"Senior Executive Director - Correctional Education"

Job Description

The Senior Executive Director of Correctional Education is responsible for developing, leading, and executing a comprehensive strategy for the University's correctional education initiatives. This position builds, develops, and manages relationships with State Departments of Corrections and Rehabilitation, governmental agencies, non-governmental organizations, and not-for-profit partners that serve incarcerated and formerly incarcerated populations, and ensures compliance with accreditation and university policies. The Senior Executive Director of Correctional Education will oversee the Prison Education Program (PEP), including tracking and reporting best interest determinants and will focus on the optimization of physical, financial and human resources, promoting the highest standards of access, quality, and student-centered service.

• Lead the strategic planning, implementation, and assessment of correctional and reentry education initiatives.
• Manage key relationships with state Departments of Corrections and Rehabilitation, governmental agencies, non-government organizations, and not-for-profit partners. Cultivate new partnerships to enhance program reach and impact.
• Oversee the Prison Education Program (PEP) process and best interest determinants, ensuring alignment with state and federal compliance standards and the University's academic policies.
• Provide strategic leadership and guidance to the Executive Directors of Academic Success, Student Services, and Operations to ensure high-quality, student-centered services and operational excellence.
• Develop and oversee marketing, recruitment, and outreach strategies to support enrollment goals and program expansion.
• Present at conferences and professional events to promote Ashland University's Correctional Education and reentry initiatives and to share best practices and research findings.
• Supervise program staff and oversee performance, development, and team alignment with institutional objectives.
• In conjunction with the budget analysist, conduct financial analysis, manage budgets, and ensure fiscal responsibility across correctional education operations.
• Serve as an institutional liaison for correctional education, ensuring continuous collaboration with academic departments and university leadership.
• Champion student success by ensuring accessible academic pathways, reentry support, and equitable learning environments for all incarcerated and formerly incarcerated learners.
• Identify and support opportunities for partnership development, academic innovation, and grant funding.
• Monitors changes in compliance and regulatory policies and proactively communicates requirements and impacts to key institutional stakeholders.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Dean to advance correctional and reentry education initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree from an accredited college or university is required.
• Experience in higher education, correctional education, or prison education program leadership.
• Experience in developing and managing partnerships with correctional institutions, government agencies, and community organizations.
• Experience with budget management, financial oversight, and strategic planning.
• Demonstrated record of advancing student-centered initiatives and measurable student success outcomes.
• Demonstrated experience in grant writing and managing grant compliance and reporting requirements in accordance with applicable funding guidelines.
• Strong leadership and strategic planning abilities.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to manage complex projects, meet deadlines, and maintain compliance across multiple systems.
• Financial acumen with experience in budget management and analysis.
• Knowledge of correctional education program standards and reentry best practices.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and data management systems.