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

About the Role

The Site Coordinator provides administrative support for Ashland University Correctional Education staff and students. Reporting directly to the designated Correctional Education State Director, the Coordinator oversees daily operations at assigned correctional facility(s), represents the university in collaboration with the State Department of Corrections (DOC), and serves as the primary liaison among facility staff, incarcerated students, and Ashland University.

Responsibilities

• Identify, screen, and recruit students in alignment with Ashland University and DOC criteria.
• Assist students with completion of the AU application paperwork and digital submission process in partnership with the Student Success team.
• Ensure students have access to their courses, guide them on addressing questions or concerns, and support issues related to device functionality, transfers, lockdowns, releases, and other access challenges.
• Collaborate with the Financial Aid team to support students with FAFSA completion, aid counseling, documentation requests, loan default navigation, satisfactory academic progress, and other financial‑aid related matters.
• Work with Academic Services to proctor, record, and upload tests, speeches, and assignments; ensure timely submission of assignments according to due dates.
• Provide an Ashland University orientation covering correctional education processes and procedures before each semester.
• Order and manage site inventory of end‑user devices, textbooks, and instructional supplies; produce accurate inventory reports.
• Distribute necessary materials (devices, equipment, textbooks) to students for registered courses.
• Distribute and collect course evaluations and university assessments.
• Organize and conduct student extracurricular activities, including commencements and incentive events.
• Distribute Ashland University library research resources in compliance with DOC regulations.
• Identify students releasing prior to degree completion, conduct pre‑release exit interviews, and encourage participation in the re‑entry program.
• Maintain student privacy and record‑keeping in accordance with FERPA.
• Hold weekly meetings with each student to review academic engagement, participation reports, device access, and to provide encouragement.
• Ensure compliance with AU policies, accreditation standards, and DOC policies and procedures.
• Assist at other correctional facilities as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Associate’s degree.
• Ability to use Learning Management System software and productivity software such as Microsoft Office.
• Basic computer skills with troubleshooting ability.
• General understanding of the academic environment.
• Strong problem‑identification and solution‑suggestion skills.
• Ability to multi‑task, organize, communicate, and prioritize work with attention to detail and deadlines.
• Effective communication and collaboration with a diverse group including AU faculty, administrators, incarcerated students, and correctional facility staff.
• Pass a pre‑employment DOC and AU background check.
• Professionalism, good judgment, and ethical standards.
• Physical presence at the facility for 80 % of the work week.
• Authorization to work in the United States (no visa sponsorship).

Preferred Qualifications

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

Physical Demands

• Work performed primarily in a physical correctional facility; requires facility access approval.
• May involve some evening and weekend hours as necessary.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lb., walk distances within the facility, and transport course materials, textbooks, and devices.
• Travel between facilities may be required.

Schedule

• Anticipated 40 hours per week.
• Required to be physically present at the correctional facility for approximately 80 % of the work week.
• Occasional evening and weekend hours may be needed.
• Shift requirements: standard full‑time schedule with flexibility for facility needs.