The Foothill-De Anza Community College District (FHDA) is a premier public education system in California, United States, comprising Foothill College in Los Altos Hills and De Anza College in nearby Cupertino. Serving Silicon Valley, FHDA is renowned for its transfer programs to top universities like UC Berkeley and Stanford, vocational training, and commitment to student success. Jobs at Foothill-De Anza Community College District attract educators, administrators, and support staff passionate about community college education, which emphasizes accessible, affordable higher education for diverse learners, including recent high school graduates, working adults, and international students.
Employment opportunities span teaching faculty positions, adjunct roles, classified staff (non-teaching support), confidential staff, and management positions. The district employs over 2,000 people, with a focus on fostering an inclusive environment. Salaries are competitive for California community colleges, with full-time faculty earning between $85,000 to $130,000 annually based on education and experience, plus excellent benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and professional development funding. FHDA's location offers proximity to tech giants, providing unique networking for higher ed jobs.
Founded in 1957, FHDA was created to meet the growing educational needs of Santa Clara County's booming population. Foothill College opened in 1958, followed by De Anza College in 1967. The district has evolved into a leader in innovation, pioneering online education in the 1990s and earning accolades for equity and student outcomes. Its mission centers on transforming lives through education, emphasizing access, excellence, and equity. This history shapes jobs at Foothill-De Anza Community College District, prioritizing faculty who advance transfer rates—over 80% of FHDA students transfer to four-year institutions.
The district's strategic plan focuses on student equity, closing achievement gaps for underrepresented groups, which influences hiring practices and job responsibilities.
FHDA offers diverse roles tailored to community college needs. Faculty positions include full-time tenure-track instructors in fields like computer science, nursing, kinesiology, and humanities. Adjunct professors teach part-time, ideal for those building experience. Administrative jobs cover deans, directors, and HR specialists. Classified staff roles include counselors, librarians, and IT support. Management positions like vice presidents oversee operations.
For a full breakdown of university job types, including specifics for community colleges, explore available categories. Current openings often include biology instructors, counseling coordinators, and facilities managers, listed on the district's HR site.
To understand jobs at Foothill-De Anza Community College District, key terms include:
For faculty jobs at FHDA, minimum qualifications follow California's Minimum Qualifications for Faculty and Administrators in California Community Colleges handbook. Typically, a master's degree in the discipline or bachelor's plus professional experience. PhD holders gain preference in competitive fields like STEM.
Research focus emphasizes applied projects, curriculum development, and grants for student support. Preferred experience includes community college teaching, publications in teaching pedagogy, and grant writing. Skills include student-centered teaching, cultural competency, and technology integration (e.g., Canvas LMS). Competencies cover communication, collaboration, and data-driven decision-making. Administrative roles require bachelor's or master's in education/administration, with leadership experience.
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The application process for jobs at Foothill-De Anza Community College District is online through NeoGov or the district's portal. Steps include:
Tips: Customize documents to FHDA's values; use free resume template. Network at conferences like Faculty Association events. Apply early as postings close quickly. Prepare for equity-focused questions.
FHDA leads in diversity, with the Office of Equity and Diversity overseeing training, affinity groups, and hiring goals. Initiatives include the Male Allies Program, Latinx/a/os Unidos, and Black Faculty/Staff Association. The district's Strategic Equity Plan targets closing success gaps, influencing job postings to seek diverse candidates. FHDA's guided pathways improve outcomes for first-generation students. Employees participate in professional development like the Equity Institute.
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FHDA promotes work-life balance with 10-month faculty contracts allowing summers off, flexible hours for staff, and wellness programs including gym access and counseling. Campuses feature modern facilities, hiking trails at Foothill, and vibrant student life at De Anza. Proximity to San Francisco and San Jose offers cultural perks. Professional growth via sabbaticals, conferences, and unions like AFT supports longevity. Employees enjoy Silicon Valley's innovation ecosystem, with tech partnerships enhancing job satisfaction.
Jobs at Foothill-De Anza Community College District offer rewarding careers in a dynamic environment. Explore higher ed jobs, higher ed career advice, university jobs, and community college jobs. For employers, visit recruitment or post a job. FHDA's commitment to excellence makes it ideal for educators.
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