Dean, Professional Studies

West Valley-Mission Community College District; Saratoga (CA); On-site; USD 208,000 - 222,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

CalSTRS retirement

Employer-paid long term disability

Employer-provided life insurance

Paid holidays and vacation leave

Job summary

West Valley College, part of the West Valley-Mission Community College District, seeks a Dean of Professional Studies to guide programs across Accounting, Justice, Business, Child Studies, Paralegal, Park Management, Geospatial Tech, Real Estate and more.

The Dean reports to the Provost and oversees faculty, staff, facilities, and budgets to strengthen partnerships and workforce pipelines. Start date planned for January 2027 with 40 hours/week supervision.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in education or a field related to assignment.
• Five years of college-level experience; two years in admin/management.
• Ability to lead academic units, build partnerships, and advance workforce pipelines.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement department goals, objectives, policies, and procedures.
• Plan and direct instructional and student support programs within the division.
• Oversee budget, staffing, scheduling, and curriculum development; support accreditation and student success.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Budgeting

Enrollment management

Fundraising

Community relations

Education

Master’s degree in education or related field

Job description

Position Title Dean, Professional Studies

Campus West Valley College

Position Summary Information

Definition

West Valley College is searching for a collaborative leader to serve as Dean to guide our Fang Pei Che School of Professional Studies.

Under the supervision of the Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, the Dean will oversee several programs, such as Accounting, Administration of Justice, Business, Child Studies, Paralegal, Park Management, Geospatial Technology and Real Estate. The Dean is an academic management position with primary responsibility to build, maintain, and expand the exemplary programs, industry partnerships, and workforce pipelines needed to prepare students for careers across these professional and pre-professional fields. The position is directly responsible for providing leadership, direction, and oversight of identified programs, faculty, staff, facilities, budget, policies, and procedures.

West Valley College is part of the West Valley-Mission Community College District. Designated as a Hispanic Serving Institution, West Valley College enrolls over 15,000 students annually and is minutes away from the heart of the Silicon Valley in a beautiful park-like setting on 143 wooded acres. The student population represents diverse communities from the cities of Saratoga, Campbell and Los Gatos. Detailed information about the student population, including data related to student success, can be found on the Office of Institutional Effectiveness and Research webpage.

The college is ranked number one in transfer in Silicon Valley and the Bay Area and number four in California out of 116 community colleges. The college is known for high quality academic and career education programs supported by talented faculty and dedicated classified professionals who bring an equity-minded approach to student success. Most recently West Valley College was recognized by the Aspen Institute as one of the top 200 U.S. community colleges eligible to compete for the $1 million Aspen Prize for community College Excellence. WVC inspires students to create a future for themselves so they can contribute to a world in need of their talents, drive, and enthusiasm. Centered on innovation, excellence, belonging, and inclusivity, the college was honored to receive the 2025-2028 FamilyU Seal for its service to parenting students.

As a campus community, West Valley is committed to addressing inequities and injustices, both societal and institutional, and so recognizes that institutions of higher education have colluded, harmed, and remained complacent in upholding aspects of white supremacy, ableism, patriarchy, and other systems of oppression. The West Valley College community is committed to long-term equity, social justice, and racial justice work which will transform individuals, the institution, and the greater community. As a collective community, we embrace accountability and will act with courage, grace, and humility in fulfilling our commitment to learning and unlearning.

Applicants who possess the knowledge, skills, and life experiences to address the cultural and educational needs of a culturally diverse student population are encouraged to apply.

Assignment

100% of full time, 40 hours per week, 12 months per year, with anticipated start date of January 2027. Schedule may change to include some evening or weekend hours, as needed. This position is an Educational Administrator and part of the Administrative employee unit.

Work Location: West Valley College, Saratoga, CA

Salary and Benefits

Anticipated Hiring Range:

• $208,083–$221,612 annually (Administrative Salary Schedule, Range 25, Steps A-C).

Benefits include:

• Additional compensation: $2,000 for doctorate added to base salary annually, to be prorated on a monthly basis.
• Employer-contributed medical, dental and vision for employee, spouse and/or dependents.
• Employer-paid long term disability for employee.
• Employer-provided life insurance.
• 14 paid holidays, plus 1 floating holiday annually; paid non-workdays between Christmas and New Year.
• 22 days vacation leave accrued annually (25 days after 5 years).
• 12 days sick leave accrued annually.
• Personal necessity leave and personal business leave.
• Professional development and renewal leave.
• $1000 longevity award annually after 10 years of service and $1,500 longevity award annually after 15 years of service.
• CalSTRS retirement.

