Vice President for Learning and Student Success - Puyallup

The mission of Pierce College is to create quality educational opportunities for a diverse community of learners to thrive in an evolving world. 

The Vice President for Learning and Student Success provides executive leadership and vision for Learning and Student Services programs, activities, and support functions to advance the institution's mission, with intentional focus on advancing Black and Brown excellence and building an antiracist institution. Working collaboratively with their counterpart at Pierce College Fort Steilacoom, the Vice President exercises sound judgment and provides leadership by: engaging as a collaborative team member on the Pierce College District Executive Team; leading strategic planning, development, implementation, and assessment of academic programs and programs to advance equitable student access, opportunity, and success; building unit and institutional budgets and making sound fiduciary decisions; and participating in Pierce College Board of Trustees meetings. The Vice President for Learning and Student Success cooperatively leads and supports a team of instructional and student service leaders in creating and implementing equitable, innovative, and meaningful learning experiences for students.

The District:
Pierce College is a high-performing, mission-driven, data-informed, student-focused district committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. For 55 years, Pierce College has developed a national reputation for academic excellence and support services to ensure student success. The district is proud of the many awards and recognitions it has received. Pierce College is an Achieving the Dream Leader College of Distinction and was the 2017 recipient of their prestigious Leah Meyer Austin Award, given for measurable improvements in student outcomes. Named as a Top 5 Finalist and a Rising Star for the 2019 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, Pierce College Fort Steilacoom was recognized for exceptional achievements in student learning, certificate and degree completion while in community college and after transferring to a four-year institution, employment and earnings rates after graduation, and access for and success of minority and low-income students. Pierce College District was named as a Top 10 finalist for the 2021 Aspen Prize and a Top 25 for 2023. Pierce is also one of 30 original AACC Guided Pathways colleges and one of first five College Spark Washington pathways colleges. We have bold goals to have all students on a career pathway to increase completion rates for all students and to close achievement gaps by 2027.
  
The Pierce College District includes two comprehensive community colleges and a far-reaching extended learning program. Pierce College Fort Steilacoom is located in Lakewood, Washington, in the west end of the service district. Pierce College Puyallup is located in Puyallup, Washington, and serves eastern Pierce County. Pierce College District has a vast array of sites and services, including major education centers at Joint Base Lewis McChord, a state mental health hospital, and additional continuing education and training program sites.
  
The Pierce College District offers programs that include:

• Associate degrees and transfer courses parallel to the first two years of university and four-year college work;
• Professional/Technical degree and certificate programs for training or retraining in a variety of career fields;
• Six Bachelor of Applied Science degrees;
• Developmental, basic skills, high school completion, GED, and English-as-a Second Language courses;
• Personal and professional development through continuing education courses and;
• Traditional and nontraditional learning opportunities including face-to-face, hybrid, hyflex, and fully online.

Want a feel for our District? Take a peek with aerial campus views! 

Pierce College Fort Steilacoom:
 Pierce College Fort Steilacoom is located on 140 acres in the city of Lakewood, 10 miles southwest of Tacoma. The campus is next to Fort Steilacoom Park, 342 acres on Waughop Lake, with walking and horse trails, play areas and fields. It is just one mile from the waters of the Puget Sound with snow-covered mountain ranges visible in both directions. This fall, Pierce College Fort Steilacoom opened its newest building, Glacier, which houses the Veterinary Technician and Dental Hygiene programs featuring state of the art facilities and equipment.

Pierce College Puyallup:
Pierce College Puyallup is located in the fastest growing area of Pierce County and is the newest community college in Washington State. The College, located on a beautiful site with 125 acres of wooded land, enjoys modern facilities that include an Arts and Allied Health building with state-of-the-art space for teaching, learning, performance and simulated clinical space for a variety of programs in art, music, theatre, humanities, nursing and allied health; an active and engaged college center; administrative and student services spaces; child development center; health education center; and library and science technology spaces with a state capital budget request for new science and technology classrooms and labs, library renovation and expansion, student support space that includes support labs, tutoring, and other services.
  
Both Colleges enjoy a strong presence in the communities in which they serve and participate in numerous partnerships with business, community, government, and educational organizations.
  
Pierce County: An amazing place to call home
Pierce County stands out as one of the most beautiful and livable areas in the United States, offering its citizens the benefits of both rural and urban life in the Pacific Northwest. Both campuses command views of majestic Mount Rainier. The area's moderate climate, along with nearby mountains, forests, rivers, the Puget Sound, and Pacific Ocean, provide for many outdoor activities including hiking, skiing, kayaking, beach combing, biking, and golfing. At the same time, most of Pierce County is only minutes away from Tacoma or a short drive to Seattle where world-class cultural, arts, shopping and sporting activities abound. The area boasts an amazing array of housing options from urban condos to rural acreage and everything in between. Located in the heart of one of America's most amazing areas, Pierce County is a wonderful place to call home.

