Special Programs Academic Navigator

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.

I. Position Information

Title: Academic Navigator (Prison Education)

Division/Office: Academic Affairs / Office of the Vice Provost

Status: Full Time, 12-month, Exempt – Temporary position through September 15, 2027 (may require occasional weekend and evening work)

Classification: EAM III

II. Position Summary

As a member of the Vice Provost team, the navigator engages students in the Prison Education Program. In this role, the navigator promotes all dimensions of academic preparedness and student success. This position will focus on proactive engagement with students to ensure retention, persistence, and success through academic intervention and holistic student experiences. Working in concert with the Program Director for Prison Education, the navigator will act as communication liaison between students, faculty, facility partners, and the on-campus Chaminade community. The navigator will work with students on pathways to college post-release and continued academic success.

III. Reports to

Direct Report to: Vice Provost

Indirect Report to: Prison Education Program Director

IV. Duties And Responsibilities

Prison Education Navigator Responsibilities

• Build positive, appropriate relationships with incarcerated students to offer guidance, encouragement, and academic support throughout their educational journey.
• Build positive working relationships with facility education staff members to coordinate class and study hall sessions, troubleshoot issues, and address student needs.
• Assist students in understanding academic policies, procedures, and resources available to them.
• Assist in connecting Chaminade resources and offices with students in the program, including tutoring; help post-release students connect with on-campus resources to support personal and academic success.
• Collaborate with the Prison Education Program Director to assist students in developing reentry plans, including educational and vocational goals, employment strategies, and community resources.
• Develop, deliver or coordinate educational workshops and seminars on topics such as study skills, time management, career exploration, and arts/culture.
• Track and assess student performance, identifying areas where additional support may be needed.
• Assist Program Director with semester logistics and preparations, including course material collection and distribution within the correctional facilities.
• Collaborate with instructors to address academic challenges and provide appropriate interventions; assist in class re-scheduling and coverage as needed.
• Facilitate study hall sessions on site weekly at Halawa Correctional Facility and stay in communication with students throughout the week through their learning management system.
• Host office hours and stay in communication with students at Saguaro Correctional Center through their learning management system.
• Obtain VolinCor certification and adhere to all guidelines outlined in the training.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

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.

VI. Education And Experience

Minimum Education

A Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Psychology, Criminal Justice, Counseling, Human Resources, or other related field is required.

Experience And Skills

Two years work experience in teaching, counseling, or administration in higher education is preferred. Excellent working knowledge of computers; strong communication skills – written and oral; experience analyzing data and preparing reports. Experience working with Pacific Islander, Asian American, and local Hawaii students highly preferred. The successful candidate will value the developmental opportunities of a small campus setting, enjoy working on a team, be able to manage time efficiently and handle multiple tasks.

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, appropriate 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.

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.

VIII. Other Requirements

• Must have a valid Driver’s License.
• This is a full time and 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.

This position is partly funded by funds received from a Mellon Foundation Grant. Funds received from the grant are expected to stop on September 30, 2027. Continuation of employment is dependent upon program and/or operational needs of the University and the availability of grant funds.

IX. 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.