Department Chair, Early Childhood Education (ECE) Programs

Pacific Oaks Education•Pasadena, CA

12d•$81,280 - $89,335•Onsite

About The Position

POSITION SUMMARY : The Department Chair of Early Childhood Education is a visionary leader responsible for overseeing and advancing the college’s undergraduate and graduate Early Childhood Education (ECE) programs. Reporting directly to the Vice President of Academic Affairs, this role manages all aspects of ECE program administration, faculty supervision, and academic planning. The Department Chair will drive data-driven assessment and program review processes, ensuring continuous improvement in curriculum, teaching quality, and student learning outcomes. This position plays a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction and operational excellence of ECE programs within the college. This position is located at the Pacific Oaks College campus in Pasadena and reports directly to the Vice President of Academic Affairs (VPAA). SUPERVISION RECEIVED: The incumbent establishes methods and procedures for attaining specific goals and objectives and receives guidance in terms of broad goals. Only the final results of work are typically reviewed. SUPERVISION EXERCISED: Full management position responsible for managing employees within a department, unit, and/or subdivision. To qualify as full management, a position is responsible for at least one full-time employee in the Workday system, which includes performance management, time off approval, etc. Other responsibilities may include workforce planning, authority for disciplinary action, interviewing, selecting, and training staff, making decisions regarding pay. # of Supervised Directly # of Supervised Indirectly FTE (Non-exempt): 10-15 FTE (Non-exempt): 3-5 FTE (Exempt): 6 FTE (Exempt): 2 FTE Total: 16-21 FTE Total: 5-7 ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Strategic Leadership & Vision: Lead the development and execution of a strategic vision for the department, aligning initiatives with broader institutional goals and emerging trends in higher education. Develop and implement effective strategies to enhance student learning outcomes, utilizing assessment data to guide decision-making. Faculty Leadership & Development: Recruit, develop, supervise, retain, and assess faculty within the department, including conducting regular performance reviews with actionable feedback. Supervise and assess the quality of instructional delivery to ensure teaching methods and course content adhere to best practices and meet student learning outcomes. Support the continuous professional development of faculty through workshops, mentorship programs, and other resources that foster innovation and teaching excellence. Establish and implement clear faculty performance expectations, ensuring alignment with institutional goals and student success metrics. Conduct structured goal development and performance appraisal processes, offering faculty constructive feedback and targeted professional growth opportunities. Identify and address department faculty and staff performance issues proactively through coaching and structured development plans. Curriculum Development & Instructional Oversight: Manage the ongoing development, review, and assessment of curriculum and learning outcomes for programs within the department. Ensure that all programs remain relevant, innovative, and compliant with academic, professional, and regulatory standards. Budget & Resource Management: Develop and manage the department’s budget, ensuring effective allocation of resources to support department initiatives and growth. Teaching & Student Advising: Assume teaching responsibilities in courses based on student enrollment, ensuring high-quality instruction that reflects current best practices. Advise department students to support academic and professional development. Curriculum Leadership: Lead curriculum development and review efforts by collaborating with faculty, integrating research-based practices, and ensuring that courses remain innovative, rigorous, and aligned with program learning outcomes. Design and deliver engaging learning experiences that prepare students for professional success. Program Development & External Relations Identify opportunities for and manage the development of new programs within the department, in consultation with faculty and administration. Work collaboratively to promote the department’s programs and engage with external stakeholders, including alumni, industry partners, and community organizations. Reporting, Communication, and Collaboration Provide reports and presentations to internal and external stakeholders as required. Coordinate with academic leadership and other departments to ensure the alignment of department strategies with institutional goals. Represent the department at college functions, external meetings, and professional events. Respond in a timely manner to inquiries from students, faculty, and staff. Additional Duties: Perform other duties as assigned by the VPAA or President to support the department and college’s mission.

Requirements

Earned master’s degree in a relevant field from an accredited institution.
Demonstrated leadership experience in higher education with evidence of effective management of academic initiatives, projects, or teams.
Experience working with accreditation and regulatory requirements related to academic programs.
A strong record of teaching excellence, service, and scholarship.
Experience managing academic programs, maintaining and analyzing data, and developing presentations, reports, and other documents.
Evidence of effective decision-making in collaborative settings.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to work effectively and collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, and external stakeholders.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and general office software.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment and successfully meet objectives on time.
Evidence of sound judgment and discretion when applying relevant policies and procedures.
Evidence of establishing and maintaining effective work relationships both internally and externally.
Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, and guidelines following appropriate professional and ethical principles.

Nice To Haves

Experience with program review and online instructional delivery.
Demonstrated success with state and professional accreditation agencies and regulators.
Experience in faculty development and mentoring.
Proven ability to manage academic programs, including maintaining and analyzing data and developing presentations, reports, and other documents.
Experience in faculty development and mentoring, with a clear record of supporting and enhancing faculty performance and growth.
Evidence of effective decision-making in collaborative settings
Proficiency in statistical and project management software.
Experience in course sequencing and development.
Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
Knowledge of the fields and disciplines of the department’s programs from an organizational, scholarly, cultural, institutional, and regulatory perspective.
Knowledge and support of the college’s mission, values, goals, pedagogy, governance, and methods of financing.
In-depth knowledge of curriculum design, multimodal instructional methods, and assessment practices in higher education.
Experience with accreditation processes and accrediting bodies.
Knowledge of the principles and practices of project management.
Familiarity with innovative teaching methods and technology in education.

Responsibilities

Lead the development and execution of a strategic vision for the department, aligning initiatives with broader institutional goals and emerging trends in higher education.
Develop and implement effective strategies to enhance student learning outcomes, utilizing assessment data to guide decision-making.
Recruit, develop, supervise, retain, and assess faculty within the department, including conducting regular performance reviews with actionable feedback.
Supervise and assess the quality of instructional delivery to ensure teaching methods and course content adhere to best practices and meet student learning outcomes.
Support the continuous professional development of faculty through workshops, mentorship programs, and other resources that foster innovation and teaching excellence.
Establish and implement clear faculty performance expectations, ensuring alignment with institutional goals and student success metrics.
Conduct structured goal development and performance appraisal processes, offering faculty constructive feedback and targeted professional growth opportunities.
Identify and address department faculty and staff performance issues proactively through coaching and structured development plans.
Manage the ongoing development, review, and assessment of curriculum and learning outcomes for programs within the department.
Ensure that all programs remain relevant, innovative, and compliant with academic, professional, and regulatory standards.
Develop and manage the department’s budget, ensuring effective allocation of resources to support department initiatives and growth.
Assume teaching responsibilities in courses based on student enrollment, ensuring high-quality instruction that reflects current best practices.
Advise department students to support academic and professional development.
Lead curriculum development and review efforts by collaborating with faculty, integrating research-based practices, and ensuring that courses remain innovative, rigorous, and aligned with program learning outcomes.
Design and deliver engaging learning experiences that prepare students for professional success.
Identify opportunities for and manage the development of new programs within the department, in consultation with faculty and administration.
Work collaboratively to promote the department’s programs and engage with external stakeholders, including alumni, industry partners, and community organizations.
Provide reports and presentations to internal and external stakeholders as required.
Coordinate with academic leadership and other departments to ensure the alignment of department strategies with institutional goals.
Represent the department at college functions, external meetings, and professional events.
Respond in a timely manner to inquiries from students, faculty, and staff.
Perform other duties as assigned by the VPAA or President to support the department and college’s mission.