THE PRESIDENT
The President of West Los Angeles College serves as the Chief Executive Officer, reporting to the Chancellor and participating as a member of the Chancellor's Cabinet. The President is responsible and directly accountable for all college operations, providing strategic leadership, advocacy, and vision during a period of dynamic change.
Given WLAC's emphasis on equity-centered student success, forward-thinking enrollment strategies, and the expansion of baccalaureate education, the President must demonstrate deep understanding of California community colleges and the communities the College serves.
LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES AND COMMITMENTS Committed to Equity, Student Access, and Success The ideal leader:
• Champions WLAC's commitment to racial equity, social justice, and student-centered learning.
• Creates a welcoming, safe, and inclusive environment that supports diverse learners.
• Uses data to identify inequities in student outcomes and mobilizes the College to close achievement gaps.
• Understands the academic and basic needs of students, including financial hardship, food insecurity, and mental health challenges.
• Supports innovative program delivery, including online, hybrid, and dual enrollment pathways.
• Financial and Operational Accountability
• A successful President will:
• Demonstrate fiscal stewardship and ensure responsible resource allocation.
• Understand the Student-Centered Funding Formula and its implications for multi-college districts.
• Align enrollment management strategies with WLAC's recent growth trends under administrative leadership.
• Provide direction for major initiatives including technology-enhanced instruction, student support infrastructure, and sustainability efforts.
• Communication, Teamwork, and Relationship Building
• This leader will:
• Foster a culture of collaboration, transparency, and shared governance.
• Build strong, respectful relationships with faculty, staff, and collective bargaining groups.
• Communicate effectively across diverse campus constituencies and with external partners.
• Maintain visibility and relational leadership across campus and community settings.
• Leadership and Innovation
• An effective President:
• Is a transformational leader capable of guiding WLAC into its next phase of academic growth and community impact.
• Understands emerging state and regional initiatives affecting community colleges.
• Employs data-informed decision-making and encourages innovative program development.
• Leads strategically to support WLAC's baccalaureate programs, career pathways, and enrollment initiatives.
• Champions key California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office (CCCCO) initiatives, including; Guided Pathways, Vision for Success goals, student basic needs expansion, transfer pathway alignment, and workforce-focused innovations-and ensures WLAC continues to implement and exceed statewide expectations through equity-centered, evidence-based leadership.
External Engagement and Partnerships The next President will:
• Strengthen partnerships with K-12 districts, four-year institutions, and workforce partners.
• Represent WLAC in civic, business, and community organizations.
• Support philanthropic efforts aligned with the College mission and student success.
• Expand opportunities through grants and external funding leveraging WLAC's recent success in grant acquisition.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS• Master's degree or advanced degree from an accredited institution.
• One year of successful full-time experience in a senior leadership role in education, business, government, or industry.
• Demonstrated sensitivity to the diversity of the WLAC student, faculty, and staff population.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS• Earned doctorate from an accredited institution.
• Five years or more of progressively responsible administrative experience, preferably within postsecondary institutions.
• Experience in instructional services, student services, and/or administrative services.
• Demonstrated success with equity-centered leadership, enrollment management, and community partnerships.
• Experience with participatory governance and collective bargaining environments.
SALARY AND BENEFITS Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. The current salary range is $269,127.84 - $333,402.24 annually. In addition, there is a $522.15 monthly differential for a doctoral degree. Benefits include 17 paid holidays annually, 24 days paid vacation annually depending on length of district service, medical/hospital, dental and vision care plans, and a $50,000 group life insurance policy.
EVALUATION PROCEDURES: A District Search and Interview Committee will review the applications and select candidates for interview, and, after interviewing the invited candidates, will typically recommend to the Chancellor at least three unranked candidates as finalists. The Chancellor's Office will conduct background and reference checks and interviews and will forward the recommended candidate(s) to the Board of Trustees, if any, of the candidate(s) best suited for the position. The Board of Trustees may conduct further background checks or interviews, as appropriate.
GENERAL REQUIREMENT: Health: After selection and prior to employment, a medical certificate indicating fitness to engage in administrative work is required for new employees, at the applicant's expense.
HOW TO APPLY Application Deadline: September 12, 2026
Access link below to apply:
https://laccd.csod.com/ats/careersite/search.aspx?site=6&c=laccdThis is a confidential search process.
Applicants must submit:
1. A letter of application (3-5 pages) addressing the opportunities and challenges of leading WLAC and the candidate's demonstrated preparation.
2. A current resumé.
3. A list of eight references (including supervisors, direct reports, and faculty/staff colleagues).
4. Copies of transcripts (official transcripts required if selected for an interview). However, official transcripts will be required of the successful candidate. Documentation from an approved foreign transcript evaluator is required for degrees received from other countries. For a list of approved foreign transcript evaluation agencies, please go to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing: Commission Approved Foreign Transcript Evaluating Agencies | Commission
For additional information, nominations, or confidential inquiries please contact:
Sylvia Dorsey Robinson PPL Vice President
[email protected] 559-707-2688
or
Pam Walker
PPL Vice President
[email protected] 916-768-8565
