The Opportunity: The Executive Dean of Advising and Student Success provides high-level leadership for advising and retention efforts and programs at Skagit Valley College. Reporting directly to the Vice President of Student Services, this position is responsible for the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of comprehensive integrated advising and retention practices and supports that advance student success at SVC.

The position provides executive-level collaborative efforts to align practices with institutional priorities, evidence-based student success frameworks, and data-informed decision-making to improve the student experience and student success outcomes.

This is a full-time, benefits-eligible position working 40 hours per week, 12 months a year. This position works on-site at the Mount Vernon Campus in Washington.

About SVC: Established in 1926, Skagit Valley College is a comprehensive community college within the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC), providing associates and bachelor’s degrees, as well as certificates, in high-quality academic transfer pathways, workforce training, basic education for adults, and lifelong learning opportunities. Our equity goals align with SBCTC’s Vision statement; “Leading with racial equity, our colleges maximize student potential and transform lives within a culture of belonging that advances racial, social, and economic justice in service to our diverse communities.”

SVC's commitment to equity and social justice drives our collective work to increase access to higher education, inspire student learning and achievement, and strengthen our diverse community. We embrace equity through our core themes of access, achievement, and community by pursuing the continuous examination and revision of norms, policies, and practices to foster the success of all.

SVC aspires to reflect the diverse racial, ethnic, and linguistic demographics in the district, particularly a growing Latinx population. As an emerging Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) SVC seeks equity minded leadership, faculty, and staff that are committed to inclusive practices and to diverse environments where students from all backgrounds can thrive via multidisciplinary collaboration and the implementation of an array of services. Candidates representing all aspects of diversity are encouraged to apply.

Mission: Skagit Valley College cultivates student learning and achievement; contributes to the educational, personal, and economic success of students; and promotes equitable and thriving communities.

Vision: The primary focus of Skagit Valley College is student-centered teaching and learning. We are committed to:

• Equitable student outcomes in access, achievement, and community;
• Our Guiding Principles;
• Decisions based on strategy and evidence;
• The development of our employees;
• A diverse and inclusive college community where everyone belongs.

• An unrelenting focus on our mission to improve the lives of our students and to strengthen our diverse community.
• Support for innovative teaching, learning, and scholarship.
• Exciting opportunities for personal and career growth.
• Diverse cultural and environmental benefits of rural, suburban and urban lifestyles.
• Friendly, supportive, and diverse work environments.
• Excellent benefits including competitive leave packages and an array of health, dental, vision, and retirement plans to meet your current and future needs.

Strategic Leadership, Administration and Planning

• Collaborate with Institutional Research, predictive analytics, assessment data, and performance metrics to identify trends, evaluate program effectiveness, and recommend evidence-based improvements;
• Identify institutional barriers affecting student success and collaborate with campus leadership to develop sustainable solutions that improve the student experience;
• Promote equitable student outcomes through initiatives that support historically underserved student populations;
• Ensure assigned departments utilize assessment, program review, and continuous improvement practices to measure advising effectiveness and demonstrate student success outcomes.

• Develop, oversee, manage, and monitor Counseling and Advising Center budgets, ensuring fiscal responsibility, compliance with state, federal, and institutional policies, and alignment with college strategic priorities;
• Support department directors in developing, monitoring, and maintaining fiscally responsible budgets and grants that align with college strategic priorities.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Higher Education, Education, Leadership, Management, Student Development, or related field;
• At least five (5) years of progressive administrative leadership experience in higher education, including responsibility for leading complex student success or advising operations and managing programs that span multiple departments or functional areas;
• At least three (3) years of demonstrated experience advancing student success at scale, with expertise in one or more of the following: holistic or appreciative advising models; career and academic counseling; transfer pathways and articulations; student development and retention strategies; TRiO; Disability Services; and Equity & Inclusion;
• At least three (3) years of supervisory experience of full-time professional staff and/or faculty;
• Experience using data, assessment, and student success technologies to improve persistence and completion outcomes;

• Experience with Guided Pathways or other student success models, theoretical frameworks, and research-based outcomes;
• Experience leading college-wide advising or retention initiatives;
• Experience using PeopleSoft/ctcLink, EAB Navigate360, Starfish, or other student management or student success technology tools;
• Multilingual in English and Spanish.

• Ability to independently manage multiple high-level initiatives with competing priorities and time-sensitive deadlines;
• Demonstrated expertise in program administration, assessment, and improvement within higher education, particularly in student development and support services;
• Effective budget management skills and experience with fiscal oversight, resource allocation, and grant or external funding stewardship;
• Proficiency in leveraging student information systems, assessment platforms, and technology to enhance operational efficiency and student outcomes;
• Skilled in developing and maintaining collaborative partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, including K–12 districts, community organizations, and higher education institutions;
• Ability to effectively lead, motivate, and develop a team in a fast-paced, evolving environment that values continuous learning and professional development;
• Demonstrated customer service experience requiring a very high level of diplomacy and professionalism.
• Ability to initiate, establish, and foster communication and teamwork by maintaining a positive, cooperative, and productive work environment;
• Excellent communication skills; ability to effectively communicate information in a clear and understandable manner;
• Ability to interpret, communicate, and apply policies and procedures.

Salary and Benefits:

• Annual salary rate for this twelve-month, 100% of full-time position is $120,000 - $130,000 annually, depending on experience;
• Contracts are written annually for the period of July 1 to June 30. This position will be filled as soon practical after a candidate is identified, and the salary will be pro-rated for the remaining contract period.
• This position is exempt from civil service. This position is eligible for overtime.
• Salary, retirement, medical, and insurance benefits are provided in accordance with state regulations and may be subject to change in accordance with legislative mandates. Additional information on benefits can be found at https://fortress.wa.gov/hca/pebbhealthplan/compare.aspx.

1. Meet the minimum qualifications and;
2. Submit a complete application to the online recruitment system at www.skagit.eduthat includes the following:
   • The online application, which includes answers to all supplemental questions and contact information for at least three (3) professional references;
   • A current resume; (Attachment: Resume);
   • A letter of interest addressing the minimum, desired qualifications, and your education and experience as it supports the responsibilities of this position; (Attachment: Cover Letter).

• Prior to employment, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.
  
  Additionally, pursuant to RCW 28B.112.080, applicants must declare whether they are the subject of any substantiated findings of sexual misconduct in any current or former employment or are currently being investigated for, or have left a position during an investigation into, a violation of any sexual misconduct policy at the applicant’s current or past employer. By law, post-secondary education institutions cannot hire an applicant who refuses to declare the existence or non-existence of an investigation or findings subject to this statute.

• In the interest of providing a healthy, safe and secure educational and work environment, and in order to meet the requirements of federal legislation, it is the policy of Skagit Valley College to maintain an alcohol and drug-free workplace for our employees and students.
• If hired you will be required to provide proof of identity and documentation of U.S. Citizenship or appropriate authorization to work in this position as required by the Immigration Reform Control Act of 1986.
• Completion of academic degree(s) will be verified through receipt of official transcripts at the time of hire.