Dean of Science, Technology, Engineering, Agriculture & Math (STEAM)

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Vice President of Instruction, provide leadership in the planning, organizing, administering, developing, and assessing instruction programs, projects, and initiatives including curriculum, instruction, academic assessment, shared governance, outreach, and faculty professional development within the Divisions. Divisions supervised include Exercise Science, Math, Science, and Engineering (transfer); Agriculture and Natural Resources. Provide supervision to WVC STEM Center.

Essential Functions

Division Leadership and Administration

• Provide innovative leadership in education.
• Promote shared governance through active participation in college committees.
• Work collaboratively with the faculty to plan, organize, develop, and evaluate instructional programs.
• Resolve student, faculty, and staff conflicts and issues within the area according to WVC policies and procedures.
• Develop procedures to implement effective management of the areas of responsibility.
• Interpret and apply laws, regulations, district procedures, and collective bargaining contract provisions.
• Encourage diversity, equality, and inclusion in staffing, curriculum, programs, and services.
• Plan, organize, and implement multiple projects and programs and provide updates to the vice president of instruction regarding progress towards completion.
• Compile and present narrative and statistical reports in a concise and comprehensive manner.

Budget Management and Planning

• Develop the area budget and manage financial resources consistent with district policy and sound financial management principles.
• Develop and manage all grants related to Divisions.
• Work with the business office to maintain proper accounting of grant-supported programs.
• Monitors and manages STEAM enrollments and course offerings to meet STEAM and college enrollment targets and improve efficiency.
• Work with department chairs and program coordinators to manage course fee resources for enhance student support and learning.
• Work with Instruction Team (deans and directors) to establish annual budget priorities and expected outcomes.

Assessment Activities

• Develop and evaluate faculty and staff (if applicable) in accordance with proper management practices and implement articles of collective bargaining agreements.
• Collaborate with faculty to develop and modify curriculum to meet student and community needs.
• Support the faculty in implementing Guided Pathways principles relevant transfer curriculum to establish and monitor program pathways within the Washington State Direct Transfer Agreement (DTA), Associate in Science Track 1, Associate in Science Track 2, and related major ready pathways.
• Perform strategic enrollment management as it relates to mission fulfillment, resource allocation, scheduling, and college initiatives.
• Establish benchmarks, goals, and annual assessments to identify program strengths and opportunities for improvement.
• Analyze program outcomes to implement changes in the curriculum toward realizing equitable participation, persistence and success for WVC students within WVC's service area and beyond.
• Prepare reports on instructional programs to comply with institutional, federal and state needs.

Faculty Support

• Works directly with STEAM faculty on matters related to teaching effectiveness, program improvement and professional development.
• Makes recommendations for hiring Full Time Temporary, Full Time Tenure Track, and Adjunct faculty and for classified staff within Division of supervision.
• Evaluates Full Time Temporary, Full Time Tenure Track and Adjunct faculty and classified staff.
• Works with Adjunct faculty to integrate them into the WVC's and STEAM programs.
• Reviews and guides policy decision within the STEAM
• Manages tenure and promotion of faculty within the STEAM.
• Work with other college departments, external agencies and other community partners in developing referrals for the program and implementing joint projects that meet state and federal mandates.
• Coordinate with other Instructional Team Deans and Directors regarding faculty cross-divisional communications and assignments.

Facilities Support

• Provide leadership in creating and maintaining a safe laboratory environment for faculty and students.
• Coordinate use of all scientific instructional spaces on campus, including usage by outside agencies under contract arrangements with the college
• Provide leadership for addressing hazardous waste and chemical safety issues across all instructional areas of the college.

Communications & Outreach

• Actively participate in state articulation and transfer discussions through the articulation and transfer council.
• Participate in community, state, and national organizations and meetings related to disciplines within the areas of responsibility of the STEAM Dean.
• Promote, communicate, and facilitate partnerships with private and public entities to enhance the learning and transition opportunities for students needing Adult Basic Education, English as a Second Language, and/or high school equivalency preparation instruction within the district.
• Communicate information and outcomes that demonstrate how activities within Arts and Sciences and Basic Education support the mission, core themes, and strategic plan of the college.

Student Support

• Support equitable student completion of relevant STEAM curriculum.
• Ensure faculty readiness around student needs including cultural responsiveness, confidence in STEAM disciplines, and emerging STEAM issues, such as artificial intelligence.
• Work collaboratively with Math, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) to address STEAM pathways, professional development, and successful transfer.
• Ensure appropriate offerings to meet prerequisite service needs for associated programs, such as nursing, radiologic technology, and medical laboratory technology.