Dean of Science, Engineering, and Mathematics

Who We Are Located in the scenic Puget Sound area with Mount Rainier in the distance, Tacoma is the third largest city in Washington State with a thriving and diverse community of over 200,000 residents.
Tacoma Community College (TCC) was built on the ancestral territory of Coast Salish peoples, specifically the Puyallup and Squaxin Island Tribes.
The 1854 Medicine Creek Treaty forcibly removed them to Reservations to make way for colonizers; we recognize the privilege of utilizing this land has come at great cost.
We honor the resilience of the Puyallup and Squaxin Island people, who still live here, defend their rights, and contribute greatly to the well-being of our community.
Our institution aims to increase partnerships and community ties with the local indigenous populations.
Moreover, TCC stands in solidarity with Black Lives Matter and the Black community by further strengthening collaboration with the Black Student Union as well as community entities such as the Tacoma-Pierce County Black Collective, the Tacoma Urban League, and local black-owned businesses.
In addition, we strongly support the Stop Asian Hate movement and have an active Asian Pacific Islander Student Club as well as an Asian and Pacific Islander Faculty and Staff Coalition.
We continually strive to become an anti-racist institution.
The Science, Engineering, and Mathematics (SEM) Division is home to instruction in Astronomy, Biology, Botany, Chemistry, Computer Science, Earth Sciences, Engineering, Environmental Science, Mathematics, and Physics.
The SEM Division supports students who are pursuing Associate degrees in STEM fields who intend to continue their education at the Baccalaureate level and beyond, students who are pursuing Allied Health or other professional/technical degrees, and students who are pursuing degrees in the liberal arts.
The Dean oversees the MESA program, which empowers underrepresented students by providing them a community that supports their pathways to higher education in STEM, through mentorships, academic programs, and interactive workshops.
The Dean also provides academic leadership in supporting Associate of Arts and Associate of Science degree specializations, the Sustainability Distinction Pathway, college-wide Learning Communities, and other faculty priorities.
The division has three departments and approx.
90 faculty (50/50 part-time/full-time) and 15 staff members.
The division is housed almost entirely in a three-story building containing offices, classrooms, labs, study spaces, a greenhouse, and a tank of happy Blue Gills.
The TCC Sustainability Garden is also overseen by the Division, serving as a classroom and a source of fresh produce for the on-campus Food Pantry.
Among the courses the division offers are Organic Chemistry, The Solar System, Human Cadaver Prosection, and Engineering Thermodynamics.
The Math curriculum allows all students to enter college-level math with co-requisite support if needed, and allows advanced students to take multivariate calculus, linear algebra, and differential equations.
The SEM Division is committed to the use of educational technology and instrumentation, utilizing state-of-the-art microscopes, IR and NMR instrumentation, and an Anatomage table, to name a few.
TCC is committed to developing more culturally responsive curricula by infusing and incorporating more educational content focused on the lives, experiences, and contributions of Native, Black, Asian, Latina/o/x, LGBTQ2IA+, and other marginalized communities, and to broadly to develop more culturally responsive curricula.
We encourage applications from members of those groups, those with experience with research and/or engagement in local or indigenous communities, and those with lived experience.
Position Summary Reporting to the Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs (PVPAA), the Dean of Science, Engineering, and Mathematics (SEM) provides vision, leadership, financial management, and overall direction for the programs, students, staff, and faculty within the SEM Division and Pathway, intentionally supporting and promoting efforts related to teaching and learning excellence and equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI.
) The Dean sits on the academic leadership team and contributes to cross-divisional planning and decision-making on topics including but not limited to day-to-day operations, strategic planning, guided pathways, and the college’s collective bargaining agreements.
The Dean of SEM leads the staff and faculty of the division in removing barriers to equitable access and success, and dismantling systems of oppression.
The Dean inspires others by leading through an EDI lens and engages in meaningful dialogue and active listening.
The Dean of SEM leads efforts to increase diversity among faculty and staff, and to increase faculty and student retention and success by bringing fresh thinking that respects the lessons of the past, challenges the status quo, and encourages and empowers division staff and faculty to do the same.
The Dean administers the departments and disciplines within the division—Astronomy, Biology, Botany, Chemistry, Computer Science, Earth Sciences, Engineering, Environmental Science, Mathematics, and Physics—and the programs offered within the Pathway.
The Dean also oversees MESA and provides academic leadership in supporting AA and AS degrees and specializations, the sustainability Distinction Pathway, college-wide Learning Communities, and other faculty priorities.
The Dean is responsible for hiring, supervising, and evaluating division staff and faculty; implementation, monitoring and evaluation of instructional programs and services; establishing and maintaining collaborative relationships with administrators, faculty, students, and external constituents; and maintaining fiscal and programmatic accountability.
The Dean also leads the division in supporting institutional priorities, including the Strategic Plan, Guided Pathways institutional transformation, ongoing assessment of learning outcomes, and EDI.
Essential Functions College Level Leadership Advise the PVPAA on topics related to the division and its students, employees, disciplines, and programs including strengths, accomplishments, opportunities, program viability, and potential partnerships.
Lead, direct, or participate in cross-divisional and institutional projects, as needed.
Participate in college-wide efforts and initiatives in support of Tacoma Community College’s (TCC) mission, Guided Pathways transformational work, Strategic Plan, and Accreditation by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Provide leadership and direction to development and implementation of employee recruitment, onboarding, and retention initiatives that support the institutional EDI goals.
Represent the Division on internal and external committees, taskforces, and working groups.
Other duties as assigned.
Division Level Leadership Administer use of College's scientific instructional spaces for use by the division and outside agencies under contract agreements with the College.
Ensure compliance with all relevant WACs and RCWs within the Division.
Ensure consistent application of the faculty’s collective bargaining agreement and fulfill all obligations ascribed to the Dean in that document.
Lead strategies to increase rates of success for historically marginalized and underrepresented student groups within the Division.
Lead division efforts to create a sense of welcome and belonging for all students and to retain students from quarter-to-quarter and year-to-year.
Lead regularly scheduled and as-needed division meetings.
Lead the division in curriculum planning, course scheduling, and staffing for all TCC instruction sites, including the Tacoma Campus, the Gig Harbor Campus, the Washington Corrections Center for Women, and the Mission Creek Corrections Center for Women.
Manage effective and equitable implementation of instructional technology.
Manage and monitor Division enrollments and course offerings to meet college enrollment targets and student completion goals, in collaboration with Chairs.
Oversee annual and quarterly class schedules to optimize efficiencies and fulfill student need, including evening, weekend, and online classes.
Oversee the review and updating of division materials and publications.
Provide academic leadership for curriculum, instruction, assessment, teaching effectiveness, program improvement, faculty continuous improvement, professional development, and outreach in Division content areas.
Provide leadership and direction to development and implementation of assessment of student learning outcomes at the program and course levels.
Provide leadership and support for the college’s MESA program.
Provide leadership regarding hazardous waste and chemical safety issues across all instructional areas of the division.
Provide leadership to maintain safe instructional laboratory environments.
Provide supervision and conduct annual evaluation of division employees.
Recruit and retain diverse employees through intentional hiring, onboarding, and guidance.
Review and implement policies and procedures within the Division including student grade appeals and other student, staff, or faculty related needs and concerns through an EDI and antiracist lens.
Serve as the administrative member of tenure review committees for Division faculty.
Serve as the Hiring Manager for search committees for division faculty and staff, making thoughtful recommendations to the PVPAA for hiring.
Serve as a liaison between TCC and the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges as needed to support discipline and Pathway related efforts.
Serve as PVPAA’s liaison to the Division, communicating relevant updates, important information, decisions, policies, and processes in an accurate and timely manner.
Curriculum Oversight Partner with other colleges and universities in establishing and maintaining clear pathways and articulation agreements.
Provide academic leadership for program review, program demand studies, and program development, with a particular focus on contemporary and future industry, workforce, and academic developments.
Support curriculum revisions and development for the maintenance of current and relevant curriculum.
Support faculty in maintaining up-to-date curricular expertise.
Work within Curriculum Committee approval process to approve, modify or reject curriculum proposals.
Budget and Resource Management Allocate space for programmatic needs.
Encourage, facilitate, and coordinate grants and other outside funding opportunities to support division initiatives and programming.
Manage Division resources (personnel, budgets, equipment, course fees) to optimize efficiency and effectiveness.
Monitor allocated budget and advocate for resources to fulfill the division’s priorities and initiatives.
Prepare annual division budgets, including analysis of individual department needs, for review by the PVPAA.
Provide feedback to PVPAA regarding facilities, space, time, and financial priorities.
Provide oversight of Division labs, greenhouse, equipment, and safety protocols.
Collaboration Collaborate or consult with: division faculty and staff on decisions, programs, initiatives, and efforts impacting the division and its employees.
other divisions, colleges and universities, external agencies, and other community partners in developing and implementing joint projects.
other members of the Dean Team to develop and maintain shared mission and vision, to provide practical assistance, and to jointly determine and/or support Institutional and Academic Affairs priorities, policies, and practices.
other units on campus (e.
g.
, Administrative Services, Information Technology Services, Institutional Research, College Advancement) to support all aspects of the stakeholders regarding dual enrollment programs such as Running Start, Fresh Start, and College in the High School.
Student Affairs leadership in support of enrollment management, advising, and holistic student support.
the Executive Director for Strategic Initiatives in support of college-wide strategic planning, Guided Pathways, and accreditation efforts.
the office of Access Services to offer and support reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities.
the offices of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion and Professional Development in support of faculty and staff learning and growth opportunities and the advancement of EDI in the Division.
the offices of Professional Development and Learning Innovation to support staff and faculty professional growth and learning.
the Workforce arm of Academic Affairs to explore and support internships, experiential learning, career exploration, and employment outcomes for students in the Pathway.
