Taft College

2 job(s) at Taft College

Taft College Taft, California
12/03/2025
Full time
MESA Program Director Priority Application Deadline December 19, 2025. Position will remain open until filled. Summary Plans, implements, supervises, assesses, and evaluates the activities, programs, information, personnel, and related services for students in the Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) program. The position also provides complex administrative support to the Vice President of Instruction. Distinguishing Career Features The MESA Program Director is responsible for the efficient and effective operations of the MESA program. This position requires a demonstrated ability to coordinate and facilitate an instructional support program and supervise employees. The Director works with existing college areas to plan tutoring and supplemental instruction services. The MESA Program Director reports to the Vice President of Instruction with cooperative duties integrating with Student Services. Job Duties Responsibilities Responsible for strategic planning and daily management of MESA program, focusing on a student-centered and inclusive environment. Develop plans for implementation of MESA in cooperation with the Faculty Sponsor, CCCCO Project Monitor, deans, and other associated staff and faculty members. Maintain communications between the MESA program, mathematics, engineering, and science faculty and division chair(s), deans, student support services personnel, MESA students, student organizations, related professionals, and campus administrators to build a program of academic rigor. Work with department faculty and Learning Center Director to select best available math, science, computer science, and engineering tutors and/or teaching assistants for MESA students. Develop tutoring and study program for MESA, which includes the recruitment and training of tutors, and which incorporates a mix of individual small and large group study activities, working cooperatively with the Learning Center Director. Recruit and schedule speakers for meetings of MESA students. Plan, schedule, and coordinate career advising and job orientations for students. Plan, schedule, and coordinate activities related to academic advising, including advocacy and selection of a designated MESA counselor. Develop, plan, and coordinate activities related to student retention. Maintain contacts and encourage the formation of a pipeline and pathway for students between MESA and four-year colleges and universities. Coordinates planning of student services for MESA students, including admission, financial aid, scholarships, summer programs and jobs, academic, career, and student advising. Work with local businesses and industry to provide opportunities such as internships, job shadowing, field trips, and exposure to the industry environment. Ensure student eligibility for the MESA program, ensure that student contractual agreements are met, and maintains program records. Recruit students from the community college district and from high schools within the service area. Coordinate evaluation of program activities and accomplishments and recommend steps for continuous improvement. Participate in MESA training, evaluation, and other activities. Collect and compile data and prepare status reports as required by the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office (CCCCO) and participate in campus activities that lead to the collection and submission of MESA student data for the CCCCO Management Information System (MIS). Oversee grant activities following defined action plan, track funds, and prepare mid-year and annual programmatic and financial reports of MESA generated funds. Submit periodic reports to the CCCCO. Verify compliance with all aspects of the MESA grant and write grant for refunding. Maintain a file on each MESA student and transfer student with information on students' enrollment, academic performance, participation, and current status. Work with the local campus staff and/or regional MESA colleagues in order to research and prepare grant proposals for collaborative submissions. Maintain regular contact with the CCCCO MESA Monitor, complete reports and evaluations as requested and attend in-service orientation trainings for MESA Directors. Lead, train, and evaluate assigned personnel. Conduct selection and hiring of personnel according to established policies and procedures. Develop schedules and approve absences. Certify payroll timesheet submissions for assigned personnel. Apply the terms and provisions of applicable collective bargaining agreements, state and federal laws, district board policies, and administrative procedures in personnel matters. Coordinate, monitor, and analyze data and prepare reports, including annual unit plan updates, in support of evidence-based decision making. Recommend and implement changes that will improve academic support for students based on quantitative and qualitative data analysis. Communicate District policy and administrative decisions to assigned personnel and students. Develop internal operational guidelines, policies, and procedures for the MESA Success Center. Lead MESA Success Center planning meetings. Oversee MESA Success Center budget, recommends new and existing funding sources to support student success programs. Serve on committees and special projects as assigned. Interpret and ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations as they relate to MESA. Maintain current knowledge on research, best practices, and new initiatives regarding tutoring, academic success methods, and supplemental instruction, and share the knowledge with the campus community to improve effectiveness of student success efforts across the campus. Participate in professional development activities. Maintain currency of knowledge and skills related to the duties and responsibilities. Perform other related duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications Minimum Qualifications for Education and Experience: Requires a master's degree from an accredited college or university and one year of formal training, internship, or