Vice President, Academic Affairs

Job Duties

COMMITMENT TO EQUITY AND DIVERSITY
With the goal of ensuring the equal educational opportunity of all students, Santa Monica College embraces diversity among students, faculty, staff, and the communities we serve as an integral part of our history, a recognition of the complexity of our present state, and a call to action for a better future. Embracing diversity means that we must intentionally practice equity and respect toward one another, and understand that discrimination and prejudices create and sustain privileges for some while creating and sustaining barriers for others. In order to embrace diversity, we also acknowledge that institutional discrimination and implicit bias exist, and that our goal is to eradicate those vestiges from our system. Our commitment to diversity requires that we strive to eliminate those barriers to equity, and that we act deliberately to create a safe and positive environment where individual and group differences are valued and leveraged for our growth and understanding as an educational community.

To advance the goals of diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice for the success of students and employees, we must honor that each individual is unique and that our individual differences contribute to the ability of the college to prepare students on their educational journeys. This requires that we develop and implement policies and procedures, encourage individual and systemic change, continually reflect on our efforts, and hold ourselves accountable for the results of our efforts in accomplishing our goals.

We are invested as a community in cultivating and maintaining a climate where equity and mutual respect are both intrinsic and explicit by valuing individuals and groups from all backgrounds, demographics, and experiences. Individual and group differences can include, but are not limited to the following dimensions: race, ethnicity, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, immigration status, sex, gender, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, registered domestic partner status, age, religion, creed, military or veteran status, socioeconomic status, and any other basis protected by federal, state or local law or ordinance or regulation. We acknowledge that the concept of inclusion and diversity is ever-evolving, thus we create space to allow our understanding to grow through the periodic review of this statement. In service of these goals, Santa Monica College is committed to fostering an employment environment that offers equal employment opportunity for all and an educational environment that ensures the equal educational opportunity of all students.

Position ProfileUnder the direction of the Superintendent/President, the Vice President, Academic Affairs serves as the College’s Chief Instructional Officer and provides visionary leadership and oversight for the College’s broad array of instructional program and services.  The Vice President, Academic Affairs leads a team of Deans, Associate Deans, Directors, and Project Managers to employ collaborative, participatory governance of all instruction and academic support programs at the College.  The Vice President leads instructional efforts to reduce racial equity gaps and foster a diverse, equitable and inclusive learning and work environment.  The Vice President has primary administrative responsibility for academic policy, regional accreditation, curriculum and program development, class scheduling and related enrollment management strategies, program review, assessment of learning outcomes to support continuous program improvement, and excellence in teaching and learning.

Instruction at Santa Monica College is offered via both classroom-based and online delivery modes, and includes major preparation and general education requirements for associate degrees and transfer to four-year institutions, career education programs leading to certificates and degrees, noncredit offerings in ESL, short term vocational and workforce preparations areas, as well as programming for older adults (Emeritus Program) and not-for-credit Community Education and Workforce and Economic Development Contract Education offerings.

The Vice President serves as a member of the Superintendent/President’s senior administrative staff, provides leadership in developing college/district policy, and ensures the college/district adheres to applicable federal, state and regional laws and regulations.

