Job Details

1. Current department chair(s) (for faculty) or supervisor(s);

2. Previous department chair(s) (for faculty) or supervisor(s) (from within the past five (5) years);

3. Master's thesis or Doctoral Dissertation advisor or supervisor (for faculty);

4. Colleague(s) or co-worker(s) who can address professional competency and skills relevant to the position; and/or

5. Other professional references.

Please note, professional references are typically contacted when a candidate is selected for, or as a finalist for, a position.

Description

Specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the position. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

The School of the Arts at Irvine Valley College is a vibrant hub where creative expression, technical mastery, and intellectual growth converge in a supportive and inclusive environment. Our mission is to empower students whether traditional or non-traditional to discover, develop, and realize their artistic potential across the disciplines of Visual Arts, Music, Dance, Theatre Arts, and Communication Studies. Through a commitment to community engagement and academic excellence, we prepare students not only for successful careers and continued education but also for meaningful participation in the cultural fabric of our communities. In doing so, we foster a deep sense of belonging and promote creative citizenship.

With the opening of our brand-new, state-of-the-art IVC Arts Village home to the Visual Arts, Music, and Dance departments we are seeking a visionary leader to help us advance our mission. This leader will support efforts to empower students to reach their academic and professional aspirations while serving the wider community. They will help us prepare the next generation of artists, designers, musicians, and cultural leaders to harness the transformative power of the arts.

Our work is rooted in the belief that creative expression fosters connection and lifelong learning. We are committed to inspiring appreciation across diverse artistic disciplines and building meaningful partnerships with schools, arts organizations, businesses, and community groups. Through these relationships, we aim to position the School of the Arts as a model for inclusive community building where shared cultural experiences deepen understanding and spark innovation.

The Dean provides collaborative leadership and administrative oversight of the Library and Online Education learning resources, working closely with faculty and staff to ensure collections, services, and programs effectively support student learning and academic success. This role facilitates faculty engagement in developing and curating library collections, integrating technology to enhance research and instruction for the library and campus environment, and aligning library resources with instructional needs. The Dean also fosters a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, coordinating professional development opportunities, assessing library services, and strengthening partnerships across the college and community to expand access and support equitable student outcomes.

As we navigate contemporary challenges including the rise of AI and automation in creative industries, the need for workforce development, and ensuring equitable access to cultural opportunities we remain dedicated to demonstrating the vital role the arts play in enriching lives and addressing social change. We also strive to create innovative platforms for cross-disciplinary exploration, bridging artistic practices with academic disciplines and diverse cultural traditions to nurture well-rounded, forward-thinking artists and thinkers.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

To serve as administrator and supervisor of the School of the Arts instructional unit of the college, Library, and Online Education; provide leadership to develop, organize and implement the unit's goals and objectives; provide leadership to plan, develop, organize, schedule, direct, improve and evaluate the unit's instructional programs, curriculum and related student support services in consultation with Vice Presidents, Deans, Academic Chairs, faculty and classified staff. To foster a culture of collaboration, mutual respect, innovation, and continuous improvement throughout the District; lead by example; actively participate in and support District-wide participatory governance components and activities and other collaborative processes; encourage professional excellence among the staff and promote an organizational culture of customer service, innovation, and quality services.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general direction from the Vice President for Instruction or designee of the President.

Exercises functional and technical supervision over academic, professional, technical and classified staff as assigned.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

The following duties and responsibilities are typical for this position. Incumbents may not perform all the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE GUIDELINES

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education:

A Master's degree from an accredited college or university with emphasis in a discipline within the assigned instructional unit. An earned doctorate from an accredited college or university is preferred.

Experience:

At least three years of successful faculty experience at the postsecondary level, in at least one of the areas of this assignment; at least one year of successful postsecondary administrative/supervisory experience, with a preferred emphasis in one area of the unit of assignment; and evidence of a sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, physically challenged, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students.

