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College of the Desert (Desert Community College District)

**About College of the Desert**

The College of the Desert, Desert Community College District enrolls approximately 20,000 students each academic year with steady enrollment growth each year. College of the Desert embraces diversity in all forms and the right of all people to have access to quality higher education in a safe learning environment. Designated as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), College of the Desert administers an array of student programs specifically focused on student support and helping students achieve their educational and career goals. As a two-year college, we offer Associates Degree for Transfer, both in Art and Sciences, Associates Degrees, and Certificates across a wide range of disciplines.

College of the Desert is a district that consists of leadership, staff, and faculty who are committed to enhancing our community through supporting the academic success of all of our students including racially and ethnically diverse students, students with disabilities, students who are first generation to college, veterans, students of all ages, students with diverse socio-economic backgrounds, "dreamers", and students of diverse sexual orientation and gender expression.

When you join College of the Desert you can expect to be part of a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative community. We provide students with a rich and dynamic learning experience that embraces differences, emphasizes collaboration, and engages students in and out of the classroom. We are committed to ensuring that College of the Desert is a welcoming place for the success of all students.

**Who We Want:**

College of the Desert is seeking individuals from a broad range of cultural heritages, socioeconomic backgrounds, genders, abilities, and orientations. As such, we prioritize individuals who fully demonstrate their understanding of the community we serve, the benefits of diversity in a professional and educational setting, and values creating a culture that brings people together. A successful candidate will value working in a collegial, collaborative environment that is guided by a commitment to inclusion, student education, and equity. An equity-minded individual is a person who already does or has demonstrated the desire to:

- Understand the importance of holding ourselves accountable as faculty, staff and leadership for closing equity gaps and engaging in equitable practices;
- Reframe inequities as a problem of practice and view the elimination of inequities as an individual and collective responsibility;
- Encourage positive race-consciousness and embrace human difference;
- Reflect on institutional and teaching practices and aim to make them more culturally responsive; and
- Strategically build buy-in and participation among colleagues for equity-related initiatives.

## Interim Director of Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA)

**Salary:** $120,688.56 - $174,772.80 Annually

**Location:** Palm Desert, CA

**Job Type:** INTERIM

**Division:** Office of Instruction

**Department:** School of Mathematics & Sciences

**FLSA:** Exempt

**Employment Status:** Educational Administrator

**BASIC FUNCTION**

The Director of Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) is responsible for planning, implementing, supervising, and evaluating the MESA Program and related Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) academic support initiatives.

The incumbent oversees day-to-day MESA Center operations; coordinates student support services; ensures compliance with statewide MESA requirements; manages staffing, budgets, and grants; and contributes to institutional goals aligned with the College's mission, vision, and values.

**SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED**

Receives direct supervision from area vice president or designee. The incumbent is expected to work independently, exercising professional judgment and initiative to achieve departmental goals.

## REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

_The duties listed are intended to provide examples of the types of work performed and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities. The District reserves the right to modify or assign additional duties consistent with the classification._

_The following duties are representative of the essential functions of this position:_

1. Supervise and evaluate faculty and staff within the area of responsibility, supervise workload, provide in-service training, and resolve conflicts. This responsibility includes planning, organizing, staffing, leading, coordinating, and controlling the activities of the assigned programs, including, but not limited to, all aspects of the MESA Program and related STEM success initiatives.

2. Develop and implement program goals, policies, procedures, and evaluation processes.

3. Assists in the preparation, submission, and administration of the department budget; research grant opportunities including but not limited to the application, reporting, and submission of grant funding documents.

4. Maintain communication and collaboration with STEM faculty, student support units, department chairs, and statewide MESA leadership to ensure alignment of program goals and activities; coordinate and support the consistent and effective implementation of statewide MESA guidelines, ensuring to standards and promoting program success across all participating entities.

5. Oversee tutoring, supplemental instruction, and academic enrichment programs to enhance student achievement. Coordinate academic advising, career exploration, and transfer preparation services to support student progression, persistence, and completion of educational and career goals.

6. Support student access to admissions, financial aid, scholarships, and internships; ensure compliance with eligibility, tracking, and reporting requirements; and develop partnerships with schools, universities, industry, and community organizations.

7. Coordinate internships, field trips, guest speakers, and experiential learning opportunities to enhance student engagement. Recruit students and represent MESA at outreach events, as well as at district and community meetings, to promote program awareness and participation.

8. Prepare and submit accurate and timely internal and statewide MESA reports. Ensure compliance with all applicable state, federal, district, and MESA requirements. Present and maintain required program records, documentation, updates and reports to stakeholders to support transparency, accountability, and informed decision-making.

