The Aspen Institute’s Community College Excellence Program, the nation’s signature recognition of high achievement and performance among America’s community colleges, awarded Odessa College its Aspen Prize Rising Star Award in 2017 and 2019, ranking Odessa College among the top five in the nation for improving and advancing student achievement out of 1100 eligible institutions.

Odessa College has transformed its culture around how college employees feel toward students, toward each other, toward their jobs and toward their participation in the life and vision of a college whose main goal is to be the best in the nation at improving student outcomes. Employees at Odessa College have truly embraced what it means to be “All In.”

Establishing that shared understanding that student success and year-on-year progress toward improving such success is felt as a personal achievement by every employee.

Under the direction of the Vice President for Instruction, the Associate Dean, serves as a college wide instructional administrator responsible for providing strategic direction and overseeing various academic and administrative functions within the instructional division at Odessa College. This role requires a dynamic and visionary leader who can effectively collaborate and communicate with faculty, staff, students, and external stakeholders to advance the college’s mission and goals.

Academic Leadership

Provide visionary leadership and guidance in the development and implementation of academic programs, curriculum design, and educational initiatives. (i.e., Honor’s College, Education Preparation Program).

Plays a critical role in fostering a positive learning environment, promoting student success, and ensuring the overall excellence of Odessa College. (i.e., Core Curriculum Taskforce).

Responsible for leadership, planning, organizing, directing, and support the functions and operations/ activities of the instructional deans. (i.e., Deans Meeting/Deans Council).

Provides opportunity for involvement by staff, as appropriate, in consideration and discussion of the development of policy, procedures, and programs.

Provides leadership, supervision, planning, implementation, and coordination responsibilities entail working with faculty, staff, students, and appropriate college committees, councils, and task forces in a collegial manner to assure that the instructional goals and delivery systems are meeting student-learning needs, advancing student success, and are in connection with College’s strategic goals. (i.e., supervises deans suite administrative assistants and student assistants).

Collaborate with faculty and department chairs/directors to ensure the delivery of high-quality instruction that meets the needs of all student populations.

Students Success

Works with college’s administration team to develop and implement strategies to enhance student success, persistence, and completion rates (i.e., Aspen Unlocking Opportunity).

Budget and Resource Management

Oversee the development and management of departmental budgets ensuring fiscal responsibility and resource allocation aligned with strategic priorities. Collaborate with the instructional deans to identify and pursue external funding opportunities and grants.

Faculty and Staff Development

Foster a culture of professional development, mentorship, and continuous improvement for faculty and staff. Promote faculty engagement in pedagogical innovation and academic activities.

Support the recruitment, hiring, and retention of highly qualified faculty and staff members.

Institutional Planning, Accreditation and Compliance

Contribute to the college’s strategic planning and accreditation processes. Collaborate with the instructional deans and faculty in establishing and implementing institutional goals, objectives, and policies.

Ensure compliance with relevant federal, state, and local regulations, as well as accreditation standards.

Collaborate with appropriate stakeholders to develop and implement policies and procedures that promote ethical conduct.

Community Engagement

Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with community organizations, industry partners, and other educational institutions.

Promote collaborations, partnerships, and articulation agreements that enhance opportunities for student success, workforce development, and community engagement.

Promote Odessa College community engagement by participating and supporting the OC-ALL IN program.

External Relations

Represent the college to external constituencies, including government agencies, professional organizations, and community stakeholders.

Advocate for the college’s needs and interests in relevant forums.

Other duties as assigned.

A Master’s degree in a discipline within the Division or in a closely related field.
Record of excellence in college teaching, preferably in a community college environment;
Demonstrated effective leadership in an administrative position, preferably at the department level or higher;
Commitment to service to the campus and the community;
Strong interpersonal communication and writing skills;
Ability to collaborate and to communicate effectively with internal and external constituencies;
Commitment to excellence in instruction;
Ability to produce effectively under tight deadlines on multiple projects;
Supportive professional references;
Industrious, self-motivated, productive and a team player; and
Enthusiastic learner who also can motivate others to learn.

Doctorate preferred