Director of Higher Education in Prison

Best consideration date for applications: Friday, January 2, 2026

PURPOSE OF POSITION:

The Director of Higher Education in Prison will lead the University System of Maryland’s Office of Academic and Student Affairs (ASA) in the successful implementation of “Aligning Services for Justice-Impacted Students within the University System of Maryland”, USM’s grant from the Ascendum Education Group. This position will also enhance, lead, and manage all other aspects of USM’s prison education efforts. This is a one-year contractual position with the potential for renewal.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Leadership & Program Development:

• Leads the implementation and fulfillment of USM’s grant, Aligning Services for Justice-Impacted Students,within the University System of Maryland (USM).
• Develops and executes short- and long-term strategies to expand and improve higher education in prison programs across USM institutions.
• Advises campus leadership and USM institutions on program development, compliance, and best practices.
• Identifies and pursues external funding opportunities to sustain and grow initiatives.
• Hires and supervises the Higher Education in Prison Field Director.

Stakeholder Engagement & Advocacy:

• Cultivates and strengthens strategic partnerships with state lawmakers, corrections officials, campus leaders, faculty, workforce, and nonprofit partners.
• Manages the USM’s engagement with external stakeholders and projects related to higher education in prison.
• Convenes and supports the Higher Education in Prison Leadership Workgroup and USM Higher Education in Prison Advisory Group.
• Enhances the USM’s visibility and influence through strategic communications and public engagement efforts.

Grant & Financial Management:

• Oversees budgeting and financial management for grants and related initiatives, ensuring compliance with funding requirements and USM guidelines.
• Manages the budget associated with the Ascendum grant.
• Ensures alignment of financial practices with project goals and reporting requirements.

Data, Evaluation, & Reporting:

• Oversees the evaluation components of the grant, including data collection and analysis to inform decisions, track progress, and measure outcomes.
• Develops data-driven, research-based content and resources to support grant deliverables.
• Prepares comprehensive reports on project status, outcomes, and recommendations for improvement.
• Creates and delivers presentations to internal and external stakeholders.

Administrative & Operational Support:

• Handles administrative tasks such as scheduling meetings, sending communications, drafting reports, preparing budget documents, and maintaining project documentation.
• Regularly meets with the Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs to monitor progress, address challenges, and ensure alignment with goals.

ANNUAL SALARY:

$135,000-$150,000

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Education Level/Certifications:

• Master’s degree in education, social work, criminal justice, or other relevant field.

Required Experience:

7 years of progressively responsible experience in higher education administration, program development, or student affairs.

• Experience working with justice-impacted populations or in correctional education programs.
• Demonstrated experience managing grant-funded projects, including budgeting and compliance.

Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Demonstrated record of success building effective programs and leading initiatives in a complex organizational setting.
• Ability to comply with all policies and procedures of MD’s Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services.
• Strong background in stakeholder engagement, including legislators, state and non-profit partners, and institutional leadership.
• Knowledge of the national higher education in prison landscape.
• Skill in project and event development, management, and evaluation.
• Proficiency in analyzing data to inform decisions and measure outcomes.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to interact patiently and diplomatically with a wide variety of constituencies.
• Strong organizational, time management, written and verbal communication, and presentation skills.
• Detail-orientation and capacity to multitask.

Ability to lead and coordinate teams, workgroups, and initiatives Ability to identify challenges and develop effective solutions. Strong working knowledge of MS Office tools, including SharePoint.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Preferred Education Level/Certifications:

• Doctoral degree in education, social work, criminal justice, or other relevant field.

Preferred Experience:

• Experience in policy advocacy related to education or criminal justice reform.
• Experience with a state’s office of corrections, its prisons, or other related experience.

Preferred Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Familiarity with state and federal regulations governing higher education and correctional education programs.
• Administrative or teaching experience within a correctional facility environment.
• Track record of securing external funding and managing multi-institutional collaborations.
• Paid Leave: 22 days of annual leave, 15 days of sick & safe leave, 15 holidays, 3 personal leave days, 12 weeks paid parental leave.
• Health Benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Retirement Plans: Supplemental options with major providers like Fidelity and TIAA.
• Life Insurance: Optional term life and AD&D benefits through MetLife.
• Tuition Benefits: Tuition remission for employees and their families.
• Training & Development: Free professional development conferences and unlimited LinkedIn Learning access.
• Credit Union Access: Membership eligibility for SECU, Maryland’s largest credit union.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Free counseling, legal, financial, and work-life support services. Click to learn more.