9. Develop, implement, and maintain policies, procedures, and recordkeeping systems to ensure compliance with all grant requirements, including federal and state regulations, as well as District policies and procedures. Research funding opportunities; prepare, write, and submit grant proposals; and manage awarded grants to ensure proper administration, reporting, and alignment with program objectives.

10. Collect, analyze, and interpret program data to evaluate effectiveness and support continuous improvement.

11. Provide direct supervision, coaching, and professional development to assigned staff and student workers; conduct formal performance evaluations and recommend disciplinary actions in accordance with District policies and collective bargaining agreements.

12. Chair or Co-Chair assigned governance committees to create policies and standards for data quality, access, and usage.

13. Develop, monitor, and administer program budgets to ensure efficient use of resources and alignment with program goals and funding requirements. Prepare and submit accurate and timely performance, financial, and compliance reports to support accountability, transparency, and adherence to applicable regulations.

14. Participate in ongoing professional development.

15. Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

## MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

The Desert Community College District has established the following hiring criteria for all educational administrative positions:

**Minimum qualifications for service as an Educational Administrator** shall be both of the following in accordance with Title 5 section 53420:

• Possession of a master's degree; and

• One year of formal training, internship, or leadership experience in delivering to students' academic services aimed at improving academic, study, test taking, and other skills where the students are majoring in mathematics-based fields.

• Sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students.

## KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

**Knowledge of:**

• Strategic planning, curriculum development, program review, and student learning outcomes assessment.

• Enrollment management, institutional research, and the use of data and technology for planning and continuous improvement.

• Academic support services and learning resources, including tutoring, coaching, Library and Learning Resources operations, and educational technologies.

• Accreditation standards, fiscal and grant management, and resource allocation.

• Education Code, Title 5, and other federal, state, and local regulations affecting higher education.

• Personnel supervision, professional development, and practices that support equity, inclusion, and student success.

• Shared governance, effective communication, conflict resolution, and collaborative leadership practices.

• Trends and innovations in higher education and student services.

• Build and maintain respectful, collaborative relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

• Identify issues proactively and implement practical, timely solutions with sound judgment and minimal supervision.

• Modern office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software.

**Ability to:**

• Demonstrate understanding of, sensitivity to, and respect for the diverse academic, socio economic, ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds, disability, and sexual orientation of community college students, faculty and staff.

• Interpret, apply and explain complex and technical District policies and procedures, State and federal laws and regulations related to assigned programs.

• Maintain regular, reliable, and punctual attendance consistent with District standards and operational needs.

• Communicate clearly, concisely, effectively and professionally, both verbally and in writing, with employees and District leadership and stakeholders, especially during stressful situations; de-escalate difficult customer interactions with empathy and tact.

• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others; work independently, confidentially, organize work to meet schedules, timelines and with minimal direction; exercise tact and diplomacy when handling sensitive or confidential matters.

• Maintain accurate, complete records and files; prepare comprehensive reports, and learn about District organization, operations, policies, and objectives.

• Supervise, coach, evaluate and motivate a team of professionals and foster a collaborative, customer-focused team culture, and inclusive work environment.

• Plan, organize, direct, and evaluate educational programs, services, operations, and personnel to meet institutional goals and evolving needs.

• Interpret and apply laws, regulations, policies, and procedures, and maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant legal and educational standards.

• Analyze problems, assess options, and implement effective solutions using sound judgment and strategic thinking.

• Develop, manage, and monitor budgets, timelines, and resource allocations, including grants and special projects.

• Collaborate across departments and governance groups to promote shared decision making, consensus building, and student-centered innovation. Utilize technology and data to support planning, evaluation, and continuous improvement in educational services.

## WORKING CONDITIONS

**Environment:** District office environment; subject to constant interruptions and frequent interaction with others; sitting for long periods at a time (up to 2-3 hours); repetitive use of upper extremities including hand coordination activities; requires some evening and weekend responsibility; occasional travel to other locations to attend meetings or conduct work. The ability to type, use phone, stand intermittently, walk, bend and stoop, occasionally lift (up to 20 pounds), carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects of light to moderate weight, work at a computer, including sitting and viewing a monitor for various lengths of time, repetitive use of keyboard, mouse or other control device, dexterity of hands and fingers to operate keyboard, ability to communicate and provide information to others.

