Prison Mentor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Location : St. Davids
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 1145
Department: Palmer Theological Seminary and College
Opening Date: 07/15/2026
Join our vibrant community of dedicated faculty and staff who work to create a transformative educational experience rooted in faith, reason, and justice.
Eastern University is a nationally-recognized Christian university enrolling approximately 9,000 students in a wide array of undergraduate, graduate, professional, and seminary programs. The university's main campus is located in St. Davids, PA, with many programs also offered online. Eastern's core values of Faith, Reason, and Justice are woven into all of its educational offerings. Through dynamic programs, a vibrant campus community, and meaningful service learning opportunities, Eastern University is committed to providing students with transformative, accessible, and affordable education.
Position Description
The Prison Education Program (PEP) Program Coordinator serves as a key member of the Prison Education Program leadership team and is responsible for coordinating the day-to-day operations that support the successful delivery of academic programming within correctional facilities and reentry settings. Working closely with the PEP Director, the Coordinator develops, implements, and continuously improves operational systems related to admissions, student services, academic scheduling, communications, marketing, events, faculty support, and program administration. This position ensures operational excellence, promotes student success, and advances the mission of providing high-quality educational opportunities to incarcerated and formerly incarcerated students.
Position Responsibilities

1. Administration & operations
   1. Program administration & operations
      1. Coordinate daily administrative and operational functions of the Prison Education Program
      2. Develop, maintain, and improve systems and procedures that enhance program efficiency, accountability, and effectiveness
      3. Manage student records and program documentation while ensuring accuracy, confidentiality, and compliance with institutional and correctional policies
      4. Assist with admissions, enrollment, marketing initiatives, event planning, and other programmatic activities
      5. Foster productive working relationships with correctional staff to support smooth program operations.
   2. Communications & academic scheduling
      1. Coordinate academic schedules for classes, study halls, workshops, orientations, and special events
      2. Schedule meetings and coordinate communications for faculty, staff, students, and external partners
      3. Serve as a primary point of contact for faculty regarding operational questions, scheduling, and program requirements
      4. Maintain consistent communication with faculty and staff to ensure timely dissemination of program information and policy updates
   3. Faculty support & resource management
      1. Oversee and coordinate the production and distribution of course materials while managing timelines and institutional printing limitations
      2. Develop and refine systems that improve the efficiency and tracking of faculty requests and resource allocation
      3. On appointed days, escort professors through the facility to and from class
      4. Serve as a teaching assistant for faculty as needed
   4. Student attendance & academic records
      1. Maintain accurate attendance records and enter weekly attendance data into program tracking systems
      2. Prepare reports documenting student instructional hours for correctional facility
2. Re-entry support: Help returning students successfully transition into and thrive in communities. Responsibilities include meeting with and supporting returning students individually, collaborating with partner organizations to ensure students are aware of available resources and services, and working with the director to coordinate educational opportunities such as workshops and other programs designed to promote student success. The role also involves advising and mentoring students as they navigate and make the most of any educational experience at Eastern University.
3. Academic support: Foster student success from recruitment through graduation. Responsibilities include advising and supporting students throughout their academic journey, including assisting with registration and financial aid processes. The role also supports the hiring and training of faculty, helps design and implement recruitment and enrollment strategies for new students, and facilitates weekly study hall sessions that promote academic achievement, accountability, and community among students.
4. Must comply with policies of the PA Department of Corrections and Eastern University.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications:

1. Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and 2 years of relevant experience
2. Knowledge of the criminal justice system and reform issues
3. Capacity to appropriately manage emotions, establish boundaries, and navigate challenging conversations and situations
4. Ability to obtain and maintain security clearance at a correctional facility
5. Experience managing multiple kinds of data
6. Experience refining and developing processes and systems
7. Proficiency with MS Office and Google software applications
8. Ability to handle confidential information
9. Excellent written and verbal communication skills
10. Ability to effectively liaise with university offices and PA DOC employees
11. Supports the mission of Eastern University and PEP, and embodies values of caring and compassion, justice and integrity, competence and affirmation
12. Seeks to treat each member of the campus community-especially PEP students-with fairness, dignity, and respect, seeking a spirit of unity and harmony as we join together to achieve our common mission

About Eastern University
Eastern University is a Christian university of the arts and sciences that integrates faith, reason and justice for students in its undergraduate, graduate, seminary, urban, professional and international programs. Applicants should have a Christian commitment compatible with its mission and be willing to support the mission and vision of the university. The university complies with federal and state guidelines of nondiscrimination in employment; members of protected classes encouraged to apply.
Background Checks
Standard University employees are required to complete the background clearance process. Employment is contingent upon the successful results of an employment background screening. The employment background screening may include but is not limited to your consumer credit history (for positions that work with the university finances or alumni funds only), verification of education and professional credentials, criminal history, driving history, residency, immigration status, performance, references, and other qualities pertinent to your qualifications for the following position.
Youth Clearances are required for positions with direct contact with children and essential personnel positions. Employees working with or around minor age children are required to complete the youth clearance process which includes the following four child protection clearances:
1) Affidavit;
2) FBI Criminal Record Check;
3) Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Child Abuse History Clearance and;
4) Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check.
In accordance with state laws, Act 73 of 2007, Act 153 of 2014, Act 168 (relating to the Child Protective Services Law), school employees of Eastern University who will have "direct contact with children" must complete the background check process prior to employment. Results must be submitted within ten days of receipt.
Description Disclaimer
This description is intended to describe the general level and nature of work performed by the person/people assigned to this position. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of duties and responsibilities of the person/people so assigned.
For all positions: Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.
Statement of Non-Discrimination
Eastern University is committed to the principles of equal opportunity as defined under federal and state law, and does not discriminate unlawfully on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, color, creed, disability, national/ethnic origin, age, disabled veteran/Vietnam-era, Genetic Information and Nondiscrimination Act (GINA), or veteran status in its admission policy, program, or activities, educational policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletic and other University-administered programs, or employment practices and programs.
We offer a complete benefits package to full-time faculty and staff including healthcare coverage, retirement plan contributions, flexible spending and health savings accounts, life insurance, long-term and short-term disability, tuition remission and tuition exchange participation as well as an extensive holiday, summer hours and paid time off leave schedule.
Part-time Regular staff who are scheduled 30-36 hours per week over the course of a year, receive a full benefit package based on their part-time scheduled hours. Healthcare coverage is based on the ACA medical coverage guidelines. Affiliate faculty receive a benefit package as outlined with their covenant. Adjunct faculty may be eligible for medical coverage under the ACA after an annual one year lookback review.
Part-time staff who are scheduled to work less than 30 hours per week schedule are eligible for employer contribution towards the retirement plan after one year of employment. Eligibility rules apply. Adjunct faculty may make employee deferral contributions towards the retirement plan.
Part-Time Graduate Assistant Coaches are eligible for participation in the Tuition Remission Coaches Program.
Temporary, Contractors and Seasonal Employees: Individuals in this status are scheduled on an as-needed-basis and are not eligible for participation in the University's benefits programs.
Detailed information regarding our benefits program and eligibility is provided once hired or you can contact Human Resources with any questions.