Liberal Arts in Prison Program Site Director - Part time

The Site Director at the Women’s Therapeutic Residential (WTRC) and West Tennessee State Penitentiary (WTSP) is a part-time support position in the Rhodes Liberal Arts in Prison program. This position is approved to work no more than 20 hours per week. The Site Director will serve as the primary representative of Rhodes College at WTRC/WTSP and be responsible for 1) cultivating college community, fostering shared ambition, and inspiring intellectual curiosity among students; 2) managing daily college operations for students enrolled in Rhodes College programs; and 3) serving as a liaison between representatives of Rhodes College and correctional facility staff. This position requires the incumbent to travel to and from West Tennessee State Penitentiary at least twice per week.

This is a grant-funded position with current funding approved through October 31, 2028. Employment is contingent upon the availability of funds from Mellon Higher Education in Prison. If Mellon Higher Education in Prison were to terminate the grant prior to October 31, 2028, the position will terminate concurrent with the cessation of the grant.

Job Responsibilities

• Serve as the principal liaison between Rhodes College students at WTRC/WTSP, Liberal Arts in Prison faculty and volunteers, and facility staff.
• Develop strong working relationships with WTRC/WTSP staff, particularly the Principal and Associate Wardens for Programming.
• Ensure that classes, tutoring, computer use, and on-site activities run smoothly and on schedule.
• Ensure that those who teach, serve, or volunteer in Rhodes programs at WTRC/WTSP are trained and vetted in a timely manner and remain in good standing with TDOC and WTRC/WTSP.
• Troubleshoot, in conversation with the Director, any problems that arise in the course of operations.
• Oversee physical classroom space, scheduling, and other logistical needs related to programs at WTRC/WTSP.
• Assist in planning and implementing extra-curricular activities and special events at the prison, including commencements.
• Work with prison leadership in recruiting prospective students for Rhodes programs at WTRC/WTSP.
• Assist with information and orientation sessions at WTRC/WTSP.
• Assist in preparing professors, student volunteers, donors, college administrators, and other stakeholders who may visit the facility.
• Communicate and uphold Rhodes College expectations around student conduct and academic integrity.
• Support WTRC students in reentry planning.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 2 years of experience teaching in a jail or prison environment required; experience supervising volunteers in a prison education program preferred.
• This position requires a valid driver’s license, a good driving record, and must be insurable by the College’s insurance carrier.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required to clearly communicate with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Self-motivation, timely follow-through, consistent leadership, a capacity for independently managing time and workload, and a high level of organization and professionalism are required.

• A complete application includes a cover letter and a resume.
• Rhodes is an equal opportunity employer that offers a great working environment.