Cuesta College Hiring for Associate Dean of Student Equity and Special Programs at California Full Time

DEFINITION

Under the general supervision of the Vice President of Instruction, the Associate Dean of Student Equity and Special Programs will provide leadership in the management and administration of the Student Equity and Achievement (SEA) Program and the Student Equity Plan, Guided Pathways other special programs related to student equity, and activities and equity-focused professional development. The Associate Dean will collaborate with the Vice President of Student Success and Support Programs, deans, faculty, and staff to ensure equitable academic support for students and to facilitate evidence-based success strategies and services. The responsibilities of the Associate Dean extend to all sites and modalities including liaising with community organizations and agencies.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Associate Dean of Student Equity and Special Programs is distinguished from other positions with the requirement to direct and provide leadership for programs that advance equitable outcomes for students, technical expertise related to student equity, thorough knowledge of regulations and guidelines, leadership in the creation and expansion of academic support programs, and assessment of needs and development of long-range plans. The incumbent will maintain a careful oversight of policies (Federal, State, and District) and appropriate budget expenditures to ensure the College’s compliance with funding regulations. The Associate Dean shall implement the philosophy and policies of the District and ensure that the programs and activities strive to achieve the College mission, vision, and institutional goals. The Associate Dean works in close collaboration with programs and departments across the College and is responsible for assuring smooth and efficient program activities. The Associate Dean will supervise and evaluate staff assigned to the programs that they manage to ensure consistent and equitable support for students.

This position promotes student learning and institutional effectiveness by ensuring students have access to and benefit from academic support programs, targeting program activities to support disproportionately impacted student populations, and by coordinating the activities of the Student Equity and Achievement program.

ABOUT THE COLLEGE

Located in the heart of scenic San Luis Obispo County, Cuesta College has provided comprehensive associate degree offerings, certificates, and community programs to the region since 1964. Committed to being an inclusive institution that inspires a diverse student population to achieve their educational goals, we are proud to be designated as an Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) by the U.S. Department of Education. Cuesta College is committed to racial and socioeconomic diversity that reflects our student population; we strive to hire candidates that share the value of commitment to diversity and inclusion. As part of the Cuesta College team, you can expect to be part of a collaborative community of faculty, classified staff, administrators, students, and community partners advancing educational excellence with intentional support services leading to student success and completion.

Additional information about the college can be found at

https://www.cuesta.edu/about/index.html

The college planning documents can be found at

https://www.cuesta.edu/about/collegeplans/index.html

Our Student Equity Action Plan can be found at

https://www.cuesta.edu/about/info/equity/index.html

We offer comprehensive benefit options. Information about benefits can be found at

https://www.cuesta.edu/about/depts/benefits-insurance/index.html

Cuesta College requires proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test result. This may be verified through Cleared4Cuesta for all students, employees, and visitors who access Cuesta College campuses and facilities. For the most up to date information, please review our Covid-19 Resources page: https://www.cuesta.edu/covid-19/index.html

Essential Functions & Qualifications

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Implement the philosophy and policies of the College and ensure that assigned personnel, programs and activities strive to achieve the College mission, vision, and institutional goals;

Direct, plan and coordinate activities and initiatives of the Student Equity and Achievement program and other programs designed to promote equitable access and success for students;

Collaborate with other student and academic support programs to serve students effectively with access to the college, course completion, certificate and degree completion, and career or transfer readiness;

Direct and provide leadership for programs and professional development to close equity gaps in student success measures, in collaboration with faculty;

Collaborate and communicate with deans, division chairs, and individual faculty to advocate for and implement equity-driven academic success activities;

Maintain knowledge of current and emerging matters related to diversity, equity, and inclusion;

Develop and implement District-wide professional development opportunities to promote cultural understanding and competency, and a climate of equity and inclusion;

Assist in designing and implementing student outreach programs in collaboration with Student Success and Support Programs;

Work closely with the Office of Institutional Research to identify disproportionate impacts as part of the assessment of program effectiveness under the Student Equity and Achievement program or other special programs;

Provide regular reports to the Office of Instruction and Student Success Programs;

Interpret and implement State and Federal laws, rules, and regulations, District policies and accreditation requirements related to the equitable implementation of academic support programs

Monitor changes in regulations and policies concerning related programs and initiatives;

Research and develop new programs and offerings in response to evolving college curriculum and faculty collaboration;

Research policies, changes and innovations in Student Equity and Achievement program planning and implementation, and other academic support program activities and practices;

Plan and analyze the research and implementation of new tools and trends necessary to provide innovative and equity-driven instructional support techniques and strategies;

Keep accurate records and data concerning program activities;

Develop and manage budgets and annual planning through the Institutional Program Planning and Review process for staffing, budget expenditures, facilities, equipment and supplies;

Implement, assess, and evaluate learning outcomes for assigned programs and lead revision of services to increase institutional effectiveness;

Plan, direct, manage and oversee the operations of assigned staff, offices, activities and programs which may include but are not limited to special programs;

Develop, supervise, and evaluate assigned staff;

Participate in recruiting, interviewing and selecting staff;

Work with community leaders to achieve the District mission of serving diverse communities through collaboration, innovation, and partnerships;

Participate in professional organizations, attend meetings, and conferences and other activities;

Engage in participatory governance processes through serving on District wide committees;

Represent the District on boards and committees at local, regional, state, and national levels associated programs;

Assure consistency and accuracy for the programs, college publications, and outreach materials; and,

Perform other related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:
Required

Master’s degree from an accredited institution.