Leadership Responsibilities
Represent the Superintendent/President, members of the Board of Trustees, and the College on instructional matters.
Oversee all instructional programs including transfer; career education; noncredit and other continuing education; classroom-based, online, and hybrid instruction; Athletics; the College Library; Tutoring; Supplemental Instruction; and other learning resources.
Provide collaborative, data-driven leadership and support for College equity, pathways and inclusion efforts to achieve college goals to close racial equity gaps.
Participate in setting overall District budget goals as a member of the senior administrative staff.
Work collaboratively with the Academic Senate on educational and professional matters.
Serve as the Accreditation Liaison Officer.
Work collaboratively to engage in and monitor the Accreditation Process for the College and specialized accreditation processes for individual programs.
Serve as senior administrator for the SMC Athletics program.
Participate in the faculty collective bargaining process.
Represent the District at local, state, or national conferences, workshops, and trainings related to instruction, instructional support services, student achievement, and institutional effectiveness.
Develop, support, and participate in collaborations and partnerships with business and industry, schools, colleges and universities, and governmental entities.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
(Examples of key duties are interpreted as being descriptive not restrictive.)
Assume overall responsibility for the leadership and administration of all aspects of the College’s instructional programs and academic services in support of the institution’s Vision, Mission, Goals, and ensure compliance with applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies, and established philosophy.
Provide vision and leadership, in close collaboration with the Academic Senate, for program and curriculum development in compliance with state curriculum requirements and ensure administrative support for curriculum processes.
Provide leadership for development of academic courses and programs in emerging career fields based on relevant labor market data.
Provide vision and leadership, in close collaboration with the Academic Senate, for effective and comprehensive program review that drives college planning and ensure administrative support for the program review process.
Ensure the assessment of learning outcomes at the course, program, and institutional levels, and the use of assessment results in program improvement efforts.
Provide leadership in the development of accreditation self-evaluation reports and related follow-up with the accrediting commission.
Lead in the development of course schedules that meet student needs and enable students to achieve their goals in a timely manner.
Develop and implement annual course offering/enrollment management plans that are aligned with the College’s fiscal goals, carefully monitor the results, and make necessary adjustments as warranted by actual enrollment results or external factors.
Build connections with area unified school districts, colleges, and universities to create smooth transitions for students.
Provide direction and support for the College’s Workforce and Economic Development efforts.
Participate in the selection of outstanding candidates for new faculty and other college positions.
Monitor faculty assignment and load.
Ensure effective evaluation processes in support of student learning for all faculty and other academic personnel.
Serve as a key and innovative participant in college planning processes.
Oversee the development of the college catalog and schedule of classes.
Oversee the College’s instructional budgets and supervise budgeting and expenditures for the Academic Affairs area.
Provide leadership for planning of instructional facilities.
Serve as a resource for instructional matters in the faculty collective bargaining process and participate as needed.
Work within a participatory governance environment serving as an administrative representative on committees as assigned.
Collaborate with other college leaders to develop and assess enrollment management strategies.
Build effective relationships with Student Services, Enrollment Management, Business and Administrative Services, and Human Resources to strengthen and expand support programs such as, but not limited to, Pathways Initiatives, Student Success and Support Programs, and Equity Programs.
Prepare and deliver oral and written reports, recommendations, and presentations to committees, the Board of Trustees, internal constituencies and external stakeholders.
Assume leadership for other related projects and perform other duties as assigned by the Superintendent/President.
Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities
Skill and ability to reconcile divergent views of others and to work collegially with others.
Data-driven approach to decision making.
Knowledge of equity-minded principles and proven practices for reducing racial equity gaps in student outcomes.
Skill in resolving complex problems.
Knowledge of, and the ability and skill to plan, implement, and evaluate instructional programs.
Knowledge of and ability to interpret and comply with applicable laws and codes relevant to the assignment.
Knowledge of the statutes, regulations, and principles that guide participatory governance.
Knowledge of leadership approaches that are student centered, and demonstrated success in using a student-centered approach.
Ability to think analytically, creatively, strategically, and to have a big picture perspective.
Ability to develop strong relationships with faculty, as well as other college constituents, and ability to successfully manage relationships and projects.
Ability to collect and analyze appropriate data and other information to ensure the effective assessment and improvement of projects and initiatives.
Ability to develop, administer, and manage a complex budget.
Ability to supervise academic and classified personnel assigned to instructional and instructional support programs.
Ability to work in collaboration with the District’s Campus Counsel to ensure compliance with laws and regulations governing academic issues.
Ability to work cooperatively and collegially with others.
Ability to execute effective presentations.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Willingness to work in a dynamic environment that requires flexibility, and to balance multiple responsibilities.
Solid organizational skills including attention to detail and multi-tasking skills.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicant must meet the minimum qualifications of a faculty discipline at the college.  To review the minimum qualifications for faculty disciplines, refer to Minimum Qualifications for Faculty and Administrators in California Community Colleges, which can be found on the California Chancellor’s Office website at https://www.cccco.edu/About-Us/Chancellors-Office/Divisions/Educational-Services-and-Support/What-we-do/Educational-Programs-and-Professional-Development/Minimum-Qualifications.

Master’s degree and five (5) years of academic leadership experience at the level of dean or equivalent at an accredited institution of higher education.
Must have evidence of sensitivity to and understanding of the socio-economic, academic, cultural and ethnic diversity within the community college student population, including students with physical and/or learning disabilities as these factors relate to differences in learning styles.

