Dean, Academic Counseling, Career, and Educational Support Services (ACCESS)

Dean, Academic Counseling, Career, and Educational Support Services (ACCESS)

Salary

See Position Description

Location

6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA

Job Type

Full-time (100%)

Job Number

2026-02155

Department

ACCESS

Division

ACCESS (Academic Counseling, Career and Educational Support Services)

Opening Date

06/22/2026

Closing Date

7/13/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Please apply for this job directly on the Cabrillo College job opportunities page here.

Employment Opportunity

Cabrillo College is seeking a Dean, Academic Counseling, Career, and Educational Support Services (ACCESS) who under general policy direction, plans, organizes, directs and integrates operations of the programs, services and activities of the Academic Counseling Career & Educational Support Services (ACCESS) Division; plans and administers the District-wide Guided Pathways development and integration; works in close cooperation with other deans and participates actively in the District's participatory governance activities and initiatives; provides expert assistance and leadership to the President and Cabinet on District-wide programs and strategies for achieving the District's mission and institutional goals within areas of instructional and campus responsibility; and performs related duties as assigned.

We need YOU! Cabrillo College is looking for staff to provide quality programs and services for a diverse student population, promoting ever-evolving needs as our students grow toward their individual aspirational goals. Cabrillo is a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) with a special focus on enhancing the Latinx student experience. Join our team, which values high-level, innovative instruction, support services, and a welcoming environment, and helps change the world one student at a time!

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Salary:

Full-time administrative/management assignment (220-day work year), 12 months per year, Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., with evenings and/or weekends as needed. Effective July 1, 2026, the eight-step schedule ranges from $145,392 to $204,581 per year. Salary placement is determined by documented education and experience. A doctoral stipend of $4,983 per year is provided to eligible employees. Position scheduled to begin as soon as possible, pending funding and Governing Board ratification. Cabrillo is unable to sponsor work visas.

Benefits:

Cabrillo College currently provides a generous benefit stipend for employees plus dependents that employees apply towards benefit selections for medical, dental, life, and short-term/long-term disability insurance provided at a share of cost on a pretax basis, CalSTRS Retirement, and an employee assistance program (EAP). Additionally, employees have the option to enroll in vision insurance at a discounted group rate. Depending on health plan selections, in many cases, full-time employee net out-of-pocket for benefit premiums may be as low as $0. Please see the Benefits link on the HR webpage for more information.

Educational administrators are required to join the State Teachers Retirement System (STRS) and, as such, must contribute 10.25% of their monthly salary to STRS on a pre-tax basis. Please see the Benefits link on the HR webpage for more information.

Work-Life Balance:

This opportunity is a full-time assignment, 12 months per year. Cabrillo administrators enjoy a 220-day work schedule, which equates to an average of 19 self-selected non-work days, 22 set holidays, 3 individual responsibility days off annually, 12 days of sick leave accrue annually, 7 days of which can be used for Personal Necessity.

Cabrillo's Commitment to Diversity:

The ideal candidate will share Cabrillos commitment to educating its racially and socioeconomically diverse student population. Cabrillo College serves approximately 11,400 students per term. As of 2024, 60% of Cabrillo students are members of minoritized populations, identifying themselves as LatinX (50%), Multi Ethnic (6%), Asian (2%), Black Non-Hispanic (1%), Filipino (1%), American Indian/Alaskan Native (<1%), and Pacific Islander (<1%). In 2007, Cabrillo College was designated a Hispanic-Serving Institution, reflecting the great responsibility that the College has to the educational attainment and economic well-being of the surrounding community.

Cabrillo College has a tradition of collegial governance, and employees at all levels possess a long history of participatory governance in all levels of decision-making at the college. Cabrillo provides an excellent opportunity to learn, collaborate, create, and make a difference in the lives of its students and community.

Employees at Cabrillo College support quality programs and services to students that promote their diverse and evolving needs as they progress toward their individual educational goals. Come join us in our vision to improve the world, one student at a time!

Examples of Duties

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to this class.

• Plans, organizes, directs, controls, integrates and evaluates the work of faculty and classified managers and staff in the assigned Counseling & Educational Support Services Division; with administrators, managers and staff, develops, implements and evaluates annual program plans, goals and objectives to achieve District goals and objectives; contributes to development of annual general-fund and grant-funded budgets and tracks performance against funding allocations to ensure compliance with legal mandates; acts as the Administrator of Record for federal, state and county categorical grants; manages and directs development, implementation and evaluation of plans, work processes, systems and procedures to achieve annual goals, objectives and work standards.
• Directs and manages the selection of full-time and adjunct faculty; coordinates associated processes with Human Resources staff; conducts and/or facilitates new faculty and/or staff orientations; budgets and allocates teaching units, oversees scheduling of classes and monitors actual teaching units against approved budgets; oversees and ensures the timely evaluation of faculty; encourages faculty in their continuing professional development; works to promote and maintain a collegial environment; may participate in faculty tenure review processes and serve on tenure-track search committees; oversees, facilitates and/or acts as a final adjudicator in faculty, staff, student and community conflict resolution and grievance processes.
• Directs and manages the work of the division office and the performance of assigned classified staff; directs and oversees the selection of classified staff; establishes performance requirements and professional development targets for direct reports; regularly monitors performance and provides coaching for performance improvement and development including performance evaluations; ensures accurate reporting of absence time; hears and acts on grievances; subject to concurrence by senior management and Human Resources, approves or takes disciplinary action, up to and including termination, to address performance deficiencies, in accordance with Board Policies, Administrative Procedures, Human Resources procedures and collective bargaining agreements.
• Provides day-to-day leadership and works with faculty and staff to ensure a high-performance, service-oriented work environment that supports achievement of the division's and District's mission, objectives, and values; promotes workplace diversity, inclusion, cultural competency, and a positive work environment.
• Provides support to reporting managers and/or administrators regarding disciplinary actions and grievances; approves related decisions.
• With members of Senior Management, leads and participates in the development and implementation of District strategic plans, goals, and objectives, including Guided Pathways; participates in the District's institutional planning processes; leads and directs division staff in the development and application of new methodologies, technologies, and business process improvements to achieve higher efficiency, productivity, and customer service in department work processes.
• Participates actively in the life of the District and its participatory governance processes by serving on committees, task forces, and councils; coordinates, assigns, directs, and/or participates in work on projects associated with accreditation.
• Through subordinate faculty, coordinators, and staff, plans, manages, and implements a variety of programs and services to support student academic, career, and transfer counseling/planning; directs student assistance with matriculation support, including course selection, orientation, and access to support services; ensures course equivalencies and articulation information are accurate to support students in meeting transfer requirements of colleges and universities.
• Through subordinate faculty, coordinators, and staff, plans, manages, and implements grant-funded and supportive programs and centers for specifically targeted student populations, including students needing assistance with accessibility and international students; oversees the development and maintenance of program plans, learning outcome assessments, and compliance tracking and reporting; ensures centers are appropriately operated and that needed student support resources and technical infrastructure are available.
• Facilitates and assists management, administrators, faculty, and staff through Guided Pathways implementation and integration; collaborates with faculty and staff in setting Guided Pathways short-term and long-term priorities; ensures the development and maintenance of clear curricular pathways to employment and further education; identifies and ensures availability of associated student support systems and resources required to assist students in selecting and staying on the pathway.
• Analyzes, evaluates, reviews, and develops plans, recommendations, and reports for counseling and student service areas; coordinates and monitors the delivery of counseling and student service activities and processes to identify and resolve gaps or overlaps in services that may impact meeting student needs; ensures the accuracy and timely submission of mandated reporting.
• Stays abreast of relevant trends and engages in personal professional development programs and activities to maximize contributions to the District and the community.
• Makes presentations to the Board of Trustees, Cabinet, and other District groups.
• Demonstrates sensitivity to and understanding of diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, faculty, and staff.

OTHER DUTIES

• May serve as a designee for the Vice President, Student Services when assigned.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

• Understanding of, and sensitivity to, the diverse academic, socio-economic, ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds, disability, and sexual orientation, of community college students, faculty, and staff; AND
• A master's degree from an accredited college or university in a relevant field of study, and three years of increasingly responsible experience as an academic administrator or in a faculty leadership role; OR
• Meet the state minimum qualifications for an educational administrator, which include a master's degree and at least one year of formal training, internship, or leadership experience reasonably related to the administrative assignment; or California Community College credential authorizing administrative service at the community college level; AND
• Ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience involving student counseling services functions, operations, and activities, preferably in a California community college, at least three years of which were in a management capacity.
• Equivalency Application Form and Process link

Why would I complete the Equivalency Form when I am already completing an application and have a relevant degree? To determine whether your current education, or exact discipline, and/or experience is "equivalent," you must submit an Equivalency Form to initiate a review by the Equivalency Committee at Cabrillo College, so that your application can move forward and be considered by the search committee.

Please note the Equivalency Committee will consider only those applicants who formally request equivalency consideration by submitting the Completed Equivalency Form with their application by the closing date stated in the job announcement. Be sure to attach detailed evidence such as unofficial transcripts and/or other certifications that support the equivalency.

Still working on completing your degree? Applicants currently working on the required degree(s) for the position are encouraged to apply with the understanding that they must complete the Equivalency Form and attach supporting documentation with their application.

For additional information, please review our Applicant FAQ's here.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Advanced principles, practices, methods, and techniques of program, administrative, and organizational analysis, planning, and management as applicable to counseling, enrollment, retention, and Guided Pathways programs.
• Accreditation standards of the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges and Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
• Principles and practices of the delivery of student and academic counseling, as well as principles of individual crisis counseling.
• Trends, developments, and applications of enterprise software and technologies applicable to student recordkeeping.
• Guided Pathways, Student Success and Support Program, and Student Equity regulations and implementation strategies and best practices.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations, including Title V of the California Education Code, Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, and California Education Code.
• Principles and practices of Equal Employment Opportunity in hiring, retention, performance, and advancement.
• Principles and practices of sound business communication.
• Research methods and analysis techniques.
• Principles and practices of conflict resolution applicable to areas of assigned responsibility.
• Principles and practices of effective management and supervision.
• Principles and practices of strategic and program planning applicable to an educational institution.
• Basic principles and practices of organizational improvement, equity, and culture change.
• Safety policies and safe work practices applicable to the work being performed.
• Board Policies, Administrative Procedures, Human Resources procedures, and collective bargaining agreements.

Skills and Abilities to:

• Plan, organize, direct, and evaluate the programs and activities of assigned counseling and student services components.
• Analyze and make sound recommendations on complex instructional and administrative issues.
• Use sound judgment in disciplinary actions within the scope of authority.
• Administer the effective and consistent implementation of regulations, guidelines, policies, and procedures applicable to areas of responsibility to ensure compliance requirements are met, and the interests of the District and its students are protected.
• Define issues, analyze problems, evaluate alternatives, and develop sound, independent conclusions and recommendations in accordance with laws, regulations, rules, and policies.
• Work collaboratively with District deans, directors, managers, and the community and provide expert advice and counsel.
• Lead and participate in monitoring and assessment of student learning and success outcomes and student equity measures.
• Contribute to District-wide institutional effectiveness efforts in planning, program review, accreditation, outcomes assessment, and financial stewardship with the overall intent of actively supporting the achievement of District goals, campus-wide needs, and the healthy functioning of governance, management, and other systems.
• Organize, set priorities, and exercise expert, independent judgment within areas of responsibility.
• Develop and maintain an inclusive work environment that fosters diversity, respect, and engagement.
• Develop and implement appropriate procedures and controls.
• Prepare clear, concise, and comprehensive correspondence, reports, studies, and other written materials.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Understand, interpret, explain, and apply applicable laws, codes, and ordinances.
• Maintain the confidentiality of District and student files and records.
• Represent the District effectively in dealings with representatives of funding agencies and other District and community partners
• Make presentations and present proposals and recommendations clearly, logically, and persuasively to diverse audiences.
• Operate a computer and use standard business software.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

A valid California driver's license or the ability to access and use alternative transportation.

Additional Information

APPLICATION PROCESS

Required for submission:

• Complete application & answer supplemental questions; providing detailed information to aid in determining whether the minimum qualification requirements have been met
• Attach resume
• Attach unofficial transcripts for college coursework completed, if applicable, displaying any degrees conferred (copies, photos, and downloads are acceptable). Foreign transcripts must be evaluated for U.S. equivalency, and translations are at the applicants expense - click here for more information

Please note: All application materials must be received by 11:59 pm on the closing date indicated above.

