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Position Number: ACA20-350

College of the Canyons
Santa Clarita Community College District

announces an employment opportunity for

DEAN, COUNSELING

An Educational Administrator Position 

Extended Review Date: May 13, 2021

This position is a high priority for our District for the 2020-2021 year and is contingent upon continue available district, grant and state funding.

Who We are

The Santa Clarita Community District is committed to achieving educational equity for all students. As presented in our District Strategic Plan, which focuses on Access, Engagement, and Success, “Equity, inclusion, and diversity are not goals in themselves, but ideologies embedded in all actions and planning across all departments and functions of our college and its two campuses.” These areas of focus demonstrate a resolve to focus on student success and confirm that we are at the forefront of change with integrated planning efforts that both evolve and anticipate the needs of our students. We provide students with a rich and dynamic learning experience that embraces differences — fostering healthy inclusion through inquiry, shared dialogue and reflection to ensure that we promote a sense of community, collegiality and cooperation. When you join our team at the Santa Clarita Community College District, you can expect to be part of an inclusive, creative, flexible, innovative and equity-focused community that engages students, each other, and the community in scholarly inquiry, creative partnerships, and the application of knowledge and success.

The College and the District

College of the Canyons is part of the Santa Clarita Community College District and is designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), enrolling approximately 32,000 students each academic year. College of the Canyons has a diverse student population that reflects our focus on enhancing the educational attainment and economic well-being of the community we proudly serve. Detailed information about our student population, including data related to student success, can be found on the College of Canyons Office of Institutional Research, Planning and Institutional Effectiveness (IRPIE) website. Additionally, College of the Canyons, was recently honored as a 2021 Bellwether College Consortium award winner, was honored in 2018 and 2019 with the Champion of Higher Education award, was ranked #1 in Los Angeles County during 2019 as the best two-year college for adult learners, and is rated #1 in Los Angeles County for completion rates by college-prepared students. It is distinguished as one of the top transfer institutions in Los Angeles County. 

Who We Want

We value the ability to serve students from a broad range of cultural heritages, socioeconomic backgrounds, genders, abilities, and orientations. Therefore, we prioritize applicants who demonstrate they understand the benefits diversity brings to a professional educational community. The successful candidate must be an equity-minded individual committed to collaborating with faculty, classified staff, administration, students and community partners who share our commitment to closing equity gaps. The Santa Clarita Community College District seeks leaders possessing a strong grounding in academic and student services programs and a thorough understanding of the primary mission of the community college. We seek employees that value mentorship and working in a collegial, collaborative environment, who are conscientious risk takers and transformational leaders guided by a commitment to helping all students achieve their educational goals.

"BIG PICTURE" RESPONSIBILITY:

Under the direction of the Assistant Superintendent/Vice President, Student Services, the Dean of Counseling provides visionary leadership in support of teaching and counseling services for our students. This position leads and supports the delivery of counseling instruction, academic counseling, transfer counseling, career counseling, delivery of life skills, and oversight and development of student success teams. The Dean will continue to implement the Canyons Completes (Guided Pathways) framework. The Dean is responsible for promoting best practices through the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism in support of student success. Engages College stakeholders in formulating best pedagogical and andragogical practices that promote the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and antiracism in support of student access, success, and engagement. Within the scope of this position new components may be adjusted based on district or community needs.

