Dean of Social Sciences and Fine Arts

Clark College is currently accepting applications for a full-time, 12-month, exempt Dean position in the Social Sciences and Fine Arts (SOFA) department. This position is responsible for providing equity-focused leadership, management, planning, and advocacy for faculty and programs within the unit, which is comprised of divisions encompassing instructional departments. Departments of oversight currently include Addiction Counselor Education, Anthropology, Art, Drama, Early Childhood Education, Family Life/Parent Education, Geography, Graphic Design, History, Music, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, Teacher Education, Human Services, and Women's Studies. Division chairs, department chairs, and directors report to the dean. The assignment of specific divisions and instructional departments are subject to change.

At Clark, we value equity, diversity, and inclusion. We are committed to growing, learning, and supporting our employees

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Leadership:

• Provide leadership in effective teaching, learning and assessment strategies, and strengthening capacity of faculty through proactive and strategic professional development.
• Serve as advocate for and represent the programs, faculty, and staff of the instructional unit.
• Work collaboratively with division chairs, department heads, directors, other instructional unit deans, faculty, and staff, engaging in and promoting shared governance and a clear, shared vision for the unit's priorities.
• Establish and develop an inclusive, consistent and effective communication process within and among units.
• Oversee tenure review process for probationary faculty and regular evaluation processes for full-time and part-time faculty, with an eye towards professional growth, pedagogy and leadership within the department, unit and across the college.
• Develop, organize and support activities that creates a bias-free and inclusive environment, which engenders respect for differences within the unit and throughout the college
• Articulate a clear vision that fosters a climate valuing diversity. Empower faculty and staff to create inclusive environments and advocate for faculty and staff diversity, inclusive hiring, onboarding and retention practices.

Management:

• Train, supervise, and evaluate teaching faculty, division chairs, department heads, directors, and classified staff in accordance with negotiated agreements, applicable state and federal laws, and College policies and procedures.
• Oversee development of unit class schedules and enrollment reports.
• Develop, manage and allocate personnel and budget resources, exercising effective stewardship over college resources.
• Monitor faculty advising of students, including supervision of staff and faculty advising within the unit's programs and working collaboratively with professional advisors.
• Monitor recruitment, screening, orientation, and professional development of full-time and part-time faculty.
• Ensure student complaints are addressed promptly according to college policies and procedures. Serve as appeal person for elevated student complaints.
• Oversee facility and equipment allocation and use.
• Monitor career and vocational program requirements.
• Prepare reports and analytical materials to illustrate objectives, activities, and accomplishments of areas of responsibility.
• Oversight of student employee process when applicable.

Planning:

• Coordinate and foster collaborative planning and goal setting within and across the unit and its departments and divisions.
• Establish accountability mechanisms and share data transparently to foster collective ownership of equity efforts.
• Identify and address factors leading to inequitable outcomes and implement evidence-based practices.

Unit-Specific Responsibilities:

• Coordinate career and vocational programs within the unit. Monitor external funding sources (i.e. grants, etc.).
• Supervise Director of Child and Family Services.
• Represent the Fine Arts Division with Arts@Clark initiative.
• Perform other duties as required.

Common Duties Established by the College:

• Serve as chair or member of designated College committees, councils, and teams. Continually monitor activities of Instructional Planning Team, Outcomes Assessment and Curriculum committees, representing and advocating for departments of the unit. Collaborate with and mentor faculty in preparing and presenting strategic and curricular initiatives to above committees.
• Provide leadership in accordance with the Mission and Vision established by the College, furthering Core Themes and College Objectives.
• Ensure areas of responsibility operate effectively within the policies and procedures of the College and applicable governing agencies.
• Develop and implement policies and procedures for operating unit(s). Represent the unit with college-wide policies and procedures development.
• Exercise effective stewardship over college resources.
• Create a safe, inclusive, bias-free working environment, which engenders respect for differences and where students feel valued and supported, while encouraging student learning of diverse perspectives, insights and practices.
• Initiate collaborations across departments and with community organizations to address systemic barriers. Engage with external networks to learn and collaborate on equity approaches.
• Ensure institutional policies that promote fairness and equal opportunity, establish guidelines for diverse faculty and student recruitment and retention, equal access to resources, and addressing discrimination.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's Degree or equivalent (e.g., international masters) from an accredited institution; preferably in an academic area related to assignment.
• Three (3) years of full-time academic administration and leadership experience reasonably related to the administrative assignment, or the equivalent to three (3) years full-time over a longer time period (e.g., serving as Division Chair at 50% release time for 6 years).
• Five (5) years of full-time teaching experience, preferably with a substantial amount at the community college level.
• Demonstrated sensitivity to and an understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, ethnic, and disability backgrounds of community college students and employees.
• Demonstrated culturally responsive, inclusive, and anti-racist practice in instruction and management.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in working well with people of all ages from academically, culturally, and socioeconomically diverse backgrounds.

WHAT WE OFFER:

• A healthy work/life balance for our employees with the opportunity for flexible work schedules and remote work depending on position and college needs.
• McClaskey Culinary Institute offers fast, fresh, and healthy dining options for students, faculty, staff, and the community. The space, located in Gaiser Hall, features three kiosks, a full-service retail bakery and barista bar, grab-and-go items, and a student-run restaurant.
• Coffee Lounge in Hannah Hall and Clark Cafe in Joan Stout Hall.
• Campus bookstore offers snacks, apparel, and specialty supplies.
• On-campus early childhood education care program (pending registration and availability).
• Gym and recreation facilities available for membership.
• Clark promotes wellness with a variety of different workshops and events.

SALARY/BENEFITS:

Current Salary Range: $116,144 - $134,483 annually (commensurate with qualifications and experience).

Successful candidates are typically hired at the beginning of the salary range and receive scheduled salary increment increases.

Clark College offers an exceptional benefits package that includes vacation/sick leave; medical, dental, life and long-term disability insurance; retirement; and tuition waiver.

Required Online Application Materials:

• Clark College Online Application

• Current resume, with a minimum of three (3) references listed.

• Cover letter describing background and experience related to qualifications and responsibilities of the position.

• Responses to the supplemental questions included in the online application process.

Please apply online at www.clark.edu/jobs.

To contact Clark College Human Resources, please call (360) 992-2105 or email recruitment@clark.edu.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Required application materials must be completed and submitted online by 3 p.m., October 6, 2025.

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT:

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted which includes a sexual misconduct background check as required under RCW 28B.112.080. 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.
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DISABILITY ACCOMMODATIONS

Upon request, accommodations are available to persons with disabilities for the application process. Contact Human Resources at (360)992-2105 or by video phone at (360)991-0901.

SECURITY

The security of all the members of the campus community is of vital concern to Clark College. Information regarding crime prevention advice, the authority of the Security/Safety Department, policies concerning reporting of any crimes which may occur on or near college property, and crime statistics for the most recent 3-year period may be requested from the Clark College Security/Safety Department, (360) 992-2133 or security.requests@clark.edu. The most recent Annual Security Report, written in compliance with the Clery Act, can be reviewed here: http://www.clark.edu/campus-life/student-support/security/report.php.

ELIGIBILITY VERIFICATION

If you are hired, you will need proof of identity, and documentation of U.S. citizenship or legal authorization to work.

CORRECTIONS OR EXTENDED NOTICES
Corrected or extended notices will be posted online and in the Human Resources Office.

Clark College's Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI) supports individuals with their academic, personal, and professional development, as well as provides training and educational resources for all members of the college community around diversity, inclusion, power, privilege, inequity, social equity, and social justice. The college offers further professional development for our employees through opportunities such as Employee Resource Groups, Social Justice Leadership Institute, Cross Institution Faculty of Color Mentorship program, Administrators of Color Leadership Program, and Faculty and Staff of Color Conference.

Clark College values diversity and is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Educator. Protected group members are strongly encouraged to apply. Clark College provides equal opportunity in education and employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, creed, religion, honorably discharged veteran or military status, citizenship, immigration status or use of a trained guide dog or service animal. Prohibited sex discrimination includes sexual harassment (unwelcome sexual conduct of various types). The college considers equal opportunity, affirmative action, and non-discrimination to be fundamental to the mission, vision and values of the college. All faculty and staff hired at Clark College are encouraged to embrace, continually support and enhance social equity on our campus and in our community. The college provides reasonable accommodations for qualified students, employees, and applicants with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Federal Rehabilitation Act. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies, Title II and Title IX, and Affirmative Action: Michelle Jenkins, Director of Labor and Compliance, 360-992-2317, mljenkins@clark.edu, 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Baird 122, Vancouver, Washington 98663. Clark College is a smoke-free/drug free environment. This recruitment announcement does not reflect the entire job description and can be changed and or modified without notice.

Clark College Human Resources

September 3, 2025