Dean of Workforce Education and Community Learning

COLUMBIA GORGE COMMUNITY COLLEGE•The Dalles, OR

11d•Hybrid

About The Position

Columbia Gorge Community College seeks a collaborative, innovative, and community-minded leader to serve as the Dean of Workforce Education and Community Learning (WECL). Reporting directly to the Vice President of Instructional Services, the Dean provides leadership for non-credit Community Education and Customized Training, Title 1B/Workforce Development and Engagement, and credit-bearing Career and Technical Education programs in Advanced Manufacturing and Fabrication, Aviation Maintenance Technology, Construction Technology, Electro-Mechanical Technology, and Integrated Agricultural Science and Technology. This position is responsible for creating, assessing, and continuously improving the policies, processes, and partnerships necessary to deliver high-quality community and workforce education that responds to the evolving needs of students, employers, and the region. The Dean works closely with faculty, staff, employers, school districts, workforce agencies, community organizations, and other partners to strengthen educational pathways that prepare learners for meaningful careers and life-long learning. The successful candidate will be a thoughtful leader who enjoys building relationships, solving problems, using data to inform decisions, and helping others succeed. They will balance strategic thinking with operational excellence while advancing the College's Mission, Vision, and Strategic Priorities.

Requirements

Master's degree from an accredited institution.
Three years of progressively responsible leadership experience in higher education, workforce development, adult education, or a closely related field.

Nice To Haves

Teaching experience in Career and Technical Education or workforce education.
Experience leading community college workforce or continuing education programs.
Familiarity with state and federal workforce funding, grants, and regulatory requirements.
Experience working with labor market information to guide program development.
Experience supporting apprenticeships, customized training, or employer partnerships.
Bilingual or biliterate in Spanish.
A commitment to expanding educational opportunity and supporting student success.
Experience building productive relationships across organizations and communities.
Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
The ability to guide teams through change while maintaining a collaborative and respectful workplace.
Experience using data to inform decisions and improve organizational performance.
Sound judgment, integrity, and the ability to balance strategic priorities with day-to-day operations.
An understanding of the important role community colleges play in strengthening individuals, employers, and communities.
Experience working with diverse communities and creating inclusive learning and workplace environments is highly valued.

Responsibilities

Provide leadership, coaching, and mentoring for faculty, staff, and instructors.
Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing team culture.
Support continuous improvement in teaching, learning, and student success.
Develop and strengthen community and workforce education programs that respond to community and industry needs.
Create innovative pathways that connect non-credit, credit, apprenticeships, and short-term credentials.
Work collaboratively with faculty to expand opportunities for adult learners and support lifelong learning and successful transitions into employment.
Develop strong relationships with employers, school districts, workforce agencies, Tribal governments, community organizations, and economic development partners.
Identify emerging workforce needs and translate them into high-quality educational programming.
Represent the College throughout the region as a trusted educational partner.
Develop and manage departmental budgets.
Oversee grants and other external funding sources while ensuring responsible stewardship and regulatory compliance.
Help identify new opportunities to strengthen programs and sustain long-term growth.
Use enrollment, completion, labor market, financial, and student success data to guide planning and decision-making.
Evaluate programs and implement improvements that strengthen student outcomes and organizational effectiveness.
Lead strategic initiatives that advance the College's mission and priorities.
Perform other related duties as assigned.