Experience:
Required

Two years of experience working in an instructional setting;

Two years of experience with program management;

Demonstrated competency in diversity, equity, and inclusion related to student success.

Preferred

Two years’ related community college experience in student development, student success, or academic support programs;

Successful grant management experience.

Desirable

Previous experience in classroom instruction;

Fluency in Spanish (written and spoken).

Knowledge of:
Current research and evidence-based best practices in academic success and equity;

Equity-minded principles advancing student success, specifically racial equity;

Values inherent in the designation of a college as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI);

Student-centered learning practices;

Student learning outcomes assessment;

Universal design theories for multiple learning styles and abilities;

Data inquiry methods to help drive equity-minded institutional changes;

Methods and techniques of organizing an academic support program;

Regulations and guidelines for academic support programs;

Policies and objectives of assigned programs and activities;

Data control procedures and data entry operations;

Record-keeping and report preparation techniques;

Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy;

Public speaking techniques;

Governmental and community resources serving the needs of targeted populations;

Academic, vocational and career opportunities and services offered by Cuesta College;

Current technologies, personal computer, and associated office software such as word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, and/or database software;

Correct usage of English, grammar, spelling, punctuation, and vocabulary; and

District policies and procedures.

Ability to:
Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the performance of duties; and

Demonstrate a sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds of staff and students and of staff and students with physical and learning disabilities.

Physical ability to:
Read and comprehend printed matter and text and data on computer monitors;

Communicate intelligibly and effectively via speech, telephone, written correspondence, and/or email;

Sit or stand for extended periods of time;

Lift and/or carry 25 pounds; and

Exert manual dexterity sufficient for keyboard and other office equipment operation.

Additional Requirements:
Provide own transportation and travel countywide.

License and Certificates (current within the last year or must be continuously current):

Required

Valid driver’s license and eligible to obtain California driver’s license upon hire

Additional Information

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS TO APPLY

Candidates will be required to submit ALL of the required documents below when applying for this position. When uploading documents, PDF uploads are preferred.

Cover letter;

Resume;

Reference List (see further instructions below);

Unofficial transcripts;

Diversity statement (see further instructions below).

The Search Committee will be participating in a masked screening process. Application materials will have all personally identifiable information (PII) removed prior to Committee review.

Diversity Statement Instructions: Cuesta College is committed to building and maintaining a workforce that reflects and honors the diversity of our students. It is important to us that our faculty, staff, and administrators demonstrate an understanding of, sensitivity to, and respect for the diverse academic, socioeconomic, ethnic, and religious backgrounds as well as sexual orientation and abilities of all constituents in the Cuesta College community.

In 500 words or less, with consideration to our Mission Statement and our values expressed above and to the essential functions of the position, please describe your professional experiences that demonstrate your commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in this position. Please include how these experiences have played a role in addressing concerns of diverse communities and/or diverse populations.

Your diversity statement will be assessed by the search committee members in the following three areas:

(1) Knowledge of inequities and challenges faced by minoritized students;

(2) Track record (with consideration to career stage) of activities that reduce barriers in education, or research for minoritized students and/or minoritized populations;

(3) Vision and plans for how your work will contribute to Cuesta’s mission to be an inclusive institution that inspires a diverse student population to achieve their educational goals.

Reference List Instructions: Your reference list must include three professional references, their contact information, and their relationship to you.

Completed online applications and all supporting documents must be submitted by the closing date for this position. LATE, INCOMPLETE, FAXED, MAILED OR EMAILED APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

SALARY SCHEDULE

Below is the full salary schedule range for this position, steps A through E. Per Cuesta College’s bargaining agreement, new employees are placed at Steps A through C, which is the anticipated hiring range also listed below. The bargaining agreement also includes step and longevity increases. For a full salary schedule, please see our website: https://www.cuesta.edu/about/depts/humanresources/salary_schedules.html

Salary Schedule Range: $9,257 – $11,252 per month.

Anticipated Hiring Range: $9,257 – $10,206 per month.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Cuesta College will not sponsor any visa applications.

San Luis Obispo County Community College District (“Cuesta College”) is an equal opportunity employer committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, and medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth), age, disability (physical and mental), genetic information, military and veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal and state law in admission and access to, or treatment in employment, educational programs or activities at any of its campuses. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for applicants with disabilities who self-disclose. Cuesta College also prohibits harassment on any of these bases, including sexual harassment, as well as sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking.

In compliance with California law, all prospective staff and students are entitled to read the Annual Security Report, published each October by the Cuesta College Department of Public Safety. This report contains information about our emergency and crime reporting procedures, as well as crime statistics for the past 3 years. You may request a copy of this report at one of our two Public Safety Offices: on SLO campus at Building 6600A or on North County Campus at building N1021, during campus business hours. You may also access the complete text of this report at the following website address: https://www.cuesta.edu/about/depts/publicsafety/clery_act

Cuesta College uses E-Verify as part of the I-9 process to verify the work eligibility of all new hires. E-Verify is an Internet-based system that compares information from an employee’s Form I-9 to data from U.S Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration records. For further information, visit: https://www.cuesta.edu/about/depts/humanresources/Job_Opportunities.html

Interview Process Information

Selected applicants will be invited to attend an interview on Wednesday, March 30 or Thursday, March 31, 2022. Second interviews will be held on Friday, April 1, 2022. Interviews will be held either in person or via zoom, following San Luis Obispo County COVID-19 protocols. Candidates will be notified with as much notice as possible.