Dean of Counseling Services (Educational Administrator)

Solano Community College

$126K — $148K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Master's degree from a regionally accredited institution
  • 1 year of full-time experience or formal training related to administrative assignment
  • Demonstrated respect for diversity in academic, socio-economic, and cultural backgrounds
  • Experience in managing counseling services in a diverse educational environment (preferred)
  • Experience with community college categorically funded programs (preferred)

Responsibilities

  • Plan and lead counseling and support services
  • Provide leadership for Accessibility Services Center programs
  • Manage budgets, grants, and categorical funding
  • Supervise faculty, staff, and curriculum development
  • Coordinate services with other departments
  • Recruit and retain students, focusing on underserved populations
  • Serve as a representative to committees and public presentations

Benefits

  • Health insurance coverage through CalPERS with a monthly contribution from the district
  • 100% coverage for dental and vision insurance
  • Life insurance coverage at no cost to employees
  • 24/7 access to Employee Assistance Program services
  • Accrued paid sick leave and vacation time
  • Flexible spending accounts available through American Fidelity
  • Retirement savings options with potential tax benefits
Full Job Description
Salary: $126,688.40 - $148,207.50 Annually
Location : Fairfield, CA
Job Type: Academic Management
Job Number: ALG_M00093_2026
Department: School of Counseling & Accessibility Service Center
Opening Date: 09/22/2026
Closing Date: 10/25/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Description

BASIC FUNCTION:

Under the direction of the Vice President of Student Services, the Dean of Counseling is responsible for the quality and administration of the Division of Counseling Programs.
The Dean provides dynamic leadership and supervision for faculty and staff offering support and counseling services to college students, including those with disabilities; supervises and evaluates the performance of assigned personnel, participates in outreach and recruitment services; and acts as Division liaison to the campus and District. The Dean works collaboratively with instructional and other student services Deans. The Dean provides leadership to a diverse community of students, faculty and staff.
Full Salary Range $126,688.40 - $180,317.10
Responsibilities

Program Administration:
  • Plan, organize, manage, lead, direct and evaluate the activities of the following College services: Counseling Center, including Accessibility Services Center (ASC), Career Center, Transfer Center, CalWORKs, Transfer Center, and Veterans Resource Center, and works cooperatively with the Dean of Financial Aid to oversee EOPS/CARE.
  • Provide leadership and direction for the ASC programs, including disabilities documentation and accommodation, alternative media, and instructional guidance for faculty; assure compliance with District policy and State and Federal law for students with disabilities; and evaluate faculty and staff.
  • Provide leadership and direction for division planning, including the development of multi-year plans, and program review, including program reviews for categorical programs.
  • Prepare, submit, and manage all budgets for areas of responsibility, including categorical funds; research and approve expenditures for services, supplies and equipment; and prepare grant applications and financial reports required for these budgets and funds.
  • Direct and participate in the preparation and maintenance of analytical data, reports, records, and documentation required for the validation and audit of all programs, including direct reports for categorically funded programs (in conjunction with the Chancellor's Office).
  • Maintain current knowledge of State and Federal rules, regulations, requirements, and restrictions concerning the use of funds for programs and services; implement procedural changes as required to assure compliance with applicable laws.
Leadership and Supervision:
  • Supervise curriculum development and related activities for counseling division.
  • Review and revise written materials for brochures, class schedules, college catalogue, and other publications.
  • Supervise, direct, and evaluate faculty and classified staff according to management practices and in compliance with collective bargaining agreements. Develop and assign teaching, counseling and work schedules for faculty and staff for main campus and Center/off-site locations.
  • Organize interview committees; assure divisional compliance with District personnel policies, procedures and practices for the employment of faculty, classified staff, student workers and other employees as needed.
  • Onboard new faculty and staff; determine needs and provide resources for division staff professional development.
  • Provide evening supervision as needed.
  • Work cooperatively with counselors, faculty, staff, and other administrators to coordinate services to meet student needs.
  • Attend, chair and conduct division meetings; communicate with faculty and staff to facilitate planning and collegial decision-making, and to keep all personnel informed about current issues and projects.
  • Provide coordination and support to fellow Student Services Deans and Directors to meet shared goals for applicable programs and services, including the Student Equity & Achievement Plan.
  • Collaborate with the Dean of Enrollment Services, Dean of Financial Aid, and Dean of Academic Support to ensure cohesive student support services; work with outreach services; plan and organize counselor/staff visits to area high schools and high school visits to the College; host the High School Counselors Conference, and related activities.
  • Develop, seek funding for and implement programs and activities designed to recruit and retain students, with a focus on disproportionately impacted populations.
  • Serve on committees and advisory boards; make oral presentations to committees, workshops, conferences, the Governing Board, and the general public as requested concerning all areas of responsibility.
  • Provide leadership to the division and to the College as a member of the management team.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
Required: Possession of a master's degree from a regionally accredited institution and one (1) year of full-time experience or formal training, internship, or leadership experience reasonably related to the administrative assignment.

AND

Demonstrated history of respect for the diverse academic, socio-economic, race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, politics, philosophy, disability, and religious background of all students, faculty, and staff
Desirable Qualifications:
  • Experience in managing and leading counseling services in a diverse educational environment.
  • Experience with integrated enterprise information management systems (Banner preferred).
  • Experience with planning, implementing, and managing California community college categorically funded programs, including Extended Opportunities, Programs, and Services (EOPS), Accessibility Support Programs and Services, and CalWorks.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
Environment:

Office environment with daily, staff-faculty interactions, subject to frequent interruptions; travel to off-campus locations may be required.

