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College of the Desert

Dean, School of Social Sciences and Arts

College of the Desert, Palm Desert, California, us, 92261

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Salary :

$137,636.88 - $199,318.32 Annually Location :

Palm Desert, CA Job Type:

FULL TIME Job Number:

2500116 Division:

Office of Instruction Department:

School of Social Sciences & Arts Opening Date:

10/27/2025 Closing Date:

11/24/2025 11:59 PM Pacific FLSA:

Exempt Bargaining Unit:

N/A

About College of the Desert The College of the Desert, Desert Community College District enrolls approximately 15,000 students each academic year with steady enrollment growth each year. College of the Desert embraces diversity in all forms and the right of all people to have access to quality higher education in a safe learning environment. Designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), College of the Desert administers an array of student programs specifically focused on student support and helping students achieve their educational and career goals. As a two-year college, we offer Associates Degree for Transfer, both in Art and Sciences, Associates Degrees, and Certificates across a wide range of disciplines. College of the Desert is a district that consists of leadership, staff, and faculty who are committed to enhancing our community through supporting the academic success of all of our students including students of color, students with disabilities, students who are first generation to college, veterans, students of all ages, students with diverse socio-economic backgrounds, "dreamers", and students of diverse sexual orientation and gender expression.

When you join College of the Desert you can expect to be part of a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative community. We provide students with a rich and dynamic learning experience that embraces differences, emphasizes collaboration, and engages students in and out of the classroom. We are committed to ensuring that College of the Desert is a welcoming place for the success of all students.

Interested in learning more about College of the Desert and the Coachella Valley? Visit the links below.

Who We Want: College of the Desert is seeking individuals from a broad range of cultural heritages, socioeconomic backgrounds, genders, abilities, and orientations. As such, we prioritize individuals who fully demonstrate their understanding of the community we serve, the benefits of diversity in a professional and educational setting, and values creating a culture that brings people together. A successful candidate will value working in a collegial, collaborative environment that is guided by a commitment to inclusion, student education, and equity. An equity-minded individual is a person who already does or has demonstrated the desire to: Understand the importance of holding ourselves accountable as faculty, staff and leadership for closing equity gaps and engaging in equitable practices; Reframe inequities as a problem of practice and view the elimination of inequities as an individual and collective responsibility; Encourage positive race-consciousness and embrace human difference; Reflect on institutional and teaching practices and aim to make them more culturally responsive; and Strategically build buy-in and participation among colleagues for equity-related initiatives. BASIC FUNCTION

THE POSITION The Dean, School of Social Sciences and Arts, is an Educational Administrator position as designated by the Board of Trustees of the Desert Community College District. The Dean is charged by the Board of Trustees with the satisfactory implementation of Board policy and district or college procedures as applicable to the position. In addition, the Dean is expected to make appropriate recommendations for modifications, additions, or deletions in policy and/or through the appropriate reporting authority.

Under the direction of the Vice President, Student Learning, the Dean is responsible for the leadership of the School by planning, managing, coordinating, scheduling, and evaluating the activities of the academic disciplines in the School Social Sciences and Arts (including Anthropology, Geography, Global Studies, History, Human Services, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, Music, Theater Arts, and Visual Arts), the Marks Center for the Arts, and other related duties and responsibilities as assigned. The Dean serves as an administrator of comprehensive programs in the School of Social Sciences and Arts. The Dean directs, manages and evaluates the curriculum and develops the course offering, including the faculty and other personnel and the facilities comprising the instructional areas. The Dean coordinates and evaluates instructional programs in the assigned School. REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES Develop and supervise School instruction occurring in the day, evening, summer, and intersession periods; develop class schedules to respond to student needs, produce a high quality comprehensive educational program, and meet FTES targets; use facilities effectively. E Oversee the Marks Center for the Arts and student performance productions to ensure that instructional needs are met. E Evaluate the needs of the School in the context of the overall educational program; work collaboratively with faculty in program evaluation and improvement; evaluate the need for new programs and support new program development. E Work collaboratively with faculty in the School on college planning and prioritization; participate with the administrative team to set goals and priorities. E Coordinate and articulate program needs and curriculum identified by faculty, students, and the community. Provide leadership for School program development and articulation with feeder schools and transfer institutions. E Work effectively and collaboratively with the Director, Education Centers, regarding campuses in Indio and Mecca/Thermal and WVC course offerings and with the Director, Partnership and Community Education, for identifying fee-based offerings. E Provide leadership in the recruitment and hiring of full-time and adjunct faculty and support staff. E Supervise all faculty and staff within the instructional and program areas; supervise workload; provide in-service training; resolve conflicts; facilitate consensus decision-making. E Evaluate all faculty and staff in accordance with the contracts between the District and employee groups. E Regularly schedule and chair faculty and staff meetings and special meetings as needed; serve on regular and special committees as assigned by the Vice President of Student Learning; represent the School concerns and needs to the Vice President of Student Learning; participate in the Student Learning Cabinet; and work effectively and collaboratively with Student Affairs. E Prepare budget estimates; administer and monitor approved budgets; prepare and manage contracts for services and equipment, including donations and grants within the School. E Coordinate scheduling of course sections in appropriate facilities; monitor classroom, lab and production facilities for adequate equipment, supplies and safety; work collaboratively with the appropriate departments including Facilities Services and Information Technology to maintain equipment and facilities. Assist in student recruitment, advising, placement, registration, and retention. Understand information technology and support fundamental changes that are emerging with expanded use of technologies in the educational environment. E Meet schedules and timelines, organize multiple projects efficiently and effectively, and carry out required project details throughout the year. E Interpret county, state and federal policy and legislation governing the administration, regulations, and perform other related duties. E Develop and manage grants and special projects. E Represent the School and the college in community related activities. E Support innovative teaching ideas and practices to enhance student learning; support learning-centered instructional methodology. E Seek and participate in professional development activities. E Other duties and responsibilities as assigned. E: Essential functions of the job. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: The Desert Community College District has established the following hiring criteria for all educational administrative positions: Minimum qualifications for service as an educational administrator shall be both of the following in accordance with Title 5 section 53420:

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

Valid California driver's license and must have an acceptable driving record and current vehicle insurance meeting State of California requirements.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

The Dean must have the ability to exercise honesty, consistency, and sound judgment in the performance of duties; understanding of the mission and student population of California Community Colleges and the Coachella Valley; ability to work in the interests of the college as a whole; ability to work in the interests of the college as a whole; ability to work productively in a shared governance setting; strong interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with diverse constituencies within and outside the District; possess an understanding and sensitivity of the diverse backgrounds of community college students; understanding of the intent and application of student learning outcomes; familiarity with requirements for prerequisites and course equivalencies; familiarity with new educational technologies; ability to plan, organize, direct, administer, review, and evaluate programs and services. The Dean must possess knowledge of principles and practices of general management and supervision; laws and regulations governing California Community Colleges; district policies and procedures; budgeting; procedures for accreditation; curriculum development; teaching methods and techniques.

EMPLOYMENT STATUS

EMPLOYMENT STATUS:

WORKING CONDITIONS

Environment:

Office environment. Constant interruptions. Driving a vehicle to conduct work as necessary. Requires some evening and weekend responsibility. SCHEDULE & LOCATION:

This position is scheduled 40 hours per week, 12 months per year. The schedule is Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Requires some evening and weekend responsibility. The primary location is Palm Desert Campus. The schedule and location is subject to change based on District need. REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

RESUME:

Must include length of employment (month/year start and end dates) for each employer. Cover Letter : Please address how you meet the minimum requirements for this position and any special qualifications you possess. College Transcripts : Diplomas will not be accepted in lieu of the required transcripts. IN YOUR APPLICATION:

List of References : References should include at least two supervisors and one colleague. Please include name, title, email and current phone numbers. Letters of reference will not be accepted in lieu of the required List of References. TIMELINES:

For consideration, please apply by Monday, Nov. 24, 2025. Interviews are tentatively scheduled in-person on Monday, December 15, 2025 & Wednesday, December 17, 2025. Tentative schedule is subject to change based on District need. FAQs:

For additional information, click here:

Recruitment - Frequently Asked Questions

PLEASE NOTE:

Employment is contingent on residence in California. Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. College of the Desert does not offer sponsorship nor take over sponsorship for an employment VISA. Notice to all Candidates for Employment

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DISTRICT RIGHTS: College of the Desert reserves the right to re-open, re-advertise, delay, or cancel filling this position. The SELECTED CANDIDATE is required to complete the following prior to employment:

Provide a Certificate of Tuberculosis Exam for initial appointment (Note: The certificate must be renewed every 4 years as a condition of continuing employment). Have fingerprints taken by a Live Scan computer at the candidate's expense (Clearance must be received prior to the first day of employment). Present original documents for proof of eligibility to work in the United States including a Social Security Card; (Note: We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.) Participate in a new hire onboarding, completing all required tasks and forms. May be required to complete a fitness for duty physical exam based on the job description, as applicable. The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, Public Law 99-603, requires that employers obtain documentation from every new employee which authorizes that individual to accept employment in this country. The Desert Community College District (DCCD) will not sponsor any VISA applications nor take over any VISA.

Employees must reside in California while employed with the Desert Community College District (DCCD).

California Public Employees Retirement System and California State Teachers Retirement System

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A California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) retiree may not accept employment until after the first 180 days of retirement. Anyone retired from CalPERS accepting permanent employment with the DCCD will be required to reinstate as an active CalPERS member. Please contact CalPERS for additional information regarding your retirement status.

Any active vested member of California State Teachers Retirement System (CalSTRS), who accepts employment with the DCCD to perform service that requires membership in CalPERS, is eligible to elect to continue retirement system coverage under CalSTRS

Disability Accommodations

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If you require special accommodations in the application and/or evaluation process, please notify Human Resources at least two (2) business days prior to the job posting close or initial screening date, by either calling (760) 773 -2529 or sending an e-mail to ctate-meyer@collegeofthedesert.edu.

Attendance Requirement

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All DCCD employees are required to report to work on a regular and consistent basis, as scheduled, to assigned job.

Campus Crime and Safety Awareness

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Information regarding campus crime and safety awareness can be found at

Non-Discrimination Notice

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The DCCD provides access to its services, classes, and programs without regard to national origin, immigration status, religion, age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, race, ethnicity, color, medical condition, military and veteran status, genetic information, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, or because they are perceived to have one or more of the foregoing characteristics, or based on association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.

California Fair Chance Act

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The DCCD will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if the DCCD is concerned about a conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Equal Employment Opportunity

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The DCCD is committed to creating an academic and work environment that fosters diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and equal employment opportunity (EEO) for all, and ensures that students, faculty, staff, and managers of all backgrounds feel welcome, included, supported, and safe. Our culture of belonging, openness, and inclusion, makes the DCCD a unique and special place for individuals of all backgrounds.

The DCCD is looking for equity and inclusion-minded applicants who represent the full diversity of California and who demonstrate a sensitivity to the understanding of diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds present within our community. When you join the DCCD, you can expect to be part of an exciting, thriving, equity-focused, and inclusive community that approaches higher education with the lens of social justice and collaboration among students, faculty, staff, managers, and community partners. In deciding whether to apply for a position at the DCCD, you are strongly encouraged to consider whether your values align with the DCCD's mission and goals for DEIA and EEO.

Additional Resources

California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (FEHA)

THE DCCD IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER We offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, flexible spending accounts, and life insurance. To learn more details, visit our benefits page:

Temporary, Substitute, Seasonal, and Part-Time Employees are eligible to opt into the Blue Shield Health Savings Account (HSA) 5000. 01

What have you done to further your knowledge about diversity, equity, inclusivity, and accessibility? How have you implemented and/or demonstrated what you have learned? 02

Which statement below best describes the highest level of education you have completed?

High school graduate, diploma or the equivalent (GED) Associate degree Bachelor's degree Master's degree Professional degree Doctorate degree

03

I understand that qualifying transcripts showing degree awarded, date conferred, and institution name is required for consideration, and I have attached transcripts showing degree awarded/date conferred/institution name. (Foreign degrees ALSO require a foreign equivalency evaluation.)

Yes No

04

How many years of formal training, internship, or leadership experience reasonably related to the administrator's administrative assignment experience do you have?

No experience Less than 1 year of experience 1 or more years of experience

05

The information provided in your application must support your selected answers in the supplemental questions. The information you provide will be verified and documentation may be required. Please be as honest and accurate as possible. You may be asked to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in a work sample or during an interview. By completing this supplemental questionnaire you are attesting that the information you have provided is accurate. Any misstatements, omissions, or falsification of information may eliminate you from consideration or result in dismissal.

Yes No

06

This position requires you to possess a valid California driver's license and you must have an acceptable driving record and qualify for insurability by the District's insurance carrier.

I have a valid California driver's license and have an acceptable driving record and qualify for insurability by the District's insurance carrier. I do not have a valid California driver's license and/or do not have an acceptable driving record to qualify for insurability by the District's insurance carrier.

07

California Public Employees Retirement System and California State Teachers Retirement System:A California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) retiree may not accept employment until after the first 180 days of retirement. Anyone retired from CalPERS accepting permanent employment with the DCCD will be required to reinstate as an active CalPERS member. Please contact CalPERS for additional information regarding your retirement status.Any active vested member of California State Teachers Retirement System (CalSTRS), who accepts employment with the DCCD to perform service that requires membership in CalPERS, is eligible to elect to continue retirement system coverage under CalSTRS.By selecting "Yes", you are stating you understand the above statement.

Yes No

08

Are you currently an employee of College of the Desert?

Yes No

Required Question