Minimum Qualifications

Any combination of experience and education that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

• Education: Equivalent to a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in education or a field related to specific area of assignment.
• Experience: Five years of increasingly responsible experience at a college level; including two years of administrative and management responsibility.

Understanding of, and sensitivity to the diverse academic, socio-economic, ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds, disability, and sexual orientation of community college students, faculty and staff.

Desired Qualifications

The ideal candidate will also demonstrate the following desired qualification(s):

• Teaching experience at the post-secondary level, in a related area in the Professional Studies School.
• Demonstrated experience leading academic units and instructional programs.
• Broad experience in budgeting, branding and promotions, community relations, course scheduling and curriculum, facilities development, personnel; including the hiring of full‑time and adjunct faculty and staff, and resource development.
• Experience working collaboratively with campus community stakeholders in a participatory governance environment.
• Demonstrated experience in enrollment management, including developing and implementing strategies to meet or exceed FTES targets and load, optimize course scheduling, and enhance student retention and success.
• Broad experience in program development, student engagement, student success outcomes, collaboration with instructional programs, and institutional change.
• Demonstrated experience in budget development and management.
• A well‑informed leadership philosophy, demonstrated listening skills, and experience as a successful leader who can deliver on desired outcomes
• Demonstrated experience as a leader in implementing diversity, equity, and social justice actions.
• Proven experience in fundraising, including cultivating donor relationships, securing philanthropic support, and collaborating with institutional advancement to enhance resources for academic programs and student success.

Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of curriculum development and approval, and enrollment management in institutions of higher education.
• Principles and practices of leadership, motivation, team building, and conflict resolution.
• Academic, career/transfer education, transfer, and developmental education including non‑traditional methods of instruction.
• Process and standards of accreditation, and requirements and techniques of outcomes assessment.
• Principles and practices of collective bargaining, contract negotiation and administration.
• Modern pedagogical and instructional design for various instructional methods including online, supplemental, and non‑credit.
• Principles and practices of participatory governance and effective practices of adult teaching and learning.
• Pertinent local, state and federal rules, regulations, and laws.
• Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment.
• Principles and practices of organizational analysis and management.
• Budgeting procedures and techniques.
• Principles and practices of supervision, training and personnel management

Ability to:

• Principles and practices of curriculum development and approval, and enrollment management in institutions of higher education.
• Principles and practices of leadership, motivation, team building, and conflict resolution.
• Academic, career/transfer education, transfer, and developmental education including non‑traditional methods of instruction.
• Process and standards of accreditation, and requirements and techniques of outcomes assessment.
• Principles and practices of collective bargaining, contract negotiation and administration.
• Modern pedagogical and instructional design for various instructional methods including online, supplemental, and non‑credit.
• Principles and practices of participatory governance and effective practices of adult teaching and learning.
• Pertinent local, state and federal rules, regulations, and laws.
• Modern office practices, methods, and computer equipment.
• Principles and practices of organizational analysis and management.
• Budgeting procedures and techniques.
• Principles and practices of supervision, training and personnel management.

Examples of Duties and Responsibilities

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Develop and implement department goals, objectives, policies, and procedures.
• Plan, organize and direct instructional and student support programs, services, and initiatives relative to area of assignment.
• Direct, oversee, and participate in the development of the department work plan; assign work activities, projects and programs; monitor workflow; review and evaluate work products, methods, and procedures.
• Prepare the department budget; assist in budget implementation; participate in the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; administer the approved budget.
• Recommend the appointment of faculty and staff; provide or coordinate staff training; conduct performance evaluations; implement discipline procedures as required; monitor faculty contracts to assure accordance with association contract and district policies; maintain discipline and high standards necessary for the efficient and professional operation of the department.
• Oversee the accurate development, approval and implementation of college curriculum; participate in the coordination, preparation, publication, and distribution of the college catalog and schedule of classes.
• Ensure instructional programs and support services are regularly assessed for evidence of student learning and achievement, particularly in terms of student outcomes and adherence to standards of accreditation; participate in developing and implementing enrollment performance goals.
• Manage and oversee functions associated with area of assignment, which may include library, tutorial center, and instructional support labs.
• Initiate, support and participate in efforts to secure local, state or federal grant funding for college programs and services; ensure that grants are implemented according to approved plans and that reporting requirements are met in a timely manner.
• Represent the department and division to outside agencies and organizations; participate in outside community and professional groups and committees; provide technical assistance as necessary.
• Research and prepare technical and administrative reports; prepare written correspondence.
• Coordinate the selection, use, and maintenance of equipment and facilities assigned to the division.
• Plan and coordinate course schedules in response to the needs of students and within the district’s enrollment targets; manage enrollment to maximize use of faculty loads, operating budgets, and space resources.
• May oversee revenue‑generating classes, programs, and activities.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co‑workers, other district employees and the public using principles of good customer service.
• Foster an environment that embraces diversity, integrity, trust, and respect.
• Be an integral team player, which involves flexibility, cooperation, and communication.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Working Conditions

