President
Ventura College, VCCCD

Description

Under the direction of the Chancellor, the President serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the college, oversees the academic and student services functions for the college, ensures sound fiscal and facilities management, and implements statutes, regulations, policies, and procedures in consideration of the mission of the district and college.

Representative Duties

• Plan and develop the overall academic direction for the college in conjunction with the Chancellor; plan and recommend the instructional and student services programs, college budget, and the organizational structure of the college; collaborate with district and college staff with regard to the strategic planning of short and long range goals and objectives, management of facilities, policy development, and resource allocation.
• Administer the overall development, evaluation, and improvement of the college curriculum and student services programs, services, and activities based on effective research and analysis; oversee the collaboration of instructional and student services managers to provide and enhance a student-centered model of education.
• Plan, organize, direct, and evaluate the activities of the college pursuant to the mission of the district and college and the goals and objectives as set forth by the Board of Trustees; report on college achievement of district and college goals.
• Provide leadership for sound fiscal planning in the development and management of the institution's budget and externally-funded initiatives; plan resource allocations for facilities, equipment, and technologies that support the mission and goals of the college and district.
• Conduct administrative staff meetings and councils; provide guidance to and receive advice from faculty organizations on matters relating to the instructional and student services programs and staff.
• Establish and facilitate communication between the college, students, communities, businesses, and district; provide leadership for the development of outreach activities and partnerships that strengthen college viability; represent the college at meetings of the Board of Trustees, district cabinet, district planning activities in the community, and as appropriate at regional, state, and national conferences; ensure the visibility of the college within the community by promoting its accomplishments and developing appropriate marketing strategies.
• Recommend the selection, retention, promotion, and termination of college personnel; provide staffing recommendations in compliance with equal employment opportunity principles and guidelines; lead and coordinate innovative efforts for staff development and the improvement of instructional and student services programs.
• Coordinate projects and activities related to program and college accreditation, articulation, and matriculation.
• Provide for the safety of students, staff, and the general public at the college; support the implementation of safety training programs and services for students and staff; oversee college facilities to ensure they are functional, energy-efficient, and safe.
• Work cooperatively with the Academic and Classified Senates and Associated Students through a participatory governance process.
• Make recommendations and decisions regarding curricula and courses in consideration of input from the Academic Senate and college management; involve staff in the development and continuous appraisal of the general philosophy and specific objectives of the college; coordinate a system of evaluation that appraises the effectiveness of programs and personnel.
• Encourage development of a campus climate that will motivate students and staff.

Minimum Qualifications

• Possession of a master's degree; and
• One year of formal training, internship or leadership experience reasonably related to the administrator's administrative assignment.

Challenges and Opportunities

• Mentor and cultivate the ongoing development of leadership and management at all levels of the organization.
• Cultivate a collaborative, inclusive campus culture grounded in trust, transparency, and effective communication that fosters unity, increases morale, and reflects courage and resilience in advancing the College's Mission, Vision, and Guiding Principles through a long-term commitment to Ventura College.
• Advance Ventura College as a leader in diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and anti-racism by fostering a welcoming sense of belonging and delivering programs, services, and advocacy that support the recruitment, success, and well-being of students of color, underrepresented and marginalized populations, including guidance and information related to federal immigration policies affecting students and their families.
• Identify strategies to increase enrollment, retention, completion, and expanded access for all students given state priorities and environmental factors through responsive operations, and balanced program alignment and affordability.
• Oversee and support the development and implementation of strategic plans, management of facilities, policy development, resource allocation, and campus housing for students.
• Further the advancement of Hispanic student success through strengthening our Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) identity.
• Examine the balance of online and in-person learning options to optimize educational outcomes for students.
• Partner with regional workforce leaders—including businesses, unions, and community organizations—to align career education programming with student interests and the needs of emerging and dominant industry sectors across Ventura County, while expanding internships, apprenticeships, and transfer opportunities that promote career readiness and professional growth.
• Champion the expansion of services for East Campus and the Santa Clara River Valley.
• Effectively manage collective bargaining agreements with a solid understanding of union and employer rights, responsibilities, and the principle of good faith negotiation. Build and nurture a strong relationship with the Union.
• Provide exemplary stewardship of financial resources amid tight budgets and potential federal and state funding reductions by effectively navigating complex college organizational structures, aligning cross-functional teams, and balancing stakeholder needs to enhance organizational effectiveness and student success.
• Foster a culture of academic rigor and intentional, effective innovations that strengthen programs and engage both students and faculty in advancing knowledge and workforce readiness.

Ideal Characteristics

• A courageous, visionary, and student-centered leader who recognizes opportunities, embraces innovation, and makes decisions grounded in student success.
• An approachable, visible, and accessible presence who is engaged across the campus and actively connected to the broader community.
• A collaborative bridge-builder committed to strengthening relationships among students, faculty, classified professionals, administrators, and community partners to rebuild trust and improve morale.
• A culturally humble leader who values diversity in all its forms and embeds equity, inclusion, accessibility, and anti-racism into institutional practices and culture.
• An ethical and trustworthy leader who demonstrates transparency, integrity, fairness, and accountability at all levels of the institution.
• An effective communicator and active listener who respects differing perspectives and demonstrates skill in conflict resolution and consensus-building.
• A leader committed to participatory and shared governance, with experience in collegial consultation and collective bargaining environments.
• A mentor and people-centered leader who invests in employee development, well-being, retention, and leadership growth throughout the organization.
• A transformational leader who embraces technology and fosters continuous improvement in programs, services, and innovative methods of delivery.
• A champion of student enrollment, engagement, retention, and success, including initiatives that enhance student life and activities.
• A leader who strengthens academic and career pathways, ensuring programs support transfer, workforce readiness, and access to high-demand, high-wage careers.
• A community-connected advocate who builds and sustains partnerships with K–12 institutions, employers, community organizations, elected officials, and higher education partners.
• A fiscally responsible and strategic leader with experience managing complex budgets, projects, fundraising efforts, and foundation or philanthropic partnerships.
• A knowledgeable higher education leader experienced in accreditation, multi-college district environments, and California community college systems.
• A mission-driven leader who honors the college's history while collaboratively shaping a future that enhances regional quality of life and economic prosperity, including experience serving Hispanic-Serving Institutions or similarly diverse communities.

Salary Range

$243,983 - $286,273 Annually

How to Apply

This is a confidential search process. To ensure full consideration, application materials should be received no later than February 3, 2026. The position will remain open until filled.

To apply go to https://apptrkr.com/6815610 and upload your documents.

Candidates will need to have the following information or materials available to complete the application:
1. A letter of application (not to exceed 5 pages) that succinctly addresses the opportunities and challenges identified in the Position Profile and demonstrates how the candidate's experience and professional qualifications prepare them to serve as the President of Ventura College.
2. A current resume including an email address and cellular telephone number.
3. A list of eight references: example, two to three supervisors, two to three direct reports, and two to three faculty and/or staff members from current and former institutions.

For additional information, nominations, or confidential inquiries please contact:
• Julie Golder, J.D., Vice President of Search Services, ACCT, jgolder@acct.org, or (202) 775-4466 (office)

*An ACCT Search*