Dean

San Diego Community College District

Closing Date: 9/30/2025

Position Number: 011562

Location: San Diego Mesa College

Position Type: Academic

The Position:
Posting Details (Default Section)

Closing Date: 09/30/2025 Open Until Filled No Classification Title Dean Working Title Dean, School of Arts & Languages Recruitment Limits Location San Diego Mesa College Pay Information Range 6 ($10,725.84 - $17,471.26) per month based on the current Management salary schedule
Initial salary placement is commensurate with related experience and promotional rules. The District offers a comprehensive fringe benefit package including employer paid: medical, dental and vision plans; sick and vacation leave; and opportunities for professional development. Initial Salary Placement, Promoted or transferred employees will be placed as specified in the Management Employees Handbook and is non-negotiable. This position is FLSA Exempt and may not accrue overtime. A temporary probationary period will be applied to the employee entering this assignment. The SDCCD Employment Web Page provides a link to employee Collective Bargaining Agreements and Handbooks, and more information about terms and conditions of employment to include salary and benefits.

Position Equivalent FTE: 1.0 FTE Job Duration 12 Months Position Number: 011562 FLSA Status Exempt (does not accrue overtime) Bargaining Unit Management Range 6 Position Type Academic Department School of Arts and Languages The Position From San Diego Mesa College President Ashanti Hands:

San Diego Mesa College seeks energetic and dedicated candidates to apply for classified positions. The College is committed to academic excellence and diversity, equity and inclusion among its faculty, staff, and students. As the "Leading College of Equity & Excellence", we take responsibility for equitable outcomes and work together to create successful pathways for all of our students.

As the largest college in the San Diego Community College District, the institution enjoys a solid financial standing, state of the art facilities, and a world-class faculty and staff. For 61 years, Mesa College has been on the leading edge, from offering a Community College Bachelor's Degree, to the number of students transferred and graduating with an Associate Degree.

We are adding new staff, faculty and administrators who, alongside our stellar colleagues, will lead us into the future. Candidates who believe that they can demonstrate a commitment to equity and excellence by creating the conditions that matter for our students to succeed are encouraged to apply.

Applications are now being accepted for the position of Dean, School of Arts & Languages at San Diego Mesa College beginning approximately July 1, 2025. The School of Arts and Languages includes these departments: Fine Art and Drama, Music, and Languages. The School of Arts and Languages also supports three co-curricular programs: the Art Gallery, Music performances, and Drama productions. The Dean of the School of Arts and Languages reports to the Vice President of Instruction.

The Dean, School of Arts and Languages, reports to the Vice President of Instruction and is responsible for planning, organizing, directing, evaluating and advocating for all instructional and co-curricular programs in close cooperation with department chairs. This includes the coordination and supervision of class schedules and faculty teaching assignments; curriculum development; staff development; and budget and resource planning and allocation specific to the facility and equipment needs of the school. The Dean is involved in hiring and evaluation of staff-both academic and classified professionals. The Dean is expected to establish and maintain connections with relevant community and professional organizations as well as participate in college governance and decision-making. The College is looking for an applicant who is a positive, collaborative, innovative and energetic leader.

Please note that an employee may be transferred to any site at the option of the Chancellor. Major Responsibilities

Provide effective leadership in the areas of planning and administering programs within the School of Arts & Languages. The programs include: Fine Arts, Drama, Music and Languages. Additionally, the School supports three co-curricular programs: The Art Gallery, Music performances and Drama productions.
Work collaboratively with faculty, classified professionals, instructional laboratory technicians and academic leaders to develop and communicate long- and short-range goals for the school, including alignment with the college's master plan, strategic plan, and other planning documents and processes.
Work collaboratively with faculty, classified professionals, and academic leaders to support curriculum development and review at both the course and program levels.
Work collaboratively with department chairs and administrators to hire, supervise, evaluate, support, and mentor all faculty and instructional laboratory technicians.
Work collaboratively with department chairs and administrators to understand and utilize enrollment management strategies in schedule development and other aspects of school management.
Conduct Dean's office Program Review and support ongoing departmental Program Reviews.
Understand and contribute to a college participatory governance structure and collective bargaining environment.
Develop and maintain positive relationships with departments and schools across the campus, community and professional organizations.
Provide direct support to students as needed to resolve student concerns and make referrals as appropriate to college resources.
Work collaboratively and transparently with the VPI and other administrative leaders.
Promote and support policies, actions, and activities that foster an institutional culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism.
Demonstrated cultural competency, sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, faculty, classified professionals, and staff.

Qualifications MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
In compliance with policies adopted by the Board of Trustees, applicants for this position must show evidence of the following minimum qualifications:

Possession of a Master's degree from a regionally accredited institution AND one (1) year of formal training, internship, or leadership experience reasonably related to the administrator's assignment; OR,
Possession of a lifetime California Community College Supervisor Credential AND Two (2) years of recent management experience in an institution of higher education.

Desired Qualifications

Minimum of two years of teaching experience, preferably in the Arts and/or Languages in a higher education setting.
Minimum of two years experience as a Department Chair or Academic leader.
Demonstrated knowledge of a variety of modes of teaching and learning in the Arts and/or Languages.
Demonstrated effectiveness in planning, organizing, promoting, and evaluating programs and projects.
Demonstrated ability to evaluate and support faculty, staff and students.
Knowledge of and experience with the curriculum development process at the community college level.
Knowledge, skills and experience with current, effective and equitable enrollment management practices.
Demonstrated knowledge of and commitment to diverse effective learning theories leading to student success that foster an institutional culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism.
Demonstrated experience with shared problem solving that is rooted in the vision, goals, and success of students and entire college community.
Demonstrated success in budgeting and program advocacy, in prioritization of departmental needs, ensuring that necessary equipment is provided and maintained, and that facilities are properly managed.
Skill in working collaboratively with faculty, classified professionals, administrators and students.
Ability to communicate effectively and transparently both verbally and in writing.
Knowledge of, experience with, and respect for working effectively in a participatory governance environment.
Demonstrated understanding and experience working effectively in a collective bargaining environment.
Demonstrated commitment to the missions and values of the California

Equivalency If you do not possess the exact degrees, or higher, listed above or if you anticipate receiving the required degree prior to the start of teaching classes, please complete a Request for Equivalency Form and attach it during the application process. Foreign Degree: Applicants with foreign degrees from colleges or universities outside of the United States must have their coursework evaluated by a professional association that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or Academic Credentials Evaluation Institute, INC.(ACEI). A copy of the evaluation must be submitted with your online application. Licenses/Certificates/Credentials: Possession of a lifetime California Community College Chief Administrative Officer Credential Commitment to Diversity: All applicants must have demonstrated cultural competency and sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, faculty and classified professionals.

Click here for the EEO / Diversity / Nondiscrimination - Policies and Procedures Working Conditions Physical Requirements:
Category III

Environment:
Favorable, usually involves an office. Special Instructions to Applicants: To ensure consistency, fairness, and alignment with our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA), please submit only the materials specifically requested in this posting (e.g., no personal photos, articles, etc.). Be sure to upload the required documents using the respective document name labels. Uploading extraneous materials, unless explicitly requested, may result in your application not being reviewed. Only complete application packets will be forwarded to the committee.
Application materials sent via mail, fax, or email will not be accepted. All correspondence, including interview invitations, will be communicated via email.
We are dedicated to maintaining the confidentiality of all inquiries, nominations, and applications in the strictest confidence, and we encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

Complete online application;
Cover Letter (not to exceed 2 pages);
Resume that addresses your background, education and experience;
Unofficial Graduate Transcripts;
Unofficial Undergraduate Transcripts; AND,
Five (5) references (include two faculty, two supervisors and one support staff).
Foreign Degree Evaluation (required if applicable).
Licenses/Certificates/Credentials.

Tentative Timeline (Subject to Amendments) Conditions of Employment: SELECTED CANDIDATE IS REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING PRIOR TO EMPLOYMENT:

Submit "official" college transcripts as stated on application (even if a degree is not a requirement for this position);
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 District's expense (Clearance must be received prior to first day of employment);
Present original documents for proof of eligibility to work in the United States as required by the I9 Employment Eligibility Verification form;
Attend a new hire processing appointment in People, Culture, and Technology Services located at the District Administrative Offices; AND,
Employed on an initial contract of two (2) year that is eligible for renewal annually for up to a subsequent two-year period.

EMPLOYMENT AFTER RETIREMENT
If you accept a contract (permanent) position with SDCCD and are a retired annuitant with CalPERS or CalSTRS, you must reinstate from your retirement system. Please reference the CalPERS or CalSTRS website for further information. Additional Information: Please note that an employee may be transferred to any site at the option of the Chancellor.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
SDCCD provides a comprehensive fringe benefit package for its full-time academic employees. The District contributes toward the cost of the premium (including dependent coverage) for the medical insurance plan options. Additional benefits include dental, vision, sick leave, vacation and opportunities for professional development. Contract employees become members of the State Teachers' Retirement System (STRS) upon appointment. Posting Number AC01140 Indicate budget number(s)

Major Responsibilities:

Provide effective leadership in the areas of planning and administering programs within the School of Arts & Languages. The programs include: Fine Arts, Drama, Music and Languages. Additionally, the School supports three co-curricular programs: The Art Gallery, Music performances and Drama productions.
Work collaboratively with faculty, classified professionals, instructional laboratory technicians and academic leaders to develop and communicate long- and short-range goals for the school, including alignment with the college's master plan, strategic plan, and other planning documents and processes.
Work collaboratively with faculty, classified professionals, and academic leaders to support curriculum development and review at both the course and program levels.
Work collaboratively with department chairs and administrators to hire, supervise, evaluate, support, and mentor all faculty and instructional laboratory technicians.
Work collaboratively with department chairs and administrators to understand and utilize enrollment management strategies in schedule development and other aspects of school management.
Conduct Dean's office Program Review and support ongoing departmental Program Reviews.
Understand and contribute to a college participatory governance structure and collective bargaining environment.
Develop and maintain positive relationships with departments and schools across the campus, community and professional organizations.
Provide direct support to students as needed to resolve student concerns and make referrals as appropriate to college resources.
Work collaboratively and transparently with the VPI and other administrative leaders.
Promote and support policies, actions, and activities that foster an institutional culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism.
Demonstrated cultural competency, sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, faculty, classified professionals, and staff.

Qualifications:
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
In compliance with policies adopted by the Board of Trustees, applicants for this position must show evidence of the following minimum qualifications:

Possession of a Master's degree from a regionally accredited institution AND one (1) year of formal training, internship, or leadership experience reasonably related to the administrator's assignment; OR,
Possession of a lifetime California Community College Supervisor Credential AND Two (2) years of recent management experience in an institution of higher education.

Desired Qualifications:

Minimum of two years of teaching experience, preferably in the Arts and/or Languages in a higher education setting.
Minimum of two years experience as a Department Chair or Academic leader.
Demonstrated knowledge of a variety of modes of teaching and learning in the Arts and/or Languages.
Demonstrated effectiveness in planning, organizing, promoting, and evaluating programs and projects.
Demonstrated ability to evaluate and support faculty, staff and students.
Knowledge of and experience with the curriculum development process at the community college level.
Knowledge, skills and experience with current, effective and equitable enrollment management practices.
Demonstrated knowledge of and commitment to diverse effective learning theories leading to student success that foster an institutional culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism.
Demonstrated experience with shared problem solving that is rooted in the vision, goals, and success of students and entire college community.
Demonstrated success in budgeting and program advocacy, in prioritization of departmental needs, ensuring that necessary equipment is provided and maintained, and that facilities are properly managed.
Skill in working collaboratively with faculty, classified professionals, administrators and students.
Ability to communicate effectively and transparently both verbally and in writing.
Knowledge of, experience with, and respect for working effectively in a participatory governance environment.
Demonstrated understanding and experience working effectively in a collective bargaining environment.
Demonstrated commitment to the missions and values of the California

Licenses:
Possession of a lifetime California Community College Chief Administrative Officer Credential

Pay Information:
Range 6 ($10,725.84 - $17,471.26) per month based on the current Management salary schedule
Initial salary placement is commensurate with related experience and promotional rules. The District offers a comprehensive fringe benefit package including employer paid: medical, dental and vision plans; sick and vacation leave; and opportunities for professional development. Initial Salary Placement, Promoted or transferred employees will be placed as specified in the Management Employees Handbook and is non-negotiable. This position is FLSA Exempt and may not accrue overtime. A temporary probationary period will be applied to the employee entering this assignment. The SDCCD Employment Web Page provides a link to employee Collective Bargaining Agreements and Handbooks, and more information about terms and conditions of employment to include salary and benefits.

To apply, visit: https://www.sdccdjobs.com

All applicants must have demonstrated cultural competency and sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students and staff.

Job Details

Dean - San Diego Mesa College

About the Role: