Rising Scholar Director

Palo Verde Community College District•Blythe, CA

21d•Onsite

About The Position

Palo Verde College is seeking a Rising Scholar Director to organize and direct operations for its Rising Scholars program and develop support for justice-impacted students. Under the direction of the Dean of Instruction or designee, the Director collaborates with partners to remove barriers, connect students with academic support and resources, direct student support teams, and foster a welcoming, inclusive educational environment. The Director develops, implements, and evaluates initiatives that improve access to educational resources and support services, while maintaining current knowledge of best practices and policies affecting justice-impacted students. The role oversees program operations and instructional services agreements, coordinates course schedules and staffing with college departments and CDCR facilities, supervises assigned personnel, manages the program budget, and monitors program effectiveness and compliance. The Director leads the college’s Rising Scholars committee, works with college and community stakeholders, supports faculty, and conducts outreach and program events. The position is a 12-month Classified Management role, contingent on continued categorical funding. It includes routine visits to service locations, including CDCR facilities, the Palo Verde College Needles Center, and local high schools. The position is based at Palo Verde College in Blythe, California; the physical demands and work environment are typical of an administrative office job.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, or equivalent; substitutions for education and professional experience are permitted under the stated substitution policy.
Two years of related experience in program management or a related position.
Prior experience working with currently or formerly incarcerated students.
Ability to satisfy CDCR clearance guidelines.
Exemplary written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
Sensitivity to and understanding of students’, faculty’s, administrators’, and personnel’s diverse academic, ethnic, racial, age, national-origin, religious, gender, gender-identity, sexual-orientation, disability, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Ability to hold and maintain a valid driver’s license.
Knowledge of program planning, organization, and operations; Rising Scholar program goals and outcomes; applicable education laws and regulations; supervision and training; community relations and outreach; budget preparation and control; resources for targeted populations; data analysis and record keeping; and the needs of historically underrepresented and disproportionately impacted students, particularly justice-impacted students.
Ability to plan and direct program operations; collaborate across departments; prepare comprehensive reports and correspondence; analyze situations and take effective action; coordinate resources and personnel; interpret and apply laws and policies; manage multiple responsibilities under pressure; work independently; communicate effectively; advocate for Rising Scholars; apply an equity-minded framework; conduct complex research and make recommendations; and adapt to new technologies and systems.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience at a community college.
Experience launching new initiatives and programs.
Understanding of the principles of Guided Pathways.
Documented experience with the Rising Scholar population or an equivalent initiative.
Knowledge of CDCR system policies, California Education Code, Title 5, Chancellor’s Office Administrative Procedures, and other legal parameters affecting student success program policies.

Responsibilities

Design, implement, and direct the Rising Scholar Program in alignment with institutional goals and applicable regulations.
Oversee instructional services agreements and serve as liaison with CDCR facilities concerning day-to-day instruction delivery, including course scheduling, staffing, and management and delivery of course materials.
Coordinate with Instruction and Student Services on enrollment, retention, timelines, schedules, and support services.
Review and analyze program data, evaluate service effectiveness, and recommend and implement improvements.
Lead, train, supervise, and evaluate assigned personnel; participate in selection, transfer, reassignment, disciplinary, and termination recommendations; encourage staff professional development.
Coordinate, develop, and submit Rising Scholars course schedules.
Develop and implement short- and long-term program goals and initiatives.
Lead the Palo Verde College Rising Scholars committee and maintain timely communication with stakeholders.
Work with Division Chairs to schedule and staff course sections and onboard, orient, and support program faculty.
Develop marketing strategies and direct workshops, presentations, information sessions, and events.
Establish and maintain relationships with CDCR and District leadership and staff.
Calculate and review teaching assignments and workloads.
Interpret, explain, implement, and communicate compliance with applicable District, state, and federal requirements, laws, regulations, and policies; ensure program compliance.
Prepare and oversee narrative and statistical reports, records, program reviews, and files related to program activities and personnel.
Develop and manage the annual operating budget for the Rising Scholars program and services.
Integrate equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging into all aspects of the program; develop equitable procedures and monitor program effectiveness.
Travel to off-site locations, including CDCR facilities, the Needles Center, and local high schools.
Provide high-level customer service and use critical thinking, decision-making, problem-solving, tact, and diplomacy.
Respond to information requests from staff, agencies, and the public, and participate in community outreach and education.
Use office equipment, computers, and assigned software; maintain automated records and reporting; learn and apply emerging technologies.
Maintain involvement with relevant professional organizations, attend related conferences and training, and participate in District committees and shared governance.
Promote a welcoming and inclusive work and educational environment and advocate for diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, respect, and belonging.
Perform other duties as assigned.