Scheduled Hours

37.5

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 new Americans, Prison Education Project (PEP) for incarcerated people, and Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) for those age 50+ looking for enrichment opportunities.

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 WashU Continuing & Professional Studies (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 Coordinators, 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.

We welcome applications from all qualified individuals, including those with prior incarceration experience, who meet the required qualifications and are eligible for employment under the university's policies. To be considered, please apply by February 28, 2025.

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 WU 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

• 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