Seattle Colleges Hiring for Dean – Basic & Transitional Studies (BTS) at Seattle, WA Full Time

Position Summary

South Seattle College campus is looking to hire a Dean for our Basic and Transitional Studies (BTS) department. 

Salary Range for this position is $98,500.00 – $117,000.00 annually, depending on experience. 

Initial review of application materials will begin on Monday, Decmeber 18th. Early applications are encouraged. This position will remain open until filled.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. The employer will not sponsor applicants for work visas. 

Position Summary

Under the supervision of the Vice President of Instruction, the Dean for Basic and Transitional Studies will create, improve, and advocate for the division’s practices, capacities, programs, and services to meet the needs of South Seattle College’s students. The dean will institutionalize diversity, equity, and inclusion practices into the fabric of the division within a college that seeks to become anti-racist. The dean will need to be skilled in leading through organizational change. The position offers the right candidate the opportunity to lead curriculum development, instruction, assessment, and planning while collaborating with other deans on campus. The dean will participate in Guided Pathways initiatives, a curricular model designed to close the achievement gap and increase equity on campus. The dean directly supervises 40 faculty in English Language Learning and High School Completion/College Prep. The dean indirectly supervises Career Link, a high school on our campus.  

At South Seattle College, equity, diversity, inclusion, and community are central to the education of our students and essential to the thriving of all members of our faculty, staff, and the larger community. South Seattle College aspires to be an actively anti-bias and anti-racist learning institution. This aspiration is ongoing and institution-wide and requires deep personal and collective commitment and accountability. We welcome candidates who will actively collaborate in creating new options for learning, work, and growth for our students and employees.

This is an exempt, non-represented position. 

About Us 

We are a district of three distinct colleges-North Seattle College, Seattle Central College, and South Seattle College-and five specialty training centers. Which makes us the largest and most diverse community college district in the state of Washington, we are leaders in change and innovation.  

Seattle Colleges is committed to recruiting dedicated faculty and employees who together create a welcoming academic climate that reflects the diverse backgrounds of our community, including ethnicity, national origin, religion, race, gender, gender identity, age, status as a veteran or disabled veteran, disability, political status, and sexual orientation. 

As a Seattle Colleges employee, you will gain access to a great benefits package including:  

• Competitive Pay Rates  
• Promotional Opportunities  
• Great Medical, Dental, and Retirement plans  
• Paid Sick and Vacation Leave  
• Transportation benefits  
• Tuition Waivers 
• PEBB Wellness Plan  
• Washington State Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) 

Seattle Colleges staff and faculty also enjoy professional development opportunities and enrichment experiences in areas of their choice, including committee, workgroup, and affinity group opportunities.  

Application Procedures: 

• Attach current Resume 
• Attach cover letter addressing how your background intersects with the job 

Required application materials must be completed and submitted online

Notice to Applicants:  
Please note that Seattle Colleges has moved to holding interviews virtually using video conference options such as Zoom or Teams. As such, if you are selected for an interview, please be prepared to hold your interview virtually.

What you will be working on:

• Demonstrate strong leadership skills including leading by example, problem solving, taking ownership of situations and equitably resolving conflicts; advocate for the needs of faculty and students to college administration. 
• Prioritize divisional goals and create strategies to ensure sufficient resources and time to achieve these goals. 
• Support faculty in their professional pursuits. Ensure anti-bias/anti-racist practices are being adopted and incorporated in all aspects of the work of the division. 
• Guide faculty as they develop innovative curriculum and navigate the tenure process. 
• Effectively resolve student complaints in a manner that supports students and faculty. 
• Coordinate with other instructional deans to ensure that course offerings are consistent with supporting college-wide program needs while meeting college and accrediting body requirements. 
• Actively engage with program assessment work, leading division work around anti-racist assessment. Collaborate with faculty coordinators to generate assessment data collection to ensure students are learning.  
• Develop an annual budget of between $2 to $3 million including state, grant, foundation, and contract funds.
• Manage enrollment to maximize use of faculty loads and space resources by serving as the final authority on annual class schedule.  
• Complete other duties as assigned by the Vice President of Instruction or as necessary.

What you bring as a candidate: (Any Equivalent Combination of Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education and Experience)

• At least two years of experience in an educational leadership role 
• Teaching experience, preferably in higher education (teaching experience can be concurrent with leadership experience). 
• Bachelor’s degree. 
• Collaborative problem solver, able to synthesize diverse opinions and find creative solutions. 
• Able to listen, build trust, build consensus transparently, and engage faculty and staff to actively participate in decision making. 
• Multiple examples of experience developing curriculum with instructional teams. 
• Demonstrated ability to hire and retain faculty of color. 
• At least two years’ experience in formulating and balancing departmental budgets; direct experience or relatable skills show a proficiency with different types of budgets (grants, contracts, state allocations, or others) as well as different funding sources (public, private, non-profit, or others).  
• An understanding of assessment – from course inception through student success and retention.

Other qualifications that aren’t required but will help you succeed in this position:

• Three or more years of experience in an educational leadership role. 
• Master’s Degree or PhD in adult education, educational leadership, or a related field.
• Experience in a community or technical college, particularly in academic leadership.

Physical Demands and Disability Accommodation 

Persons with disabilities have the right to reasonable accommodation in all aspects of employment with Seattle Colleges. This includes, but is not limited to recruitment, application, hiring, training, termination, conditions of employment, and any other employer-supported activities. Applicants requesting accommodation should contact Human Resources.

Seattle Colleges follows the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and provides the following information as a guideline for applicants:  

• Ability to operate office equipment, receive and interpret data, and prepare various materials 
• Ability to exchange information with supervisor, lead, co-workers, and students 
• Ability to provide 1:1 support, present to small groups, and work at a computer exercising repetitive hand motion 
• Work is performed primarily in office settings with frequent interruptions and encounters noises typical of an office environment     

Notice of Non-Discrimination Statement  

Seattle Colleges is committed to the concept and practice of equal opportunity for all its students, employees, and applicants in education, employment, services and contracts, and does not discriminate on the basis of race or ethnicity, color, age, national origin, religion, creed, marital status, sex, pregnancy, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, status as an honorably discharged veteran or disabled veteran or military status, political affiliation or belief, citizenship/status as a lawfully admitted immigrant authorized to work in the United States, or presence of any physical, sensory, or mental disability. In addition, reasonable accommodation will be made for known physical or mental limitations for all otherwise qualified persons with disabilities. Further, the Seattle Colleges is committed to ensure that all employees and students work and learn in an environment that fosters mutual respect and professionalism, free from all forms of “bullying” behaviors, including “cyberbullying.” 

Inquiries regarding compliance and/or grievance procedures may be directed to the Director of Legal Compliance.

Background Check Statement  

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the position. In addition to the background check, candidates will complete Sexual Misconduct Disclosure Form WA HB 2327 as required.