Dean of Science

Bellevue College; Bellevue (WA); On-site; USD 118,000 - 177,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Bellevue College seeks a Dean of Science to lead the Science Division with equity-focused, collaborative leadership. Reporting to the Provost, you will guide curriculum, faculty development, and interdisciplinary programs to meet student and regional needs.

You will oversee budget, operations, and accreditation processes, partnering with faculty, staff, and external stakeholders to advance student success, transfer pathways, and high-impact learning across sciences.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or equivalent in science leadership or related field.
• At least two years of full-time teaching in higher education.
• At least three years of experience managing complex organizational units.
• Proven ability to supervise, support, and evaluate faculty and staff.
• Proven success in academic leadership, including curriculum oversight and instructional innovation.
• Experience with strategic planning, program development, or organizational transformation.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills; ability to lead through influence.
• Commitment to advancing equity, inclusion, and student success in a diverse educational environment.
• Familiarity with budget management and resource planning.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of a divisional vision aligned with the College's mission and strategic plan.
• Represent the Science Division in college-wide planning and governance.
• Foster innovation, continuous improvement, and collaborative leadership across disciplines.
• Oversee curriculum development, instructional quality, and program review.
• Supervise faculty, chairs, directors, and staff, including hiring and evaluation.
• Manage budgets, scheduling, and facilities to support instructional delivery.
• Lead accreditation, assessment, and compliance processes.
• Develop partnerships with institutions, employers, and community stakeholders.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Communication

Equity-minded

Collaboration

Fundraising/advancement

Education

Master's degree

Higher education leadership

2+ years teaching in higher education

3+ years supervising/managing units

Tools

ctcLink (PeopleSoft)

Job description

Dean of Science

Job ID: 15124

Location: Bellevue College

Full/Part Time: Full Time

Regular/Temporary: Regular

Position Summary

Reporting to the Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, the Dean of Science provides collaborative, equity-driven leadership for the Science Division at Bellevue College. This role is central to advancing the College's mission to provide accessible, student-centered education and its vision of becoming a national leader in inclusive excellence and innovative learning.

The Dean fosters a culture of inquiry, innovation, and continuous improvement by leading division planning, supporting faculty excellence, and championing interdisciplinary programs that meet the evolving needs of students and the region. The Dean works in partnership with faculty, staff, and institutional leaders to strengthen academic pathways, close equity gaps, and expand high-impact learning practices.

With oversight of curriculum, personnel, operations, and resources, the Dean is responsible for ensuring that Science programs reflect current industry and transfer standards, are grounded in evidence-based teaching, and are responsive to the diverse aspirations of Bellevue College students. As a member of the Academic Affairs leadership team, the Dean advances institutional priorities by translating strategic vision into effective practice, prioritizing student success, community connection, and operational excellence.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule

Position Salary Range: $117,831/year - $176,747/year

The salary information shown above is a general guideline only. The salary will be determined based on candidate's qualifications and related experience, as well as market and business considerations. Typically, new hire starts no higher than $132,560/year based on Bellevue College Exempt salary schedule.

We offer comprehensive compensation package with salary and benefits as the main components. Generous https://www.bellevuecollege.edu/hr/benefits/ is offered through Washington State plans that includes multiple medical, dental, life and disability coverage choices for employees and dependents; choices of retirement and deferred compensation plans; paid holidays, sick, and vacation plans; transit program, reduced tuition, employee discounts and memberships, etc.

The employee is scheduled to work 40 hours per workweek. This position is exempt from the overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act, which means that you are not eligible for overtime pay.

About The College

Bellevue College is a diverse student-centered, comprehensive and innovative college, committed to teaching excellence that advances the life-long educational development of its students while strengthening the economic, social and cultural life of its diverse community. Bellevue College is located just 10 miles east of Seattle where we serve a student population of over 54% students of color and over 1,300 international students. The college promotes student success by providing high-quality, flexible, accessible educational programs and services; advancing pluralism, inclusion and global awareness; and acting as a catalyst and collaborator for a vibrant region.

We strive to create a vibrant and inclusive campus community that supports a diverse student body, faculty and staff. As an essential part of our https://www.bellevuecollege.edu/about-us/future-vision/vision-values-mission/, diversity, equity and pluralism are promoted and fostered in all aspects of college life. By enriching student life through leadership opportunities, personal learning and cultural experiences, we are committed to building an inclusive and diverse campus community that fosters creativity, innovation and student success.

For more information, visit https://www.bellevuecollege.edu/facts/.

About the Department

The Science Division at Bellevue College offers a comprehensive range of programs across multiple disciplines, including biology, chemistry, physics, geology, environmental science, computer science, engineering, and mathematics. These programs support students pursuing transfer degrees, professional pathways, and personal enrichment in the sciences.

Committed to teaching and learning excellence, the division emphasizes inquiry-based learning, undergraduate research opportunities, and equitable access to rigorous STEM coursework. Faculty and staff collaborate to foster transformative learning experiences that prepare students for success in university transfer, STEM careers, and lifelong exploration.

The division also includes key instructional and operational units, such as robust lab operations and dedicated faculty committed to advancing student achievement and academic excellence. It plays a central role in advancing Bellevue College's mission through innovative curriculum, strong community partnerships, and a student-centered approach that supports persistence, achievement, and equity in the sciences.