Canyons Hall

ENTER ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

  1. Leads the overall operations of the School of Counseling, including General and Instructional Counseling. Provides leadership and supervision to faculty and staff to ensure academic success. Provides administrative oversight to all Counseling services within Student Services including, but not limited to, academic, transfer, career, life skills, credit and noncredit curriculum.  The Dean will ensure uniform training for all counselors and implementation of best practices across all Student Services counseling offices.
  2. Acts as the School of Counseling representative to the Instructional Deans Council. Ensures coordination with the Office of Instruction. Maintains communication with administrators, staff, and faculty to coordinate services and activities related to Counseling.  
  3. Administers and promotes counseling services development and revision with faculty and staff to respond to student and community needs, including establishment and implementation of student learning outcomes. Ensures currency and responsiveness to student and community needs, the future of work, and coordination with other departments on campus. Ensures assessment and analysis of learning outcome measures. 
  4. Ensures the communication and enforcement of applicable operational guidelines, policies and procedures, related to Counseling service areas. Maintains current knowledge of district, State and Federal policy, rules, regulations, requirements, and restrictions within the scope of Counseling programs and services. Implement procedural changes as required to ensure compliance with policy, laws, and regulation.
  5. Recommends the final schedule of classes to the Instruction Office. Using sound enrollment management practices, collaborates to produce accurate schedules, program and catalog information, and multi-year instructional plans.  Reviews with faculty the selection and approval of supplies, materials, equipment purchases and maintenance requirements.
  6. Leads the innovation and continual improvement of the College’s academic programs through effective communication. Oversees program planning and systematic program reviews of Counseling. Approves new and revised curriculum for the School and ensures curriculum changes meet current state and local standards.
  7. Participates in and provides leadership to several personnel related processes for the School including hiring, orienting, scheduling, and evaluating faculty and staff. Ensures compliance with AB 1725, Education Code, Title V, collective bargaining agreements, college policies, and accreditation rules and regulations. Approves, implements, maintains, and monitors employee assignments within the Counseling and Student Success Teams. Promotes, encourages, and provides opportunities for staff development and participation in community outreach activities.
  8. Organizes and chairs School meetings. Facilitates group discussions and involves faculty and staff in idea generation, goal setting and decision-making.
  9. Plans, develops, and oversees the administration of Counseling budgets and expenditures.  Research, prepare, submit, and manage all budgets in the area of responsibility, including categorical and grant applications as required.
  10. Collaborates with College stakeholders to implement Canyons Completes framework. Oversees and implements guided pathways fundamentals including, but not limited to, Canyons Connects (Early Alert), Student Success Teams, Career Exploration, online education plans, and ensuring programs maps are regularly updated, available to students, and oversee the staff to program into the program mapper. 
  11. Provide daily oversight to the Counseling Office functions. Oversee and direct the work of classified staff members, offers counseling faculty hours, and improve the program and services for our students. Plan and implement the office’s hours, daily coverage, phone hours, and all office procedures.  
  12. Provides oversight of the website, petitions, and forms related to Counseling. Ensures the website is 508 compliant and up to date. Ensure the petitions process is clear and equitable for all students.
  13. Oversee direct, plan, and implement the work of computer services in the Counseling Offices. Oversee and direct the work of classified staff members in the areas of counseling, SARS, Canyons Connects, career, and transfer services. This will include oversight of the Valencia and Canyon Country campuses and the online services. Completes all evaluations on time, providing constructive feedback, and promoting professional development when appropriate.

District and College Responsibilities

  1. Serves on relevant campus-wide committees which may include: enrollment management, student learning outcomes, program advisory groups such as the College Planning Team, Management Advisory Council, Full Cabinet, Institutional Effectiveness and Inclusive Excellence (IE)2 and others as required.  Attends Instructional Deans Council, Instructional Advisory Committee and other meetings as required. Participates in relevant professional organizations.
  2. Works closely with College services such as admissions and records, financial aid, tutoring, and other programs and services for students. Interprets Counseling, Canyons Promise, and Student Success Team requirements and objectives to other college departments.
  3. Serves as primary administrator to resolve conflicts and issues pertaining to Counseling faculty and staff, curricular and co-curricular issues, and space used by the departments.
  4. Assists with the institutional accreditation process. Monitors and communicates relevant changes to the Vice President of Student Services related to accreditation standards affecting the School. Conducts and participates in research, as needed. Prepares Program Review, as well as other reporting requirements, including contributing to the College’s self-evaluation reports.
  5. Serves as a District representative on local community organizations, events and meetings, and professional organizations outside of standard business hours.
  6. Serves as District representative on statewide organizations. Participates in professional development opportunities, and models continuous learning and improvement.
  7. Ensures confidentiality for all students and staff. Ensures compliance with local, state, and federal laws and regulations, board policy, and the protocols and integrity of communication associated with campus decision making and organizational structure.
  8. Ensures equitable practices are implemented. Reviews and makes recommendations for changes for all board policies and procedures related to the areas of Counseling and Student Services.
  9. Makes written and oral presentations on behalf of the College.
  10. Performs other related duties as assigned.

 

Honor Grove

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

 (Requirements 1 and 2 must be met in order to qualify for the position):

Education (Requirement #1):

Possession of a master’s degree from an accredited college or university in a discipline reasonably related to the assignment, Doctorate or Ph.D. in educational leadership preferred; (See our website for evaluation requirements for units and degrees earned at foreign institutions).