Preferred Qualifications

An earned doctorate degree from an accredited institution plus educational administrative experience directly related to described duties and responsibilities within a community college setting.
Faculty experience at an accredited institution of higher education.
Demonstrate an equity-minded understanding of the needs and challenges of low-income, traditionally underrepresented minority students, and/or first-generation college students.
Demonstrated success in improving student learning and engagement.
Demonstrated success in planning and implementing course schedules that meet student needs.
Demonstrated success in developing and implementing annual enrollment plans that are aligned with the institution’s fiscal goals and realities.
Demonstrated success in local and statewide curriculum approval processes for courses, programs, and degrees.
Demonstrate excellent analytical, organization, and presentation skills.
Demonstrate excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
Documented participation in data-driven program review and institutional planning processes.
Documented successful experience with participatory governance and collaborative institutional planning.

Additional Information

Academic Administrator Application Requirements
A standard application consists of the following:

Online District Application
Cover Letter
Resume
Transcript
Three (3) Confidential Letters of Recommendation
* Additional, job-specific items may be required.  Please refer to the job posting for specific details.

PLEASE NOTE:  THE E-MAILS TO YOUR REFERENCE WRITERS REQUESTING CONFIDENTIAL LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION ARE NOT GENERATED UNTIL THE APPLICATION IS COMPLETE.  YOU MUST FINISH YOUR APPLICATION AND CLICK SUBMIT FOR THE E-MAILS TO GO OUT.  PLEASE KEEP THIS IN MIND AND ALLOW ENOUGH TIME FOR YOUR REFERENCE WRITERS TO RECEIVE THE REQUEST AND SUBMIT THE LETTERS PRIOR TO THE RECRUITMENT DEADLINE. ALSO, THE LINKS IN THE E-MAILS TO YOUR REFERENCE WRITERS WILL NOT WORK IF THEY ARE TRYING TO SEND THE LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION FROM OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES.  iF THIS IS THE CASE, PLEASE HAVE YOUR REFERENCE WRITER SUBMIT THEIR LETTER DIRECTLY TO THE SANTA MONICA COLLEGE HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT AT humanresources@smc.edu.

It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all application materials, including the letters of recommendation, are received prior to the recruitment deadline.

Diversity StatementRecent experience working with African American, Latinx, Native American, and other racially minoritized students in the classroom; and a willingness to use culturally responsive instructional practices.
Demonstrated sensitivity to issues of diversity, and ability to motivate and teach community college students of diverse ethnic and racial backgrounds, sexual orientations, genders, cultures, and learning styles, as well as students with disabilities or varied levels of academic preparation.

Equity Statement
Santa Monica College encourages candidates that are equity-minded to apply.  SMC is a minority-serving, Hispanic-serving institution. We actively seek to attract candidates from minority groups that value equity, diversity and inclusion.  Equity, diversity and inclusion are built into the culture at SMC and are an essential component of the work that we do.  SMC is committed to racial and socioeconomic diversity as it is a reflection of our student population and we strive to hire candidates that share this commitment.

Equal Employment Opportunity Disclosure
The Santa Monica Community College District is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity.  All qualified applicants for employment, as well as District employees, shall have full and equal access to employment opportunity.  No person shall be subjected to unlawful discrimination in any program or activity of the District.  The District’s Board Policy 3420 (Equal Employment Opportunity) may be accessed at: http://www.smc.edu/ACG/Documents/Board_Policy_Manual/Updated%20Board%20Policies%202017/Board%20Policy%20Chapter%203.pdf (Download PDF reader)

Equivalency Statement
The Santa Monica Community College District, in its desire to select outstanding faculty members from the largest possible pool of qualified applicants, recognizes the fact that candidates may attain expertise in a discipline through a variety of means.  Certain combinations of education, experience and other accomplishments in the field may be judged by the District as equal to the stated minimum qualifications for this position.  Candidates who feel they possess such equivalent qualifications are encouraged to apply and provide appropriate documentation of their qualifications.  For further details regarding equivalency criteria, please download the Equivalency Application Statement Form available at https://jobs.smc.edu/applicants/static/customers/655/EquivalencyStatementPDF.pdf (Download PDF reader)

Conditions of Employment
Appointment is subject to verification of official transcripts, current or previous employment, tuberculosis and fingerprint clearance. Selected candidate must provide identification and work authorization.

For more information about Santa Monica Community College:
https://www.smc.edu/
https://www.smc.edu/administration/human-resources/index.php
https://www.smc.edu/administration/human-resources/diversity-equity-inclusivity/index.php