 

Essential Functions

Learning and Student Success Leadership: Within an institutionally-defined Guided Pathways framework, provide equity-centered and innovative leadership, direction, and support in the following areas:

• Strategic planning, development, implementation, and assessment of: 
  • Learning curricula,  student support programs, and pedagogy to advance equitable achievement of learning and educational outcomes and;
  • Programs to advance equitable access, opportunity, and success, including faculty and staff development and evaluation, enrollment management and retention strategies, and career development and transition. 
• Engage with data to inform evidence-based decision-making in order to advance the institutional mission and commitments to equity and antiracism.
• Undertake projects, task forces, and committees as assigned by the President.  
• Directly supervises the Academic and Student Success Deans and Associate Vice Presidents, as well as, other support staff.
• Engages as a collaborative team member on the Pierce College District Executive Team (ETeam) and participates in Pierce College Board of Trustees meetings. 
• Maintains an extremely close relationship with the Vice President of Learning and Student Success (VPLSS) at Pierce College Fort Steilacoom, as well as, the Vice President for Workforce, Economic, and Professional Development, the Vice President for Equity, Engagement, and Belonging, Vice President of Technology and infrastructure, Vice president of Human Resources and Vice President of Fiscal Services.  
• Shares leadership responsibilities for Shared Governance Councils and committees, particularly those related to curriculum and policies impacting student access, opportunity, and success.
• Demonstrates knowledge of sound and emerging learning and student services promising practices to advance racial equity and social justice in higher education; comply effectively with federal and state regulations, and support Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) policies and practices. 
• Demonstrates knowledge of and ability to work effectively within the context of faculty and staff collective bargaining agreements.

 College Governance: 

• Provide input into college and district-level vision, policies, and procedures as an active member of the district Executive Team.  
• Functions as a collaborative leader and member of the District’s shared governance system.

Develop Budgets: 

• Engage in a collaborative, district-wide budget process to develop, identify, and implement responsible budgets focused on advancing institutional mission.
• Within the Learning and Student Success unit, lead the development of, and monitor compliance with, budgets for all areas of responsibility.
• Work collaboratively within the ETeam to make district budget, personnel, and reorganization decisions with attention to financial stewardship and institutional integrity.

Represent the College: 

• Represent the college on community, state, regional, and national commissions and committees as appropriate.
• Occupy leadership roles to advance the collective state goals of leading with racial equity through higher education.

 

 

Qualifications

Required Education::

• Master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. 

Required Experience:

• Minimum of five (5) years of progressive leadership responsibilities in higher education.
• Three years of experience in supervision and management or equivalent experience.
• Proven ability to lead others in a constructive and inclusive manner while building sustainable collaborative relationships.

Special Requirements: 

• The successful candidate must consent to and pass a criminal background check after a conditional offer of employment. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will considered in determining the applicant's suitability to perform in this position.

Required Competencies: Knowledge, skills, abilities, traits and characteristics:  

• Provide leadership in accordance with the mission, vision, values, and goals established by the district, with a commitment to racial and social justice.
• Work collaboratively within a matrix organization, leading with cultural humility and vulnerability.
• Demonstrate commitment to a comprehensive and equitable community college student learning experience.
• Provide leadership in strategic planning and decision-making based on data and institutional research.
• Strong coaching and mentoring skills, including the ability to encourage, inspire, and support employees in achieving the district's mission and their individual professional goals.
• Skill in systems thinking and problem solving, with the ability to create plans and initiatives that ensure the understanding and commitment of others to engage in a strategy for the future in order to achieve the vision and goals.  
• Model and maintain the values of candor, openness, inclusiveness, and honesty to promote the integrity of the institution; consistently act in a way that is both trustworthy and trusting; build and maintain trust with others.
• Support, recruit, and lead continuous equity, diversity, and inclusion efforts to provide an antiracist environment for learning and student success. 
• Design ongoing assessment and evaluation processes and provide leadership for instructional and student services efforts associated with accountability, outcomes assessment, continuous improvement, resource management, and accreditation.
• Identify the need for change and effectively manage both the areas that remain stable and those that are changing; exercise sound judgment and adaptability when dealing with ambiguous situations.  
• Recognize the impact of emerging technologies and integrate these technologies within the organizational processes.
• Engage instruction and student services in the implementation of equitable college-wide student persistence, enrollment management, and retention strategies.
• Develop and strengthen partnerships with community partners and other educational institutions.
• Value continuous learning and foster a climate for the learning and development of self and others by listening, gathering input, learning, and adopting ideas from all levels of the organization.

