Director for Education Programs

Description

Columbia Basin College (CBC) is committed to our vision to be the educational home that transforms students' lives through economic and social mobility. We are one of eight Hispanic-Serving Institutions in Washington state with Hispanic students representing just under half of our student population. As such, CBC is committed to discovering and enacting innovative ways to intentionally serve Hispanic students while serving all. We center equity in all that we do and seek to attract and retain engaged individuals committed to helping all students be successful in accomplishing their goals.

The Director for Education Programs plays a crucial role in advancing the mission, vision, and values of CBC by ensuring the smooth operation and continuous improvement of programs in the School of Education. This position is responsible for overseeing the daily administration and execution of policies to ensure compliance with federal, state, and college standards for teacher preparation programs. The Director fosters collaboration across departments, facilitating the development and alignment of curriculum, assessments, and strategic initiatives that support teacher certification programs. In alignment with CBC’s commitment to student success and community engagement, the Director works closely with the Dean for Social & Behavioral Sciences and Education to manage policy, program planning, accreditation, faculty and staff development, and grant management. This role also contributes to creating a responsive, inclusive learning environment that meets the needs of students and the community, while ensuring effective use of resources, facilities, and equipment.

The Director reports directly to the Dean for Social & Behavioral Sciences and Education.

Primary Responsibilities

• Serve as the program representative for CBC’s School of Education, advocating for ECE and BAS-TE programs with employers, community partners, and regulatory agencies;
• Engage with community organizations (e.g., Early Childhood Teacher Preparation Council, Early Learning Coalition) to share information and support programs;
• Represent the School of Education in Professional/Technical Coordinator meetings and communicate the program’s needs;
• Oversee curriculum development, class scheduling, faculty and staff development, grant and enrollment management, district partnership agreements, work-based learning, donor relationships, and accreditation compliance;
• Collaborate with 4-year institutions to develop articulation agreements, align curriculum, and facilitate student transitions to higher education;
• Identify and implement interdisciplinary opportunities within the School of Education and other CBC departments;
• Stay updated on teacher preparation curriculum, national and state standards, and licensing processes to inform our ECE and teacher preparation programs;
• Lead the review and accreditation processes, including self-study and analysis of program data for accrediting bodies;
• Recruit and supervise part-time and full-time faculty, and facilitate advisory committee development and meetings;
• Develop and improve program recruitment, selection processes, and external partnerships to strengthen employment pathways for ECE and BAS-TE; and
• Other duties or projects as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Education, Curriculum and Instruction, Educational Leadership, or a closely related field from an institutionally accredited institution;
• Two (2) years of experience in developing and monitoring program budgets;
• Two (2) years of experience in program development, implementation, and evaluation; and
• One (1) year of teaching experience in higher education.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual in English and Spanish;
• State Certification: Washington State Teacher certification, ideally with experience teaching in K-8 environments;
• Regulatory Knowledge: Familiarity with PESB and OSPI standards and requirements for teacher certification;
• Community College Experience: experience in teaching or performing administrative duties within a community college setting; and
• Technological Proficiency: Experience with learning management systems and/or data tracking systems.Competencies

Departmental Management: Ability to effectively and efficiently manage a department including all related administrative and supervisory functions involving personnel and budget management;

Project Management: Manage projects by focusing attention on key priorities; evaluate approaches, determine feasibility, and adjust plan as needed; develop plans, coordinate projects and teams; communicate changes and progress; complete projects on time and on budget; perform well without direct supervision; do complex work independently; follow tasks through to completion;

Quality Management: Set clear quality requirements; measure key outcomes; improve processes, products, and services;

Leadership: Lead through influence, rather than authority, and take ownership and accountability for the area of responsibility and decisions made; demonstrate confidence within area of expertise – promote a cooperative work environment; ability to appropriately apply leadership techniques to motivate, develop and guide employees;

Conceptual Thinking: Have the ability to understand a situation or problem by identifying patterns or connections, and addressing key underlying issues; use past professional or technical training and experience, creativity, inductive reasoning, and intuitive processes to find potential solutions or valuable alternatives that may not be obviously related or easily identified; think “outside the box”;

Student Centered: Attention, interest, activities and efforts are centered upon the best interest of students; create and support an environment that enables learners to achieve their personal, academic, and professional goals; provide courteous and helpful responses to all customers, whether they be students, general public or employees from another department;

Support for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: In alignment with CBC’s mission, vision, and values, initiatives are advocated that enhance the qualities distinguishing the workplace and educational environment. This includes fostering an understanding of differences, promoting open-mindedness, compassion, sensitivity, and respect for diverse perspectives. A deep commitment to involving colleagues, students, and community members in shaping student experiences and success is essential, while upholding freedom of expression as fundamental to personal, professional, and organizational growth. Additionally, focus is placed on trauma-informed pedagogy, social-emotional learning, and culturally responsive teaching frameworks to engage diverse or historically underrepresented populations, ensuring an inclusive environment that supports all individuals;

Accountability: Accountable for own actions, decisions, errors, mistakes and/or failures to act when appropriate; accept responsibility when given, understand what duties employee is responsible for and can be counted upon to carry out those responsibilities; and

Teamwork: Demonstrate a willingness to work with, and help others in completing job assignments, the ability to accept constructive criticism, and to cooperate with fellow employees and supervisors; demonstrate alignment with the "Yes, And" culture, (e.g., being present and listening, making each other look good, embracing change and failure and choosing positivity).

Terms of Employment

This is a full-time, overtime exempt, administrative staff position. The typical work hours for this position are Monday through Thursday 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Friday 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.; however, work hours will vary due to work demands (this will include evening and weekend work as required).

CBC is an equal opportunity employer and complies with the letter and spirit of all federal and state laws. CBC encourages applications from qualified candidates regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or other legal protected characteristics. Candidates who need any accommodation in the application process or in employment should contact the Office of Human Resources.

CBC offers excellent medical/dental insurance, life insurance, long-term disability, paid leave, retirement plans, and a variety of benefit options. Please view the “Benefits” tab for comprehensive benefits information.

Successful candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Provide proof of lawful permanent residency or other appropriate work authorization as required by the Immigration Reform Control Act of 1986.
• Disclose any substantiated findings or any ongoing investigations related to sexual misconduct as required by RCW28B.112.080.
• Pass a criminal background check. Note: information learned during the criminal background check will not necessarily preclude employment but may be a factor in eligibility for the position.
• Verify education at time of hire.
• Maintain an alcohol-free and drug-free workplace during employment.