Visiting Academic Manager

Through the Education Justice Project, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has offered academic programs at Danville Correctional Center (DCC), a medium-security men’s state prison, since 2008. We seek an Academic Manager to oversee the delivery of our for-credit classes and associated programming at the prison, including academic advising, workshops, a computer lab, and EJP’s prison library.  This role also oversees teacher recruitment, selection, and training; provides ongoing support to instructors; and oversees the scheduling of courses and clearance of instructional materials. It is responsible for developing connections between EJP and campus instructional units, including creating new certificate programs, and will play a key role in the development of any degree programs at the prison.  This position reports to the EJP College-in-Prison Director and has part-time staff and interns who report to it.

Duties & Responsibilitie

• Supervisory Duties
• Oversee planning, delivery, and evaluation of EJP’s for-credit courses offered at Danville Correctional Center.
• Supervise supporting staff, including EJP course instructors, tutor coordinator, community librarian, computer lab coordinator, and office assistants.
• Run syllabus development workshops and other trainings for EJP instructors, in addition to offering ongoing pedagogical support and feedback to them.
• Participate in development of policy and procedures related to the college-in-prison program.
• Program Management and Development
• Conduct outreach and build relationships with other academic units on the Urbana-Champaign campus to facilitate academic partnerships with EJP.
• Develop instructor training materials.
• Set academic calendar and timelines and ensure adherence to key dates.
• Manage course instructor recruitment, selection, and training.
• Oversee certificate programs, working with EJP academic advisors to ensure that students make satisfactory through certificate programs.
• Develop systems and procedures to ensure the efficient running of EJP’s academic programing and that it is student-centered and responsive to the particular needs of incarcerated scholars.
• Administrative
• With On-Site Coordinator, oversee scheduling and delivery of for-credit courses and associated EJP programming at the prison.
• With relevant staff and volunteers, manage course reserves and other academic supports at Danville Correctional Center.
• Oversee course registration and evaluation, and serve as point of contact with the campus’ Center for Innovation in Teaching in Learning, which administers EJP’s courses.
• Communication
• Provide opportunities for instructors to reflect upon classroom learning, student assessment, course evaluation, and other aspects of their teaching and to receive feedback.
• With program coordinators, ensure that instructors receive relevant information related to deadlines, meetings, and events.

Additional Physical Demands

Please note that the educational classrooms at Danville Correctional Center, which this role will have to access, are located on the second floor and that there is no elevator.Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in any field Minimum of two years’ professional experience in a supervisory or managerial role in an educational setting or similar (e.g. advising, counseling, teaching, student affairs). Minimum of one year’s teaching experience. Demonstrated success in accomplishing goals and moving forward in the face of obstacles and challenges. Exceptional attention to detail. Able to work and lead in a fast-paced environment. Experience working with diverse populations.

Preferred Qualifications

Graduate degree in a related field, e.g. Education, Counseling Psychology, Program Administration, Social Services.

Have been part of a prison education program or similar.

Prison experience, or experience in similar institutions (e.g. reentry facility, juvenile detention center, immigrant detention center).

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Familiarity with issues related to incarceration, criminal justice, and related matters. Ability to speak with thoughtfulness about pedagogy and learning. Superior managerial, communication, and organizational skills. Solid computing skills (Microsoft Office suite, database experience). Demonstrated commitment to social justice and equity.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after closing date. The minimum salary for this position is $60,000 but commensurate with experience.  Work authorization sponsorship is not available for this position.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (CST) on April 23, 2024. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Application materials should include a cover letter, a current resume, and at least three references, including contact information. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact rginsbur@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.

Requisition ID: 1023307

Job Category: Administrative

Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu