"Special Programs Coordinator (Prison Program Coordinator) - Mount Wachusett Community College"

General Statement of Duties: The Prison Program Coordinator is a highly motivated professional who wishes to be a part of a dynamic MWCC team providing holistic support to students enrolled in the Prison Education Program at regional Massachusetts Department of Corrections facilities. This position plays a vital role in connecting incarcerated students to resources to support students to and through certificate and associate degrees. To facilitate effective process flow and communication, the incumbent will work closely with the Department of Correction; Academic Affairs; the School of Business, Science, Technology and Mathematics; the Bookstore; Printshop; Business Office; Testing Services; Admissions; Records; Financial Aid; and Advising, Career & Transfer.

Primary responsibilities include strong organizational skills to meet varied programmatic needs; assist in project planning to attain short- and long-term goals; strong analytical and problem-solving skills; flexibility; and communication/interpersonal skills. The ability to work in a fast-paced environment with sensitivity to diverse student needs is essential. A high level of confidentiality is required due to the program.

This position requires on site at Correctional Institutions 3 days a week and 2 days on the Gardner Campus. Evening and weekend hours may be required depending on the Department of Corrections' scheduling and peak academic cycles. Duties are performed year-round with flexibility to accommodate fluctuating needs across semesters.

Responsibilities:

• Provide executive support and project management to the Director of Correctional Education and the Dean of Business, Science, Technology, and Mathematics, and assist with the day-to-day operation of the Prison Program.
• Makes independent decisions within defined responsibilities.
• Possess a thorough knowledge of the functions of the College, the Academic Affairs Division, and the Department of Correction.
• Coordinate enrollment efforts at Prisons including applications and Accuplacer testing arrangements.
• Provide planning and administrative support for the prison Faculty.
• Familiarity with regulations, processes and collective bargaining units to assist the Director of Prison Program with union employees.
• Manage and ensure accuracy of all records for the Prison Program, including, payroll, travel, purchase requisitions, professional development, attendance, academic plans, semester schedules, budgets, certificate and degree petitions to graduate etc.
• Maintain student records and documentation in compliance with program regulations (e.g., transcripts, FAFSA, degree audits, FERPA).
• Assist students and make referrals to appropriate offices.
• Manage events and tutoring schedules, including booking rooms, catering, audio-visual, and personnel schedules.
• Assist with the preparation of the budget for the Prison Program.
• Compose, answer, and distribute correspondence and handle telephone inquiries.
• Assist in the preparation and communication of strategic messaging from the program.
• Prepare data reports as requested.
• Attend Professional Development opportunities to gain additional skills.
• Work as a team member with stakeholders from the Department of Corrections and MWCC.
• Other duties as assigned.

For Complete Union Specifications please click HERE.

Job Requirements:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Education, Counseling, Psychology, Business Administration, Mathematics, Computer Science, or other field related to area of assignment;
• Three (3) years experience and/or training involving area of assignment, which may include college registration, academic advisement, career development, career experience, training, curriculum development, audio/visual or graphic production, grant administration, budget development, program/project management, event planning, administrative work in an academic environment, or personal computer operations; or
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Desired Qualifications:

• Master's Degree
• High level of confidentiality and professionalism.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage stress, multitask, and work collaboratively.
• Problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Knowledge of higher education policies and regulations.
• Proficient in data reporting and analysis.
• Skilled in spreadsheets, databases, and student information systems.
• Commitment to student success and retention.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Strong interpersonal skills with ability to interact tactfully and diplomatically.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and Outlook.
• Experience in fast-paced, high-volume environments.
• Experience working in college or university settings.
• Familiarity with community college systems and/or with the department of corrections.
• Experience with diverse and multilingual populations.
• Conflict resolution skills.
• Strategic thinking in complex environments.

Equivalency Statement: Applicants who do not meet the qualifications as stated above are encouraged to put in writing precisely how their background and experience have prepared them with the equivalent combination of education, training and experience required for the responsibilities of this position.

Additional Information:

Campus Title: Prison Program Coordinator

Salary: $63,159.00-$107,654.00

Grade: 4

Employee Status: Full Time

Benefits: Yes

Hours per Week: 37.5

Number of Weeks: 52