Represent the Division and TCC with Pathway-related educational, non-profit, and community partners, institutions, and industries.
Serve as an active member of institutional leadership teams including Dean Team, Student and Academic Services (SAS), Enrollment Management, Guided Pathways Guiding Team, and other college or system-wide bodies as requested.
Qualifications Duties of the position require the following knowledge, skills, and abilities: Ability to demonstrate active engagement in developing, reviewing, and/or revising policies that foster inclusion and success for underrepresented students and faculty Ability to demonstrate commitment to educating a racially, culturally, and socioeconomically diverse student population Ability to encourage, support, and participate in the professional development of diverse employees Ability to model ongoing learning in an effort to identify, challenge, and disrupt instances of institutional racism and discrimination that disadvantage Black/African Americans, Indigenous Peoples, and People of Color, members of the LGBTQ2I+ community, and other marginalized populations within our educational community Broad background in the disciplines of the SEM pathway Demonstrated engagement in efforts to close opportunity gaps and increase representation of and graduation rates for historically underserved groups, with a particular focus on groups underrepresented in the Pathway Demonstrated understanding of community college educational trends and issues Desire to foster a kind and collegial work environment Ethics, integrity, sound professional judgment, and a sense of humor Exceptional written and oral communication skills Experience creating and supporting active and collaborative learning environments Familiarity with industry and workforce applications of SEM disciplines Intellectual curiosity and openness to rapid change and transformation Knowledge of and experience using learning management systems (e.
g.
, Canvas, Blackboard), tools for online instruction (e.
g.
, Zoom, Teams), enterprise resource management systems (e.
g.
, PeopleSoft, Banner), and adaptability to new software packages and technology Knowledge of innovative pedagogies/andragogies Knowledge of the principles and application of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Skilled use of tools such as Tableau/Power BI dashboards, Excel pivot tables and charts, surveys, and focus groups to make data-informed decisions Strong analytic ability and attention to detail Strong interpersonal skills and cultural responsiveness Success in coordinating and completing administrative projects that enhance learning and promote equitable opportunities for students, staff, and faculty Required education and experience Master’s degree in a discipline taught in the division, from an accredited college or university Post-secondary teaching experience, preferably at a community or technical college Management or supervisory experience Experience in higher education administration Experience using educational technologies and creating and supporting interactive learning environments, including online and hybrid instruction Experience in or knowledge of external program-level accreditation, applied degrees, short or stacked credentials, and professional licensing for Education and Human Services professionals Conditions of Employment Successful completion of a criminal history background check.
Application Process Complete application packages must include the following: Tacoma Community College application submitted through College's website.
Resume/CV & cover letter.
In your cover letter indicate how your background and experience meet the qualifications for this position Copies of unofficial transcripts for all colleges and universities attended Supplemental Question, in two (2) pages maximum, please respond to the following: Tacoma Community College is committed to eliminating barriers and systems of oppression so we may serve all learners and support each other as colleagues.
We strive to be an anti-racist institution and value compassion, respect, and continuous improvement.
A critical component of this is the understanding that the work of cultivating Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) belongs to all employees.
Please discuss your experience with and knowledge of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, and the efforts you have taken to advance anti-racism.
How do you incorporate that into your leadership? What challenges and opportunities do you recognize within this Division? Terms of Employment: This is a full-time exempt administrative position.
The annual salary range for this position is $110,000 to 115,000 annually.
The salary will be prorated to reflect the actual number of contract days worked in the remainder of the fiscal year.
The standard college work schedule is M-F 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
The Dean’s schedule includes extended hours as necessary to complete assigned tasks.
Occasional evenings, nights, and weekends may be expected, and the summer schedule may convert to four 10-hour days.
The Dean’s primary work location is on the TCC main campus in Tacoma, WA, with occasional travel to and from the Gig Harbor, WA, campus.
In-person attendance is expected, with remote work opportunities available according to the needs of the division and the college.
Tacoma Community College offers 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 for the employee; and retirement benefits are also provided.
Tacoma Community College values diversity and is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Educator.
Tacoma Community College provides equal opportunity in education and employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, creed, religion, or status as a veteran of war.
Prohibited sex discrimination includes sexual harassment (unwelcome sexual conduct of various types).
Provides reasonable accommodations for qualified students, employees, and applicants with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Federal Rehabilitation Act.
The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies: Stephen Smith, Title VII and Title IX, Building 14, 253-566-5055; Dr.
Davi Kallman, Section 504 Officer, Building 7, 253-566-5157.
This recruitment announcement does not reflect the entire job description and can be changed and/or modified without notice.
Tacoma Community College, Human Resources 6501 S 19th St Bldg.
14, Tacoma WA 98466