Dean, Applied Science and Business

Salary: $140,802.48 - $203,902.56 Annually
Location: Palm Desert, CA
Job Type: FULL TIME
Job Number: 2500232
Division: Office of Instruction
Department: School of Applied Science & Business
Opening Date: 06/04/2026
Closing Date: 7/5/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit: N/A

Description

About College of the Desert
The College of the Desert, Desert Community College District enrolls approximately 20,000 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 racially and ethnically diverse students, 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.

• The Community - Coachella Valley
• College of the Desert

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 Dean, Applied Sciences and Business 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 through the appropriate reporting authority.

Under the direction of the Vice President, Instruction, the Dean is responsible for the leadership of the School by leading, planning, managing, coordinating, scheduling, and evaluating the activities of the academic disciplines, the Public Safety Academy, and Perkins Grant-required activities and other related duties and responsibilities assigned. The Dean provides academic leadership for the programs in the assigned School; to include supporting program reviews; performing faculty evaluations; facilitating student issues; and budget development, monitoring and reporting. The Dean develops linkages and partnerships with local businesses and industries; leads the development and implementation of appropriate customized education to our partners and clients; serves as the liaison between federal, state, regional and local organizations and the College; serves as the liaison for economic development with the Chancellor's office; and provides representation at the State and National Level for areas assigned.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

The duties listed below are only intended as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this class.

1. 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.
2. Evaluate the needs of the School in the context of the overall educational program; work collaboratively with faculty in program assessment and improvement; evaluate the need for new programs and support new program development.
3. Evaluate student and community needs, external requirements and regulations and current trends to develop program modifications and improvements. Develop institutional understanding and awareness of the economic growth and stability trends and issues of cities and counties, and or, business within the district boundaries. Translate these trends and issues into appropriate training and instructional responses by the College and determine the most appropriate form of instruction, i.e., credit or non-credit.
4. Develop joint venture responses, in partnership with other public agencies and the private sector, to the economic and development needs of the region; participate in statewide community college economic development initiatives designed to strengthen the local and California economy.
5. Work collaboratively with faculty in School and other School Deans on planning and prioritization; participate with the administrative team to set goals and priorities.
6. 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. 6. Work effectively and collaboratively with the Directors, Education Centers, regarding course offerings.
7. Provide leadership in the recruitment and hiring of full-time and adjunct faculty and support staff.
8. Supervise all faculty and staff within the instructional and non-instructional program areas; supervise workload; provide in-service training; resolve conflicts; facilitate consensus decision-making. Evaluate all faculty and staff in accordance with the contracts between the District and employee groups.
9. 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 Instruction; represent School concerns and needs to the Vice President of Instruction; and work effectively and collaboratively with Student Services.
10. Prepare budget estimates; administer and monitor approved budgets; prepare and manage contracts for services and equipment, including donations and grants within the School. Dean, School of Applied Sciences and Business
11. Coordinate scheduling of course sections in appropriate facilities; monitor classroom and lab facilities for adequate equipment, supplies and safety; work collaboratively with the appropriate departments including Maintenance & Operations and Information Technology to maintain equipment and facilities.
12. Lead Perkins mandated Program Advisory Groups and ensure compliance with all policies and guidelines for funding.
13. Provide leadership for the College's economic and workforce development activities.
14. Assist in student recruitment, advising, placement, registration, and retention.
15. Understand information technology and support fundamental changes that are emerging with expanded use of technologies in the educational environment.
16. Meet schedules and timelines, organize multiple projects efficiently and effectively, and carry out required project details throughout the year.
17. Interpret county, state and federal policy and legislation governing the administration, regulations and perform other related duties.
18. Develop and manage grants and special projects.
19. Represent the School and the college in community related activities.
20. Support innovative teaching ideas and practices to enhance student learning; support learning-centered instructional methodology.
21. Seek and participate in professional development activities.
22. Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

REQUIRED PROFICIENCIES
The Dean should possess knowledge, experience and abilities to perform the above listed responsibilities and functions in an efficient, effective, harmonious manner.

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 productively in a shared governance setting; strong interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with diverse constituencies within and outside the District; 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, career and technical education programs, Perkins funds, and Economic and Workforce Development programs and activities; district policies and procedures; budgeting; procedures for accreditation; curriculum development; teaching methods and techniques.

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.

EMPLOYMENT STATUS

• Educational Administrator
• Certificated Leadership Salary Schedule Range XI (Download PDF reader)

• Retirement System: CalSTRs (upon meeting eligibility criteria)

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Environment: Office environment. Constant interruptions. Driving a vehicle to conduct work as necessary. Requires evening and weekend responsibility.

SCHEDULE & LOCATION:

• This position is scheduled 40 hours per week, 12 months per year.
• The primary location is Palm Desert Campus but may work in other locations.
• May require some evening and weekend responsibilities.
• The schedule and location are subject to change based on District need.

REQUIRED APPLICATION AND REQUIRED UPLOADED DOCUMENTS:

To be considered a candidate for this position, the following materials must be electronically uploaded:

• Online Application: All sections of the College of the Desert District online application must be completed including education and experience.
• 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: Academic transcripts of all college level coursework showing date degree awarded from an accredited institution. For consideration, degree(s) must be awarded at the time of application. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable at time of application. Successful candidate must provide official transcripts upon hire. Non-U.S. transcripts must include a certified U.S. evaluation (i.e., NACES agency: www.naces.org) at the time of application. Diplomas will not be accepted in lieu of the required transcripts.

REQUIRED 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.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS:

• 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.
• Employment is contingent on residence in California.
• Incomplete application packages will not be considered.
• All submitted materials become the property of College of the Desert Community College District and will not be returned or copied and will be considered for this position only.
• Salary placement will be contingent on all materials submitted for this position.
• Applicant bears the sole responsibility for ensuring that the application package is complete when submitted.
• All travel arrangements will be at applicant's expense.
• Application materials must be received by the deadline. Application materials received after the closing deadline will not be accepted.
• For online application, information, and instructions, visit the College of the Desert job opportunities website at https://www.collegeofthedesert.edu/faculty-staff/human-resources/career-opportunities.phpor call (760) 773-2529.
• FAQs: For additional information, click here: Recruitment - Frequently Asked Questions.

TIMELINES:

• For consideration, please apply by July 5, 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted.
• Interviews are tentatively scheduled in-person on August 20, 2026.
• Tentative schedule is subject to change based on District need.

Notice to all Candidates for Employment:

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(Note: We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.) A Social Security Card will be required for payroll processing.
• 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.

Salary Placement: Contingent on education, experience, and department budget. All materials must be provided at the time of application for consideration.

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:

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:

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 ffrausto@collegeofthedesert.edu.

Attendance Requirement:

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:

Information regarding campus crime and safety awareness can be found at https://www.collegeofthedesert.edu/students/public-safety/.

Non-Discrimination Notice:

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:

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:

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

• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
• California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (FEHA)
  • Discrimination Laws Regarding People With Disabilities
  • Reasonable Accommodation
• Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
• AP 7100 - Commitment to Diversity (Download PDF reader)
• COD - Equal Opportunity Plan (Download PDF reader)
• Department of Labor's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP)

THE DCCD IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER



To apply, visit: https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/collegeofthedesertca/jobs/5362687/dean-applied-science-and-business







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