Position Profile

The position will remain open until filled. Deadline for inclusion in first review is: March 25, 2022 ‐ 1:00 pm (PST).

The Position

The Board of Trustees is seeking a visionary leader with an understanding and demonstrated commitment to community college philosophy that showcases an inclusive and open leadership style that will continue the tradition of outstanding service to the residents of Siskiyou County and beyond.

The successful candidate will be an advocate for student success and participatory governance, provide support for collaborative decision‐making, and have the ability to forge consensus on difficult issues. Additional key characteristics of the successful candidate will be a strong belief in the value of diversity and inclusivity, a respect for the value of every member of the college community, and recognition of the College's role in being an innovator in the community.

The Superintendent/President is the Chief Executive Officer of the Siskiyou Joint Community College District and President of College of the Siskiyous (COS). Under the direction of an elected seven‐member Board and a student‐elected representative and following District Board policies, California Education Code, and related regulations, the Superintendent/President is responsible for overseeing the entire College, including the planning and budgeting process, academic programs, student and administrative services, institutional advancement, and human resources. The Superintendent/President is responsible for ensuring the College meets the educational needs of its students and the community. The Superintendent/President will also represent the College to local businesses and industry, other educational institutions, federal, state, and local agencies, and potential donors to the COS Foundation.

Required Qualifications

• Earned Master's degree from an accredited institution.
• Senior administrative‐level experience in higher education or equivalent.
• Demonstrated sensitivity to and understanding of diverse academic, socioeconomic, culture, gender, sexual orientation, disability, and ethnic/racial backgrounds of community college students.

Desired Qualifications

• An earned doctorate from an accredited institution.
• President or Vice President level experience at a community college.
• Faculty experience and/or support for the roles of faculty, instruction, and student services in a higher education environment.
• Demonstrated experience with enrollment management, including, but not limited to: development and implementation of enrollment management plans, strategies for increasing student enrollment, and strategies for sustaining student enrollment.
• Understanding of the California Community College system and mission, educational and financial issues, the laws and regulations of California, including, but not limited to: the Vision for Student Success, Guided Pathways, and Student-Centered Funding Formula.
• A record of community involvement and leadership.
• A record of developing strategic partnerships and alliances that support the mission and goals of the College.
• Demonstrated experience with intercollegiate athletics programs and student housing.
• Demonstrated experience with strategic planning, strong fiscal management linking resource allocation to planning and priorities, and leading the ongoing efforts of the College to meet regional accreditation standards.
• Demonstrated history working with Career and Technical Education programs.
• Demonstrated history of resource development.

Ideal Characteristics

The District is seeking a leader to sustain and improve the quality of education being provided by the College's outstanding faculty, committed staff and strong management team. The candidate's record will demonstrate an experienced, ethical, and dynamic leader who:

• has a leadership style that is visible, approachable, responsive, and accessible on campus.
• establishes a presence in the community that engages businesses, elected officials, community organizations and other educational entities to effectively advocate for the College.
• will recognize, respect and work collaboratively with the socioeconomic, academic, cultural and ethnic diversity of the communities served by the District.
• relies upon relevant management experience in effectively navigating California Community College policy, legal, and accreditation environment.
• effectively navigating California Community College policy, legal, and accreditation environment.
• will work collaboratively with faculty, staff and the Board of Trustees and encourage their continued professional development.
• is committed to the effective use of technology within the academic and administrative environments.
• is able to delegate responsibility and authority while maintaining accountability.
• has experience in supporting efforts related to environmental sustainability.
• is able to manage facilities construction and modernization projects.
• will provide strong advocacy at the local, state, and national levels in representing the interests of a small, rural college.
• is able to facilitate resource development through fundraising and grants.
• will be a visionary educational leader who possesses exceptional interpersonal, written and oral communication skills and uses those skills to foster strong relationships; to develop shared priorities; and to identify and resolve problems with leadership and a sense of humor.

