Dean of Instruction - Arts & Humanities

Dean of Instruction - Arts & Humanities

Salary: $180,924.00 - $222,384.00 Annually
Job Type: Full-time
Location: Kentfield & Indian Valley (Novato) - In Person, CA

Anticipated Start Date: January 2027
Priority Screening Date: July 20, 2026
Open Until Filled

To apply, please visit our job site

SELECTION PROCESS

• Please be sure to review the Required Application Documents section below to ensure that you are attaching everything required. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
• All application materials must be received by the Priority Screening Date to be considered during the initial screening. Applications received after the priority date may be considered thereafter at the discretion of the College until the position is filled.
• The initial screening will begin after the priority date, and applicants will be notified of their status, either way, thereafter. Applicants selected for interview will be contacted separately to schedule an interview appointment with the screening committee.
• Tentative Interview Timeline: First-level interviews are tentatively slated to be held between September 11 - September 25 and will take place remotely, via Zoom. Final interviews are tentatively slated to take place between October 16 - October 30 and will be held in person, on our Kentfield campus. Timeline is subject to change.
• This position performs its duties on both the Kentfield and Indian Valley (Novato) campuses, so if not already residing within the Bay Area, the successful candidate must be willing to relocate. Regrettably, College of Marin is not able to offer reimbursement for travel or relocation at this time.

OVERVIEW

College of Marin seeks a dynamic and experienced leader to oversee the planning, development, and management of an instructional division. This role involves directing innovative educational programs-including credit, noncredit, career training, apprenticeships, and community-focused initiatives-while fostering partnerships with K-12 schools, four-year institutions, and workforce development groups. The Dean ensures compliance with all relevant regulations and accreditation standards and provides expert support to the Assistant Superintendent/Vice President of Student Learning and Success.

The ideal candidate is an equity-minded, student-focused educational leader committed to innovation, collaboration, and compliance with accreditation and regulatory standards. Join us in shaping academic excellence and expanding opportunities for our diverse student community!

The Dean directs and oversees management of academic programs in English and Humanities, noncredit academic and basic skills instructional programs including English as a Second Language, Fine Arts World Languages and Cultures, and Performing Arts; plans, manages and directs the programs and activities of the college's Library, Fine Arts Gallery and James Dunn Theatre.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY

College of Marin is committed to cultivating a proactively supportive, inclusive, and accountable environment where equity, equity-mindedness, anti-racism, and social justice is valued, centered, and practiced. Our mission is to employ qualified administrators, faculty, and staff members who are dedicated to student success and committed to an inclusive, anti-racist campus culture that demonstrates sensitivity to and respect for a diverse population.

We serve a county population of approximately 250,000 residents. Based on Fall 2025 credit enrollment data, the diversity of students at the college includes greater representation than the county with regards to enrollment by Hispanic/Latinx (36% of enrollment), Asian (7%), Black/African American (3%), White (44%), and Multi-racial (7%) students. Our high-quality education and training at the College are made possible by its faculty and staff who are committed to excellence. As of Fall 2025, COM's workforce includes Hispanic/Latinx (20%), Asian (7%), Black/African American (6%), White (52%), and Multi-racial (4%) employees.

College of Marin is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of, or perception of, race, ethnic group identification, ancestry, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, physical disability, mental disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, genetic information, genetic condition, status as a veteran, and is subject to Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as amended, Civil Rights Act of 1991, Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. In accordance with Executive Order 11246 (as amended), COM is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

FOREIGN DEGREE HOLDERS

Please see the Required Application Documents section below for important information regarding the evaluation of your foreign degrees.

Essential Functions

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this class.

