Director, Liberal Arts & Sciences

Western Nevada College•Carson City, NV

About The Position

The Director of Liberal Arts and Sciences is an administrative role that serves as the leader of the Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) Division and related programs, with primary responsibility for the development, management, and execution of semester and annual class schedules and faculty instructional workloads that align with student needs for certificate and degree attainment. This includes the development of course offerings, instructor assignments, overloads, and adjunct utilization in strict accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and in close collaboration with Academic Planning and the Vice President of Academic & Student Affairs (VPASA).

Requirements

The Director of Liberal Arts & Sciences must have a broad and detailed knowledge of academic and transfer programs; curriculum development; teaching and learning best practices; familiarity with WNC’s service area; and a demonstrated ability to exercise individual and group leadership that fosters a positive team environment based on consensus building, collaboration, conflict resolution, task completion and creative problem solving.
Knowledge of: Liberal arts and sciences transfer programs and disciplines Mission and philosophy of comprehensive community colleges Educational curriculum, pedagogy and assessment for student learning Student learning needs and challenges, as well as strategies for supporting success Faculty role and value in community college and higher education, generally NWCCU accreditation requirements NSHE/WNC policies and procedures
Skills in: Effective leadership and decision-making Written and interpersonal communication Prioritizing, planning, organizing and executing tasks in a timely manner Analyzing data Strategic planning, goal setting and achieving outcomes Logistical and systems thinking Developing and implementing curricula Assessing academic programs and student learning outcomes Synthesizing complex data to reach a conclusion and/or drive improvement Independent decision-making
Ability to: Assume, represent and perform an administrator role Serve as a productive member of the college’s extended leadership team Work collaboratively and collegially in a shared-governance environment Manage overlapping timelines, competing deadlines and shifting priorities Balance a high-level perspective with the demands of daily work, successfully managing both Advocate for the needs of division faculty and staff while simultaneously supporting administrative initiatives and goals
Master's degree and a minimum of 3 years of leadership experience to include staff supervision and evaluation. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted for the Master's degree (i.e., BA+4 years related professional experience which includes 3 years of leadership experience).

Nice To Haves

Experience teaching in a higher education system
Experience with a secondary educational system
Experience observing and evaluating instruction
Experience with local, regional or statewide academic initiatives
Second language proficiency (written and oral), Spanish preferred

Responsibilities

Academic Scheduling, Faculty Load, and Instructional Planning Lead the development of semester and annual class schedules for all Liberal Arts and Sciences programs, ensuring alignment with student demand, completion pathways, and transfer requirements
Assign and manage full-time faculty instructional loads, overloads, and adjunct faculty assignments in full compliance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement
Collaborate closely with Academic Planning, Advising, Academic Directors, and the VPASA to align schedules with institutional enrollment targets, budget constraints, staffing plans, and strategic priorities
Balance instructional needs across modalities (in-person, online, hybrid), locations, days, and times to maximize access, efficiency, and student success
Recruit and hire qualified adjuncts based on schedule needs and in accordance with WNC procedures and policies. Maintain and manage the Letter of Appointment (LOA) budget for adjuncts and overloads, ensuring fiscal accountability and compliance
Analyze enrollment trends, historical data, productivity metrics, and student demand to inform scheduling decisions, class caps, cancellations, and additions
Resolve scheduling conflicts, load discrepancies, and faculty workload concerns in a timely, professional, and contract-compliant manner
Serve as the primary divisional expert on scheduling systems, workload rules, and instructional staffing practices
Communicate schedule decisions clearly and consistently with faculty, Academic Planning, and college leadership
Ensure schedules are accurate, complete, and submitted in accordance with institutional timelines
Division Leadership and Faculty Supervision Supervise, observe, evaluate, and support full-time and part-time faculty and staff, including adjunct instructors
Promote accountability, professional growth, and instructional excellence
Address faculty and student issues, mediate conflicts, and support resolution with a focus on collegiality and student success
Model open communication, respect, and shared governance
Program Oversight, Curriculum, and Assessment Oversee academic programs, curriculum review, and continuous improvement processes
Support student learning outcomes and program-level assessment
Maintain currency and accuracy of the college catalog and related academic materials
Support innovative curriculum delivery models aligned with changing student demographics
Budget, Grants, and Resource Management Develop and manage divisional budgets
Monitor expenditures related to instruction, staffing, and operations
Oversee grants and ensure compliance with fiscal and reporting requirements
Strategic Planning, Partnerships, and Representation Represent the division on college, system, and state committees as assigned
Maintain relationships with accrediting agencies, transfer institutions, and community partners
Participate in regional and statewide initiatives impacting academic programs
Other duties as assigned

Benefits

Retirement – NSHE Faculty Retirement Plan Alternative (RPA)
Voluntary supplemental retirement plans, both pre-tax and Roth options available (403b, 457b plans)
Employer paid Long Term Disability (LTD) Program
Health insurance options including dental and vision
Generous annual leave (A contract), sick leave (A & B contract), 12 paid holidays
The WNC Fitness Center offers Faculty and Staff membership WNC Fitness Center
ComPsych our Employee Assistance Program offers resources and assistance to Faculty and Staff
Discounted WNC Staff rates for our Child Development Center which has received Four Star Recognition from the Nevada Silver Star Quality Rating and Improvement System
Voluntary benefits including accident, disability, legal services, and more
An administrative faculty senate represents full-time, administrative faculty
Free parking and plenty of it!
No State income tax!
Education Benefits for Faculty Employees and Family Members WNC is proud to provide a reduced-rate tuition benefit to faculty and their qualified dependents. Faculty can take up to six credits per semester at a reduced rate. Qualified dependents of faculty can take unlimited credits per semester.