 Experience (Requirement #2):

Option #1:

1. Two (2) years of academic administrative experience in an institution of higher education reasonably related to the assignment OR

Option #2: 

  1. A minimum of two (2) years of successful leadership experience reasonably related to the administrator's administrative assignment; AND
  2. A minimum of one (1) year of successful experience providing leadership for a major district-level initiative/program; AND
  3. Completion of a leadership training program of at least one (1) semester in duration.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Five (5) years recent academic or professional experience in Counseling or similar Student Services at an institution of higher education;
  • One or more years of responsible experience as department chair or in developing, implementing and managing Counseling, Enrollment Service, or Student Success Team programs in a college, university, or district post-secondary educational setting.  Includes program and curriculum development processes as well as implementation and approval procedures at local and state levels;
  • Demonstrated knowledge of and implementation of diversity, equity, inclusion, and antiracism efforts in an educational setting;
  • Demonstrated experience with guided pathways framework;
  • Demonstrated successful experience linking student services to the community;
  • Demonstrated successful experience using data, surveys and student/community input to develop new and revise existing curriculum;
  • Prior teaching or counseling experience at the college or university level;
  • Demonstrated successful experience acquiring program, School or institutional resources and collaborating and facilitating partnerships between campus departments and resources local and regional business and l industry groups and the campus community;
  • Experience advocating the needs of specialized populations (i.e., EOPS/CalWorks, Veterans, AAC, Athletics, MESA, ISP, Foster Youth/Homeless Youth;
  • Demonstrate sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, culture, disability, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students;
  • Assist and promote the growth and success of a diverse population of students and employees through the development of intercultural competent and equity minded management and leadership abilities;
  • Provide overall leadership and direction in the development, implementation and evaluation of departmental programs to provide efficient and effective counseling, matriculation, and student development services;
  • Facilitate the development of counseling programs and services designed to enroll and retain a culturally and socioeconomically diverse student population;
  • Demonstrated experience related to innovations in instructional technology, methods and student learning;
  • Demonstrated experience related to basic skills and student success;
  • Demonstrated successful experience leading programs related to the administrative assignment, including: strategic planning and decision making; staffing, evaluation, and supervision; and developing and managing budgets; and
  • Demonstrated ability to effectively plan, meet deadlines and establish structures, systems, and processes to reach goals and objectives with initiative and to completion.

DEMONSTRATED KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

  • Knowledge of the mission of California Community Colleges;
  • Understanding of the curriculum process and ability to develop and implement credit and noncredit programs;
  • Knowledge of teaching and learning strategies and experience in evaluation of those strategies;
  • A track record of being innovative in planning, developing and producing quality instruction and student services delivered via technology;
  • Ability to relate well and work effectively with students, faculty, staff and business and industry representatives of diverse backgrounds to achieve the college’s strategic goal of being an entrepreneurial college;
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a participatory manner with all segments of the college community and community at large;
  • Proficiency in applying technological applications to daily responsibilities;
  • Ability to lead, implement and manage change;
  • Ability to interpret and uniformly implement district policies and procedures and the college bargaining agreements;
  • A commitment and sensitivity to, and respect for the diverse academic, socioeconomic, ethnic, cultural, disability, religious background and sexual orientation of community college students, faculty and staff as well as commitment to integrating diversity in the College’s instructional program;
  • Commitment to universal access for all student populations;
  • A heightened sense of integrity, high energy, devotion to collegiality and civility as the accepted mode of discourse, and an exceptional level of creativity and initiative;
  • Ability to manage and direct a staff with diverse responsibilities and simultaneous projects in a team environment and achieve conflict resolution; 
  • Ability to communicate effectively and persuasively orally, in writing, and using technology: and
  • A tolerance for ambiguity and a good sense of humor.