leadership experience reasonably related to the administrative assignment, and One or more years of experience delivering academic services to students that improve academic, study, test taking, and other skills where the students are majoring in mathematics-based fields, and Minimum of three years of successful work experience in an academic environment that involved leadership and evaluation over staff serving in an area providing student services, and Demonstrated sensitivity to a diverse population of students and staff in terms of academic, socioeconomic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds and abilities. Desired Qualifications: Master's degree in mathematics, education, ESL, educational leadership, counseling, or a related field. Bachelor's degree in a mathematics-based field (requiring calculus or equivalent). Demonstrated knowledge and experience with college shared governance structures. Experience monitoring and projecting budgets. Working knowledge of community college instructional programs and student services. Ability to work independently, assume responsibility, and take initiative in carrying out assignments. Strong written and oral communication skills. Supplemental Information Knowledge of: Office and educational software. Learning styles and study skills. Principles and practices of tutoring, supplemental instruction, learning resources. Principles of training and providing work direction to others. Principles of conflict resolution. Policies, objectives, and goals of a tutoring setting or learning center. Laws and regulations governing California Community Colleges. Considerable knowledge or regulations and laws related to retention and release of confidential data. Human relation skills to convey technical concepts to others and to facilitate a small group learning process. Skill using proper English grammar, vocabulary, syntax, spelling, and punctuation. Ability to: Perform professional work involving independent judgment in the interpretation and application of policies and procedures requiring tact and effective communication skills. Plan and coordinate the day-to-day activities of an assigned program or department. Work effectively in a shared governance environment. Serve as an effective leadership team member. Provide customer support from a management level. Conduct long-range planning. Mediate and resolve conflict. Analyze and interpret data and trends. Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, direct, administer, review, and evaluate programs and services. Exercise sound judgment in the performance of duties. Work in the interests of the college as a whole. Manage a program budget. Strong analysis and problem-solving skills. Interpret and apply demographic and other institutional research for purposes of developing student support strategies. Independently solve subject-related problems in math, basic algebra, writing, and English. Listen actively and effectively, identify and solve problems; facilitate learning for students, and build student confidence in learning. Relate positively to students in a teaching/learning environment, develop and maintain productive and cooperative working relationships, and recognize learning challenges and make referrals for assistance. Physical Abilities: This position requires the physical ability to: Function indoors in an office environment engaged in work of primarily a sedentary nature with some requirement to move about the campus. Recognize printed material (printed or online) for more than 75% of the expected work time. Communicate effectively with members of the campus community. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations. Operate a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer. Lift, push, and pull objects of medium weight (less than 30 lbs . click apply for full job details
Taft College Taft, California
12/02/2025
Full time
Imagine a place where big dreams take flight, where students discover their passions, and community comes first. That's Taft College. We're not just another college district; we're a launchpad for success, fueled by a vibrant campus culture and a commitment to empowering every student. As a single-college district governed by a passionate Board of Trustees, Taft College is nimble, innovative, and laster-focused on meeting the needs of our students and the community we serve. The Superintendent/President isn't just a CEO; they're a visionary leader, a strategic thinker, and a champion for student success. The Board of Trustees is looking for an innovative and forward-thinking administrator to lead our vibrant institution and champion our mission, both on campus and beyond. The Superintendent/President of this single college district reports directly to the Board of Trustees and is responsible for leading all aspects of the college and district, including instruction and student services, institutional planning, fiscal management, fundraising, advocacy, resource development, human resources management, and facilities development. Beyond the traditional responsibilities, the ideal candidate will be a passionate advocate for Taft College, possessing the ability to articulate its unique strengths, achievements, and potential to a wide range of stakeholders. They will inspire confidence and enthusiasm, fostering strong relationships with community leaders, donors, and industry partners to advance the college's mission and secure vital resources. The Superintendent/President ensures college programs reflect a commitment to student success, access, equity, and diversity. Ideal Characteristics: A collaborative leader who builds strong teams, fosters open communication, and empowers others to contribute their talents. An action-oriented leader who responds swiftly to challenges, delegates effectively, and delivers results. A courageous and resilient leader who tackles challenges head-on, makes difficult decisions with integrity, and fosters consensus through open dialogue. An approachable leader who builds strong relationships, inspires trust, and cultivates a shared sense of purpose. A leader who