 

Application Process

Application Requirements:
To be considered for this position, applicants must:  

• Meet the required qualifications as outlined in this announcement.
• Complete the online application profile at  http://www.pierce.ctc.edu/dist/hr/ .
• Apply for the specific job opening.
• Upload (attach) a cover letter that addresses how you meet the required  qualifications as outlined in this announcement. At Pierce College, we value culturally competent and compassionate individuals who bridge diverse backgrounds and perspectives in support of academic equity and excellence. In your cover letter, please address how you will support the mission of Pierce College to create quality educational opportunities for a diverse community of learners to thrive in an evolving world. Please include in your response how your previous education and/or professional experience contribute to your effectiveness in promoting a climate of student success for a diverse community of learners. (Cover Letter)
• Upload (attach) detailed résumé of all educational and professional experience. (Résumé)
• Transcripts are not required in order to apply for this position; however, if you are selected for an interview, you will be asked to bring copies of unofficial transcripts showing completion of the required level of education. Please upload current copies of your transcripts, if available. Unofficial copies of all college and university transcripts must include degree received and conferral date. International transcripts must include a foreign transcript evaluation. For a list of approved credential evaluation services visit: www.naces.org/members.htm (Unofficial transcripts acceptable for application process; official transcripts required upon hire). (Transcripts) 
• Upload (attach) a list of at least three professional references with names, addresses, telephone numbers, and e-mail addresses. One of which must be a current or recent supervisor. Letters of recommendation will not be accepted. (References)
• Provide a response to the following question (Supplemental Question):
  1. Pierce College has a goal to close equity gaps by 2027 in student success rates, as well as to diversify, recruit, and retain employees. Please describe how you would implement equity, engagement, and belonging efforts to advance these goals. 

 

Please Note:
To ensure consideration, application materials should be received no later than 5:00 p.m. on the closing date.

All correspondence regarding your application status will be sent to the email address associated with your NeoEd account. Please make sure to check your spam folder periodically, in the case of an automated, incorrect delivery.

Terms of Employment:
This is a full-time administrative - exempt position. The primary work location will be at Puyallup campus. Frequent travel to Pierce College campuses an/or other sites may occur. Standard work hours are between 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday, however, hours will vary with occasional evening and weekend hours required. This position requires regular and consistent attendance. 
 
Salary & Benefits:
The salary range for this position is $160,282 to $198,682 annually; new hires typically start at $166,960. Your paycheck is just part of the total compensation package. There is an outstanding benefits package which is worth an additional value equivalent to about 30% of your salary. A comprehensive health care benefits package for you and your dependents includes medical, dental and vision insurance. Life and long- term disability insurance plans; vacation, sick and personal leave; reduced tuition; and retirement benefits are also provided. For more information, please visit our Benefits and Leave website at:  https://www.pierce.ctc.edu/hr - benefits.

Physical Work Environment:
This position works indoors in an office environment, which requires visual concentration on detail, dexterity, precision, and is subject to frequent noise and interruptions.

Reasonable Accommodation:
Applicants with disabilities who require assistance with the application and employment process will be accommodated to the extent reasonably possible. Requests should be made to the District Human Resources Office by emailing jobs@pierce.ctc.edu. Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing may dial 711 to place a call through Washington Relay, the state's free telecommunication access service.

Screening & Interview Process:
Only those candidates who have complied with the application process and meet the required qualifications will be considered. Following the review of application materials, the most qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview. Check the email account you used for the application process for communication regarding the status of your application. Application materials submitted to Pierce College are the property of the College and will not be returned.

Please note: This is a competitive selection process. Your application materials will be reviewed and evaluated based on the minimum qualifications listed for the position. Applicants whose qualifications most closely correspond to the District's needs will be eligible for further consideration. Notification of application status normally occurs 4 to 6 weeks after the closing date. Short notice may be given to applicants to participate in further selection processes which may include written, oral and performance examinations, and final interviews. 

Conditions of Employment:
Pierce College is a “fully vaccinated campus” under the state’s higher education guidance, which means that COVID-19 vaccination is highly encouraged for all employees and students.

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington State Law RCW 28B.112.080.

An offer of employment will not carry with it any responsibility or obligation on the part of the District to sponsor an H-1B visa. In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, proof of authorization to work in the United States will be required at the time of hire.

Pierce College has adopted a Drug Free Workplace policy. As a condition of employment, employees must agree to abide by the requirements established in that policy.

Equal Opportunity:
The Pierce College District is an equal opportunity employer. The Board of Trustees and Pierce College District are committed to providing equal opportunity and will not discriminate in terms and conditions of employment and personnel practices. Decisions are made without regard to race, color, national origin, age, perceived or actual physical or mental disability, pregnancy, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, creed, religion, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or use of a trained guide dog or service animal.

For more information about this position or assistance regarding your application, please contact the Human Resources office at: jobs@pierce.ctc.edu

Questions regarding equal employment opportunities or discrimination may be directed to the following:

Sean Cooke
Title IX Coordinator
(253) 840- 8472

Tami Jacobs
ADACO / Section 504 Coordinator
(253) 964- 6581

Deena Forsythe
Interim Vice President for Human Resources
(253) 964- 6586

Paula Henson-Williams
District Affirmative Action Officer
(253) 864- 3229