Essential Functions

Strategic Leadership and Vision Implementation

• Lead the development and execution of a divisional vision aligned with Bellevue College's mission, vision, and strategic plan.
• Represent the Science Division in college-wide strategic planning, governance, and institutional decision-making.
• Foster a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and collaborative leadership across disciplines.
• Engage in long-range planning to ensure programs remain relevant to workforce, university transfer, and scientific advancement.
• Build and sustain partnerships with academic institutions, employers, and community stakeholders to support division growth and transformation.
• Support experiential learning and career-connected instruction by engaging external partners, advisory boards, and community mentors.
• Participate in college advancement and fundraising efforts that support division initiatives.

Academic and Faculty Oversight

• Oversee curriculum development, instructional quality, and program review to ensure academic excellence and transfer alignment.
• Supervise and support faculty, chairs, directors, and staff, including hiring, evaluation, mentoring, tenure, and promotion processes.
• Ensure faculty workloads, onboarding, and professional development reflect equity-minded, student-centered instructional practice.
• Lead assessment, accreditation, and compliance processes to meet institutional, state, and federal standards.
• Promote inclusive pedagogy, interdisciplinary collaboration, and evidence-based teaching and learning strategies.
• Manage lab-based instruction and oversee scientific equipment, facilities, and safety protocols to ensure effective instructional delivery across multiple modalities.
• Provide leadership for bachelor's degree development and oversight within the division.

Holistic Student Success and Institutional Transformation

• Develop and implement strategies to improve access, retention, progression, and completion for all students.
• Partner with student affairs and campus services to coordinate holistic supports that address academic and non-academic barriers.
• Create inclusive, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive learning environments that reflect the diverse needs of Bellevue College students.
• Respond to student concerns and academic grievances in a timely, equitable, and student-centered manner.
• Lead initiatives that reduce equity gaps in STEM education and foster a sense of belonging and academic identity.
• Collaborate with faculty and staff to integrate high-impact practices, experiential learning, and undergraduate research across the curriculum.

Resource and Budget Management

• Manage divisional budgets, instructional resources, scheduling, and staffing in alignment with strategic goals and enrollment targets.
• Oversee physical resources, including labs, scientific equipment, and instructional technology, ensuring safety, accessibility, and operational efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with college financial policies, collective bargaining agreements, and regulatory standards.
• Participate in enrollment and financial planning to maximize instructional efficiency and support growth in high-demand programs.
• Advocate for resources based on data-informed assessments of program, student, and faculty needs.

Other

• Serve on college committees, task forces, and governance groups as assigned.
• Represent the division in internal and external events, including community engagement and system-wide initiatives.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support institutional priorities and the evolving needs of Academic Affairs.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree from an accredited institution. A combination of relevant education and professional experience may substitute for the degree on a year-for-year basis.
• At least two (2) years of full-time (or equivalent) teaching experience in higher education.
• At least three (3) years of experience managing complex organizational units with competing needs.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise, support, and evaluate faculty and staff in a collaborative, inclusive work environment.
• Proven success in academic leadership, including curriculum oversight, faculty development, and instructional innovation.
• Experience leading or participating in strategic planning, program development, or organizational transformation.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills, with a demonstrated ability to build consensus and lead through influence.
• Demonstrated commitment to advancing equity, inclusion, and student success in a diverse educational environment.
• Familiarity with budget management, resource planning, and operational oversight in an academic setting.
• Understanding of trends in science education, transfer pathways, and emerging needs in STEM fields.

Preferred Qualifications

The following are not required but will strengthen a candidate's application

• Graduate degree or equivalent experience in a Science, Computer Science, Engineering, or Mathematics-related discipline.
• Doctorate in a related field.
• More than two (2) years of full-time teaching experience in higher education, particularly in a community or open-access college.
• Experience with program accreditation and compliance in higher education.
• Demonstrated leadership in advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging - through teaching, service, or institutional leadership.
• Experience overseeing bachelor's degree programs or leading curriculum development for applied or transfer STEM degrees.
• Experience with strategic enrollment planning, grant development, or community/industry partnerships.
• Familiarity with ctcLink (PeopleSoft) or similar enterprise systems used in higher education.

Conditions of Employment

Bellevue College intends to provide a drug-free, healthy, safe, and secure work and educational environment. Each employee is expected to report to work in an appropriate mental and physical condition to perform her/his/their assigned duties.

Bellevue College employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Sexual Misconduct and Background Check:

Prior to start of employment, finalists(s) for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background check as a condition of employment. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment, but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=28B.112.080.

Check frequently in your inbox, spam, junk, clutter email folders for any communication regarding the next steps from Bellevue College and our background check partners.

Reference Check:

Reference checks may include, but are not limited to, contacting references and verification of work experience, and/or past job duties.

Other Information

• This position may be eligible for relocation allowance.
• This position is NOT eligible for sponsorship for employment-based visa.

EEO Statement

Bellevue College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, language, ethnicity, religion, veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, including gender identity or expression, disability, or age in its programs and activities. Please see policy 4150 at https://www.bellevuecollege.edu/policies/. The following people have been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Title IX Coordinator, 425-564-2641, Office C227, and EEOC/504 Compliance Officer, 425-564-2178, Office B126.

Applicants with disabilities who require assistance with the recruitment process may contact mailto:[e-mail].