**SCHEDULE & LOCATION:**

- This position is scheduled 40 hours per week, 12 months per year.
- The primary location is Palm Desert Campus.
- The schedule and location are subject to change based on District need.

**REQUIRED APPLICATION AND REQUIRED UPLOADED DOCUMENTS:**

To be considered a candidate for this position, the following materials must be electronically uploaded:

- **Online Application:** All sections of the College of the Desert District online application must be completed including education and experience.
- **Resume:** Must include length of employment (month/year start and end dates) for each employer.
- **Cover Letter:** Please address how you meet the minimum requirements for this position and any special qualifications you possess.
- **College Transcripts:** Academic transcripts of all college level coursework showing date degree awarded from an accredited institution. For consideration, degree(s) must be awarded at the time of application. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable at time of application. Successful candidate must provide official transcripts upon hire. Non-U.S. transcripts must include a certified U.S. evaluation (i.e., NACES agency: www.naces.org) at the time of application. Diplomas will not be accepted in lieu of the required transcripts.

**REQUIRED IN YOUR APPLICATION:**

- **List of References**: References should include at least two supervisors and one colleague. Please include name, title, email and current phone numbers. Letters of reference will not be accepted in lieu of the required List of References.

**IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS:**

- Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.
- College of the Desert does not offer sponsorship nor take over sponsorship for an employment VISA.
- Employment is contingent on residence in California.

- Incomplete application packages will not be considered.
- All submitted materials become the property of College of the Desert Community College District and will not be returned or copied and will be considered for this position only.
- Salary placement will be contingent on all materials submitted for this position.
- Applicant bears the sole responsibility for ensuring that the application package is complete when submitted.
- All travel arrangements will be at applicant's expense.
- Application materials must be received by the deadline. Application materials received after the closing deadline will not be accepted.

**TIMELINES:**

- For consideration, please apply by July 13, 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted.
- Interviews are tentatively scheduled in-person on July 23, 2026.
- Tentative schedule is subject to change based on District need.

**The _SELECTED CANDIDATE_ is required to complete the following prior to employment:**

- Provide a Certificate of Tuberculosis Exam for initial appointment (Note: The certificate must be renewed every 4 years as a condition of continuing employment).
- Have fingerprints taken by a Live Scan computer at the candidate's expense (Clearance must be received prior to the first day of employment).
- Present original documents for proof of eligibility to work in the United States(Note: We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.) A Social Security Card will be required for payroll processing.
- Participate in a new hire onboarding, completing all required tasks and forms.
- May be required to complete a fitness for duty physical exam based on the job description, as applicable.

Job Opportunities | College of the Desert Careers

Strategic Planning

Chief Technology Officer

For over 50 years, College of the Desert has served as the Coachella Valley's center for higher education, occupational and technical training, and lifelong learning. The College offers more than 150 degree and certificate programs. We are training and educating the next generation of clean technology professionals, childcare providers, allied healthcare workers, architects, golf professionals, and programmers to build the next web-based platforms.

For students, College of the Desert is a two-year start on a four-year degree, a direct gateway to marketable skills in hospitality, medical, and agricultural industries, among others, and a springboard for retraining for a career in an emerging field.

For businesses, the College is the public portion of public/private partnerships which are key to our success and bring educational programs and ventures for expanded teaching opportunities that also function as commercial ventures for on-the-job training.

For the Coachella Valley, College of the Desert is an economic driver, educating and training tomorrow's workforce and meeting the educational needs of businesses and entrepreneurs. Altogether, the activities of the College and its former students generate an average annual income of $282 million to the local economy.

College of the Desert

Welcome to the College of the Desert.   The college was founded in 1958 and opened its doors for the first time in September 1962. As a two-year college, the College offers transfer students an affordable option for starting college and transferring to a four-year institution. College of the Desert is the number one source of transfer students to California State University at San Bernardino. College of the Desert also offers a number of popular vocational and technical programs, including Nursing and Health Sciences, Digital Design and Production, Turf Grass Management & Ornamental Horticulture, Advanced Transportation Technologies, Culinary Arts, and a full range of Administration of Justice courses at the Public Safety Academy training facility.  Learn how College of the Desert is creating a brighter tomorrow for students.

Interim Director of Mathematics, Engineering

Palm Desert

The Interim Director of MESA at College of the Desert is responsible for overseeing the MESA Program, coordinating STEM academic support initiatives, managing budgets and grants, and ensuring compliance with statewide requirements. The role involves supervising faculty and staff, developing program goals, and enhancing student achievement through various support services.

College of the Desert (Desert Community College District)

Jobs

Interim Director of Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA)

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