Personal and Professional Competencies:

Every administrator with the College is expected to be:

  • A creative, innovative, energetic instructional leader, and technologically sophisticated professional who is skilled in various technology applications;
  • An anti-racist, equity leader, dedicated to eliminate structural racism. A leader who collaborates on continued improvement of programs dedicated to addressing bias;
  • A leader who possesses interpersonal skills and qualities, including an enterprising optimistic attitude, creativity, ambition, sensitivity, honesty, integrity, fairness, flexibility, a sense of humor, compassionate, and empathetic; a tolerance for ambiguity;
  • An experienced academic leader committed to continued improvement; a visible, accessible and collaborative educator who encourages and acknowledges the contributions of others, who is willing to be a risk taker and create an environment that is open to new ideas;
  • A supporter of consistent and continuous professional development initiatives, in pursuit of the college’s strategic goals;
  • A fair-minded, ethical, and honest leader with excellent interpersonal and communication skills and the courage and integrity to lead and accept responsibility;
  • A leader knowledgeable of management theories and practices, learning theories and practices, and community college finance;
  • A capable planner who can systematically allocate resources to further institutional goals, evaluate the results of the allocations, and develop strategies for continued development; and
  • A skilled leader adept in planning for the emerging needs of the District and successful in resource generation and partnership development. 
 

SALARY PLACEMENT

This educational administrator position is twelve (12) months per year and will be on Range 18 of the Administrator Salary Schedule. It is exempt from overtime and compensatory time accumulation.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Position requires sitting and viewing a computer monitor for extended periods of time plus frequent periods of standing and walking, which may include climbing staircases; dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard and related equipment; reaching, bending, kneeling, crawling and stooping; frequently exert 10-20 pounds of force to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects; hearing and speaking to communicate and provide information to others; vision to read printed material and computer monitor; handling and working with various materials and objects; and travel from site-to-site.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

  • Successful completion of background fingerprint clearance, pre-employment physical examination (disabilities not related to the physical job will not affect the application process) and TB screening. 
  • Proof of eligibility to work in the United States and signing of loyalty oath per government codes 3100-3109.
  • Meeting applicable eligibility requirements under CalPERS or CalSTRS if you are a current or former member.
  • Board of Trustees approval.
  • Official, sealed transcripts are required upon offer of employment.
  • Position is contingent upon funding and is subject to change.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

The Santa Clarita Community College District is committed to employing qualified administrators/managers, faculty, and staff members who are dedicated to student learning and success. The Board recognizes that diversity in the academic environment fosters awareness, promotes mutual understanding and respect, and provides suitable role models for all students.  The Board is committed to hiring and staff development processes that support the goals of equal opportunity and diversity, and provide equal consideration for all qualified candidates. The District does not discriminate on the basis of race, religious creed, color, ethnic or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, uniformed service member status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, pregnancy, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected basis under the law.

Applicants who have disabilities may request that accommodations be made in order to complete the selection process by contacting the Human Resources office directly at (661) 362-3427.

Students

ABOUT THE DISTRICT

Innovative. Collaborative. Entrepreneurial. These characteristics not only define College of the Canyons, they are embodied by the faculty, staff and administrators who make this college unique among the 114 California Community Colleges.

Established in 1969, College of the Canyons is among the fastest-growing colleges in California and the nation. It is widely recognized as a model community college for enhancing student access, success and equity. Its completion rates rank among the highest in the state. The college has established a well-deserved reputation for bolstering economic development and offering innovative career technical education responsive to industry needs.

Guided by visionary leadership, the college serves a 367-square-mile area of northern Los Angeles County that includes the dynamic, growing Santa Clarita Valley. A steady influx of new residents and businesses creates a spirit of possibilities that inspires the college to be flexible, creative and attuned to the community’s evolving needs. The growing diversity of the community is mirrored by the college, which qualifies as a Latino-serving institution.

The college’s influence in the community is best illustrated by the dozens of collaborative partnerships it has forged with local school districts, government entities and service organizations. Examples include the Performing Arts Center’s K-12 Arts Education Outreach initiative, which allows thousands of children to experience the arts each year, and Academy of the Canyons, an early/middle college high school at the Valencia campus that is ranked among the top 10 percent of high schools in the nation.

With campuses in Valencia and Canyon Country, the college offers 92 associate degree programs, including 23 associate degree for transfer (AD-T) options, as well as 71 certificate programs. Classes are offered during traditional fall and spring semesters, as well as shorter, intensive summer and winter sessions. Additional educational opportunities exist at the University Center, whose four-year colleges and universities offer approximately 30 bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs, as well certificate and credential programs.