Official Transcripts: As part of the onboarding process, you are expected to submit official college transcripts within 30 days of hire.

Attention Applicants

Only completed applications with the above required documents will be reviewed by the committee; additional documents will not be reviewed by the committee. Remove personally identifiable information such as personal photos, social security number, birth date, age, and gender from your application materials. Expenses related to the recruitment process are the responsibility of the applicant. Cabrillo is unable to sponsor work visas.

Questions? Concerns? Please contact HR as Departments, Divisions, and Committee Members are unable to discuss active recruitments with potential candidates.

Selection Procedure

A search committee will review and invite applicants for an interview. Meeting the posted requirements does not guarantee an interview. A written performance exercise and/or presentation may be a part of the interview, and finalists may be invited to return for a second interview. All notifications will be via email, and can also be accessed through your application profile.

Conditions of Employment

Selected candidates given a conditional offer of employment are required to submit tuberculosis screening clearance results, proof of eligibility to work in the United States, and present their Social Security card upon hire (for payroll purposes). Cabrillo is an eVerify employer.

EEO Statement

Cabrillo College is an equal opportunity employer and actively seeks a diverse pool of qualified applicants. The policy of the College is to encourage applications from all persons. No person shall be denied employment because of ethnicity or race, color, sex or gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, medical conditions, status, or protected veteran status.

Accommodations

Persons with disabilities who require reasonable accommodation to complete the employment process must notify Human Resources at cabrillohr@cabrillo.edu.

Cabrillo College currently provides a generous benefit stipend for employees plus dependents that employees apply towards benefit selections for medical, dental, life, and short-term/long-term disability insurance. Depending on health plan selections, in many cases full-time employee net out-of-pocket for benefit premiums may be as low as $0.

Please note: Employees who work part-time contracts will receive a pro rata benefit stipend based on the percentage of assignment.

Educational Administrators are required to join the California State Teachers Retirement System (STRS) and as such must contribute up to 10.25% of their monthly salary to STRS on a pre-tax basis.

The Administrators Benefit Summary provides additional benefit information.

For more information related to benefits, please visit the Cabrillo College Human Resources Benefits webpage on our website.

01

IMPORTANT: All applicants are required to submit responses to the following supplemental questions. Your responses will provide information about your background and experience related to this position and will be used in the screening and selection process. Be concise, yet specific and informative in your responses to these supplemental questions. "See resume", "Will be answered during interview", attachments, or links/URLs (unless a question specifically requires it) will not be accepted as a substitute for your responses to the questions in the following boxes. Please indicate below that you have read and understood these instructions.

• Yes
• No

02

How would you describe the Deans role in fostering career education, career exploration, and integrating career services across the student experience?

03

Please share specific examples of how you have successfully cultivated a positive and inclusive work environment while maintaining high levels of team performance.

04

How do you envision the Academic Counseling & Support Services Departments playing a role in eliminating racial equity gaps?

05

Tell us about a recent professional development experience you have participated in or led that relates to the themes of inclusion, diversity, equity, and/or accessibility. What did you learn from it and how did it improve your practice as a supporter of student success?

06

Describe how you have demonstrated sensitivity and understanding in the delivery of services and support to a diverse workforce and student population (diverse in terms of socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds).

07

Have you attached your resume and all unofficial transcripts for all colleges attended, (including evaluations for equivalencies to U.S. classwork/degrees for foreign transcripts), to this application?

• Yes
• No

08

Please describe how you meet the minimum qualifications as listed in this job bulletin. (If your conferred degree is NOT in the discipline as indicated in the minimum qualifications section, you must also complete and attach the Supplemental Application for Equivalency Determination form.

09

I understand and reconfirm my consent and authorization that if I am a final candidate for this position, Cabrillo College or its authorized agent(s) may conduct comprehensive, job-related background and/or reference checks, including job history, criminal history, identity check, and/or fingerprinting. This reconfirmation question and its answer are confidential and will not be seen by the Search and Selection Committee.

• I agree
• I do not agree

Required Question

Employer Cabrillo College

Address 6500 Soquel Dr

Building 1550

Aptos, California, 95003

Phone (831) 479-6217

Website http://cabrillo.edu