Director

Salary: $98,311.68 - $142,369.92 Annually
Location: Palm Desert, CA
Job Type: FULL TIME
Job Number: 2500085
Division: Office of Instruction
Department:
Opening Date: 09/12/2025
Closing Date: 10/5/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit: N/A

Description

About College of the Desert
The College of the Desert, Desert Community College District enrolls approximately 15,000 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 students of color, 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.

Interested in learning more about College of the Desert and the Coachella Valley? Visit the links below.

• The Community - Coachella Valley
• College of the Desert

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.

BASIC FUNCTION

The Director of Apprenticeship and Work-Based Learning will develop, plan and direct all aspects of creating, launching, and overseeing operations of the work experience program, apprenticeship, and all initiatives related to work- based learning.

Under the direction of the area administrator, the Director of Apprenticeship and Work-Based Learning will develop, plan, and manage all aspects of creating, launching, and overseeing operations of the work experience program, apprenticeship, and all initiatives related to work-based learning.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives direct supervision from area administrator. Exercises supervision over assigned personnel.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements and duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to this class.

• Review State Education Code, Labor Code Regulations, Title 5, and College of the Desert Board Policies to establish policies and procedures for apprenticeship and work-based learning programs, operations, coordination, and reporting.
• Manage and organize day-to-day operations of work-experience program, apprenticeship, other workbased learning initiatives, including student paperwork processing, records maintenance, instructor support, invoicing, and data reporting at the district, state, and federal agencies.
• Provide leadership in the outreach, inter-agency coordination, and processes pertinent to all work-based learning programs.
• Manage submission and invoicing of pertinent documents and required record retention.
• Generate, manage data, create reports and distribute as required.
• Establish and maintain a systematic process for performance evaluation of all work-based learning programs.
• Align programs to regional and state initiatives, as required.
• Plan and conduct periodic public relations campaigns that promote work-based learning initiatives and programs.
• Serve as liaison among schools, parents, students, industry, apprenticeship program sponsors, and the community.
• Promote continuous improvement of work-based learning programs and management processes.
• Lead College of the Desert's Work Experience Advisory Committee, and other work-based learning committees.
• Attend local and state required Advisory committee meetings, including Californian Apprenticeship Council (CAC) and Interagency Advisory Committee for Apprenticeship (IACA), and other approved meetings.
• Collaborate with all internal and external stakeholders to create, maintain, and support work-based learning programs.
• Communicate, present, and respond to questions about the program from various internal and external stakeholders.
• Interpret and communicate relevant policies, procedures, and regulations for faculty, students, staff, industry partners, and community members.
• Manage, supervise, and evaluate (as appropriate) the work of assigned faculty, classified and other support staff.
• Serve on college committees as requested.
• Maintain an understanding of current ideas, research and practices pertaining to the areas of responsibility, through continued study and participation in professional organizations
• Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
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 reasonably related to the administrator's administrative assignment.

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Valid California driver's license, must have an acceptable driving record and current vehicle insurance meeting State of California requirements.

KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES:
Knowledge of: Familiarity with Inland Empire/Desert Region community colleges and secondary schools, modern apprenticeship as an instructional method, local/regional business organizations, and civic organizations. Principles and practices of administrative organization and management, planning, supervising, and evaluating the work of others, employee motivation and training. Pertinent federal, state, local, District and college laws, rules and regulations, and collective bargaining contract provisions. Complex business level spelling, grammar and punctuation. Modern office tools, such as computers and printers; typical modern office computer software programs; report and presentation writing. Needs assessment techniques. Local and regional labor market trends. Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy.

Ability to: Manage and administer grant funded project and programs. Use organizational skills that enable performance of duties in a timely fashion a with attention to detail. Effectively communicate orally and in writing. Manage financial resources effectively including determining how best to utilize resources and managing budgets and expenditures. Use personal computers utilizing typical office software applications, including the Internet. Work effectively with managers, faculty, and staff in a participatory governance environment to accomplish the goals and objectives of the assigned program or project. Communicate effectively and constructively with persons of diverse cultures, language groups, and abilities. Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others, including those from a diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds of community college students, faculty, and staff. Ability and willingness to travel.

EMPLOYMENT STATUS

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
While performing duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit or stand for extended periods of time.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
Environment: Office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Sit or stand for extended periods of time, pushing and pulling, and visual acuity. The ability to type, use phone, stand intermittently, walk, bend and stoop, occasionally lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects of light to moderate weight (up to 25 lbs.). Travel between sites. Requires evening and weekend responsibility.