Because of the college’s commitment to meeting the needs of the community, local voters have approved two bond measures valued at more than $240 million since 2001. The college also secures substantial funds from the state and millions of dollars in grants each year that allow new, cutting-edge programs to be developed and facilities built to accommodate them.

Given its commitment to growth and innovation, College of the Canyons sets a new standard for what a college can achieve. It is a vital cultural, educational and economic force in the region. Join us to discover unexpected possibilities, the freedom to innovate and an opportunity to shape the future.

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS:

Applicants are encouraged to complete their applications online at https://www.canyons.edu/administration/humanresources/. If you require assistance, please call the Human Resources office at (661)362-3427 or for the hearing impaired TTY/TDD Line at (661)362-5178.  Applicants may check the status of their application online and may expect to be notified within approximately 5 weeks following the Review Date as to the status of their application.

All application materials must be uploaded online or received in the Human Resources office by the end of the day on the Review Date in order to assure consideration for this position. Postmark is not acceptable for this purpose. Separate application materials must be submitted for each position applied for. Materials submitted become property of the District and will not be returned, copied, or considered for other openings.  The Human Resources office is located in the University Center, Suite #360 at 26455 Rockwell Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, CA, 91355.

Your application is not complete until the following required materials have been uploaded online or received by the Human Resources office:

  • A District Academic application.
  • A list of six (6) references with their names, titles, business and home telephone numbers. The list should include two (2) current and two (2) former supervisors, one (1) subordinate, and one (1) community or business representative. All references (except for former supervisors) must be within the last five (5) years. References will not be contacted without the applicant’s knowledge.
  • A current detailed resume, summarizing education and experience.
  • Letter of interest (cover letter). In your letter, please address your qualifications and experience as they pertain to the job duties, the demonstrated knowledge, and the abilities section of this announcement. Provides specific details and examples of your direct leadership in achieving the list of minimum and desirable requirements for this position.
  • Copies of complete and legible college transcripts clearly indicating all college units earned and any degree awarded. Submit unofficial copies of transcripts for application purposes. Copies of diplomas are not acceptable in lieu of college transcripts. Please see our website for the requirements for evaluation of transcripts from foreign colleges or universities.
  • Confidential Recruitment Source Information (Voluntary Survey). This is voluntary and is part of the online applicant profile separate from the application.
  • Supplemental Questions. Complete the Supplemental Questions as part of your application packet.
  1. What does it mean for you to have a commitment to equity and diversity? How have you demonstrated that commitment throughout your professional career? How would you see yourself demonstrating it in the role as Dean of Counseling at College of the Canyons?
  2. Please provide a concise summary of your experience overseeing the development and maintenance of new, innovative programs dedicated to student success.
  3. Describe your experience with budgeting, monitoring expenditures, grants, and other resource procurement efforts.
  4. How have you worked with faculty, staff, and management to develop a student-centered services using a Guided Pathways framework that allows for student access, success, and completion?
  5. What role have you served in working with faculty, staff, and management to promote short-term and long-term instructional program planning in support of overall district strategic goals?
  6. Describe how you have effectively collaborated and engaged with students, faculty, staff, administration, and community-based organizations in support of counseling and student success programs.

Please note:

  • Skills evaluation of candidates for interview may be required.
  • Travel and relocation expenses are the responsibility of the applicant.
  • Hiring committees review all complete, qualified application packets. Possession of the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview.
  • A presentation will be required for those candidates selected for an initial interview.
  • Current COC employees who are applying for this position: Please be aware that materials from your personnel file are not included as part of the application file; therefore, please provide the same requested application materials as any other applicant.
  • Applicants are encouraged to apply online. If you need assistance with the application process, contact:

Human Resources Office

(661) 362-3427

TTY/TDD (661) 362-5178 or visit our website at

https://www.canyons.edu/administration/humanresources/

 

It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all application materials are fully and correctly submitted. All materials submitted are for this position only and become the property of the District.  Materials will not be returned, copied or considered for other openings. Resumes may not be submitted in lieu of the official application form.

The College is expecting to conduct initial interviews the week of May 31, 2021 and conduct final interviews the week of June 7, 2021 or June 14, 2021. This is an estimated timeline, and is subject to change. 

Position is offered contingent on funding. We reserve the right to withdraw, extend the filing date, reopen, or delay filling this position. Recruitment may continue until the position is filled.

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