Program Assistant for the Justice Education Center

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening.

Inquiries Regarding Application Status
Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we cannot respond to inquiries regarding the status of submitted applications. Applicants selected for interviews will be contacted using the email and/or phone information provided in the online application. For information regarding our general staff recruitment process, please click here to visit our FAQs web page to see answers for frequently asked questions, including what to expect, timelines, requests for special accommodation, and interviews. 

Location:

Claremont, CA

Job Posting Title:

Program Assistant for the Justice Education Center

Job Details and Requirement:

Position Title: Program Assistant for the Justice Education Center

Department:  Justice Education Center                  

Supervisor: Senior Director for JEC     

Last Updated:  12/9/2025       

The Program Assistant provides comprehensive administrative, programmatic, and logistical support for the Justice Education Center (JEC), including the Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program. Reporting to the Senior Director and serving as a key liaison with faculty, students, community partners, and prison education staff, this role supports daily operations, coordinates academic program activities, ensures gate clearance and scheduling for Inside-Out courses, and advances communication and engagement strategies. The position requires initiative, confidentiality, attention to detail, creativity, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively across a wide range of settings—including college campus, remote locations, and correctional institutions.

                                                                       

Administrative & Program Support

• Serve as the primary contact for JEC inquiries; respond by email, phone, and in person using sound judgment to route requests.
• Provide clerical and operational support including recordkeeping, correspondence preparation, calendar management, proofreading, and payment processing via Workday.
• Maintain electronic files and develop procedures to ensure accurate and accessible records.
• Gather information, conduct research, and support project-based tasks for the Senior Director and Program Manager.
   

Program Coordination

• Collaborate with faculty and correctional education staff to schedule Inside-Out courses, support virtual programming, and maintain course logistics.
• Facilitate student and faculty gate clearance; coordinate delivery/pick-up of materials for courses held at correctional facilities.
• Serve as teaching support for Inside-Out courses, assisting both Inside and Outside students.
• Support Inside-Out student enrollment, liaise with Registrar’s Office, and ensure timely distribution of transcripts to correctional partners.
   

Communications, Outreach, & Marketing

• Develop and execute digital marketing strategies to raise program visibility.
• Create and manage website content, social media posts, and digital materials in alignment with program goals.
• Track performance metrics and provide recommendations for improvement.
• Produce and distribute promotional materials and event announcements.
   

Liaison & Committee Support

• Coordinate meetings with internal and external stakeholders; prepare agendas, handouts, RSVPs, Zoom logistics, and minutes.
• Engage with community partners, correctional entities, college offices, and government agencies to advance the mission of JEC.
• Support travel, event logistics, and reimbursements when in-person activities resume.
   

Other Duties

• Perform additional related responsibilities as assigned.

The individual must possess knowledge, skills and ability to be able to successfully perform the essential functions of the position or be able to explain or demonstrate how the essential functions will be performed, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities.

• Knowledge of the U.S. criminal legal system (preferably California).
• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly, compassionately, and professionally across a wide range of populations, including incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals.
• Strong writing skills, attention to detail, proofreading ability, and proficiency in varied communication platforms.
• Strong organizational skills; ability to prioritize, meet deadlines, and manage multiple tasks.
• Excellent customer service orientation and ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and familiarity with Canva or social media management tools; ability to learn WordPress within one month.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in campus, remote, and correctional settings.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel to partner sites.
• Strong leadership and collaboration skills with a commitment to a team-based work environment.
• Natural aptitude for technology and expertise with MS Office, including expert level use of Excel.
• Ability to problem-solve and use analytical skills to develop and implement creative solutions.
• Strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to take initiative to work proactively, meet deadlines, organize and prioritize multiple projects, think strategically, and work with numbers and data.
• Exhibit personal integrity and ability to appropriately handle confidential and sensitive information.
• Exhibit a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and sound professional judgment.

Experience/Education: Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience and at least one year of administrative or office support experience. Experience working with the criminal legal system, incarcerated individuals, or re-entry services (employment, advocacy, or lived experience welcome).

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in higher education, justice education, or community programming.
• Experience with grant administration or reporting
• Experience supervising student workers or volunteers.
• Familiarity with California correctional education settings.
• Individuals who have lived experience with incarceration are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Ability to obtain CDCR clearance.

Licenses/Certifications: Must have a valid driver's license

Supervisory Responsibility: Yes

• May supervise student workers

Time Type: Temporary, Full-Time

Work Schedule: This is a temporary, non-exempt, full-time, staff position, working from January 8th, 2026 up to June 30th, 2026 with the possibility of an extension. The regular schedule for this position is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Hours may vary depending on the operational needs of the College or department, including evenings and weekends as required.

Compensation: Starting Pay Rate: $22.00-24.00 per hour

Work Model: Hybrid (1 Day/Wk Remote) 

• Must have access to reliable and secure computer and internet connection.
• Must have access to a dedicated and suitable workstation at remote location, including desk or table and supporting, upright chair. Must ensure workstation is safe and free from hazards and ergonomically appropriate.

Physical Requirements: This is generally a sedentary position. Must be able to sit for prolonged periods of time and operate a computer for prolonged periods of time. You must have the ability to drive locally for events and appointments. See specifics below.

Instructions:  Only qualified applicants please.

Application Materials: Upload the following materials to complete your application:

• Cover Letter:  Indicate your reason for interest in this position, describe how your qualifications make you an ideal candidate, and explain which of Pitzer’s core values best relates to your own. 
• Resume: List relevant qualifications and dates of experience.
• Professional References: References will be contacted for select applicants and advance notice will be provided. Provide the names of at least three (3) individuals who can speak to your professional qualifications. Include their business titles, contact information and an indication of how you are acquainted with them (e.g., former supervisor, coworker, etc.).

Employment Requirements
Employment is contingent upon a candidate possessing the knowledge, skills and abilities to be able to successfully perform the essential duties of the position, or be able to explain or demonstrate how the essential functions will be performed, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities. Employment is also contingent upon new employees providing documents verifying U.S. citizenship or, for aliens, documents verifying legal permission to work in the United States. For positions requiring the use of a college-owned vehicle, employment is contingent upon a driving record acceptable to the colleges’ automobile liability insurance. Final candidates in all staff positions will be required to undergo a background investigation; in addition some positions may require a physical lift test and pulmonary function test.

Covid-19 Vaccination

Pitzer College has mandated the COVID-19 vaccination for all employees.  New employees are required to show proof of full vaccination, including booster, against COVID-19 or request a Pitzer College approved medical or religious exemption on or before their first day of employment.

Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination

Pitzer College adheres to both the letter and the spirit of Equal Employment opportunity and Affirmative Action. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, gender, age, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, disability, medical condition, or veteran status, in the administration of its admission policies, educational policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletic and other College-administered programs, and employment policies. Pitzer strongly encourages candidates from underrepresented groups to apply. 

Safety Report  

In compliance with applicable law, Pitzer College publishes an annual report containing statistical information concerning the occurrence of crime on campus and adjacent thereto, as well as policies and practices concerning security. A copy of this report is online at http://www.cuc.claremont.edu/cs/index.asp or by contacting The Claremont Colleges Department of Campus Safety: 251 E. Eleventh Street, Claremont, CA 91711-3947; (909) 621-8170.