Department Chair, Early Childhood Education; ECE Programs

Job Description:

The Department Chair of Early Childhood Education is a visionary leader responsible for overseeing and advancing the college’s undergraduate and graduate Early Childhood Education (ECE) programs. Reporting directly to the Vice President of Academic Affairs, this role manages all aspects of ECE program administration, faculty supervision, and academic planning. The Department Chair will drive data-driven assessment and program review processes, ensuring continuous improvement in curriculum, teaching quality, and student learning outcomes.

This position plays a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction and operational excellence of ECE programs within the college.

This position is located at the Pacific Oaks College campus in Pasadena and reports directly to the Vice President of Academic Affairs (VPAA).

The incumbent establishes methods and procedures for attaining specific goals and objectives and receives guidance in terms of broad goals. Only the final results of work are typically reviewed.

Full management position responsible for managing employees within a department, unit, and/or subdivision. To qualify as full management, a position is responsible for at least one full-time employee in the Workday system, which includes performance management, time off approval, etc. Other responsibilities may include workforce planning, authority for disciplinary action, interviewing, selecting, and training staff, making decisions regarding pay.

# of Supervised Directly # of Supervised Indirectly

FTE (Non-exempt): 10-15 FTE (Non-exempt): 3-5

FTE (Exempt): 6 FTE (Exempt): 2

FTE Total: 16-21 FTE Total: 5-7

• Lead the development and execution of a strategic vision for the department, aligning initiatives with broader institutional goals and emerging trends in higher education.

• Develop and implement effective strategies to enhance student learning outcomes, utilizing assessment data to guide decision-making.

• Recruit, develop, supervise, retain, and assess faculty within the department, including conducting regular performance reviews with actionable feedback.

• Supervise and assess the quality of instructional delivery to ensure teaching methods and course content adhere to best practices and meet student learning outcomes.

• Support the continuous professional development of faculty through workshops, mentorship programs, and other resources that foster innovation and teaching excellence.

• Establish and implement clear faculty performance expectations, ensuring alignment with institutional goals and student success metrics.

• Conduct structured goal development and performance appraisal processes, offering faculty constructive feedback and targeted professional growth opportunities.

• Identify and address department faculty and staff performance issues proactively through coaching and structured development plans.

• Manage the ongoing development, review, and assessment of curriculum and learning outcomes for programs within the department.

• Ensure that all programs remain relevant, innovative, and compliant with academic, professional, and regulatory standards.

• Develop and manage the department’s budget, ensuring effective allocation of resources to support department initiatives and growth.

• Assume teaching responsibilities in courses based on student enrollment, ensuring high-quality instruction that reflects current best practices.

• Advise department students to support academic and professional development.

• Lead curriculum development and review efforts by collaborating with faculty, integrating research-based practices, and ensuring that courses remain innovative, rigorous, and aligned with program learning outcomes.

• Design and deliver engaging learning experiences that prepare students for professional success.

• Identify opportunities for and manage the development of new programs within the department, in…