Site Coordinator - South Central Correctional Center (Missouri) - Correctional Education

Anticipated start date: August 10, 2026. Full-time position, 40 hours per week, primarily first shift.

About the role

The Site Coordinator provides administrative support for Ashland University Correctional Education staff and students at the South Central Correctional Center in Missouri. This role reports directly to the designated Correctional Education State Director and oversees daily operations at the assigned correctional facility, representing the university in collaboration with the State Department of Corrections (DOC).

Responsibilities

• Act as the liaison between facility staff, students, and Ashland University (AU).
• Identify, screen, and recruit students in alignment with Ashland University and DOC criteria.
• Collaborate with the Student Success team to assist students with completion of AU application paperwork and digital submission process.
• Ensure students have access to their courses and remain accountable; guide them on addressing questions or concerns.
• Support students with issues related to access, such as non-functional end-user devices, transfers, lockdowns, or unexpected releases.
• Collaborate with the Financial Aid team to provide student support for FAFSA completion, aid counseling, documentation requests, loan default processes, and satisfactory academic progress.
• Collaborate with Academic Services through proctoring, recording, and uploading tests, speeches, and assignments to maximize student success.
• Provide students with an Ashland University orientation and overview of academic correctional education processes before the semester begins.
• Order and manage site inventory of end-user devices, textbooks, and instructional supplies; provide timely inventory reports.
• Ensure students have necessary materials, including distribution of devices, textbooks, and other educational resources.
• Distribute and collect course evaluations and University assessments.
• Organize and conduct student extracurricular activities, such as commencement and incentives.
• Distribute Ashland University library research in compliance with DOC regulations.
• Identify students releasing prior to degree completion; ensure they complete pre-release exit interviews and encourage continuation through the AU re-entry program.
• Maintain student privacy and record-keeping according to FERPA.
• Conduct weekly meetings with students to review academic engagement, participation reports, and device access.
• Ensure compliance with AU policies, accreditation standards, and DOC policies and procedures.

Requirements

• Associate’s degree required.
• Ability to use Learning Management System Software and productivity software such as MS Office.
• Basic computer skills with the ability to troubleshoot issues.
• General understanding of an academic environment.
• Ability to identify problems, suggest solutions, and assist in resolution.
• Ability to multi-task, organize, communicate, and prioritize work with attention to detail and deadlines.
• Ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with a diverse group of individuals, including AU faculty, administrators, incarcerated students, and correctional facility staff.
• Ability to pass a pre-employment DOC and AU background check.
• Ability to assist at other correctional facilities as needed.
• Demonstrate professionalism, good judgment, and ethical standards.
• Be physically present at the facility for 80% of the work week.
• Must be currently authorized to work in the United States; Ashland University will not sponsor or take over sponsorship for an employment visa.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of three to five years of relevant work experience.
• Experience working in correctional education.
• Experience working in higher education.

Physical Demands

• Work is primarily performed in a physical correctional facility and requires approval for access.
• Some evening and weekend hours at the correctional facility may be necessary.
• May be required to lift up to 50 lbs., walk distances within the correctional facility, and transport course materials, textbooks, and end-user devices.
• Travel may be required.