Program Manager, Prison Education

The Prison Education Program Manager serves as the primary on-site representative of Yavapai College within the Yuma correctional facility and is responsible for coordinating daily operations of the College’s Prison Education Program (PEP). This position provides direct support to incarcerated students through recruitment, admissions, onboarding, financial aid guidance, academic support coordination, and reentry preparation. Working collaboratively with correctional facility staff, faculty, advisors, and college departments, the Site Manager ensures students successfully navigate the educational process while maintaining compliance with college procedures, prison regulations, and federal/state requirements related to prison education programs. This position works within the Yuma correctional facility and serves as the primary liaison between Yavapai College and correctional partners and reports to the Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management. Key Responsibilities Coordinate and support the daily operations of the Prison Education Program within the correctional facility. Serve as the primary on-site liaison between Yavapai College and prison administration, education staff, and security personnel. Ensure program operations align with correctional facility procedures, security requirements, and college policies. Coordinate recruitment into the program, student access, technology needs, instructional materials, and testing processes. Assist with implementation and continuous improvement of prison education processes and student support systems. Recruit prospective incarcerated students and provide information regarding educational opportunities and program requirements. Assist students with admissions applications, residency documentation, placement processes, and enrollment steps. Guide students through financial aid processes including FAFSA completion, verification requirements, and Pell Grant eligibility for incarcerated students. Support students with onboarding, orientation, registration, and understanding academic pathways and graduation requirements. Coordinate with Enrollment Management, Advising, Financial Aid, Registrar, and Academic Divisions to resolve student barriers. Provide direct student support through individual meetings and ongoing communication within approved correctional protocols. Monitor student progress and coordinate interventions for students experiencing academic or personal barriers. Connect students with college and community resources that support persistence, transition, and reentry success. Maintain accurate student and program records in compliance with FERPA, Department of Education regulations, prison policies, and institutional procedures. Assist with reporting requirements related to Prison Education Program approval, accreditation, financial aid compliance, and program outcomes. Prepare reports, documentation, and data tracking related to enrollment, retention, completion, and student success metrics. Communicate effectively with multiple stakeholders while maintaining professionalism and confidentiality in a correctional environment. Serve as an advocate for incarcerated learners while balancing institutional and correctional requirements. Assist students, faculty, and prison staff with approved educational technology platforms and secure learning management systems. Perform other duties as assigned. Education Associate's degree Experience Two years of experience in higher education, student services, workforce development, corrections, social services, or related field Knowledge/Skills/Abilities Knowledge of higher education student services and enrollment processes Ability to work independently within a correctional facility environment Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills Strong organizational and case management skills Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism Ability to manage multiple priorities and solve complex student issues Effective oral and written communication skills Ability to collaborate across departments and external agencies Skill in data tracking, reporting, and compliance documentation Ability to work effectively with diverse student populations Experience Experience working in correctional education or prison education programs Experience with financial aid administration or advising Experience with student information systems and CRM platforms Knowledge/Skills/Abilities Knowledge of Pell Grant regulations for incarcerated students Experience working collaboratively with government or correctional agencies Bilingual (English/Spanish) To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements and competencies listed represent the required knowledge, skill, and ability. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee must frequently use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. In addition, the employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. Work Environment Position works within a correctional facility environment Requires successful completion of prison background checks and security clearances Requires adherence to correctional facility safety and security procedures May require travel between correctional facilities and Yavapai College campuses #J-18808-Ljbffr