The Santa Clarita Community College District/College of the Canyons is seeking a full-time Director, Institutional Research, Planning and Effectiveness in the Institutional Development office.

 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, 2019, and 2021 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 Associate Vice President, Institutional Research, Planning, Effectiveness and Student Experience Redesign, provides research and evaluation leadership in the advancement of institutional initiatives and program area priorities; provides leadership and expertise for the college’s Institutional Review Board; plans, organizes, designs, and implements a comprehensive institutional research and evaluation program to assist the college in evaluating and improving its effectiveness as a learning-centered institution; under the direction of the Associate Vice President, Institutional Research, Planning and Effectiveness provides technical expertise in the development and monitoring of the Educational and Facilities Master Plans, Strategic Plan, student outcomes performance, and other planning processes; coordinates the submittal of institutional data; provides direction to the institutional self-study and accreditation process; designs evaluation plans for grants; develops District policies and procedures related to institutional research; supervises and evaluates the performance of assigned personnel; increases the visibility and utility of data and data-informed resources for the college community in order to enhance institutional effectiveness.

QUALITIES OF A SUCCESSFUL COMMUNITY COLLEGE LEADER

Every administrator with the College is expected to be: 

• Committed to Student Access, Engagement, and Success.
• Willing to take strategic risks related to student-oriented change.
• Capable of building strong teams.
• Motivated to establish urgency for improvement.
• Able to plan lasting internal change.
• Results-oriented, ensuring effective implementation, routine assessment of programs and continuous data-informed improvement.
• Effective at communicating and listening to foster strong relationships, shared priorities, and inspire trust and action.
• Considerate of fiscal responsibilities and sound operations.
• Dedicated to entrepreneurial fundraising that aligns to student access, engagement, and success goals.
• Effective in developing effective external partnerships to achieve broader aims for student success.
• A creative, innovative, energetic instructional leader; a technologically sophisticated professional who is skilled in various technology applications.
• A supporter of consistent and on-going 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.

DISTRICT CLASSIFIED ADMINISTRATOR EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

Full-time employees are provided with a diversified employee benefits program that includes sick time, vacation time, discretionary time, medical, dental and vision insurance including dependent coverage, disability and life insurance as well as Section 125 options.  These benefits commence on the first of the month following date of hire.  Professional development and educational incentive opportunities are provided to all classified administrative employees.  Classified employees contribute to the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS), a defined benefit retirement plan through the State of California. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Sedentary position requires use of a computer and related equipment for extended periods of time; frequently exerting 10 to 20 pounds of force to move objects; communicating and providing information to others; work outside on all parts of District locations and in varying weather conditions. In the event of an emergency, employees will be relied upon to serve as emergency service workers.

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.
• Ability to maintain a flexible workweek with hours that may vary. 
• Position is contingent upon funding and is subject to change. 

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:

Santa Clarita Community College District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The Santa Clarita Community College District is committed to employing qualified employees 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 consideration for all qualified candidates. The District does not unlawfully discriminate in providing educational or employment opportunities to any person on the basis of race, color, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), national origin, ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, marital status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, age (40 years and over), sexual orientation, veteran and/or military status, protected medical leaves (requesting or approved for leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act or the California Family Rights Act), domestic violence victim status, political affiliation, and any other status protected by state or federal law  or on the basis of these perceived characteristics, or based on association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.

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.

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. Please visit our website at http://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 4 - 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.

The following application materials are required for your application to be complete:

• Online District CLASSIFIED Application form.
• Current detailed resume, summarizing education and experience. Please include month/year dates of employment and descriptions of responsibilities at each employer.
• 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. Provide specific details and examples of your direct experience 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. Copies of diplomas are not acceptable in lieu of college transcripts. You can submit unofficial copies of transcripts for application purposes. Official, sealed transcripts are required upon offer of employment. 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.
• Philosophy of Diversity Statement.
• Supplemental Questionnaire. Please provide detailed answers to the following questions as part of your application packet.
  
  1. Do you possess a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in Higher Education or a related field such as Social Science, Psychology, Statistics or an educational research discipline? If yes, please provide a legible copy of your college/university transcript in your application packet. Copies of diplomas are not acceptable in lieu of college transcripts.
  2. Describe your experience in and level of involvement with institutional research and planning, or a similar research environment. Include employer name(s), position title(s), dates of employment, full-time or part-time status (hours per week). Please provide your total years of full-time equivalent experience in this field.
  3. Please describe how you have provided research and evaluation leadership in the advancement of institutional initiatives and program area priorities. Discuss how you will plan, organize, design, and implement a comprehensive institutional research and evaluation program to assist the college. How will you lead in evaluating and improving college effectiveness as a learning-centered institution?
  4. College of the Canyons features a diverse population of students, and our district is committed to supporting and promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism. How have you demonstrated a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and antiracism in your professional career and how will this support student success and completion? What is the role of the Director of Institutional Research, Planning and Effectiveness in these and related efforts?
  5. Describe how you have provided technical expertise in the development and monitoring of student outcomes performance. Please further describe how you have coordinated the preparation and submission of institutional data, prioritized and managed requests, provided direction to accreditation processes, and designed evaluation plans.
  6. Please describe your approach to providing meaningful research and analytical support to college leadership, administrators, staff, and faculty with timely and relevant research, data analysis, data interpretation, and training end-users on using data to inform planning. Please include how you would increase access and engage of end-users using information to support the college’s strategies to increase and improve institutional effectiveness.
• Letters of Reference are optional.

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 may be required for those candidates selected for an initial interview.
• “Experience” generally refers to relevant paid experience. In some instances, unpaid experience may be counted as experience towards meeting the minimum qualifications or requirements for the position only if it entailed responsibilities substantially similar to those of relevant paid positions in the field.  It is the applicant’s responsibility to provide sufficient information and details to the Human Resources office at the time of submission of their application packet.  Details should include the organization, contact name and contact information, start and end dates, hours per week, and a list of relevant unpaid/volunteer duties or responsibilities performed.  Not all unpaid experience may qualify.  Upon offer of employment, an applicant will be required to obtain written verification(s) of any relevant unpaid/volunteer experience.
• 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 and final interviews between the weeks of June 6, 2022 and June 13, 2022. 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.  This recruitment may be used for future vacancies.