Dean, Academic Counseling and Student Success

Closing Date: 02/16/2026

Definition:

West Valley College is seeking a collaborative, knowledgeable leader who thrives in a fast-paced and innovative environment to serve in the position of Dean of Academic Counseling and Student Success.

Under direction of the Vice President of Student Affairs, the Dean of Academic Counseling and Student Success plans, directs, manages, and provides leadership and direction to the Counseling Department and directors who manage a variety of student services and special programs offered at West Valley College. Programs and services include but are not limited to Academic Counseling, CalWorks, CARE, Career Services, Disabled Education Support Programs, EOPS, International Student Services, Next Up, Student Conduct, TRIO SSS, Transfer Center, Veterans, and other special programs. The Dean of Academic Counseling and Student Success works in partnership with college directors and deans across areas to move the work of the college forward.

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.

Assignment:

This is an academic administrator position with an anticipated start date of April 2026. This is an exempt position and is not subject to overtime.

Salary and Benefits:

Anticipated Salary:

• $198,174 - $211,059 annually (Administrative Salary Schedule, Range 25, Steps A-C).
• Annual salary step increases to maximum of salary range, $247,060 (Administrative Salary Schedule, Range 25, Step H)

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.
• 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:

1. 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.
2. Five years of increasingly responsible experience in counseling at a college level; including two years of administrative and management responsibility.

AND

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 Qualification:

The successful candidate will also demonstrate the following desired qualifications:

• Demonstrated experience in leading academic counseling. In addition, demonstrated experience in overseeing two or more student services and related programs.
• Proven success in delivering student support programs online.
• Broad experience in program development, student engagement, student success outcomes, collaboration with instructional programs, and institutional change.
• Demonstrated ability to partner with academic deans to provide embedded counselors training and guidance to ensure comprehensive counseling services for students.
• Ability to design, develop, and implement programs and services for students that increase completion and reduce disproportionate impact.
• Experience working collaboratively with campus community stakeholders in a participatory governance environment.
• 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:

• Organize and direct the operations and activities of the college’s instructional programs and/or student support services.
• On a continuous basis, analyze budget and technical reports; interpret and evaluate staff reports; know laws, regulations and codes; observe performance and evaluate staff; problem solve department related issues; remember various rules and procedures; and explain and interpret policy.
• On a continuous basis, sit at desk and in meetings for long periods of time; intermittently twist to reach equipment surrounding desk; perform simple grasping and fine manipulation; use telephone; write or use a keyboard to communicate through written means; and lift or carry weight of 10 pounds or less.
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
• Gain cooperation through discussion and persuasion.
• Interpret and apply district, division and department policies, procedures, rules and regulations.
• Supervise, train and evaluate staff.
• Use sound judgment in recognizing scope of authority.
• Operate and use modern office equipment including computers and applicable software.
• Maintain regular attendance and adhere to prescribed work schedule to conduct job responsibilities.
• Utilize appropriate safety procedures and practices for assigned duties.
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Relate effectively with people of varied academic, cultural, and socio-economic backgrounds using tact, diplomacy, and courtesy.
• Establish and maintain effective, cooperative and collaborative working relationships with others.
• Work beyond normal business hours, attend evening meetings and/or perform weekend work, and travel.

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.
• 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.

Application Information:

APPLICATION INFORMATION:

• Interested applicants must submit online all materials requested, including: (1) A completed online West Valley-Mission Community College District application; (2) Supplemental application questions, if requested; (3) Resume; (4) Unofficial copies of transcripts; (5) Cover letter and/or reference list, if requested; and (6) Any requested licenses or certificates, if applicable.
• All sections of the online application, including Education and Educational Work History, must be completed thoroughly.
• Supervisor(s) name(s) and telephone numbers must be included in the application.
• Incomplete applications will not be considered.
• Do NOT send unrequested materials. Unrequested materials will be removed from your application and will not be used for consideration of employment.
• The employment application and supporting documents represent you; it is to your advantage to fill out the application form carefully and completely.

ABOUT TRANSCRIPTS: [details on transcripts]

For reasonable accommodations and assistance, contact:
Office of Human Resources, Attn: Recruitment
14000 Fruitvale Ave, Saratoga, CA 95070
Phone: (408) 741-2171 Fax: (408) 741-2564
Email: Careers@wvm.edu

Selection Process: [details on selection process]