• Plans, implements and evaluates short- and long-range strategies, goals and objectives for assigned instructional division and related departments' division credit, noncredit, not-for-credit, and contract workforce development curriculum, accreditation, student learning outcomes, program review, and related programs, staffing, services and facilities; with senior administrative staff, Academic Senate and other groups, designs and recommends student academic support services and activities that comply with and foster advancement of Equal Opportunity policies and services.
• With other Deans, develops class schedules and student learning support programs, pursuant to proper course articulation policies and standards, student diversity, student needs, and program requirements; develops, analyzes and implements curriculum standards to meet student objectives; provides technical advice on changes and modifications of curriculum and transfer articulation proposals; collaborates with academic and student support program managers, faculty and appropriate staff to build, foster and advance student-centered programs, services and activities.
• Plans, organizes, directs, controls, integrates and evaluates the work of division and department directors, faculty, classified managers and staff in assigned division; directs and manages the selection, onboarding and orientation of full-and part-time faculty and divisional staff; coordinates associated processes with Human Resources in compliance with collective bargaining agreements, District policies and established procedures.
• Oversees and ensures the timely evaluation of faculty; encourages continuing professional development; works with employees on performance issues; oversees, facilitates and/or acts as a final adjudicator in faculty, staff, student and community conflict resolution and grievance processes; chairs and oversees tenure-track faculty, probationary and part-time faculty evaluation and review processes and tenure-track search committees.
• Plans, projects and recommends short- and long-range staffing and student support resource requirements; contributes to the development of annual budgets and resource allocation; researches, develops, recommends, implements and evaluates externally-funded initiatives and opportunities; ensures compliance with external funding guidelines and all legal mandates; manages and directs development, implementation and evaluation of work processes, systems and procedures to achieve annual goals, objectives and work standards.
• Facilitates grant and external funding; identifies and oversees application processes; ensures proposals meet funding agency requirements and priorities; ensures accuracy of fiscal management processes including budget planning, expenditure management, auditing and appropriate usage of grant funds; develops and submits mid-year and annual budgets to the District, State Chancellor's Office and other funding sources; ensures District compliance with mandated program and reporting initiatives, requirements and regulations.
• Directly and through subordinate Directors and staff, plans, directs and develops programs to support instructional and work-based learning including instruction through multiple modalities, apprenticeships, internships, clinical placements and job placement services; develops effective partnerships with businesses and industries to develop and implement learning programs that provide career mobility through flexible service delivery modalities that support access and equitable student outcomes; identifies labor market gaps and training needs including conducting quantitative and qualitative needs assessments, and develops customized workforce training solutions.
• Collaborates with K-12 partners, particularly secondary institutions, to create dual enrollment and other career pathways; develops pathway maps from junior high school through employment or transfer; develops and implements summer experiences; ensures dual enrollment units are transferable to community college and Cal State systems.
• Working with faculty, ensures that each instructional and career technical program has an active advisory board that meets regularly to provide input concerning program design and implementation; provides guidance in working with advisory boards and attends advisory board meetings; assists with the institutional accreditation process and accreditation processes for individual programs.
• Participates in participatory governance consultations and collaboration with the Academic Senate and other faculty groups on a variety of institutional issues; provides guidance to and receives recommendations from the Academic Senate and other representative organizations, as applicable, regarding the planning, implementation and review of student success programs, services, activities and related matters.
• With department administration and staff, ensures compliance with California Code of Regulations Title 5, accreditation standards, Board Policies and Administrative Procedures; oversees and participates in reviewing equity, workforce training and program outcomes and assessments; develops and updates reports and data-tracking success measures for enrollment, student financial support, and programs in area of responsibility; ensures timely and accurate reporting of mandated reports and data.
• Makes presentations to the Board of Trustees, Executive Leadership and other groups; represents the District and presents at community meetings and events and at local, regional, state and national conferences, meetings, workshops and training seminars; serves as the institutional liaison to K-12 and four-year institutions, to local, state and federal economic and workforce training agencies and partner organizations.
• Advocates for the use of technology to deliver instruction and services to students, while reserving human resources to provide personal assistance and developmental activities for students.
• May act in the absence of the Assistant Superintendent / Vice President of Student Learning and Success.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

OTHER DUTIES

• Participates in the oversight of academic integrity and student behavior and administration of due process and student discipline, the student appeal process, and the District's responses to informal and formal grievances.

