work some nights and weekends as required for program implementation. 

• Position requires walking up to three hours per day and lifting up to 15 pounds for 1/4 of the time. 

 

Application and Deadlines:

To apply for this position, please submit a resume, cover letter, and three references to hiring@prisonuniversityproject.org with “Academic Program Director” in the subject heading.

 

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, until the position is filled.

 

Compensation:

PUP provides a competitive salary and benefits package, commensurate with our size and budget. Starting salary is $70,000 to $90,000, depending on skills and experience, with health, dental, and vision insurance provided. Vacation and holiday pay.  Employees may also participate in a retirement plan.

 

Statement of Non-Discrimination

In keeping with our beliefs and goals, no employee or applicant will face discrimination or harassment based on: race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, age, gender, marital/ domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, or veteran status. 

 

About the Prison University Project

The Prison University Project is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide excellent higher education programs to people incarcerated at San Quentin State Prison; to create a replicable model for such programs; and to stimulate public awareness and meaningful dialogue about higher education and criminal justice in California.

 

The College Program, which is an extension site of Patten University, provides college preparatory classes and a full Associate of Arts degree curriculum to over 300 men at San Quentin State Prison.  In addition, the Prison University Project conducts various special programs and events designed to foster leadership, educate the public, and advocate for the establishment of high quality higher education programs throughout the California State Prison system. 

 

More information can be found at our website: www.prisonuniversityproject.org