Not applicable

Other Duties

Physical Demands

Not applicable

ABOUT TRANSCRIPTS :

• If a minimum requirement is possession of a degree, then a copy of transcripts is required to be included with your application to verify the degree being awarded. If no transcripts are included or the transcript does not show a degree conferred AND degree conferred date, the application may be screened as not meeting minimum requirements, the application may be screened as not meeting minimum requirements.
• Should the minimum qualifications state “any combination equivalent to,” then additional relevant work experience may substitute for education. In this case, please upload a document stating such in the Required Transcripts document field.
• Degrees must have been awarded by a college or university accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Council on Post-Secondary Accreditation and/or the U.S. Department of Education.
• Candidates with degrees earned outside of the United States must provide official certification of equivalency to U. S. degrees by a certified U. S. credential review service, must have a U.S. evaluation (course by course of the transcripts) and must be submitted with this online application.
• If you do not have an electronic version of the transcript, you can get it scanned at an office supply or copy store; then attach the electronic version of your transcript to this online application.
• Copies of diplomas, grade reports, graduation petitions, transcript evaluations requests, or similar documents WILL NOT be accepted in lieu of transcripts.
• When uploading transcripts, please ensure they are NOT encrypted, secured, or password-protected or they will be rejected by the system.

For reasonable accommodations and assistance, contact:

Office of Human Resources, Attn: Recruitment

14000 Fruitvale Ave, Saratoga, CA 95070

Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

Selection Process

SELECTION PROCESS INFORMATION :

• After the deadline date, a committee will review and evaluate applications and supporting materials to select the applicants to be interviewed. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not assure the candidate an interview.
• All candidates will receive an e-notification to acknowledge receipt of their application materials. If not contacted within 3-6 weeks following the close of the recruitment, no suitable match was determined at this time.
• Travel expenses to attend first-level interview are the responsibility of the candidate.
• Application materials become the property of the District and will not be returned or duplicated.
• The District may choose to re-advertise or indefinitely delay filling a position. Some positions may include first and second level interviews.
• The District reserves the right to contact former, current, the most recent employers, and others to investigate past employment records of applicants.
• Any tentative verbal offer of employment is contingent upon formal approval of the college Governing Board.
• Upon hire the successful candidate must provide the required documents of identity and authorization to work and attest he/she is authorized to work in the United States.
• The District DOES NOT provide visa sponsorship.

EEO STATEMENT :

West Valley-Mission Community College District is an Equal Opportunity Employer that seeks to employ a diverse workforce who will contribute to an inclusive and welcoming educational and employment environment. The District is committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of ethnic group identification, race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, physical disability, mental disability, genetic information, ancestry, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, language, accent, citizenship status, transgender status, parental status, marital status, economic status, military or veteran status, and medical condition consistent with applicable federal and state laws.

Requisition Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

• * As dean, how would you maintain School (division) stability while advancing key initiatives in Professional Studies? Please include how you would assess priorities during the first ninety days.

  (Open Ended Question)

• * Describe your experience with budget management, scheduling, and resource allocation in an academic School (division). How do you balance fiscal responsibility with program growth and student success?

  (Open Ended Question)

• * How have you worked in a shared governance environment, honored negotiated contracts, and worked with senior leadership to implement academic or operational decisions?

  (Open Ended Question)

• * As a leader, how would you support ongoing philanthropic and grant-related efforts?

  (Open Ended Question)

Required Documents

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter
• Transcripts

Optional Documents

• Additional Transcripts

West Valley-Mission Community College District is an Equal Opportunity Employer