Requirements & Desirables

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Possession of a master's degree from an accredited college or university; and
2. Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be a master's within one of the instructional area's disciplines, and three years of increasingly responsible experience as an academic administrator or in a faculty leadership role; or an equivalent combination of education and experience; or
3. The equivalent*; and
4. Demonstrated sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds, disabilities and learning styles of community college students and staff.

* Please review our Equivalency page for important information and instructions for applying under equivalency. If you feel that you qualify under equivalency, please provide the basis for equivalency in the Agency Questions section of the application and submit supporting evidence where applicable (as an attachment). Copies of applicable transcripts must accompany your application and all foreign credentials must be accompanied by a Foreign Credential Evaluation in order for equivalency to be determined. If you are currently completing the graduate program that would qualify you for this position and do not yet hold the requisite degree, you must request equivalency.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Five years of increasingly responsible experience as an academic administrator or in a faculty leadership role that included curriculum and student support program development, budget development and management responsibilities.
• A valid California driver's license and the ability to maintain insurability under the District's vehicle insurance program or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Theories, principles and practices utilized to research, develop and implement higher education curriculum and instruction and student learning and success programs and services.
• Advanced mastery of theory, principles and methods of academic disciplines relevant to the assigned division.
• Administrative principles and methods including goal setting and long-range planning, program development/implementation, delegation and employee supervision.
• Common issues and challenges facing a diverse population of community college students.
• Accreditation standards of the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges and Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
• Various strategies, modes, methods and best practices in teaching, learning and student support applicable to assigned division.
• Principles and practices of Equal Employment Opportunity in hiring, retention, performance and advancement; principles and practices of effective management and supervision.
• Federal, state and local laws, regulations and court decisions governing area of assignment including Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the California Education Code and those relevant to the role of the Academic Senate in participatory governance.
• District budgeting, payroll and general accounting systems operations, practices and procedures.
• Principles and practices of sound business communication; correct English usage, including spelling, grammar and punctuation.
• Principles and practices of conflict resolution.
• Principles and practices of public administration, including strategic and program planning, budgeting, purchasing and maintaining public records.
• Safety policies and safe work practices applicable to the work being performed.
• Board Policies, Administrative Procedures, Human Resources procedures and collective bargaining agreements.

Skills and Abilities to:

• Plan, organize, direct and evaluate the assigned academic division's instructional planning and effectiveness, program review, accreditation, student learning and success outcomes.
• Provide divisional administrative oversight and financial management including staff and resource projections, operational and mandated reporting, and grant and external funding compliance.
• Understand and be sensitive to and respectful of the diverse academic, socio-economic, ethnic, cultural, disability, religious background and sexual orientation of community college students, faculty and staff.
• Develop and maintain an effective work environment that fosters diversity, respect and engagement.
• Demonstrate skill in participatory governance and collaboration with faculty and administrative staff and in the ability to work effectively as part of a management team in a collegial environment to provide expert advice and counsel and to develop solutions to complex issues.
• Organize, set priorities and exercise expert, independent judgment within areas of responsibility.
• Develop and implement appropriate procedures and controls.
• Compose clear and effective analyses, reports, studies, agreements, presentations and other written materials.
• Deliver formal and influential presentations to diverse audiences.
• Operate a computer and use standard business software and instructional technology; identify technological enhancements to support student learning and staff productivity.
• Exercise tact and diplomacy in dealing with sensitive, complex and confidential faculty, student, staff and community issues and situations.
• Facilitate professional development and training of employees.
• Ensure conformance with District safety programs, policies and procedures.
• Represent the District effectively in interactions and negotiations with other educational institutions, partnerships, faculty, staff, students, community groups and the public.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Prior to employment, the selected candidate will be required to complete the following:

1. In accordance with Federal Law all employees must provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States.
2. Criminal Justice/Fingerprint Clearance.
3. California Education Code, Section 87408.6 requires persons employed by a community college in an academic or classified position to submit to a TB risk assessment developed by CDPH and CTCA and, if risk factors are present, an examination to determine that he or she is free of infectious TB; initially upon hire and every four years thereafter.
4. DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS: All Marin Community College District (MCCD) employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section [contact details available in the full listing]). Employment with the MCCD requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency. For more information, please see the MCCD Emergency Operations Plan.
5. Candidates applying for positions with the Marin Community College District may be disqualified from consideration should their conviction history not meet the standards established under the California Education Code.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this class, employees are regularly required to communicate with others in person, over the phone and electronically; move about the office and campus; operate a computer and other office productivity machinery; and perform repetitive movements of hands or wrists. The employee is frequently required to lift up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include the ability to observe details at close range.

Mental Demands:
While performing the duties of this class, employees are regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret data, information and documents; analyze and solve problems; observe and interpret situations; use math and mathematical reasoning; observe and interpret people and situations; learn and apply new information and skills; perform highly detailed work; work on multiple, concurrent tasks with frequent interruptions and under intensive deadlines.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Employees work under typical office conditions subject to frequent public contact and interruption and to intermittent exposure to individuals acting in a disagreeable fashion.
• The employee may be required to travel to locations other than assigned work site, and occasional evening, holiday and/or weekend work may be required.

REQUIRED APPLICATION DOCUMENTS

The following documents must be attached to your application in order to render it complete. Use the Attachment Type indicated in parentheses when making your attachments.

1. Cover Letter (cover letter)**:** describing what motivated you to apply for this position, including how you satisfy the Minimum Requirements, the Desired Qualifications, and the Knowledge/Skills/Abilities, and how you are qualified to perform the essential functions as listed in the posting.
2. Resume (resume)
3. List of at least three (3) professional references (references), including name, organization, phone & email. Must include: a.) current/most recent supervisor; b.) one colleague/co-worker from your current/most recent department; and c.) one reference of choice. References will not be contacted unless you are selected as the final candidate for the position.
4. Complete copy of college transcript conferring Bachelor's degree (bachelor's transcript)
5. Complete copy of college transcript conferring Master's degree (master's transcript)
6. Statement (statement): Please respond to the following prompt in your own words, without using AI tools-we're interested in your authentic voice and perspective (one page maximum):
   College of Marin has defined "Equity-Mindedness" as the perspective or mode of thinking exhibited by faculty and administrators who call attention to patterns of inequity in student outcomes. These practitioners are willing to take personal and institutional responsibility for the success of their students and critically reassess their own practices. It also requires that practitioners are race-conscious and aware of the social and historical context of exclusionary practices in American education.
   In order to understand and become equity-minded, we must assess and acknowledge that our practices may not be working. It takes understanding inequities as a dysfunction of the various structures, policies, and practices that we can control. Equity-minded practitioners question their own assumptions, recognize stereotypes that harm student success, and continually reassess their practices to create change. Please discuss how you would hold yourself and the Arts & Humanities Department accountable for the elimination of racial equity gaps in course and program success rates.

If you hold additional degrees beyond the Bachelor's and Master's level, please attach a copy of your transcript conferring these degrees as well. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable for application purposes, as long as they confer the degree and show the coursework taken. An official transcript would be required upon hire.

FOREIGN DEGREE HOLDERS:

Foreign degree credentials must be evaluated by a third party to determine the equivalent U.S. degree and major**. **Please review the following points carefully to determine whether you must submit a Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE) with your application. Evaluations should provide the name of the institution attended, a description of your credentials, the major of study, and the U.S. equivalent for each credential. For a list of evaluating agencies, visit the State of California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.

