Dean, Professional Studies

Under the supervision of the Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, the Dean will oversee several programs, such as Accounting, Administration of Justice, Business, Child Studies, Paralegal, Park Management, Geospatial Technology and Real Estate. The Dean is an academic management position with primary responsibility to build, maintain, and expand the exemplary programs, industry partnerships, and workforce pipelines needed to prepare students for careers across these professional and pre-professional fields. The position is directly responsible for providing leadership, direction, and oversight of identified programs, faculty, staff, facilities, budget, policies, and procedures.

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.

Applicants who possess the knowledge, skills, and life experiences to address the cultural and educational needs of a culturally diverse student population are encouraged to apply.

Assignment:

100% of full time, 40 hours per week, 12 months per year, with anticipated start date of January 2027. Schedule may change to include some evening or weekend hours, as needed. This position is an Educational Administrator and part of the Administrative employee unit.

Work Location: West Valley College, Saratoga, CA

Salary and Benefits:

Anticipated Hiring Range:

• $208,083–$221,612 annually (Administrative Salary Schedule, Range 25, Steps A-C).

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.
• $1000 longevity award annually after 10 years of service and $1,500 longevity award annually after 15 years of service.
• 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:

• Education: 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.
• Experience: Five years of increasingly responsible experience in instruction 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 Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will also demonstrate the following desired qualification(s):

• Teaching experience at the post-secondary level, in a related area in the Professional Studies School.
• Demonstrated experience leading academic units and instructional programs.
• Broad experience in budgeting, branding and promotions, community relations, course scheduling and curriculum, facilities development, personnel; including the hiring of full-time and adjunct faculty and staff, and resource development.
• Experience working collaboratively with campus community stakeholders in a participatory governance environment.
• Demonstrated experience in enrollment management, including developing and implementing strategies to meet or exceed FTES targets and load, optimize course scheduling, and enhance student retention and success.
• Broad experience in program development, student engagement, student success outcomes, collaboration with instructional programs, and institutional change.
• 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:

• 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.

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.
• Manage and oversee functions associated with area of assignment, which may include library, tutorial center, and instructional support labs.
• 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.

Working Conditions:

Not applicable

Physical Demands:

Not applicable

Applicant 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; (3) Resume; (4) Unofficial copies of transcripts, if requested; (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.
• If you have a question that isn't covered in our FAQs, please contact us at careers@wvm.edu.

ABOUT TRANSCRIPTS:

• If a minimum requirement is possession of a degree, then a copy of transcripts is required to be included with your application to verify the degree being awarded. If no transcripts are included or the transcript does not show a degree conferred AND degree conferred date, the application may be screened as not meeting minimum requirements, the application may be screened as not meeting minimum requirements.
• Should the minimum qualifications state "any combination equivalent to," then additional relevant work experience may substitute for education. In this case, please upload a document stating such in the Required Transcripts document field.
• Degrees must have been awarded by a college or university accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Council on Post-Secondary Accreditation and/or the U.S. Department of Education.
• Candidates with degrees earned outside of the United States must provide official certification of equivalency to U. S. degrees by a certified U. S. credential review service, must have a U.S. evaluation (course by course of the transcripts) and must be submitted with this online application.
• If you do not have an electronic version of the transcript, you can get it scanned at an office supply or copy store; then attach the electronic version of your transcript to this online application.
• Copies of diplomas, grade reports, graduation petitions, transcript evaluations requests, or similar documents WILL NOT be accepted in lieu of transcripts.
• When uploading transcripts, please ensure they are NOT encrypted, secured, or password-protected or they will be rejected by the system.

For reasonable accommodations and assistance, contact:
Office of Human Resources, Attn: Recruitment
14000 Fruitvale Ave, Saratoga, CA 95070
Phone: (408) 741-2174 Fax: (408) 741-2564
Email: Careers@wvm.edu

Selection Process:

SELECTION PROCESS INFORMATION:

• After the deadline date, a committee will review and evaluate applications and supporting materials to select the applicants to be interviewed. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not assure the candidate an interview.
• All candidates will receive an e-notification to acknowledge receipt of their application materials. If not contacted within 3-6 weeks following the close of the recruitment, no suitable match was determined at this time.
• Travel expenses to attend first-level interview are the responsibility of the candidate.
• Application materials become the property of the District and will not be returned or duplicated.
• The District may choose to re-advertise or indefinitely delay filling a position. Some positions may include first and second level interviews.
• The District reserves the right to contact former, current, the most recent employers, and others to investigate past employment records of applicants.
• Any tentative verbal offer of employment is contingent upon formal approval of the college Governing Board.
• Upon hire the successful candidate must provide the required documents of identity and authorization to work and attest he/she is authorized to work in the United States.
• The District DOES NOT provide visa sponsorship.

EEO STATEMENT:
West Valley-Mission Community College District is an Equal Opportunity Employer that seeks to employ a diverse workforce who will contribute to an inclusive and welcoming educational and employment environment. The District is committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of ethnic group identification, race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, physical disability, mental disability, genetic information, ancestry, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, language, accent, citizenship status, transgender status, parental status, marital status, economic status, military or veteran status, and medical condition consistent with applicable federal and state laws.

Posting Number:

FY22/23-357FT

Open Date:

09/09/2026

Close Date:

10/14/2026

Open Until Filled:

No

Organization

West Valley-Mission Community College District has a devoted Board of Trustees and a dedicated staff that serves its two colleges. West Valley College in Saratoga and Mission College in Santa Clara are on the cutting edge among higher education institutions in the Silicon Valley. Every semester over 20,000 students enroll in courses at the colleges. Thousands of others take online, off-campus, or non-credit courses and seminars offered through a variety of programs. These programs are aimed at meeting the training and retraining needs of the people of Silicon Valley.

Mission College is a public community college located in the City of Santa Clara, and in the heart of the Silicon Valley. We offer a future of transfer to a four year institution, a future in a career of your choice, a future of increasing skills for both higher education and the workforce and a future for an Associate's Degree or Certificate that can get you on your way to any goal.

The highly diverse and active student population makes the environment at Mission College energetic and vibrant. It is a great place to meet new friends, participate in clubs and make your voice heard in student advocacy. Our faculty is among the most qualified in the state and our students appreciate the college for its friendly staff and supportive atmosphere. The staff at Mission College is uniquely poised to help and guide your path to the future.

Mission College has many programs and services to ensure student success and support. Financial Aid can assist in making college affordable. Counseling helps students set achievable goals and provides guidance through orientation, study skills, and career courses. The college Career Center and Job Placement Office help students transition to the working world after college and each year sponsor's a job fair featuring more than 60 employers. Finally, our Transfer Center helps to guide the transition from the two-year college to a four-year college so that students can easily gain a Bachelor's degree. Each spring semester, Mission College hosts the largest college fair in the San Francisco Bay Area, where more than 180 national and international colleges and universities are represented.

West Valley is about success. It's about helping students create a future for themselves so they can contribute to a world that needs their talents, drive and enthusiasm. We do that by providing as much one-on-one interaction with students as possible. The results speak for themselves.

• 571 students transferred to UCs and CSUs in 2012
• 552 students earned AA/AS degrees in 2012
• 170 students earned Certificates that led to careers in 2012
• We host learners from 25 countries who come to the United States looking for the kind of instruction that will help them contribute to the global economy.
• We offer classes on our beautiful 143-acre Saratoga campus in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains, located at the southwest border of Silicon Valley. Here you can expand your mind, hang out with friends, and contemplate a world of ideas.

Why not join us, and build your future as we build the future of Silicon Valley, one student at a time.