strategically allocates resources (financial, human, and technological) to maximize student success and institutional effectiveness. A financially savvy leader with expertise in college-level resource management, budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting. A skilled fundraiser who can cultivate relationships with donors and secure grants to support college initiatives. A leader who understands the California collective bargaining environment and fosters positive relationships with employee groups. A leader committed to environmental sustainability and responsible resource management. A leader guided by a strong ethical philosophy and a deep commitment to student success and community impact. A charismatic and persuasive communicator, capable of effectively advocating for Taft College and community college education at all levels. A strategic thinker who can leverage opportunities to position Taft College as a regional leader, forging strong partnerships with elected officials, businesses, and community organizations. A champion of diversity, equity, and inclusion, with a proven track record of creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all students and employees. A leader who embraces Taft College's unique identity, values its traditions, and strengthens its ties to the community. An effective change agent who fosters a culture of continuous improvement, drives innovation, and inspires others to achieve their best. A leader with expertise in navigating the complex landscape of California Community College policies, regulations, and accreditation requirements. A data-driven decision-maker who takes calculated risks and embraces innovation. Minimum Qualifications: Master's degree from a regionally accredited college or university recognized by the United States Department of Education. Three years of executive-level administrative experience in higher education, defined as a chief executive officer, or as having responsibility for a broad operational segment of the organization with significant fiscal and programmatic oversight. Have experience reporting directly to a governing body or chief executive officer. A deep understanding of and sensitivity to the diverse academic, socioeconomic, ethnic, cultural, disability, gender identity, and sexual orientation of community college students. Must be legally eligible to work in the United States. Sponsorship is not available for this position. Desireable Qualifications: Doctorate degree from a regionally accredited college or university, recognized by the United States Department of Education. Five years of executive-level administrative experience in higher education at the President or Vice President level or equivalent. Experience supporting faculty, instruction, and student services in a higher education setting. Proven success with enrollment management strategies to boost and sustain student enrollment. In-depth knowledge of accreditation standards, policies, and requirements. Comprehensive understanding of the California Community College system, its mission, educational and financial landscape, and relevant laws and regulations. Demonstrated leadership and strong community engagement. Experience with intercollegiate athletics and/or on-campus student housing. Compensation and Benefits: Compensation is highly competitive, based on experience, qualifications and negotiation fo an employment agreement with the Board of Trustees. The district offers a comprehensive fringe benefits program that includes District paid medical, dental and vision coverage for all employees and their dependents, as well as a generous vacation plan. Employees are eligible for membership in either CalPers or CalStrs retirement systems. The district also offers supplemental retirement plans such as 403(b) and 457(b) plans. Beyond the traditional fringe benefits program, the district provides housing, including coverage of associated expenses, for the Superintendent/President. Additional details related to the property are available of the Superintendent/President web page. Selection Process A search committee representing the constituencies of the district will evaluate applicants and conduct initial interviews. The search committee will recommend finalists to the Board of Trustees for their consideration. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee an interview. Application Process: Ready to make a difference? If you're a visionary leader with a passion for student success, we encourage you to apply. To ensure full consideration, please submit your application materials by January 7, 2026. Application requirements are below. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Completed employment application through Current resume or CV. A letter of interest (no more than three pages) highlighting your qualifications and experiences relevant to the position's key characteristics or requirements. A list of eight (8) professional references, including contact information (email and phone number), representing direct superivisors, subordinates (including a support staff member), faculty, and community members. Complete transcripts of all college-level coursework (unofficial copies are acceptable for the intial application; official transcripts will be required for finalists). Transcripts from institutions outside the U.S. must be evaluated by a certified transcrip evaluation service. EEO Non-Discrimination Notice: It is the policy of the West Kern Community College District (WKCCD) to ensure that all qualified applicants for employment and employees have full and equall access to employment opportunity and are not subjected to discrimination in any program or activity of the WKCCD on the basis of actual or perceived ethnic group identification, race, color, naturalization, anestry, religion, creed, sex (including gender-based sexual harassment), gender identity and expression, pregnancy, marital status, cancer-related medical condition, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, or veteran status. Form more information & assistance with applying, please contact Human Resources at: or .