• If you satisfy the minimum educational requirement with a degree that was granted in the U.S., but your previous degree(s) was obtained from a foreign institution, you do not need to attach a Foreign Credential Evaluation (FCE) for your previous degree(s). You must, however, attach a copy of a (translated) transcript for the previous degree. For additional clarification of acceptable transcripts, please contact Human Resources.
• If your degree that satisfies the minimum educational requirement was obtained from a foreign institution, you must submit an FCE for that degree and any other foreign degrees leading up to it.
• If you are asserting equivalence (see Minimum Qualifications for Faculty/Administrators on the Human Resources web site) because your degree does not specifically match the minimum educational requirements as listed and any of your degrees was obtained outside the U.S., you must attach an FCE for your foreign degree(s).

Supplemental & Salary Information

CLASSIFICATION CATEGORY & RETIREMENT PLAN

The Interim Dean of Instruction - Arts & Humanities is an educational administrative position, in compliance with all applicable sections of the California Education Code. Educational administrators also participate in the California State Teachers' Retirement System (CalSTRS) through District and employee contributions. Educational administrative employees are employed subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the individual's employment agreement with the District.

SALARY INFORMATION

FLSA Status: Exempt
Salary Grade: Management Level M47
Full Salary Range: $180,924 to $222,384 annually.
Starting Salary Range: $180,924 to $193,788 annually (Step 1 to Step 3). Background and experience will determine placement. Step 3 is the maximum entering step.

Please refer to the Management Salary Schedule on our Human Resources website for detailed information.

HEALTH, WELFARE and FRINGE BENEFITS

Marin Community College District (MCCD) offers a generous suite of health, welfare, and fringe benefits for benefit-eligible Educational Administrators, including:

• Medical Insurance: The District offers three plan options through each carrier; Kaiser and Blue Shield. The District's 2025/2026 contributions for medical coverage are as follows (rates subject to change on 10/1/2026):
  • Employee-only: $1,700/month
  • Employee plus one dependent: $2,400/month
  • Employee plus two or more dependents: $2,900/month
• Dental Insurance: Delta Dental coverage for employee and dependents (premium paid by MCCD).
• Vision Insurance: VSP coverage for employee and dependents (premium paid by MCCD).
• Sick Leave: Accrues on an annual rate of 10 days per year; possible additional sick leave is accruable for work assigned during intersession.
• Retirement Pension Plan (CalSTRS): MCCD contributes 19.10% of employee's creditable earnings to CalSTRS on a monthly basis. Mandatory employee contribution for 2026/2027 is 10.205% - 10.25%, depending on original date of membership and prior membership status. Note: Neither CalSTRS members nor MCCD contributes to Social Security for CalSTRS-covered service.
• Voluntary Retirement Savings Plans: Additional tax-advantaged 403(b) or 457(b) retirement savings plans are also offered.
• Basic Life & AD&D Insurance: $50,000 (premium paid by MCCD)
• Voluntary Life Insurance: Coverage for employee, spouse and/or child(ren) (employee-paid)
• Long-Term Disability: (premium paid by MCCD)
• Short-Term Disability: (premium paid by MCCD)
• Voluntary AD&D Insurance: Coverage for employee, spouse and/or child(ren) (employee-paid)
• Other Employee-Paid Benefits: Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs); pet insurance; Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Benefits Available through Selected Medical Plan (no cost to employee):
KEY: ALL = All members eligible; BS = Blue Shield members eligible; KA = Kaiser members eligible

• 24/7 Helpline through the Employee Assistance Program (ALL)
• Expert Medical Opinions through Teladoc (ALL)
• 24/7 Physician Access through MD Live (BS)
• Generic Medications through Costco (BS)
• Enhanced Cancer Benefit through Contigo Health (BS)
• Hip, Knee, and Spine Surgical Benefit through Carrum Health (BS)
• Personal Health Coaching through Vida Health (BS)
• Physical Therapy for Back and Joint Pain through Hinge Health (BS)
• Discounts for Gym memberships, Hearing Aids and LASIK Eye Surgery (BS)
• ClassPass: Kaiser Permanente has teamed up with fitness industry leader ClassPass to make it easier for employees to exercise from the comfort of their homes (KA).

For more information regarding MCCD's comprehensive benefit plans, please see our Marin Community College District 2025/2026 Employee Benefit Guide.