Challenges and Opportunities

• Articulate a vision for the College that defines emerging needs and trends, bringing global perspective to college-wide discussions and priorities (e.g.: remote/virtual learning; diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism; managing COVID-19 pandemic issues).
• Provide leadership that will support and enhance the visibility and role of the College throughout the community, including strengthening partnerships with K‐12 education, businesses and industry.
• Provide leadership for enrollment management that will expand sustainable enrollments both on campus and through distance learning and that will support the improvement of student learning, retention, and completion.
• Provide leadership to manage the College's resources and grow an existing foundation and endowment program.
• Support the educational needs of students and the community by providing leadership in expanding transfer to baccalaureate institutions as well as career and technical education and workforce training.
• Provide leadership for strengthening intercollegiate athletics and student housing.
• Provide leadership for emergency preparedness, campus safety, and security.
• Provide leadership to address student housing insecurity and food insecurity.
• Provide leadership for major facilities construction and modernization projects.

The College & Community

The main campus is located in the historic lumber town of Weed, California, at the base of 14,162 foot snow‐capped Mt. Shasta. The College sits on 250 acres of forested land, with a climate featuring four distinct seasons. A campus center is located in the City of Yreka. Both locations feature new state-of-the-art facilities, an exceptional setting for learning and quality instruction in a caring atmosphere.

The communities of Siskiyou County offer an assortment of quaint shops, restaurants, film and live theater, concerts, poetry readings, and art galleries. Outdoor activities include: fishing, camping, skiing/snowboarding, hiking, golfing, and much more.

COS is a vital part of the community and is one of the County's primary employers with the District employing approximately 300 employees. The College served up to 3,000 full- and part-time students through comprehensive transfer and general education courses, employment-oriented programs and excellent student services.

Inquiries and Nominations

For all inquiries, nominations, and more information regarding the position and search process, contact the District's search consultant. All inquiries and nominations will be held in the strictest confidence.

Will Lewallen, Ph.D., Consultant
Community College Search Services
Email: will.lewallen@ccss.solutions
Phone: (831) 682-3541

For general inquiries regarding the application process, contact:

Beverly Muelrath, Human Resources Analyst III
Email: bmuelrath@siskiyous.edu
Phone: (530) 938-5271

Salary & Benefits

The salary, fringe benefit package, length of contract, and other terms and conditions of employment is competitive with and comparable to other community college districts in California.

Application Process

A Search Committee, representing the Academic Senate, Classified Staff, Classified Managers, Administrators/Management, ASB/Students, the Foundation, and community will screen applications. The Committee will select candidates who will be invited to an initial interview April 21-22. Candidates will be forwarded as finalists to the Board for their consideration. Finalists must agree to a full background and reference check. Finalists will participate in open forums and interviews with the Board of Trustees during May 11-13. The Board of Trustees will extend an offer of employment to the selected finalist.

Apply directly to the Siskiyou JCCD by visiting this webpage https://www.siskiyous.edu/humanresources/presidentsearch/

Applicants will need to have the following documents available to complete the application:

1. A letter of application (not to exceed 5 pages) that succinctly addresses the following from this position announcement: Required/Desired Qualifications, Ideal Characteristics, Challenges and Opportunities.
2. A current resume or CV.
3. A list of eight references that includes at least one supervisor, one colleague, one faculty, and one staff. Reference contact information must include office and personal phone numbers, as well as email addresses. References will be contacted only for finalists.
4. College/university transcripts. Unofficial copies are acceptable for application. Official transcripts will be required from the successful candidate. Foreign transcripts must include a U.S. evaluation and translation at the time of application.

Note: Once submitted, application documents become the property of the District and will not be returned.

Travel for initial interviews will be at the applicant's expense. Finalists will be reimbursed up to $1000 with receipts for travel expenses.

Initial and final interviews are planned for in-person format, but this is subject to change based on county and district health regulations.

For additional information about the District, the College, and the community, please visit: www.siskiyous.edu/

For information about the position and the application process please visit: https://www.siskiyous.edu/humanresources/presidentsearch/