Dean, College of Social Sciences and Education

California State University; Bakersfield (CA); On-site; USD 213,000 - 224,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent public university in California seeks a Dean for the College of Social Sciences and Education. The Dean will provide operational leadership, develop strategic vision to enhance academic programs, and foster community engagement. The ideal candidate will hold a Ph.D., have substantial academic leadership experience, and a commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion. This role offers competitive compensation with excellent benefits, including a salary range of $213,000–$223,008 annually and numerous employee perks.

Benefits

Medical plans

Dental and vision coverage

Retirement participation in CalPERS

CSU tuition waiver

Paid vacation and holidays

Qualifications

• A record of success in academic leadership roles such as dean or department chair.
• Understanding of assessment and accreditation standards.
• Experience with financial management and securing external resources.

Responsibilities

• Provide operational leadership and oversee academic programs.
• Develop and implement a long-term strategic vision for the college.
• Foster collaboration and community engagement initiatives.

Skills

Academic leadership

Strategic planning

Financial management

Communication skills

Mentoring faculty and staff

Community engagement

Education

Ph.D. or terminal degree in an academic discipline

Academic accomplishments for Full Professor rank

Job description

California State University, Bakersfield

California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB) invites inquiries, nominations, and applications from bold and committed academic leaders interested in serving as the Dean of the College of Social Sciences and Education (SSE). The successful candidate will join CSUB at an exciting time of transition under the leadership of the new University President and Provost.

The College of Social Sciences and Education (SSE)

The College of Social Sciences & Education (SSE) offers high-quality undergraduate, credential, and graduate programs across the social sciences and education disciplines. SSE prepares students to become educators, counselors, social workers, law‑enforcement professionals, health professionals, researchers, civic leaders, and community advocates.

Administration & Operational Oversight

• Provide operational leadership and oversight of all academic programs, ensuring compliance with university policies, accreditation standards, state and federal regulations, and professional guidelines.
• Oversee budget development, financial planning, allocation, and monitoring to ensure effective stewardship of college resources and long‑term fiscal sustainability.
• Manage space, facilities, technology, and operational infrastructure to support academic programs and student services.
• Oversee course scheduling, enrollment management strategies, program reviews, and curricular processes to ensure efficient and student‑centered academic operations.
• Review and process faculty and student petitions, grievances, and issues, exercising sound judgment and ensuring timely and equitable resolution.
• Provide leadership for the preparation of annual reports, college communications, accreditation submissions, and other required documentation.
• Develop, implement, and revise policies and procedures that enhance effectiveness, promote operational integrity, and advance the college’s mission.
• Ensure the coordination and implementation of college‑wide student support initiatives, advising strategies, and student success programs.
• Oversee staff supervision, including hiring, training, delegating work, evaluating performance, and promoting professional growth.
• Ensure integration of college goals with broader university priorities and maintain accountability for achieving strategic outcomes.

Strategic Vision & Academic Leadership

• Develop and implement a long‑term strategic vision for the college that aligns with CSUB’s institutional mission, strategic plan, and priorities in student success, equity, research excellence, and regional impact.
• Lead academic planning and program development, including the creation, revitalization, or consolidation of programs to meet workforce needs and expand interdisciplinary learning opportunities.
• Strengthen assessment, accreditation, and continuous improvement processes to ensure high‑quality, student‑centered outcomes across undergraduate, credential, and graduate programs.
• Advance evidence‑based strategies to enhance retention, persistence, and graduation rates, with attention to first‑generation, transfer, and underserved student populations.
• Promote innovative teaching, applied learning, community‑engaged scholarship, global and intercultural experiences, and integration of technology into pedagogical practices.
• Serve as a key participant in university‑wide academic planning, representing SSE on strategic committees and councils, and ensuring alignment with campus‑wide goals.
• Lead long‑term planning efforts with the Social Sciences & Education Dean’s Advisory Council and ensure meaningful faculty governance participation in academic decision‑making.

Faculty & Staff Leadership & Development

• Recruit, hire, and retain excellent and diverse faculty and staff committed to equity‑minded teaching, advising, scholarship, and student success.
• Foster a culture grounded in transparency, shared governance, professionalism, and inclusive decision‑making.
• Mentor and support faculty in research, creative activity, external funding efforts, and scholarly engagement, promoting the teacher‑scholar model.
• Oversee faculty evaluation, tenure, and promotion processes and ensure clear standards, consistency, and adherence to policies.
• Promote professional development opportunities for faculty and staff at all career stages and support structures that enhance workplace culture, collaboration, and morale.
• Engage department chairs, program directors, and center directors in implementing strategic priorities and developing cohesive academic and operational goals.
• Support collaboration across departments and centers to advance interdisciplinary initiatives, research projects, and shared programming.

External Relations, Partnerships & Resource Development

• Serve as a primary liaison between the college and university leadership, other academic units, community partners, and regional stakeholders.
• Build and strengthen partnerships with P‑12 districts, government agencies, nonprofits, community organizations, and regional employers to support workforce development and applied learning opportunities.
• Engage with donors, alumni, corporations, and foundations to cultivate philanthropic support, expand grant opportunities, and secure external resources aligned with college priorities.
• Advocate for college needs and initiatives with university leadership and external agencies, articulating the value and impact of SSE programs.
• Support signature events, student engagement activities, and community outreach efforts that elevate the visibility and reputation of the college.
• Develop and implement a strategic fundraising plan and engage in activities that advance the college’s long‑term sustainability.

Key Opportunities and Challenges

The new Dean will develop and implement a strategic vision to enhance the impact of the College and work with other deans and administrators on campus to meet student, faculty, and staff needs, address workforce opportunities, and promote student success and career readiness.

Personal Characteristics

• Understanding of academic program development, assessment, accreditation standards, and compliance within higher education institutions.
• Knowledge of current trends, challenges, and innovations in social sciences and education, including pedagogical methodologies, technology integration, and research practices.
• Ability to work effectively with students, stakeholders, community networks, faculty, and staff.
• Knowledge of community needs, partnerships, and strategies for fostering collaborations between academia and external stakeholders.
• Awareness and commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within academic environments.
• Commitment to shared governance, support for faculty scholarship and professional development, and recruitment, retention, tenure, and promotion processes for faculty.
• Skill in developing and implementing strategic plans that align with institutional goals and promote academic excellence.
• Aptitude for identifying challenges, developing creative solutions, and making informed decisions in complex academic environments.
• Dedication to enhancing student learning experiences, retention, and success through innovative programs and support services.
• Ability to use tact and diplomacy to effectively handle a broad range of high level and sensitive interpersonal situations with diverse personalities, and to respond appropriately to conflicts and problems.
• Excellent communication skills; ability to effectively communicate information in a clear and understandable manner.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to set own priorities to coordinate multiple assignments with fluctuating and time‑sensitive deadlines.
• Sensitivity to and understanding of the racial, ethnic, cultural, and linguistic diversity of the campus and community.
• Knowledge of academic program development, assessment, accreditation, and compliance, with the ability to lead innovative programs that advance student learning.

Required Qualifications

• An earned Ph.D. or terminal degree in an academic discipline from an accredited institution.
• Academic accomplishments appropriate for the rank of Full Professor in one of the College’s disciplines or a cognate field.
• A record of success as an accomplished administrator with progressively responsible positions in higher education as an academic leader (academic dean, associate dean, department chair, program director, etc.), or equivalent.
• A record of successful leadership in shared governance values and processes.
• Successful leadership and management experiences, including strategic planning, financial management, and management of staff.
• Experience with resource development and financial management, including budgeting, fundraising, grant development, and securing external resources.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise, lead, and develop professional teams.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, professionalism, responsiveness, and the ability to interpret and apply institutional policies and procedures.

Preferred Qualifications

• Record of effectiveness in developing and implementing strategic plans.
• Teaching experience at the graduate level.
• Demonstrated success leading within institutional or educational environments through a servant‑leader orientation that values collaboration, transparency, shared governance, and support of others.
• Experience in a public higher education institution and multi‑campus system.
• A record of administrative leadership experience working in collective‑bargaining environments.
• Knowledge of and demonstrated experience in state and national level educator preparation program accreditation.
• Leadership experience and demonstrated success within a Hispanic‑Serving Institution.

Compensation and Benefits

This is a CSU Management Personnel Plan (MPP) and a full‑time, 12‑month position. The pay basis is monthly. The anticipated annual salary is $213,000‑$223,008. The CSU Classification Salary range is $121,272—$389,292 (annually). CSUB offers a best‑in‑class benefit package for eligible employees that includes an array of medical plans, choice of dental plans, vision coverage, retirement participation in CalPERS, CSU tuition waiver, up to 24 vacation days per year, sick leave with unlimited accrual, and 15 paid holidays per year.

Application / Nomination Process

The Search Committee will begin reviewing applications in late January. Applicants must submit a current curriculum vitae and a letter of interest describing relevant experience. Nomination letters should include the nominee’s name and contact information. All nominations and applications will be handled in confidence. Applications and letters of nomination should be submitted by email to Alberto Pimentel, Managing Partner, and Emy Cruz, Partner. Email: [e-mail]. Refer to code “CSUB‑Dean SSE” in the subject line.

EEO Statement

The California State University (“CSU”), including California State University, Bakersfield, is committed to an inclusive and equitable community that values diversity and fosters mutual respect. All students and employees have the right to participate fully in CSU programs, activities, admission, and employment free from discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, sexual exploitation, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, and retaliation. The CSU Nondiscrimination Policy prohibits discrimination and harassment based on any protected status, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, sexual exploitation, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, prohibited consensual relationships, and retaliation.

Contact Information

SP&A Executive Search
6512 Painter Avenue, Whittier, CA 90601