Education Director jobs in Hawaii

CHAMINADE UNIVERSITY OF HONOLULU

JOB DESCRIPTION

MISSION STATEMENT

Chaminade University offers its students an education in a collaborative learning environment that prepares them for life, service and successful careers. Guided by its Catholic, Marianist and liberal arts educational traditions, Chaminade encourages the development of moral character, personal competencies, and a commitment to build a just and peaceful society. The University offers both the civic and church communities of the Pacific region its academic and intellectual resources in the pursuit of common aims.

1. Position Information

Title: Director, Prison Education

Division: Academic Affairs

Department: Provost

Exempt, Full Time

EAM II 

1. Position Summary

Reporting to the Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, this is a new position that will work closely with Academic Affairs and other offices to oversee all aspects of the prison education program. The Director will work to build support for the program among various stakeholders, be responsible for the program’s financial stewardship, work with the Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation to ensure the program’s operation and work with incarcerated students runs smoothly and effectively, with a specific emphasis on understanding and integrating the cultural and societal nuances of Hawaiian and Pacific Island populations and the local correctional system. The Director works with deans and faculty to ensure necessary classes are available and staffed with qualified faculty. The Director will also be involved in partnership cultivation and management, grant writing, and ensuring compliance with the US Department of Education and accreditation standards. This is a grant-funded position.  Grant funding is expected to expire on September 30, 2026.  Continuation of this position past this date will be contingent upon additional grant funding being secured and the needs of the University.

1. Reports to:

Direct Report to: Vice Provost for Academic Affairs

1. Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Administrative Oversight

• Lead the prison education program, emphasizing the unique needs and opportunities within Hawaiian and Pacific Island Populations. 
• Serves as the primary liaison between our partner correctional institutions and Chaminade University. This position will be the primary on-site presence at the correctional institutions. 
• Consistently evaluate and review the strategy and respond to new challenges and opportunities. Implement systems to track Prison Education student progress. 
• Lead and direct all administrative and operational aspects of the prison program, working with the Vice Provost and staff from Academic Affairs. 
• Collaborate with the Office of Financial Aid in awarding Pell funding for incarcerated individuals.
• Facilitate the advisory board and other associated committees.
• Work with the Advancement and Grants offices to identify grant support and other funding opportunities and develop materials to support fundraising. 

Academic Program Oversight

• Coordinate with appropriate university and correctional facility personnel to support the recruitment, matriculation, and registration process for students.
• Coordinate with appropriate deans to recruit and train faculty to teach in the prisons. 
• Ensure the delivery of high-quality education to incarcerated students, incorporating contemporary pedagogies and content related to Hawaiian and Pacific Island contexts.
• Oversee all operational aspects of the program, including financial stewardship and compliance. 

Government and Community Partnership Development  

• Serve as the primary liaison between Chaminade and the Hawaii Department of Public Safety. 
• Cultivate relationships and partnerships with organizations and stakeholders working in education for incarcerated individuals, reentry, and other relevant social service roles to the benefit of the students. 

1. Disclaimer

This list of responsibilities is not exhaustive.  Details relating to both essential and non-essential functions of the job are not precise and are only an approximation, which can vary on a day-to-day basis and are subject to change on an as-needed basis and/or in the sole discretion of supervisory management.

1. Education and Experience

Minimum: 

Master’s degree and minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in developing and managing an academic program.  

Preferred: 

Terminal Degree with college level teaching experience, in prison experience a plus. 

1. Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities 

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to interact and work with individuals at all levels of the university
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, faculty, students and community members of diverse academic, socio-economic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Google or related software
• Highly organized with strong personal management skills in order to meet the needs of a dynamic environment
• Meticulous attention to detail
• Ability to meet deadlines
• Ability to interpret financial data and prepare budgets and financial grant reports
• Ability to create, maintain, analyze, and negotiate
• Attention to detail with a focus on thoroughness and quality
• High integrity and ethical standards

1. Physical Requirements

Duties involve light work in an office and community setting and requires a minimum of physical effort with intermittent sitting, standing, climbing stairs, and walking inclines. Must be able to lift 20 pounds, walk the campus with ease, and have excellent motor skills.  Must have finger dexterity. Must be able to communicate information and ideas so that others will understand.

1. Other Requirements: 

• Must have a valid Driver’s License. 
• This is a full time, exempt position. Forty hours per week (M-F) will be the general rule. However, depending on the project cycles and workflow demands of the department, additional hours or workday schedule changes may be occasionally required.  Must be willing and able to work occasional nights and weekends and have a varying schedule when required
• Performs such similar, comparable or related duties as may be assigned or required
• Observes all safety and health regulations and works in accordance with safe work procedures and policies of the University. Reports unsafe acts/conditions and injuries in a timely and proper manner
• The employee is expected to adhere to all University policies while employed. The policies can be found at https://chaminade.edu/compliance/resources/ or on the employee Share Portal.

1. Marianist Identity/Native Hawaiian & Pacific Island Serving: 

An expressed willingness to respect and support the Catholic and Marianist identity of Chaminade University of Honolulu and to perform all duties in a manner consistent with Marianist educational values and mission of the University.  Understanding of and respect for the University’s designation as an institution that serves students of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Island ancestry.

1. Grant Funded Position:

This position is funded completely or in part by funds received from a Mellon Foundation Grant.  Funds received from the grant are expected to stop on September 30, 2026.  Continuation of employment is dependent upon program and/or operational needs of the University and the availability of grant funds.