Dean of Workforce Education and Community Learning

Description

Provide strategic leadership for workforce and community education that expands opportunity for students, strengthens regional employers, and supports the long-term prosperity of the diverse communities throughout the Columbia Gorge.

Columbia Gorge Community College seeks a collaborative, innovative, and community-minded leader to serve as the Dean of Workforce Education and Community Learning (WECL). Reporting directly to the Vice President of Instructional Services, the Dean provides leadership for non-credit Community Education and Customized Training, Title 1B/Workforce Development and Engagement, and credit-bearing Career and Technical Education programs in Advanced Manufacturing and Fabrication, Aviation Maintenance Technology, Construction Technology, Electro-Mechanical Technology, and Integrated Agricultural Science and Technology.

This position is responsible for creating, assessing, and continuously improving the policies, processes, and partnerships necessary to deliver high-quality community and workforce education that responds to the evolving needs of students, employers, and the region. The Dean works closely with faculty, staff, employers, school districts, workforce agencies, community organizations, and other partners to strengthen educational pathways that prepare learners for meaningful careers and life‑long learning.

The successful candidate will be a thoughtful leader who enjoys building relationships, solving problems, using data to inform decisions, and helping others succeed. They will balance strategic thinking with operational excellence while advancing the College's Mission, Vision, and Strategic Priorities.

Columbia Gorge Community College (CGCC) is a comprehensive community college dedicated to serving the diverse communities of the Columbia Gorge. We believe education transforms lives, strengthens communities, and creates opportunity.

We strive to create an environment where students and employees from a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives feel welcomed, supported, and able to thrive. We recognize that educational opportunity has not always been equally available to everyone, and we are committed to identifying and removing barriers to student success while fostering a culture of belonging.

Mission

Columbia Gorge Community College ensures equitable access to education, empowers all students through learning, and fosters inclusive prosperity throughout our region.

Vision

At Columbia Gorge Community College, we envision a college that:

• Promotes innovation and excellence
• Commits to equity and inclusion
• Fosters belonging

Strategic Priorities

• Ensuring equitable access to education
• Advancing equitable student learning and success
• Fostering economic growth, inclusive prosperity, and a thriving community

• Open and Honest Communication
• Respect
• Collaboration
• Integrity
• Equity and Inclusion

Columbia Gorge Community College serves communities across north‑central Oregon and south‑central Washington. Our main campus is located in The Dalles, Oregon, with an additional campus in Hood River.

We acknowledge that the College is located on the ancestral homelands of the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation and neighboring Tribal communities whose enduring connection to the Columbia River continues today.

The Columbia River Gorge offers an exceptional quality of life. Surrounded by mountains, rivers, forests, orchards, and vineyards, the region is nationally recognized for its natural beauty and year‑round outdoor recreation.

The Gorge is also a dynamic economic region. Agriculture, health care, advanced manufacturing, aviation, technology, renewable energy, and hospitality all contribute to a growing and diverse economy. Employers across these industries rely on Columbia Gorge Community College to help prepare a skilled workforce, creating unique opportunities for innovation and partnership.

Located just over an hour from Portland, the Gorge offers the advantages of a close‑knit community with convenient access to a major metropolitan area and international travel.