Commitment to equity and diversity. All applicants must have demonstrated sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, faculty and staff. The applicant must be able to demonstrate how these factors relate to the need for equity-minded practices within an educational environment.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

Administrative leadership experience in the development, organization, and management of two or more instructional programs, including at least one instructional program related to this assignment. The Dean will provide administrative leadership in the development and management of instructional programs. Experience in the Arts, Library, and Online Education is highly valued. We are seeking a leader with progressive experience in higher education €" especially in the community college setting €"and a demonstrated history of academic administration. A clear vision for the arts, an understanding of the evolving role of academic libraries, and familiarity with best practices in online education are considered assets. Experience supporting performing arts centers or similar venues is also desirable.

The ideal Dean brings a strategic approach to resource management, excels in planning and assessment, fosters collaborative leadership, and demonstrates exceptional communication and interpersonal skills. A deep commitment to student success and fostering a welcoming, equitable, inclusive, and accessible learning environment is central to this role.

The Dean will offer visionary leadership in support of the Arts, Library, and Online Education, helping to advance innovation, equity, and academic excellence. Ideal areas of impact include:

Strategic and Visionary Leadership: Ability to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation, while identifying new opportunities for program development, community partnerships, and resource generation.

Student Success and Access: Dedication to promoting initiatives that support academic success, career readiness, student well-being, and equitable outcomes €"especially for non-traditional and historically underserved student populations.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA): Interest in leading efforts that center DEIA across curriculum, recruitment, professional development, and campus engagement.

Academic and Operational Leadership: Familiarity with curriculum development, faculty support, accreditation processes, and transparent decision-making in alignment with shared governance. Experience supporting operations for studios, libraries, and/or performance venues is a plus.

Communication and Advocacy: Ability to serve as a collaborative and visible leader, skilled in active listening, open communication, and consensus-building with internal and external stakeholders.

Adaptability and Innovation: Openness to emerging trends such as online learning, AI integration, and workforce-aligned programming €"while maintaining the core values of arts and library education.

Faculty Development and Excellence: Demonstrated interest in faculty mentorship and supporting excellence in teaching, scholarship, and curriculum innovation across in-person and online modalities.

Community and Industry Engagement: Capacity to develop and sustain partnerships with local arts organizations, K €"12 schools, and industry professionals €"enhancing the college's role as a cultural and educational hub.

Academic and Creative Achievement: A background in teaching, scholarly work, or creative practice that contributes to academic and artistic excellence, particularly in online or hybrid environments.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATES, AND/OR OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Valid California driver's license.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

ABILITY TO:

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Work Environment:

Standard office setting. Typically, duties are performed in an office environment while sitting at a desk or computer workstation. An incumbent also visits instructional sites and is subject to contact with others, frequent interruptions, noise from talking or office equipment and demanding legal timelines. At least minimal environmental controls to assure health and comfort.

Physical Demands:

The incumbent regularly sits for long periods, walks short distances on a regular basis, travels to various locations to visit instructional sites, attend meetings and conduct work; uses hands and fingers to operate an electronic keyboard or other office machines; reaches with hands and arms, speaks clearly and distinctly to answer telephones and to provide information; sees to read fine print and operate computer; hears and understands voices over telephone and in person; and lifts, carries, and/or moves objects weighing up to 10 pounds.

Notice to all Candidates for Employment:

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 South Orange County Community College District (SOCCCD) will not sponsor any visa applications.

Employees must reside in California while employed with the SOCCCD.

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 SOCCCD 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 SOCCCD 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 (949) 582-4850 or sending an e-mail to hrinfodesk@socccd.edu.

Attendance Requirement:

All SOCCCD 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 www.ivc.edu or www.saddleback.edu. Paper copies are available in the Human Resources office upon request.

Non-Discrimination Notice:

The SOCCCD 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 SOCCCD 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 SOCCCD 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 SOCCCD 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 SOCCCD a unique and special place for individuals of all backgrounds.

The SOCCCD 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 SOCCCD, 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 SOCCCD, you are strongly encouraged to consider whether your values align with the SOCCCD's mission and goals for DEI and EEO.

THE SOCCCD IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER