Associate Director, Career and Transfer Services

Cuesta College

Salary: $100,152.00 - $121,728.00 Annually
Job Type:
Job Number: FY2526-00039
Location: San Luis Obispo & North County Campus, CA
Department: Student Success & Support Programs
Closing: 9/29/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

Job Description Summary

DEFINITION

The Associate Director, Career and Transfer Services promotes success and career outcomes while providing vision and leadership for Career Services, Work Experience, and the Transfer Center. Under general supervision of the assigned administrator, the Associate Director, Career and Transfer Services will develop, implement, monitor, and assess a strategic plan and vision that promotes the integration of work-based learning, career development, job placement, and transfer district-wide. Additionally, the Associate Director will facilitate partnerships between students, faculty, staff, and local employers; oversee the career work experience program that will support students throughout their college experience; and provide leadership in developing resources to support new initiatives, strengthen transfer pathways, existing programs, and ongoing Center operations.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Associate Director, Career and Transfer Services is distinguished from other positions with the requirement for expertise and knowledge of planning, organizing, implementing and managing the operations and activities related to program activities. The incumbent is accountable for accomplishing operational goals and objectives and for furthering District goals and objectives within general policy guidelines.

This position promotes student learning outcomes and institutional effectiveness and is expected to implement programs that provide access to educational opportunities, increase equity of student transfer and career outcomes, and provide academic and support services across the District.

ABOUT THE COLLEGE

Where You Will Work
Serving all of San Luis Obispo County, Cuesta College has provided comprehensive associate degree offerings, certificates, and community programs to the region since 1964. The main campus is located along scenic Highway 1, west of San Luis Obispo and east of the beaches of the Pacific Ocean. Cuesta College has a North County Campus in Paso Robles, and South County Center, in Arroyo Grande.

Who We Are

Equity, diversity, and inclusion are essential to our culture and the work we do. Cuesta College is proud to be a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) committed to racial and socio-economic diversity as it reflects our communities and student populations. We actively seek to attract candidates who share this commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. As part of the Cuesta College team, you can expect to be part of a collaborative community of faculty, classified professionals, administrators, students, and community partners advancing educational excellence with intentional support services leading to student success and completion.

Additional information about the college can be found at https://www.cuesta.edu/about/index.html
The college planning documents can be found at https://www.cuesta.edu/about/collegeplans/index.html
Our Student Equity Action Plan can be found at https://www.cuesta.edu/about/info/student-equity-initiatives/equity/index.html
We offer comprehensive benefit options. Information about benefits can be found at https://www.cuesta.edu/about/depts/benefits-insurance/index.html

Essential Functions & Qualifications

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Leads the implementation and assessment of programs and services that engage students in industry/career strategy development and assists in executing a robust strategic plan for employers, parents, and community outreach and engagement regarding work-based learning, career development and job placement to increase equity of student and career outcomes;
Oversees the planning, development and scheduling of Transfer and Career Center events, activities, and workshops for adult re-entry students, first generation students, student employment, and internships including, but not limited to, University Fairs, Career Fairs, Transfer Conference. Connects employers to faculty, staff, and administrators for participation in activities, hosting work-based learning opportunities, interviews, etc.;
Provides leadership and oversight to assigned staff including training, supervising, and evaluating employees; planning and implementing departmental procedures; ensuring timely, efficient, and appropriate services and operations;
Oversees the daily operations, activities and services of the Transfer and Career Center. Provides information to students, employers and community-based agencies about services and resources;
Provides leadership and oversight for an intentional case management model aligned with the Guided Pathways framework;
Develops, directs, and coordinates the implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards for the department; establishes, within District policy, appropriate budget, service, and staffing levels;
Collaborates with the Career, Work Experience, and Transfer teams to identify and develop work-based learning, internship and employment opportunities through employer outreach, regional collaboration with other colleges, and on-going analysis of available work-based learning opportunities to identify targets industries or programs to meet student need;
Collaborates and communicates with four-year universities/colleges, employers, government and community agencies, District faculty, administrators, and staff, and other community college faculty, administrators, and staff to coordinate and develop services, programs, and agreements for transfer and employment of students;
Ensures compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, as well as departmental and programmatic regulation, while maintaining current knowledge of trends and practices in the field;
Prepares and administers assigned program budgets; forecasts funds needed for staffing, equipment, contracts, materials, and supplies;
Collaborates with instructional faculty and programs to raise campus and community awareness about emerging and existing workforce trends, opportunities, pathways, and job placements. Sets goals and monitors progress to enhance and increase program participation and enrollments;
Develops calendar of events, workshops, and other schedules related to assigned activities and services; reviews, updates, and informs others of essential timelines; coordinates assigned activities; ensures the timely completion of work in accordance with established policies, procedures, and standards; and
Performing other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Required

Master's Degree from an accredited institution preferably in a discipline related to the assignment, such as career and transfer counseling or academic advising, business, human resources, marketing and public relations or administration, organizational development, or social sciences.

Experience:

Required

Two years' of increasingly responsible experience relevant to the position.

Knowledge of:

Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, budget development, program development, management, implementation, supervision and evaluation;
Strategic planning, project coordination, and assessment to increase equity of student outcomes;
Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review, and evaluation, and the training of staff in work methods and procedures;
Applicable federal, state, local, and District laws, regulations, ordinances, policies, and procedures relevant to assigned programs, projects, and operations.
Effective practices in career coaching and work-based learning;
The employment/labor market, job search process, resume preparation, and interview strategies. Career development theories and stages of development.
Occupational terminology, occupations, and basic requirements for jobs;
The rules and regulations governing student employment and service learning;
Basic transfer steps and processes, terminology, common services, and desired outcomes;
Methods and techniques for the development of presentations, business correspondence, research, and reporting, and information distribution;
Language, grammar, and writing skills to prepare professional correspondence, position advertisements, and informational brochures;
Modern office practices, presentation design, procedures, technology, and computer equipment and applications, including word processing, database, and spreadsheet applications;
Principles and practices of record keeping;
Interpersonal skills to convey technical concepts to others and to deal with sensitive and confidential information. Techniques for effectively representing the District with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, educational, regulatory, and legislative organizations;
Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively interacting with students, staff, faculty, representatives of outside organizations, and members of the public, including individuals of diverse academic, socioeconomic, ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds, physical ability, and sexual orientation; and
Participatory governance process, fostering open communication among divisions, programs, personnel, and services.

Ability to:

Plan, coordinate, organize, and implement the functions and services of assigned program areas;
Participate in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards for assigned program areas;
Demonstrate sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, physical ability, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students;
Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, local, and District laws, regulations, ordinances, policies, and procedures.
Select, train, motivate, and evaluate the work of staff; train staff in work methods and procedures;
Plan and execute small and large-scale events for students, staff, and the community;
Screen, interview, and assess needs of students and employers
Problem solves, make recommendations, and delegate authority and responsibility;
Provide specialized assistance, training, and information to students, faculty, administrators, classified professionals, and the public concerning assigned program area, functions, and resources;
Work under steady pressure with frequent interruptions and a high degree of public contact in person, virtually, or by phone;
Learn and apply laws, regulations, policies and procedures for equal employment opportunity;
Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques;
Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials;
Gather and analyze data, evaluate alternatives, and make sound recommendations;
Maintain accurate databases, records, and files;
Effectively manage priorities in complex and diverse operational units;
Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks;
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax;
Understand scope of authority in making independent decisions.
Use tact, initiative, prudence, ethics, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines;
Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; and
Work independently in the absence of supervision.

Physical Ability to:

Read and comprehend printed matter and text and data on computer monitors;
Communicate intelligibly and effectively via speech, telephone, written correspondence, and/or email;
Sit or stand for extended periods of time;
Lift and/or carry 25 pounds; and
Exert manual dexterity sufficient for keyboard and other office equipment operation.

Additional Information

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS TO APPLY
Candidates will be required to submit ALL of the required documents below when applying for this position. When uploading documents, PDF uploads are preferred.

Cover letter;
Resume;
Reference List (see further instructions below);
Unofficial transcripts;
Diversity statement (see further instructions below).

Diversity Statement Instructions: Cuesta College is committed to building and maintaining a workforce that reflects and honors the diversity of our students. It is important to us that our faculty, staff, and administrators demonstrate an understanding of, sensitivity to, and respect for the diverse academic, socioeconomic, ethnic, and religious backgrounds as well as sexual orientation and abilities of all constituents in the Cuesta College community.
In 500 words or less, with consideration to our Mission Statement and our values expressed above, please explain how you will demonstrate your commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in this position.

Reference List Instructions: Your reference list must include three professional references, their contact information, and their relationship to you.

Completed online applications and all supporting documents must be submitted by the closing date for this position. LATE, INCOMPLETE, FAXED, MAILED OR EMAILED APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Cuesta College will not sponsor any visa applications.

San Luis Obispo County Community College District ("Cuesta College") is an equal opportunity employer committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, and medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth), age, disability (physical and mental), genetic information, military and veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal and state law in admission and access to, or treatment in employment, educational programs or activities at any of its campuses. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for applicants with disabilities who self-disclose. Cuesta College also prohibits harassment on any of these bases, including sexual harassment, as well as sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking.

In compliance with California law, all prospective staff and students are entitled to read the Annual Security Report, published each October by the Cuesta College Department of Public Safety. This report contains information about our emergency and crime reporting procedures, as well as crime statistics for the past 3 years. You may request a copy of this report at one of our two Public Safety Offices: on SLO campus at Building 6600A or on North County Campus at building N1021, during campus business hours. You may also access the complete text of this report at the following website address: https://www.cuesta.edu/about/depts/publicsafety/clery_act

Cuesta College uses E-Verify as part of the I-9 process to verify the work eligibility of all new hires. E-Verify is an Internet-based system that compares information from an employee's Form I-9 to data from U.S Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration records. For further information, visit: https://www.cuesta.edu/about/depts/humanresources/Job_Opportunities.html

Interview Process Information

Selected applicants will be invited to attend a Zoom interview on Friday, October 17, 2025

Second interviews will be held via Zoom still to be determined.

To be considered for this position please visit our web site and apply on line at the following link: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/cuesta

The San Luis Obispo County Community College District promotes inclusiveness, prohibits discrimination, and encourages all qualified persons to apply. As an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, Cuesta College actively seeks candidates with diverse backgrounds to assist students, staff, and faculty. For ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) assistance with the application and/or interview process, please contact the Human Resources Office: (805) 546-3129.

Job Details

Associate Director, Career and Transfer Services

About the Role: