Administrative Director of the Penn Prison Education and Reentry Initiative (1 Year Limited Term)

University of Pennsylvania

2d•$58,506 - $75,000

About The Position

The Administrative Director develops and administers Penn’s Prison Education and Reentry Initiative (Penn PERI), coordinates existing work related to education inside prisons, and supports efforts to identify, document, and connect work addressing incarceration and education at Penn and in the community. The role draws on campus and external knowledge to inform students, staff, faculty, and community members about the legal system and its consequences in Philadelphia. The Director of Civic House supervises this position. The Director develops the program’s vision, sustainability and growth plans, course offerings, pathways to credentials for incarcerated students, educational and reentry pathways for formerly incarcerated students, and program budget. The position also coordinates fundraising and supporter relations; supports interdisciplinary faculty collaboration; recruits and prepares faculty to teach in prison; and connects with local, regional, and national prison education networks and organizations. The role liaises with the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections, SCI-Chester, correctional facilities, city offices, and nonprofit organizations to support prison instruction and students returning to Philadelphia. It also contributes to Civic House strategic planning and programming, resource-sharing, communications, and events. This is a one-year term position with a target end date of January 2028, based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and 2–3 years of relevant work experience involving higher education in prison, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Deep understanding of and commitment to implementing educational opportunities in prisons.
Ability to work with prison administrations and build relationships with incarcerated students, prison staff, university administrators, and faculty.
Strong organizational, facilitation, writing, program management, and fundraising skills.
High level of initiative.
Proficient computer skills, including word processing and database use.
The role requires experience with additional software and navigating and creating internet-based resources, including social media and other content.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree highly preferred.
Experience working closely with faculty and incarcerated populations is desirable.

Responsibilities

Develop a university-wide vision for Penn’s Prison Education Program and create plans for its sustainability and growth.
Coordinate course offerings and connect Penn courses to credential pathways for incarcerated students.
Develop educational and reentry pathways and resources for formerly incarcerated students.
Create and manage a program budget.
Coordinate with Development and Alumni Relations colleagues, external organizations, and individuals to secure funding and support program sustainability and growth.
Coordinate cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of current and prospective supporters with the Civic House Director and Development and Alumni Relations colleagues.
Identify and document faculty at Penn whose work relates to incarceration, and support interdisciplinary collaboration among faculty and with local nonprofits and formerly incarcerated community leaders.
Create opportunities for faculty working on related topics to build community, share knowledge, and collaborate.
Identify faculty interested in teaching in prison; develop faculty training; and support course development.
Stay current on research, best practices, national trends, and funding opportunities through national prison education networks and models.
Participate in regional networks to stay informed about state policies and maintain connections with university partners.
Work with nonprofit organizations supporting incarcerated students and reentry organizations providing resources for people returning home.
Coordinate with the Department of Corrections, correctional facilities, city offices, and nonprofits to support faculty teaching in prison and incarcerated students returning to Philadelphia.
Serve as liaison to the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections and SCI-Chester facilities and staff to develop and implement credit-bearing courses in prison, with the eventual goal of connecting courses to degree-granting programs.
Participate in Civic House strategic planning and integrate prison education efforts with Civic House programming.
Coordinate resource-sharing, communicate regularly with Civic House staff, and participate in broader Civic House events and programs.

Benefits

Comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits.
Flexible spending accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses.
Tuition assistance for employees, spouses, and dependent children at Penn; dependent children may also receive tuition assistance at other institutions.
Basic, matching, and supplemental retirement plans, with pre-tax or Roth savings options and investment choices through TIAA and Vanguard.
Substantial time away from work during the year.
Long-term care insurance for eligible employees and family members.
Wellness and work-life programs and resources.
Professional and personal development resources.
Access to University resources, libraries, athletic facilities, and cultural and recreational activities.
Discounts and special services, including discounts on arts, entertainment, transportation, and other goods and services.
Flexible work options and hours.
Forgivable homeownership loan for eligible employees buying a home or residing in West Philadelphia.
Adoption assistance reimbursement for eligible expenses, for up to two adoptions in the household.