Dean of Student Services

The Dean of Student Services will serve as a dynamic, visionary leader dedicated to advancing student achievement and closing equity gaps. This is an exciting time to be part of community college education, offering the selected candidate an opportunity to join a collaborative and forward‑thinking team committed to improving student outcomes. The Dean will work closely with talented managers, faculty, and classified professionals and will play a key role in implementing both statewide and local initiatives that support equitable student success.

Merced College values innovation and seeks leaders who embrace challenges, remove barriers, and champion student‑centered solutions.

As you consider this opportunity, know that Merced College is more than a community college — we are a catalyst for transformation, redefining higher education and setting new standards for excellence. Serving nearly 20,000 students each year, we are proud to be a leading center of learning and opportunity in California’s Central Valley.

Founded in 1962, Merced College blends a strong tradition of academic excellence with forward‑thinking innovation to create an inclusive and engaging environment for students and employees alike. Committed to the well‑being, growth, and professional success of our team, we foster collaboration and a supportive culture where every employee is empowered to make a difference. Located in the heart of California’s Central Valley, the City of Merced offers a welcoming community of more than 90,000 residents, with easy access to the Bay Area, Sacramento, and Yosemite National Park.

If you are passionate about innovation, equity, and student success, we invite you to join the Merced College team.

At Merced College, students are our focus, and we are known by their success. We transform lives through education and workforce development.

Enriching our community through educational experiences and support services:

• Degree/Certificate Programs
• Transfer
• Career Technical Education
• Workforce Training
• Lifelong Learning
• Basic Skills
• Community Engagement

Merced College promotes student success through equitable access, continuous quality improvement, and institutional effectiveness, all with a focus on student achievement.

Management Range:
Dean Salary placement commensurate with education and experience. Additional compensation for doctorate.

Under the general direction of the Vice President of Student Services/Assistant Superintendent, the Dean of Student Services has principal administrative responsibility and oversight for the operation and management of the following:
Counseling Department, Welcome Center, the Office of Relations with Schools (ORS), Articulation, the Career/Transfer Center, Associated Students of Merced College (ASMC), Student Activities, and the Student Success and Support Programs (SSSP) at various District locations. The Dean also provides supervision and direction regarding the District’s outreach and recruitment programs, probation, student grievances, and related student success initiatives and activities addressing SSSP mandates in the areas of Counseling, Orientation, Assessment, Education Planning and Follow‑Up services.

The Dean of Student Services has broad influence in the development, interpretation and implementation of major policies and procedures pertaining to the Student Services areas assigned by the District, including: the selection and evaluation of faculty, management and classified staff; preparation of faculty assignments; curriculum development; scheduling of classes; and program budget development and monitoring. In addition, the Dean is expected to lead counseling faculty, staff, and colleagues toward innovative student success practices and effective student learning outcomes and program review.

The incumbent is expected to collaborate closely with other Deans of Student Services and with academic and student services departments to contribute to the efforts in educating, serving and retaining students and special population groups identified by the District.

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