EMPLOYMENT STATUS & SALARY

• Educational Administrator (Download PDF reader)
• Categorical and Grant Funded
• Certificated Leadership Salary Schedule Range 7
• Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications.

REQUIRED ATTACHMENTS: Applications missing any of the required documents listed will not be considered. The following documents are required at the time of application:

• Online Application: Please fill out your online application completely with all requested details.
• Resume: Must include length of employment (month/year start & 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: Must be from an accredited institution, show name of institution, degree awarded, discipline, and date awarded. Diplomas will not be accepted in lieu of transcripts.

IN YOUR APPLICATION

• List of Professional References: List of Professional References: References should include at least three supervisors and two colleagues. Please include name, title, email, and current phone numbers for all references in your application. Letters of recommendation will not be accepted in lieu of the required addition of Professional References.

TIMELINES:

• For consideration, you must apply by October 5, 2025.
• Recruitment timeline may be updated based on District need.

DISTRICT RIGHTS:

• College of the Desert reserves the right to re-open, re-advertise, delay, or cancel filling this position.

FAQs: For additional information, click here: Recruitment - Frequently Asked Questions

PLEASE NOTE:

• Employment is contingent on residence in California.
• 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.

Notice to all Candidates for Employment:

DISTRICT RIGHTS: College of the Desert reserves the right to re-open, re-advertise, delay, or cancel filling this position.

The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, Public Law 99-603, requires that employers obtain documentation from every new employee which authorizes that individual to accept employment in this country. The Desert Community College District (DCCD) will not sponsor any VISA applications nor take over any VISA.

Employees must reside in California while employed with the Desert Community College District (DCCD).

California Public Employees Retirement System and California State Teachers Retirement System:

A California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) retiree may not accept employment until after the first 180 days of retirement. Anyone retired from CalPERS accepting permanent employment with the DCCD will be required to reinstate as an active CalPERS member. Please contact CalPERS for additional information regarding your retirement status.

Any active vested member of California State Teachers Retirement System (CalSTRS), who accepts employment with the DCCD to perform service that requires membership in CalPERS, is eligible to elect to continue retirement system coverage under CalSTRS

Disability Accommodations:

If you require special accommodations in the application and/or evaluation process, please notify Human Resources at least two (2) business days prior to the job posting close or initial screening date, by either calling (760) 773 -2529 or sending an e-mail to pagomez@collegeofthedesert.edu.

Attendance Requirement:

All DCCD employees are required to report to work on a regular and consistent basis, as scheduled, to assigned job.

Campus Crime and Safety Awareness:

Information regarding campus crime and safety awareness can be found at https://www.collegeofthedesert.edu/students/public-safety/.

Non-Discrimination Notice:

The DCCD provides access to its services, classes, and programs without regard to national origin, immigration status, religion, age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, race, ethnicity, color, medical condition, military and veteran status, genetic information, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, or because they are perceived to have one or more of the foregoing characteristics, or based on association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics.

California Fair Chance Act:

The DCCD will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if the DCCD is concerned about a conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Equal Employment Opportunity:

The DCCD is committed to creating an academic and work environment that fosters diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and equal employment opportunity (EEO) for all, and ensures that students, faculty, staff, and managers of all backgrounds feel welcome, included, supported, and safe. Our culture of belonging, openness, and inclusion, makes the DCCD a unique and special place for individuals of all backgrounds.

The DCCD is looking for equity and inclusion-minded applicants who represent the full diversity of California and who demonstrate a sensitivity to the understanding of diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds present within our community. When you join the DCCD, you can expect to be part of an exciting, thriving, equity-focused, and inclusive community that approaches higher education with the lens of social justice and collaboration among students, faculty, staff, managers, and community partners. In deciding whether to apply for a position at the DCCD, you are strongly encouraged to consider whether your values align with the DCCD's mission and goals for DEIA and EEO.

Additional Resources

• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
• California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (FEHA)
  • Discrimination Laws Regarding People With Disabilities
  • Reasonable Accommodation
• Job Accommodation Network (JAN)
• AP 7100 - Commitment to Diversity (Download PDF reader)
• COD - Equal Opportunity Plan (Download PDF reader)
Department of Labor's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP)

THE DCCD IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER


To apply, visit: https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/collegeofthedesertca/jobs/5077825/director-apprenticeship-and-work-based-learning

jeid-ce62dfef3e40694a87b1c8d5533b5387