President/Superintendent

College of the Redwoods; Eureka (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

College of the Redwoods seeks a President/Superintendent to serve as the chief executive and secretary to the Board of Trustees, guiding the district toward educational excellence and sound financial management. This role leads strategic planning, governance, and stakeholder engagement at the Eureka Main Campus.

The position requires a master’s degree (doctorate preferred) and substantial senior leadership experience, including working with bargaining units and governing bodies.

Qualifications

• Masters degree required; earned doctorate preferred.
• Five (5) years of senior-level administrative experience with significant decision-making responsibility.
• Experience reporting directly to a governing body or chief executive officer.
• Experience working with collective bargaining units.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the educational leader of the District.
• Act as Chief Executive Officer and Secretary to the Board of Trustees.
• Direct the development of the District budget for submission to the Board.
• Represent the College to the community, media, government, and other institutions.
• Inform stakeholders on issues and trends affecting the District and policy development.

Skills

Regulatory knowledge

Long-range planning

Fiscal management

Strategic planning

Equity and culture change

Education

Master's degree

Doctorate preferred

Job description

President/Superintendent

Salary: See Position Description

Location: Eureka - Main Campus

Job Type: Administrator

Job Number: N/A

Department: President's Office

Opening Date: 11/02/2026

Closing Date: Continuous

Summary

The District President/Superintendent is appointed by the Board of Trustees to serve as the Chief Executive Officer and Secretary to the Board of Trustees. The primary responsibility of the President/Superintendent is to ensure an excellent education for the students of the Redwoods Community College District. Consistent with educational excellence the President/Superintendent shall provide sound financial management of the District.

Distinguishing Characteristics

The President/Superintendent has the primary responsibility to lead the District in meeting its educational, financial and accreditation goals; to create a college environment conducive to quality learning and student success; to support innovative efforts of District employees; and to represent the District and the College to all outside organizations, agencies and institutions. The position of President/Superintendent shall be initiatory and executory. The President/Superintendent shall act both as a professional advisor to the Board in the formulation of policies for the governance of the College and as executor of the policies adopted by the Board. All powers and duties delegated to the President/Superintendent are to be executed in accordance with the policies adopted by the Board.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Examples of key duties are interpreted as being descriptive and not restrictive in nature.

• Serves as the educational leader of the District.
• Serves as the Chief Executive Officer and Secretary to the Board of Trustees.
• Serves as the primary administrative advisor to the Board of Trustees in matters of policy.
• Directs the development of the District budget for submission to the Board.
• Represents the College to the community, the media, government, and other institutions.
• Informs the Board, staff and local constituencies regarding issues and trends affecting the District and exerts influence in the development of local, state and national policy.
• Directs the establishment of administrative procedures for the efficient conduct of operations of the District.
• Formulates immediate and long-range plans regarding all facets of the District

Qualifications

Knowledge and Skills

Requires knowledge of:Laws, codes, and state and federal regulations governing community college administration.Long-range planning, development, and evaluation methods, techniques, and practices.Fiscal management, strategic planning, human resources development, collective bargaining, curriculum and instruction, enrollment management, student services, and facilities management.Basic principles and practices of organizational improvement, equity, and culture change.Effective learning processes at the college level.Budget preparation and procedures.Principles and practices of management and supervision including planning, organizing, assigning, and reviewing work; performance appraisal and discipline; employee selection and development, and Equal Employment Opportunities.

Abilities

• Ability to:Administer, manage, coordinate, and evaluate all facets of a community college.
• Interpret, apply, and enforce laws, regulations, and codes related to community college administration.
• Provide leadership and guidance in establishment and attainment of goals and objectives and for the development of policies.
• Strategically plan and manage people through change.
• Demonstrate strong analytical and budgeting skills.
• Direct, supervise, train, and evaluate the work of senior administrators and staff.
• Serve as a champion of participatory governance, demonstrating respect, honesty, integrity, trust, confidence, and compassion.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, and community.
• Provide student services and/or advocacy for socio-economically and historically underrepresented populations that leads to improved student access and success.
• Make presentations and present proposals and recommendations clearly, logically, and persuasively to diverse audiences.
• Fundraise and engage with community.
• Balance institutional goals with the efficient use of resources.
• Serve as a fair, ethical, and accessible leader.
• Partner with local school districts and government, business, and civic organizations in support of educational initiatives.
• Demonstrate diplomacy and take unpopular positions when necessary.
• Consistently perform under the pressure of deadlines and other administrative demands.

Supervision Received

The President/Superintendent performs his/her/their duties and responsibilities using broad discretionary powers under the supervision of the Board of Trustees.

Education and Experience

Education/Training:

A Master's Degree from an accredited college or university; earned doctorate is preferred.

Required Experience:

• Five (5) years of senior-level administrative experience with significant and progressively complex decision-making responsibility with aMinimum of three (3) years of executive level administrative experience, including responsibility for a broad operational segment of the organization with significant fiscal and programmatic oversight including but not limited to academic affairs, student services, administrative services, or human resources/labor relations.
• Experience reporting directly to a governing body or chief executive officer.
• Experience working with collective bargaining units.
• Track-record of community service and involvement

Licenses and Certificates

• Must possess a valid driver's license.

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation will be competitive, based on experience, qualifications, and negotiation of an employment agreement. A comprehensive benefits package will also be offered.

Candidate Inquiries:

Community College Search Services (CCSS) has been retained by the Board of Trustees to facilitate the search and selection process. For additional information, confidential inquiries, and nominations, please contact:

Will Lewallen, Ph.D., Lead Search Consultant
Community College Search Services
[e-mail]; [phone]

Joan Smith, Ed.D., Search Consultant
Community College Search Services
[e-mail]; [phone]

Selection Process:

The District will stress confidentiality throughout the search and selection process. Candidates are also expected to respect the confidential nature of all such processes and those involved in the search. First level interviews will be conducted through Zoom. Final interviews will be conducted in person. Candidates selected for a final interview will be reimbursed up to $2,000 for reasonable and appropriate travel expenses. Meeting minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview.

Equal Employment Opportunity / Non-Discrimination Statement

The Redwoods Community College District is committed to equal employment opportunity and to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and equitable educational and work environment. The Governing Board supports the intent of the California Legislature to ensure that community colleges build a climate of acceptance and inclusion and that employment opportunities are equalized for all individuals.It is the policy of College of the Redwoods not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, age, or sexual orientation in its educational programs and its employment practices.Position requires sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students.College of the Redwoods is committed to equal employment opportunity in its employment and encourages applications from underrepresented group members.

ADA Accommodation Notice

Applicants and nominees who believe they are covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and require accommodation during any part of the interview or selection process must submit a written request with documentation at least five business days prior to the date of need of the accommodation via e-mail to: College of the Redwoods Human Resources at [e-mail].

Note:

Non-U.S. citizens who cannot provide evidence of authorization to work in the U.S. are ineligible for this position. The Redwoods Community College District does not sponsor non-U.S. citizens to work in the U.S.