Physical Abilities:

Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer terminal; seeing to read and analyze financial and statistical reports; utilize speech and hearing to communicate with others in ordinary or telephonic conversation; sitting and standing for extended periods of time.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of:
  • Higher education mission, organization, operations, policies and objectives in community colleges.
  • Multiple methods of instruction as appropriate to the specific assignment.
  • Evaluation methods.
  • Curriculum development and instructional management as appropriate to the specific assignment.
  • Course articulation.
  • Effective student success strategies.
  • Budget preparation and control.
  • Principles and practices of program administration, supervision and staff development.
  • Effective interpersonal communication.
  • Policies, regulations, and objectives of assigned programs and activities.
  • Programs, functions, purposes and goals of the division/area.
  • Policy and practices that lead to increased understanding of, sensitivity to, and respect for diverse racial, ethnic and other cultural groups, women and those with disabilities.
  • Effective practices and methods for program planning, developing, implementations, and evaluation.
Ability to:
  • Plan, organize, develop and evaluate the programs, activities and curriculum of a College academic division.
  • Coordinate curriculum design, development, and modifications to meet student and community needs and to comply with CSU and UC articulation agreements.
  • Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with diverse faculty and staff, students and community members.
  • Work effectively with students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds to promote access and equity.
  • Train, supervise and evaluate personnel according to successful management practices.
  • Read, interpret, apply and explain rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
  • Maintain current knowledge of program rules, regulations, requirements and restrictions.
  • Work cooperatively and coordinate projects with other administrators and staff to offer effective services to students.
  • Understand the needs of the Division in the context of college goals and strategic objectives.
  • Organize and chair meetings, lead workshops, facilitate group discussions and involve faculty and staff in idea generation, goal setting and decision-making.
  • Evaluate and support faculty and staff recommendations for program improvements and/or new program efforts.
  • Develop and manage grants and special projects.
  • Work collaboratively with faculty to develop an effective Schedule of Classes to produce a high-quality program.
  • Work within Board/District approved guidelines to establish positive media and community relations.

Summary of Benefits
ALG

*New hires have 30 days from date of hire to enroll in benefit plans, benefits start the first of the month following date of hire.
*Benefits will be prorated for less then full-time positions.


Health/Medical

  • CalPERS is our health insurance (medical) provider.
  • Vice Presidents pay $85 per month (12 months) towards premium. District pays remaining premium.
  • Employee only, employee + 1, or family
  • To view Health Plans and other information, please visit:

Dental

  • Delta Dental is our dental insurance provider.
  • District covers 100%
  • Employee only, employee + 1, or family
  • PPO plan (to obtain a copy of the SCC policy, please contact HR)
  • $2,700 annual maximum (in-network); $2,500 annual maximum (out-of-network)
  • To find a Delta Dental provider, please visit:


  • It is strongly recommended to set up an account to print cards, view benefits/claims. It will ask for "Enrollee ID." Enter your SSN.


Vision
  • VSP is our vision insurance provider.
  • District covers 100%
  • Employee only, employee + 1, or family
  • To find an eye care provider, please visit:


  • It is strongly recommended to set up an account to view benefits/claims and other eye care information.
  • At your appointment, there is no ID card necessary. Tell them you have VSP and give them your SSN. Dependents are covered under your name.

Life Insurance
The Hartford is our group term life insurance provider.
  • District covers 100%
  • $10,000 Basic Term Life; $10,000 Basic Accidental Death and Dismemberment (to obtain a copy of the SCC policy, please contact HR)
  • Benefit available to current/active employees only
  • Additional life insurance can be purchased directly through The Hartford (employee paid)


Employment Assistance Program
(EAP)
Optum is our EAP provider.
  • District covers 100%
  • Available to all employees; 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
  • Services are confidential and include, but are not limited to:
    • Face to Face Counseling & Virtual Visits
    • Self Care - On demand help for stress, anxiety, and depression
    • Work Life Services
    • Financial, Legal & ID Theft Services
  • To log in and view services provided to you, please visit: www.liveandworkwell.com (company code - wise)
24/7/365 access to support 1-866-248-4096

Additional Retirement Savings
(Voluntary)
SchoolsFirst Plan Administration is the District's third-party administrator (TPA) and has been serving California schools for more than 40 years. In partnership with SchoolsFirst Retirement Planning, they provide education on available plans and possible tax benefits to help you plan for your future.
  • Retirement plan options available to you
  • Possible tax benefits and more
  • Please contact Brian Arthur for further information
  • Brian Arthur (279) 200-5672

CalPERS offers a 457 plan
  • For more information, please visit:

Contribution limits are adjusted by the IRS annually. Please contact HR or Payroll for the current limits.
Other Voluntary Options

  • American Fidelity is our assurance company provider.
  • Flexible spending accounts (Section 125 plans) - allows you to deduct the cost of eligible benefits from gross earnings before taxes.
  • Short-term and long-term disability insurance - SCC employees do not pay into state disability
  • Other insurance options available
  • SCC has an American Fidelity representative
  • SCC does not contribute to State Disability. American Fidelity has optional disability plans that are employee paid.
  • If interested in any insurance options provided by American Fidelity, please let HR know and we will ask our rep to contact you.

Paid Leave
  • ALG earn 96 hours of sick leave per year; these hours accrue at 8 hours monthly
  • Unused sick leave rolls over each year
  • ALG earn 8 hours of emergency leave per year; 8 hours accrued at beginning of each fiscal year (July).
  • ALG earns 10 hours of vacation per month
  • Unused emergency leave does not roll over

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